U.S. Visa ban for Palestinians draws EU criticism

The European Union has urged the United States to rethink its decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials who were planning to attend the UN General Assembly in September.

EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that the U.S. should reconsider the move, citing international law. The U.S. announced the decision just weeks before the assembly, leading to “deep regret and astonishment” from Palestine.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Palestine’s leadership stressed that the U.S. decision goes against international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, especially since Palestine is a UN observer member. They have asked the U.S. to reverse the decision and reaffirmed their commitment to international law and peace.

The upcoming UN General Assembly is expected to see more countries supporting the official recognition of a Palestinian state.