When the United Nations General Assembly gathers in New York City next week, the war in Gaza and the issue of Palestinian statehood will dominate much of the debate. But notably absent will be the Palestinian leaders themselves.
The Trump administration has denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, and his delegation. Because the United Nations headquarters is in New York City, the United States is the country that issues visas to the leaders and diplomats who travel to the event.
The State Department said that the decision to deny Mr. Abbas a visa was made on grounds of national security.
France, Britain, Canada and Australia are expected to announce their formal recognition of the state of Palestine on Sept. 22, at a conference with more 100 other countries about a two-state solution, a day before the General Assembly officially begins. The United States opposed the conference and says Palestinian statehood must be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians.
Here’s what you need to know about the standoff.
Here’s what you need to know:
What’s in the agreement between the U.S. and U.N.?
In 1947, the United States and the United Nations signed a 16-page agreement called the Headquarters Agreement, which was approved by the U.S. president and Congress in a joint resolution and became federal law.