The US Department of State has banned the issuing of visas to officials of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation as the US government accused them of multiple accusations including supporting terrorism and “internationalising the conflict with Israel” through the International Criminal Court. The move will prevent officials from the self-governing authority of Palestine in the West Bank (PA) and its party officials (PLO) from attending the United Nations General Assembly in September when European nations are expected to recognise the State of Palestine. Malta will also be announcing its official recognition of the State of Palestine during the conference.
The Palestinian Authority is calling for Hamas to disarm as part of the plan to form the Palestinian State. During the recently held UN Conference on Palestine, nine Arab States demanded Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority and give up control of Gaza. These Arab States that signed the statement are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
Early this morning there have been reports from Gaza of more Palestinian casualties who were trying to access food at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation-run site. Airstrikes were also reported in Jabalia.
The US government has condemned France’s decisions to recognise the State of Palestine saying it is a gift to Hamas.
Newsroom
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