Washington, D.C. — The United States has denied visas to several senior Palestinian officials expected to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, citing the Palestinian Authority’s continued appeals to international courts against Israel.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed the decision on Thursday, saying the move was tied to what Washington described as “unilateral measures” by the Palestinians, including submissions to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged Israeli abuses in the occupied territories.

“Such actions are counterproductive to the peace process and undermine direct negotiations,” the spokesperson said.

Palestinians Condemn Move as Political Pressure

Palestinian officials sharply criticized the U.S. decision, accusing Washington of shielding Israel from accountability. A senior Palestinian diplomat called the visa denial “a blatant attempt to silence Palestinian voices on the international stage.”

He added that the appeals to the ICC and ICJ were “legitimate legal steps” taken in response to settlement expansion, civilian casualties, and the ongoing blockade of Gaza.

Strained US-Palestinian Relations

The decision highlights the increasingly tense relations between Washington and Ramallah. While the Biden administration has pledged support for a two-state solution, it has also consistently opposed Palestinian efforts to pursue cases against Israel in international legal forums.

Analysts note that the move could further alienate Palestinian leadership ahead of the UN gathering, where officials had planned to push for stronger international action against Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Broader Context at the UN

The visa denial comes as the UN General Assembly prepares to debate multiple resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, including calls for humanitarian access to Gaza and renewed efforts toward a political settlement.

Without key officials present, Palestinian participation in the discussions may be limited — a development critics say undermines the UN’s role as a neutral forum for dialogue.

FAQs: US Visa Denial for Palestinian Officials

1. Why did the US deny visas to Palestinian officials?
The U.S. State Department said the decision was due to Palestinian appeals to the ICC and ICJ against Israel, which Washington views as undermining direct negotiations.

2. Which officials were affected?
The U.S. has not disclosed specific names, but reports suggest senior Palestinian diplomats and advisers were among those denied visas.

3. How have Palestinians responded?
Palestinian officials condemned the move, calling it an attempt to silence their voice at the UN and protect Israel from accountability.

4. What impact will this have on the UN Assembly?
The absence of Palestinian representatives could limit their participation in debates and resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

5. Does this affect U.S. support for a two-state solution?
The Biden administration continues to voice support for a two-state solution but opposes Palestinian efforts to seek legal rulings against Israel at international courts.

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