From the Guardian · · 1m 10s
US blocks Palestinian officials from UN assembly again
Trump administration denies visas to Palestinian delegation for second consecutive year, citing ICC actions and terrorism concerns.
In brief
Trump administration denies visas to Palestinian delegation for second consecutive year, citing ICC actions and terrorism concerns. The US has blocked Palestinian officials from attending the UN General Assembly in New York for the second year running. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Visas denied for second year
The US State Department denied entry visas to Palestinian officials ahead of next week's UN General Assembly in New York.
State Department cites ICC actions
Officials accused the Palestinian Authority and PLO of internationalizing the conflict through the International Criminal Court and glorifying terrorism.
Sanctions extended over commitments
The US said Palestinians failed to reform and took actions undermining peace prospects, so visa sanctions on PLO and PA officials will continue.
Abbas among those barred
Mahmoud Abbas, the longtime Palestinian Authority president, is among the officials blocked from entering the United States.
Palestinians call measure unjustified
The PA foreign ministry denied the allegations and said the sanctions contradict efforts to restore trust and implement a two-state solution.
UN allows video address again
The UN General Assembly voted Thursday to let Abbas address the gathering remotely for the second consecutive year. Debate begins September 22.
The essence
The US has blocked Palestinian officials from attending the UN General Assembly in New York for the second year running.
