The United States again denies Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend next week’s UN General Assembly in New York, and also blocks visas for dozens of other Palestinian officials. Abbas delivers or is scheduled to address UN-related events from Ramallah, according to some reports, while the State Department says only limited participation will be allowed.
The US explains the decision as the result of Palestinians failing to meet prior commitments and “reform” requirements tied to peace efforts with Israel, citing actions that it says undermine prospects for peace. Multiple outlets report the US also extends visa restrictions affecting officials linked to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Palestinian authorities condemn the move, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ office says he “deeply regrets” the refusal for the second consecutive year.
Across coverage, the main difference is emphasis: some focus on Abbas personally being barred for a second straight year, while others stress the broader expansion of visa curbs on PA and PLO officials and the legal/political reasons cited by Washington. UN participation is described as limited to members of the Palestinian mission, according to the UN-related reporting.
