UN votes to let Palestinian leader address General Assembly by video after US visa denial

The UN General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the upcoming meeting via video after the U.S. revoked his visa. The motion passed with 145 votes in favor and 5 against. Abbas aimed to attend discussions on a two-state solution with France and Saudi Arabia, while the U.S. opposes these efforts, arguing they strengthen Hamas.

The U.S. revoked visas for 80 Palestinian officials last month, citing threats to peace. Despite efforts from allies to lift the ban, the decision faced widespread criticism. Many Palestinians view Abbas’s government as corrupt, with calls for his resignation growing.