US again denies Palestinian leader Abbas visa to attend UN assembly

The United States has once again refused to grant Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. This decision, which mirrors a similar move made last year, forces Abbas to address the UN assembly via video conference.

In a statement, the State Department explained that the denial is a consequence of the Palestinian leadership's failure to reform, as per their commitments to the United States. This includes actions that undermine peace prospects, seek unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, or promote terrorism. The move puts the U.S. at odds with numerous countries, including France, which recognized a Palestinian state at the UN last year.

The decision comes amid escalating violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli soldiers or settlers have reportedly killed at least 1,109 Palestinians, while the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 73,700 deaths, according to Palestinian health ministry data. The international community has expressed concern over the violence, but the U.S. has largely remained silent, only stating that it opposes any annexation of Palestinian territory.