Key facts
- The US denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the UN General Assembly.
- The US extended visa sanctions against Palestinian officials.
- The US accused the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization of "glorifying terrorism".
- Last year, Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via video after being denied a visa.
- The US is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that has not recognized a Palestinian state.
The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, two Palestinian sources told the BBC. This decision comes after the US announced an extension of visa sanctions against Palestinian officials, citing their alleged failure to uphold commitments to the peace process and accusations of "glorifying terrorism."
Last year, similar sanctions were imposed, resulting in 80 Palestinian officials being denied visas for the annual UN meeting. Following that decision, a representative for Abbas stated it was "in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement." The agreement generally requires the US to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York, though Washington reserves the right to deny visas on security, extremism, or foreign policy grounds.
Last year, Abbas addressed the General Assembly via video link after his visa was denied. This year, all 193 UN member states are expected to vote on whether he will be permitted to do the same. The US is the only one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council that has not recognized a Palestinian state. The UN General Assembly is set to vote on Thursday regarding Abbas's participation. The US decision occurs amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the UN has warned of a dire humanitarian situation despite a ceasefire agreed upon in October. The Israeli military reported killing a Hamas commander and another fighter in Gaza, with reports of civilian casualties, including children, in both incidents. A British charity, Medical Aid for Palestinians, reported a patient killed by an Israeli drone at a health center it supports in northern Gaza, an incident the Israeli military stated it was unaware of.