In a move sparking international debate, the U.S. has barred Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80+ officials from attending next month’s UN General Assembly in New York. The decision could derail a high-stakes summit where key allies like France and the UK plan to recognize Palestine as a state. 🚨
Visa Denials Stir Diplomatic Clash
The U.S. State Department cited security concerns and accusations of "failing to repudiate extremism" by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). But Palestinian officials fired back, calling the visa ban a violation of the UN’s 1947 headquarters agreement requiring host countries to grant access to diplomats. 💥
Statehood Recognition on the Line
Abbas was set to rally support at the UN for Palestine’s statehood bid, with France and Saudi Arabia hosting a parallel summit. Australia, Canada, and Britain have also signaled readiness to formally recognize Palestine—a move the U.S. and Israel strongly oppose. Talks of a "unilateral" path to statehood have fueled tensions for years. 🌐
What’s Next?
The UN confirmed it’s discussing the visa issue with U.S. officials, while Palestinian leaders vow to challenge the decision. With decades of peace talks stalled, this showdown highlights the deepening divide over one of the world’s most enduring conflicts. 🔥
