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UN Debate: Abbas Granted Permission to Deliver Speech Remotely Due to Visa Denial by US

International travel restrictions for Abbas, but he still able to partake in UN debate through...
International travel restrictions for Abbas, but he still able to partake in UN debate through video conferencing.

UN Debate: Abbas Granted Permission to Deliver Speech Remotely Due to Visa Denial by US

The Trump administration has stood firm in its support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, but its stance on the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been a point of contention. The US had revoked visas for Mahmoud Abbas and dozens of other representatives of the PA, preventing them from physically attending meetings at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Manhattan.

However, the UN has made a decision that allows Abbas to deliver his speeches at various conferences, including the two-state solution conference on Monday and the UN General Assembly's debate on Thursday. The UN's decision does not specify the method for Abbas to deliver his speeches, but it does grant him special participation rights during the 80th session, enabling video addresses at high-level meetings.

This decision was met with widespread approval, as 145 out of 193 UN member states, including Germany, voted in favour of the resolution. The resolution expresses regret over the US visa sanctions that hinder Abbas's physical attendance at the UN. Five countries voted against the resolution, and six abstained.

The US had argued that the Palestinian leadership was not explicitly condemning terrorists, which may have contributed to the decision to revoke visas. However, the UN's decision to allow Abbas to address the UN via video conference suggests a desire to maintain the inclusion of all parties in the discussion of key issues, such as the two-state solution.

As the Gaza conflict continues and the diplomatic landscape shifts, the decision to allow Abbas to address the UN via video conference is a significant development that underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving complex international issues.

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