The US has denied visa access to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the UN General Assembly, extending sanctions on PA officials and PLO members. The decision follows a pattern of visa bans aimed at preventing Palestinian representatives from attending the gathering.
The State Department cited the PA's failure to reform and actions that undermine peace efforts, including international legal actions and recognition of Palestinian statehood. Abbas is barred from New York despite his speech at the UN next week.
The move highlights tensions between the US and Palestinian officials, with critics arguing the visa bans breach UN obligations and undermine peace efforts. The PA remains an observer state at the UN with no voting power.
The US has maintained a waiver allowing PA staff to work at UN headquarters, but individual officials face travel restrictions. The decision comes amid ongoing disputes over Palestinian statehood and Israeli settlements.