The Trump administration has denied Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas permission to enter the US, where he was set to attend the upcoming annual UN General Assembly in New York City.
According to two Palestinian sources who spoke to BBC News, the US accused the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) of "glorifying terrorism” as well as trying to “internationalise” the conflict.
The UN Headquarters Agreement states that the US is required to grant visas for foreign diplomats invited to the UN in NYC.
However, the White House has the power to override this on several grounds, including counter-extremism and national security concerns.
Responding to the ban, the Palestinian foreign ministry released a statement on Tuesday saying: “[It is] an unjustified measure that runs counter to efforts to rebuild trust, develop Palestinian-US relations, and create the necessary political climate for implementing the two-state solution and achieving peace and stability.”
The decision by the US to block Abbas comes after Washington announced it would be extending visa sanctions against Palestinian officials over their alleged failure to keep up with peace agreements.
The sanctions were originally made prior to last year’s UN General Assembly, leading to 80 officials being unable to attend in person.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.