UN Approves Palestinian leader Address General Assembly by Video after US Visa Ban/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning Edition/ The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address world leaders via video after the U.S. revoked his visa. The move highlights growing divisions over Palestinian statehood and U.S. policy. France and Saudi Arabia continue to push a plan for a two-state solution.
UN Votes to Let Abbas Speak via Video – Quick Looks
- UN General Assembly passed the measure 145-5, with six abstentions.
- The U.S. revoked visas for Abbas and dozens of Palestinian officials.
- France, U.K., Canada, and Australia plan to recognize Palestine.
- U.S. argues statehood recognition emboldens Hamas and hinders ceasefire talks.
- Israel rejects Palestinian statehood, calling it a reward for terrorism.
- Trump administration’s envoy abandoned Gaza ceasefire talks in July.
- France and Saudi Arabia propose phased Palestinian state in West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem.
- Palestinian Authority rivals Hamas but faces corruption and legitimacy concerns.
- Abbas’ mandate expired in 2009; no elections since 2006.
- UN says U.S. visa ban violates its Host Country obligations.
Deep Look: UN Backs Abbas Video Address After U.S. Visa Ban
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations General Assembly voted Friday to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver his remarks by video during the world body’s annual meeting, after the United States revoked his visa and blocked him from traveling to New York.
The measure passed by a wide margin — 145 in favor, 5 against, and 6 abstentions — underscoring international frustration with Washington’s decision and signaling strong support for Abbas’ participation despite U.S. resistance.
Diplomatic Fallout Over U.S. Visa Ban
Abbas had planned to attend a high-profile gathering hosted by France and Saudi Arabia next week, aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution. France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have announced their intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
The U.S., however, strongly opposes such moves, arguing that statehood recognition has emboldened Hamas and made ceasefire negotiations more difficult.
The State Department revoked visas for around 80 Palestinian officials, including Abbas, accusing them of undermining peace efforts. The Trump administration’s decision drew international criticism and raised questions about America’s obligations under the UN Host Country agreement, which requires the U.S. to grant access to world leaders attending diplomatic functions.
Stalled Peace Efforts and Regional Tensions
Efforts to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire have faltered. Talks collapsed in July when U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff abruptly walked away, blaming Hamas. The process took another hit after Israel conducted a strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, a longtime mediator.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long rejected Palestinian statehood, and since the 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war, he has argued that recognition would reward terrorism.
France and Saudi Arabia’s Statehood Plan
Despite U.S. opposition, France and Saudi Arabia have outlined a phased plan for the establishment of a Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem — territories Israel seized during the 1967 Mideast war. The state would be administered by the Palestinian Authority (PA) under international oversight.
The PA, led by Abbas, is a rival of Hamas and currently governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. It formally recognizes Israel and cooperates on security, but Israel accuses the authority of fueling incitement and not being serious about peace.
Palestinian Political Challenges
Domestically, Abbas’ leadership faces deep skepticism. Polls consistently show a majority of Palestinians consider the PA corrupt and authoritarian. Abbas, now 89 years old, has remained in office despite his mandate expiring in 2009. The last national elections were in 2006, when Hamas scored a decisive victory.
For many Palestinians, the lack of elections and internal political divisions leave the leadership’s legitimacy in question — complicating international efforts to advance a peace deal.
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