UNITED NATIONS: UN Chief Regrets US Visa Refusal to Palestinian Leader Abbas, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over Washington’s decision to deny Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa, preventing him from attending the UN General Assembly in person.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was concerned about the impact of the US decision on the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations.
“The Secretary-General is concerned about the impact of this decision on the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations,” Dujarric said in a statement.
The US State Department said it had decided to deny visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA), citing what it described as failures to meet commitments and actions that undermine prospects for peace.
UN Chief Regrets US Visa Refusal to Palestinian Leader Abbas
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the high-level debate through a pre-recorded video after the United States refused to issue visas to members of the Palestinian delegation.
The resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority, with 152 countries voting in favour, while four countries — Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Peru — abstained. Three countries, including the United States, Israel and Paraguay, voted against the resolution.
The arrangement allows Abbas to address world leaders despite being unable to attend the General Assembly in person.
US Explains Visa Decision
The administration of US President Donald Trump took a similar step the previous year, when Abbas was required to address world leaders through a video message rather than attending the General Assembly in person.
Also Read: US Denies Visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Ahead of UNGA
The US State Department said its decision was linked to concerns over actions by the PLO and PA at international organisations.
Washington has also criticised Palestinian efforts at institutions including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as initiatives seeking international recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Regional Tensions
The visa decision comes amid continued violence in the occupied West Bank, where attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have increased in recent months.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, while violence in the territory has intensified since October 7, 2023.
According to figures cited in the original report, at least 1,109 Palestinians, including fighters and civilians, have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the West Bank since October 2023.
The wider conflict has also resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gaza’s health authorities have reported more than 73,700 deaths during Israel’s military
