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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States, Palestinian Territories · 60 sources

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Mahmoud Abbas denied U.S. visa ahead of UN General Assembly FAST-MOVING

The United States has denied entry visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and dozens of officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. This marks the second consecutive year that Abbas has been barred from attending the assembly in person, forcing him to participate via video conference.

The U.S. State Department announced it is extending visa sanctions against PLO members and PA officials, citing a failure to implement promised governance reforms and activities that undermine peace prospects. Specific grievances include the Palestinian leadership's efforts to internationalize the conflict through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as continued payments to individuals labeled as terrorists by the U.S. and Israel.

While the visa restrictions target specific officials, the Palestinian Mission to the UN will maintain a waiver under the UN Headquarters Agreement, allowing regular staff to continue their work in New York. The Palestinian side has expressed deep shock at the decision, suggesting it violates the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement regarding access for diplomats. The UN is currently considering measures to allow Abbas and other senior representatives to participate in high-level sessions remotely.

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Mahmoud Abbas · Palestine Liberation Organization · Palestinian Authority · Palestinian National Authority · United Nations · United States · United States Department of State

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