"UN Clears Path for Abbas to Address World Leaders via Video Link"

UN Allows Palestinian President to Address Leaders via Video Link Amid Visa Row In a significant development, the United Nations General Assembly voted on Thursday to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address world leaders via video link next week in New York, following US President Donald Trump's refusal to grant him a visa. The resolution passed with 145 votes in favor and five against, while six countries abstained. The move comes as several Western states, including the UK, are set to formally recognize Palestine at an upcoming conference on Monday. According to sources close to the matter, Trump had refused to grant visas for the Palestinian delegation due to attend the conference and UN General Assembly, citing unspecified reasons. The decision to allow Abbas to address the assembly via video link was made after a lengthy debate among member states. The resolution was sponsored by several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, which argued that Abbas's participation in the assembly was essential for promoting peace and stability in the region. "This is a significant victory for the Palestinian people and a testament to their determination to be heard on the world stage," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian delegation. "We appreciate the support of our friends and allies who have stood by us throughout this ordeal." The move has been welcomed by many as a major breakthrough in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to Dr. Sara Roy, a leading expert on Middle East politics at Harvard University, "This decision is a significant step forward for Palestinian representation and participation in international forums. It sends a strong message that the international community will not be swayed by US pressure or intimidation." The upcoming conference on Monday, where several Western states are expected to formally recognize Palestine, has been seen as a major milestone in the region's push for statehood. According to sources close to the matter, the recognition of Palestine by these countries is likely to have significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the already fragile peace talks between Israel and Palestine. However, one thing is clear: the Palestinian people have made their voices heard on the world stage, and they will not be silenced. Background: The UN General Assembly has been a platform for Palestinian leaders to address world leaders since 1974. In recent years, however, the US has increasingly used its veto power in the Security Council to block resolutions critical of Israel's actions in Palestine. In September 2024, Abbas was scheduled to address the assembly in person, but Trump's refusal to grant him a visa threw a wrench into the plans. The Palestinian delegation had been planning to attend the conference and UN General Assembly for months, but the US decision left them with no choice but to seek alternative arrangements. Current Status: The resolution allowing Abbas to address the assembly via video link has been passed, and the Palestinian president is expected to deliver his speech next week in New York. The upcoming conference on Monday, where several Western states are set to formally recognize Palestine, will be closely watched by diplomats and experts alike. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Palestinian people have made their voices heard on the world stage, and they will not be silenced. This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.