Abbas attacks US visa denial in UN video address

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded video address to the UN General Assembly this week after being denied entry to the United States for the second consecutive year, using the platform to attack Washington's visa denial and sanctions while pressing the Palestinian case against Israel.

In his statement, Abbas characterized the US visa denial and sanctions as unlawful measures, according to Open Source Intel. He asserted that the Palestinian Authority has maintained its commitments to non-violence and the two-state solution, framing the American restrictions as unjustified.

The video format marks a significant diplomatic setback for Abbas, who has been unable to attend the annual gathering in person since 2024. As JFeed reported last week, the UN General Assembly voted to allow Abbas to submit a pre-recorded statement after Washington refused him entry, with only the United States, Israel, and Paraguay voting against the measure.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded sharply to the arrangement, stating that "as long as Abu Mazen continues his policy of payments to terrorists and their families, he cannot expect the international community to ignore it." Danon added that "instead of coming to New York, he will send videos. The responsibility for changing this policy lies in his hands."

The visa denial stands in stark contrast to Washington's treatment of Iranian officials. As JFeed reported, the State Department approved visas for senior Iranian regime officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend the same UN session, though under movement restrictions.

The move signals continued American pressure on the Palestinian Authority over its controversial "pay-for-slay" program, which provides financial support to Palestinians imprisoned for attacks against Israelis and to families of those killed carrying out such attacks. For Israel and its supporters, the video address represents a diplomatic victory, keeping Abbas at arm's length from the international stage while highlighting the PA's refusal to end terror payments.