USA US Slaps Visa Ban on Palestinian Officials in Sanctions Blitz

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US Department of State. File photo.

 

The United States has announced plans to deny visas to officials from both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). This move comes as part of a wider sanctions package targeting these groups, perceived as a reaction to recent international support for Palestinian statehood.

 

The announcement follows a United Nations conference led by France and Saudi Arabia, which aimed to bolster support for a future two-state solution. The US has criticised this conference and warned of diplomatic consequences for any anti-Israel statements. France, the UK, and Canada have voiced their intentions to recognise an independent Palestinian state, albeit with certain conditions.

 

The US State Department accused the PA and PLO of leveraging international platforms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel. It also alleged continued support for terrorism, citing incitement in educational materials and financial support for families of individuals deemed terrorists by Israel.

 

Earlier, the Trump administration removed sanctions from Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians. Palestinian leaders view the new sanctions as retaliation for the growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

 

Mustafa Barghouti, of the Palestinian National Initiative, criticised the US for punishing Palestinians rather than addressing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

 

Israel has welcomed the US sanctions, commending President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for countering what it sees as a distorted narrative that favours Palestinian state recognition without addressing terrorism. Israel argues that European countries are ignoring ongoing Palestinian support for violence.

 

The PA disputes allegations regarding payments to prisoners, describing them as necessary support for families affected by Israel's military occupation. The PA claims these payments align with international human rights norms. It was suggested that they might reconsider these stipends in light of France's stance on Palestinian recognition.

 

The travel ban poses logistical challenges for PLO and PA officials requiring US entry, a process already marred by bureaucratic hurdles. The extent of the sanctions' impact, particularly on Palestinian representatives at the United Nations, remains uncertain.

 

This development reflects ongoing tensions and highlights the erosion of US leadership in fostering peace between Israel and Palestine. Many attendees of the UN conference underscored dissatisfaction with Washington's approach, revealing broader geopolitical shifts in perspectives on the conflict.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-01

 

 

[AustinRacing]

lol. Just like sanctioning anyone who trades with Russians. As they’re spiraling downwards they’re desperately clinging on whatever means to sooth the butthurt they’re experiencing. Incidentally how is it that recognition of a state is anti another state?