UN Assembly Votes for Abbas Address Amid Visa Controversy

The UN General Assembly approved a motion allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting via video after the US revoked his visa. The decision comes amid tensions over efforts for Palestinian statehood and US opposition to the plan. France and Saudi Arabia support a two-state solution.

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its gathering of world leaders by video after the United States revoked his visa last month. By a 145-5 vote, with six abstentions, the motion gained wide support.

Abbas aimed to participate in a meeting next week organized by France and Saudi Arabia to promote a two-state solution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France, the UK, Canada, and Australia are among the nations planning to recognize a Palestinian state, despite the United States' opposition.

US opposition stems from concerns that the promise of statehood has fueled Hamas, complicating ceasefire efforts in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has historically resisted Palestinian statehood, viewing it as a reward for Hamas amid ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)