UN allows Abbas, senior Palestinian officials to again speak via video after US denies visa

The UN General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials to address UN gatherings via video for the next year. This decision follows the United States' denial of a visa for Abbas to travel to New York for the second consecutive year, citing his administration's funding of terror and efforts to "internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." The resolution passed with 152 votes in favor, three against, and four abstentions. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stated, "As long as Abbas continues his policy of making payments to terrorists and their families, he cannot expect the international community to simply ignore it." Deputy US Ambassador Tammy Bruce added, "If the PA wants to be treated as a partner, it must stop subsidizing terror and stop using diplomatic theater as a substitute for serious governance." The US has extended visa sanctions against Palestinian officials, though a 1947 UN agreement generally requires the US to allow access for foreign diplomats.