The United Nations General Assembly recently voted to let Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas address world leaders next week through video, after the U. S. denied him a visa to travel to New York.
The resolution had 145 votes in favor, five against, and six abstentions. It also permits Abbas and other high-level Palestinian officials to participate in U. N. meetings via video for a year if they cannot travel to the U. S.
The U. S. stated that Abbas and around 80 other Palestinians would be affected by visa denials related to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. A U. S. diplomat indicated that this decision aligns with U. S. policy to hold these groups accountable.
Abbas will also speak via video at a U. N. summit on Monday aimed at supporting a two-state solution, where several countries may recognize a Palestinian state. Additionally, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also been allowed to appear via video at this meeting.
with information from Reuters