US Denies Visas to Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN General Assembly
The US, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, denied and revoked visas for Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, citing national security and non-compliance with peace commitments, ahead of the UN General Assembly.
US revokes visas of Palestinian officials ahead of UN General Assembly
New York Daily News
United States Revokes Visas of Palestinian Officials
TIME Magazine
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Overview
- The US, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is denying and revoking visas for Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, preventing their attendance at the UN General Assembly in September.
- The US Department of State cited national security interests and the need to protect American interests as primary reasons for these visa denials and revocations.
- The US holds the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with commitments, including repudiating terrorism and ending incitement, contributing to the decision.
- Palestinian Authority officials are accused of undermining peace efforts by bypassing direct negotiations and appealing to international bodies like the ICC and ICJ.
- Palestinian officials deny their actions, including appeals to international courts, are intended to undermine prospects for peace in the region, expressing astonishment at the US decision.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying the Trump administration's visa ban as part of a "hostile stance" against Palestinians, contrasting it with the previous administration. They emphasize Secretary Rubio's broader controversial actions, including his "outspoken" criticism of Palestinian rights supporters and judicial rebukes against his policies, suggesting a pattern of legally questionable and internationally condemned behavior.
"The move by Rubio could be aimed at weakening discussion of Palestinian statehood at the U.N. meeting."
Chicago Tribune"The decision is unusual - the US, as host country, is expected to facilitate travel for officials of all countries wishing to visit the UN headquarters."
BBC News"The move is the latest in a series of steps the Trump administration has taken to target Palestinians with visa restrictions and comes as the Israeli military declared Gaza's largest city a combat zone."
ABC News"The move is the latest in a series of steps the Trump administration has taken to target Palestinians with visa restrictions and comes as the Israeli military declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone."
Associated PressArticles (15)
Center (4)
FAQ
The US, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is denying and revoking visas citing national security interests, the need to protect American interests, and the Palestinian Authority's failure to comply with commitments including repudiating terrorism and ending incitement.
Palestinian officials have expressed astonishment at the US decision, denying that their actions such as appealing to international courts are intended to undermine peace prospects in the region.
According to the UN Headquarters Agreement, the US is obligated as host country to allow delegations from around the world to visit New York to attend the General Assembly, making visa denial for such official delegations highly unusual.
The US accuses the Palestinian Authority and PLO of undermining peace efforts by bypassing direct negotiations and appealing to international bodies such as the ICC and ICJ, along with alleged incitement to terrorism and failure to condemn attacks.
The US and Israel oppose recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, contrasting with many Western countries like France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, which plan to recognize Palestine, highlighting a policy divide.
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