According to the US State Department, the decision was based on national security concerns, citing the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) for "not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace." The statement added that for the groups to be considered "partners for peace," they must "consistently repudiate terrorism, and end incitement to terrorism in education," as required by US law.
The move has drawn criticism from the Palestinian Authority, which has labeled the action a "violation of US commitments" as the host nation of the UN and a contravention of international law. A UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, confirmed the organization is seeking clarification on the matter and hopes for a swift resolution.
While the US, under a 1947 agreement, is generally required to grant access to foreign diplomats for UN functions, it retains the right to deny visas for reasons related to security, extremism, and foreign policy.
The revoked visas will prevent the planned attendance of President Abbas, who was scheduled to address the general assembly and attend a high-level meeting on a two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. This action follows the earlier suspension of a US program that provided treatment for injured children from Gaza. Despite the new restrictions, the Palestinian Authority's permanently based mission to the UN will not be affected.