The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza and the European Union (EU) have separately urged the US to reconsider its decision on denying and revoking entry visas for Palestinian officials planning to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.
Arab-Islamic Condemnation
In a statement on Saturday, the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza expressed deep regret over the US State Department’s decision not to grant entry visas to the Palestinian delegation participating in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, taking place next September in New York.
With regards to this, the Committee called upon Washington to reconsider and reverse this decision, emphasizing the need for respecting the its obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement. It also highlighted the need for allowing an opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy, and building upon the positive stances of the Palestinian National Authority and its steadfast commitment to the strategic choice of peace.
Furthermore, the Committee stressed the need for supporting the Palestinian National Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas in advancing the government’s reform program and the commitments he has reaffirmed before the world leaders in support of peace and in the face of violence, extremism and terrorism, amid the unprecedented escalation against the Palestinian people.
The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee also warned that weakening the Palestinian Authority would undermine peace efforts and perpetuate the conflict.
EU Rejection
In a separate statement, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, urged the US to reconsider its decision on the visa ban. “The EU has learned the decision to refuse and revoke entry visas for members of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization ahead of their participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
“In light of the existing headquarters agreements between the UN and its host state, we urge for this decision to be reconsidered,” the statement said.
Revoking Palestinian Visas
On Friday, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced he would deny and revoke visas of around 80 officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly, citing reasons related to national security interests.
In response, the Palestinian presidential spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, denounced the US decision, urging countries to pressure Washington to reverse its decision.
“We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation. We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock,” he told the Associated Press (AP) on Saturday.
Two-State Solution Conference
Nations participating in the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in September will take part in a high-level conference on September 22 aimed at reviving efforts for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Saudi Arabia and France will co-chair the conference, during which dozens of countries plan to formally recognize the State of Palestine.
In the light of this, the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, condemned the US decision. “The UN headquarters is a sanctuary in the service of peace. It should not be subject to any access restrictions,” he posted on X.
Meanwhile, the UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN would seek clarification from the US State Department.
