Rubio isn’t shying away from this issue. He doesn’t care how much controversy arises from it.
And Marco Rubio ordered a ban on foreign officials and it’s causing mass chaos.
U.S. Blocks Palestinian Leaders from UN General Assembly
The United States has taken a decisive step by barring Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, from attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, scheduled for September 23-27. A State Department memo, reviewed by the New York Post, outlines the decision to deny visas to these officials and revoke any issued before July 31.
Sanctions Rooted in Legal Non-Compliance
On July 31, the State Department sanctioned the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the PA for not complying with the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 (PLOCCA) and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002 (MEPCA). These sanctions reflect Washington’s demand for clear anti-terrorism commitments from Palestinian leadership.
“In compliance with the laws and national security interests of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly,” stated State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
He stressed that the PA and PLO must “repudiate terrorism, lawfare campaigns at the ICC and ICJ, and the pursuit of unilateral recognition of statehood” to be considered credible partners for peace.
The memo raises alarms about a reported plan by Abbas to introduce a “constitutional declaration” proclaiming Palestinian independence during the General Assembly’s General Debate. Such a move, it warns, could hinder U.S. efforts in ceasefire talks and postwar planning for Gaza.
Skepticism Over International Efforts
The memo also critiques a French-Saudi conference on a two-state solution planned for next month, calling it a potential “major propaganda victory for Hamas” that frames a Palestinian state as the sole outcome of the Gaza conflict, limiting U.S. diplomatic options.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau justified the sanctions, accusing Palestinian leaders of “unilaterally declaring Palestinian statehood; glorifying violence; promoting antisemitism; and providing material support to terrorists (‘pay for slay’).”
A Historic Diplomatic Precedent
While the PA Mission to the UN will receive waivers under the UN Headquarters agreement, the blanket visa denial for Palestinian officials marks a historic first, as the U.S. has never excluded an entire foreign delegation from the General Assembly.
This decision comes amid indications from leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron supporting Palestinian statehood recognition at the upcoming gathering.
The U.S. remains open to re-engagement if the PA and PLO take concrete steps toward constructive dialogue.
“The United States remains open to re-engagement should the PA/PLO demonstrably take concrete steps to return to constructive engagement. The Trump Administration does not reward terrorism,” Pigott affirmed, signaling a resolute yet conditional approach.
This unprecedented move emphasizes the intricate dynamics of Middle East diplomacy and sets a significant tone as global leaders prepare to convene in New York.
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