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- October 17, 202614°
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Hamas calls US visa denial to Palestinian delegation a breach of agreements
Hamas described the United States’ refusal to issue visas to the Palestinian delegation seeking to attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings as a violation of international agreements. The General Assembly voted by 152 to allow Palestine to participate in the general debate of the 81st session with a prerecorded speech by Mahmoud Abbas.
As the US policy of denying visas to Palestinian officials enters its second year, Hamas said the decision violated international agreements governing United Nations activities.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the US decision in a statement on Monday. Qassem said the policy was clearly contrary to the conventions and agreements governing the operation of the UN headquarters and described it as a continuation of the United States’ full support for Israel.
Palestine allowed to take part in UN session
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday allowing Palestine to participate in the general debate of the 81st session. Under the resolution, President Mahmoud Abbas’s prerecorded speech will be shown in the General Assembly Hall.
The resolution was adopted with the votes of 152 countries. Three countries voted against it, while four abstained.
Washington also denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials in 2025. Abbas took part in the General Assembly meeting that year via video link.
Palestinian call for direct dialogue
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry rejected the US decision to extend visa restrictions on Palestinian officials. The ministry objected to Washington’s justification that the policy was based on the Palestinian side’s failure to fulfill its obligations toward the United States.
The ministry called for the visa restrictions to be lifted and for direct dialogue between Palestine and the United States to begin.
The 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement requires the United States, as the host country, to facilitate access to the UN headquarters in New York for representatives of states and organizations participating in UN activities.
Palestine’s status at the UN
Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the United Nations since 2012. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry says that 160 of the UN’s 193 members recognize the State of Palestine. Palestine is also a party to more than 100 international organizations and agreements.
Israel and the United States oppose recognition of Palestine as a state. The United States also blocked Palestine’s bid for full UN membership by using its veto power at the UN Security Council.
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