US to extend visa restrictions for PLO and PA — Anadolu Agency
The United States will extend visa sanctions banning entry for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and officials of the Palestinian Authority ahead of the start of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
State Department position
The US State Department informed Congress that the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority had once again failed to meet obligations stipulated by US legislation. As Anadolu Agency reports, the State Department cited actions in international organizations, including attempts to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
US officials also said that Palestinian officials had sought to bypass negotiations by pursuing unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. In addition, the State Department accused the PLO and the Palestinian Authority of continuing to provide stipends to terrorists and glorify terrorism.
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Ahead of the UN General Assembly
The State Department said in a statement that, due to the lack of reforms, the United States would continue restrictions on issuing visas to PLO members and Palestinian Authority officials. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is due to begin next week in New York.
Last year, Washington also denied or revoked visas for PLO members and Palestinian Authority officials ahead of the 2025 General Assembly. The Palestinian Authority's mission to the UN then received exemptions under the UN Headquarters Agreement. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was unable to attend last year's session in person and addressed participants virtually. According to reports, the United States again rejected his visa application this year, as well as applications from other Palestinian Authority officials.
