Hey fam! Big diplomatic drama at #UNGA2024: the US just denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and around 80 PA officials, blocking their trip to New York. 😮✈️
Why? Washington says security and foreign policy reasons, even though the 1947 “UN headquarters agreement” usually guarantees entry for diplomats. Palestinians call it a breach of international rules. 📜⚖️
Meanwhile, some key US allies—Britain, France, Australia and Canada—are gearing up to formally recognize Palestine as a state during the annual UN General Assembly. Talk about conflicting moves! 🤯🌍
Here’s the lowdown:
- Visa revocations hit Abbas and ~80 PLO and Palestinian Authority members
- Palestinian side says it violates the UN headquarters agreement
- EU foreign ministers & Joint Arab-Islamic Committee urged the US to rethink
- Create momentum: most UN members already recognize Palestine; it has observer status
This standoff adds to the ongoing debate about Palestinian statehood and international law. As South and Southeast Asians, we know how geo-politics can shift fast—remember how APEC or SAARC discussions can be a roller coaster. 🎢🌏
Stay tuned: the UNGA kicks off soon in Manhattan, and it’s going to be a headline-grabber. Will diplomacy win out? 🤔📝
#StayWoke #GlobalNews
Reference(s):
U.S. bars Palestinian leader Abbas from UN as allies back statehood
cgtn.com
