The US has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, extending visa sanctions against Palestinian officials for failing to meet peace process commitments.
The US State Department has extended visa sanctions against Palestinian officials, accusing them of failing to live up to peace process commitments. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been denied an entry visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, according to two Palestinian sources.
The sanctions were initially imposed in August last year, when 80 Palestinian officials were denied visas for the annual UN meeting. The US accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) of 'glorifying terrorism' and attempting to 'internationalize' the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian foreign ministry called the visa sanctions an 'unjustified measure' that undermines efforts to rebuild trust and develop relations with the US.
Why it matters
The extension indicates the US views Palestinian officials as not fulfilling their part of the peace process.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the assembly votes to allow the leader to attend this year's gathering.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.