EU urges US to lift travel ban on Palestinian delegation for UNGA meeting
· World · Al Jazeera, ABC News (AU)
The European Union regrets the United States' denial of visas for Palestinian Authority officials to attend the UN General Assembly in New York for the second consecutive year. EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni urged the US to reconsider its decision in light of its headquarters agreement with the UN. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed regret, concerned about the impact on Palestine's participation in UN work. The US State Department extended visa sanctions on PA and PLO officials, citing their failure to reform and activities undermining peace prospects. The department accused the PA of bypassing direct negotiations, taking disputes to international courts, and financially supporting individuals labeled as convicted attackers by the US and Israel. No Israeli officials face equivalent US travel restrictions despite an ICC arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to address the
Why it matters
Palestinian officials are blocked from attending UNGA in person, limiting their ability to engage directly in diplomatic processes. This affects the State of Palestine's participation in UN proceedings and international efforts toward a two-state solution.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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