The United States has imposed a sweeping visa ban on all holders of Palestinian Authority passports, a move that prevents students, tourists, business travelers, and patients seeking medical treatment from entering the country.
A State Department cable dated August 18 directed American embassies and consulates to reject all non-immigrant visa applications from Palestinian passport holders, stating the policy was “effective immediately,” according to CNN. The decision, finalized on August 16, was enforced just days later.
The State Department also confirmed that it is “denying and revoking” visas issued to members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session in September. Officials said the move is intended to hold Palestinian leadership “accountable” for failing to meet commitments and for “undermining prospects for peace.”
It remains unclear whether the measure will affect Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s attendance at the UN gathering. While Palestine is not a full UN member, it holds observer state status, a designation granted after the US vetoed a Security Council resolution in April seeking full recognition.
Diplomatic sources told the BBC that visas for Abbas and around 80 other Palestinian officials have already been revoked. However, Washington confirmed that the PA mission in New York will maintain immunity under the UN Headquarters Agreement, which obliges the US to allow accredited diplomats access to the UN.
The announcement comes as several European countries move toward recognising a Palestinian state, while humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate under Israel’s blockade
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