WASHINGTON (Chatnewstv.com) — The Trump administration said Friday it has revoked visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, citing their failure to repudiate terrorism and attempts to bypass peace negotiations through international forums.
“In accordance with U.S. law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying and revoking visas from members of the PLO and PA ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly,” the State Department said in a statement. “It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.”
The administration accused Palestinian officials of refusing to denounce terrorism, including the October 7 attack, and of encouraging incitement through education. The statement also criticized efforts by the Palestinian Authority to seek recognition of statehood through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and other forums.
“Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism … and end incitement to terrorism in education,” the statement said. “The PA must also end its attempts to bypass negotiations through international lawfare campaigns.”
While the U.S. said it would grant waivers to the Palestinian mission at the UN under the UN Headquarters Agreement, it stressed that further engagement would depend on concrete changes.
“The United States remains open to re-engagement that is consistent with our laws, should the PA/PLO meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel,” the statement said.
