US cancels visas for Palestinian officials ahead of UN meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in a written statement that the visas of members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority have been canceled ahead of the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Stating that the decision was made within the framework of US law, Rubio said, "The PLO and the Palestinian Authority have failed to meet their commitments and have undermined hopes for peace. Holding these two organizations accountable is a matter of our national security interests."

Rubio listed several conditions for the PLO and the Palestinian Authority to become credible partners in the peace process, stating that, in accordance with US law and the PLO's own commitments, every action in the Gaza Strip, particularly the October 7 attacks, must be clearly and consistently condemned. Rubio argued that this step is a necessity not only for the US but also for the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.

Rubio reiterated that Washington's primary goal is "lasting peace," but that the Palestinian side must take concrete steps to achieve it.

The US Department of State's statement also emphasized that the doors have not been completely closed. The statement noted, "If the PLO and the Palestinian Authority fulfill their obligations and take concrete steps to return to a path of constructive reconciliation and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel, the US will remain open to re-engaging in accordance with its laws."

The US administration also criticized the Palestinian side's applications to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The statement alleged that these steps are viewed as an attempt to bypass peace negotiations. The statement said, "Efforts to secure unilateral recognition of a hypothetical Palestinian state have directly contributed to Hamas's refusal to release hostages and the collapse of ceasefire talks in Gaza." Washington argued that these initiatives have disrupted the process rather than strengthening the peace table.

The statement also reported that despite the cancellation of the visas, the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission to the UN will benefit from the necessary exemptions under the UN Headquarters Agreement, stating, "In accordance with the UN Headquarters Agreement, the Palestinian Mission to the UN will have the necessary exemptions."

News Source: İHA