The United States has revoked the visas of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and approximately 80 officials from the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). This decision comes just weeks before the United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for September 2023, where Australia and several other allies plan to recognize a Palestinian state.
The US State Department announced the visa revocations on Saturday, stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the denials based on longstanding allegations that the PA and PLO have not adequately addressed extremism while pursuing what they termed “unilateral recognition” of Palestinian statehood. A department representative commented, “It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and for undermining the prospects for peace.”
International Response and Implications
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials. The PA characterized the visa withdrawals as a violation of US commitments as the host country of the UN and described the action as a breach of international law. In a statement, the Palestinian presidency expressed “deep regret and astonishment” regarding the decision, emphasizing that it contravenes the Headquarters Agreement and the status of Palestine as an observer member of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia had previously indicated a willingness to meet with President Abbas during the UN’s high-level meeting, which would also involve discussions among Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada regarding recognition of a Palestinian state and the broader two-state solution. The recent visa revocations complicate these diplomatic engagements.
The US government’s move is seen as an extension of its administration’s policy under former President Donald Trump, which often emphasized a hardline stance against the PA and its leadership. Critics argue that such actions could further strain relations in an already volatile region.
As the UN meeting approaches, the implications of this visa revocation could affect not only diplomatic relations but also the ongoing discourse surrounding peace efforts in the Middle East. The situation remains dynamic, with potential ramifications for future negotiations and regional stability.
