The United States has made a decisive move before the upcoming UN General Assembly, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the effort. This has resulted in the revocation of visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and around 80 other Palestinian officials, in addition to the rejection of certain new visa applications. Representatives from Palestine have consistently participated in UN General Assembly sessions. A State Department official, requesting anonymity, announced on Friday that Abbas, along with other officials affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, are among those affected.
The Trump administration’s decision unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Israeli military designating the largest city in Gaza as a combat zone. Moreover, the State Department has temporarily suspended a program which allowed injured Palestinian children from Gaza to seek medical attention within the United States, due to public opposition on social media.