Netanyahu Thanks Trump for Banning Mahmoud Abbas from Entering the US
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and Al mayadeen, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Donald Trump for his decision to ban Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior officials from entering the United States.
The U.S. Department of State announced on August 29 that it would deny visas to the Palestinian Authority President and other diplomats seeking to attend the United Nations General Assembly. The department stated that they must cease efforts aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.
The Ministry also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to cancel visas for members of the Palestinian Authority ahead of the UN General Assembly.
The statement read: “We have decided to revoke visas for members of both the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Institution (PLO) ahead of the UN General Assembly.”
It continued,”The Palestinian Authority and PLO must consistently condemn terrorism,including attacks such as those on october 7.”
they were also urged to halt international legal campaigns, including actions before the International Criminal Court and international Court of Justice.
The U.S. Department accused the Palestinian Authority of pursuing unilateral recognition efforts for a Palestinian state.
In response, the Foreign Ministry of the Palestinian Authority expressed surprise at WashingtonS move, calling it a violation of UN Headquarters agreements. It called on Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities.
“We emphasize that Washington’s decision will not prevent international recognition of Palestine,” stated their ministry.
Simultaneously occurring, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “I thank my American counterpart for holding accountable both the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority over their support for terrorism. I appreciate President Trump and his governance’s bold step in standing with us.”
