France Rebukes US Decision to Deny Visas to Palestinian Representatives for UNGA

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed on Saturday that there should be no limitations on access to the upcoming UN General Assembly. Barrot made the statement during a meeting of EU foreign ministers held in Denmark. Other ministers in Copenhagen echoed France’s disapproval, urging the United States to grant access to the Palestinian delegation. This move by Washington has sparked international concern, particularly as France is actively advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN gathering in New York. This action further aligns the US administration with the Israeli government amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The United States, as the host nation of the United Nations in New York, is generally expected to refrain from denying visas to officials attending the world body. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that visas would not be issued to Palestinian officials, effectively barring them from attending the annual UN General Assembly next month. The visa ban specifically targets officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation who are not stationed at the Palestinian mission to the UN. The US Department of State stated that the decision aligns with US law and is intended to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not upholding their commitments and undermining peace prospects. The statement emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must cease its association with terrorism and condemn it. Additionally, it highlighted the need for the PA to end incitement to terrorism in education, as mandated by US law, and to halt attempts to bypass negotiations through international legal campaigns, which are seen as contributing to the breakdown of ceasefire talks.