The Arab-Islamic Committee on Gaza condemned the US for
denying visas to the Palestinian UN delegation ahead of the 80th General
Assembly in New York.
In light of this, the committee urged the US government to reexamine and overturn this ruling.
It emphasized the significance of upholding obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement, offering avenues for communication and diplomacy, and leveraging the favorable stances of the Palestinian National Authority and its steadfast dedication to the strategic choice of peace.
The US State Department defended the visa rejections by claiming that the PA and PLO were responsible for Hamas's hostage-releasing refusal and the breakdown of peace negotiations in Gaza.
The PA and PLO came under fire for their alleged instigation of terrorism, support of unilateral recognition of Palestine, and anti-Israeli lawfare activities.
Palestinian authorities denounced the move, claiming it violated the UN Headquarters Agreement, which normally compels host states to allow diplomatic access, was discriminatory, and was unlawful under international law.
Furthermore, given the current difficult situation characterized by an unprecedented escalation against the Palestinian people, the committee emphasized the importance of supporting the Palestinian National Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas in advancing the government's reform program and the pledges made to world leaders to support peace and combat violence, extremism, and terrorism.
In the context of escalation, the spread of violence, and the ongoing conflict, the committee cautioned that undermining the Palestinian Authority will jeopardize peace efforts.
What reasons did the US State Department give for denying Palestinian visas?
The Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation
Organization (PLO) have failed to comply with their commitments under US law,
including consistently repudiating terrorism. The visa denials are intended to
hold the PA and PLO accountable for "undermining the prospects for
peace" by engaging in activities that the US considers hostile.
The PA and PLO's appeals to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), which the US calls "international lawfare," are seen as attempts to bypass negotiations and escalate conflict with Israel. The US cited concerns over terrorism incitement in PA education and refusal to cease efforts to gain unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
The State Department framed the visa denials as a national security measure to avoid rewarding or facilitating terrorism or terrorist activity.