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The Trump administration, in what some are calling an open-ended refusal or ban
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is suspending the approval of almost every type of visitor visa for Palestinians who have a passport and hope to come to the United States
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The New York Times reports the new restrictions include passports acquired to enable medical
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treatment, study at American universities, or to visit family and friends, plus business travel
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and tourism. The State Department reportedly has sent the message to all U.S. embassies and
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consulates. Just last week, the U.S. announced it would also not issue visas to Palestinian
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officials who plan to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York in a few weeks. It's said
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that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was implementing this to hold the Palestinian Authority and the
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Palestine Liberation Organization accountable for not complying with their commitments and for
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undermining the prospects for peace. Among those whose passport is affected is Palestinian Authority
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President Mahmoud Abbas. The latest diplomatic developments come at a time when the Palestinian
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Authority has praised plans by certain Western countries, including Canada and France, for
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supporting the creation of a Palestinian state in the Middle East. Israel has strongly rejected that
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possibility, and the U.S. has been Israel's loyal ally in its ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza
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trip. For more unbiased updates, download the Straight Arrow News app or go to san.com
