With a majority of 152 countries, the General Assembly demands Washington reverse its ban on the Palestinian delegation from its meetings
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a new resolution demanding the US administration immediately reverse its decision to prevent the Palestinian delegation from participating in the 81st session of the Assembly. The resolution received broad support from 152 countries, reflecting the isolation of the American and Israeli positions regarding Palestinian diplomatic rights in international forums.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its warm welcome of this resolution, affirming in an official statement that it represents a categorical international rejection of American policies that violate international laws. The ministry pointed out that this ban is a clear violation of the Headquarters Agreement that regulates the relationship between the United Nations and the host country.
These developments come after the administration of US President Donald Trump, for the second consecutive year, refused to grant entry visas to a high-level Palestinian delegation. This American measure aims to prevent the physical participation of Palestinians in the high-level meetings held annually in New York City.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated the positions of the sisterly and friendly countries that sponsored the resolution and voted in its favor, considering that this international consensus strengthens the Palestinian presence. The ministry stressed that attempts to absent them will not succeed in silencing the voice of the Palestinian people and their just cause before world leaders.
In light of this ban, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will deliver his speech to the General Assembly on its scheduled date via video technology. Diplomatic sources confirmed that the speech will be broadcast on the predetermined date and time, to ensure the Palestinian message is delivered despite the imposed logistical obstacles.
The United Nations had clarified on previous occasions that providing virtual participation options does not negate the legal obligations of the United States. Under international agreements, Washington is committed to facilitating the access of official delegations to the headquarters of the international organization without restriction or political condition.
Only three countries opposed the vote: the United States, Israel, and Paraguay, while four countries chose to remain neutral by abstaining from voting. These countries are Colombia, Honduras, Panama, and Peru, in a scene that highlights the extent of global support for the Palestinian side.
This decision coincided with the US State Department's announcement of extending sanctions that prevent the granting of visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and officials in the Authority. Washington justified this step by claiming that the Palestinian side did not fulfill its obligations towards the US administration and the political process.
Washington also attributed the reasons for its restrictions to successful Palestinian moves in international organizations and recourse to the International Courts of Justice and Criminal. The US administration considers that seeking international recognition of a Palestinian state outside the framework of direct negotiations constitutes a crossing of red lines.
For his part, the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, stated that the voting results reflect a near-unanimous position of the international community. Mansour affirmed that depriving the Palestinian delegation, headed by President Abbas, of its legal right is a blatant violation of the Headquarters Agreement, which is part of American national law.
The Palestinian envoy explained that the 1947 agreement does not grant the host country the right to choose who attends UN meetings based on its political positions. He stressed that the Palestinian endeavor will continue to end the occupation, embody the two-state solution, and establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
It is worth noting that the eighty-first session of the General Assembly began on September 8th, and is preparing to start its high-level general discussions. The international community is expected to await the Palestinian President's speech on the twenty-fourth of this month, which will address the latest developments in the Palestinian issue.
Adopting this resolution constitutes a breakthrough in the attempt to prevent Palestine's participation in the high-level segment and the work of the General Assembly, and the voice of the Palestinian people will be heard despite all obstacles.