When the United States blocked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from entering New York, the United Nations General Assembly acted to ensure his voice reached the world.
In response, Nigeria joined 144 other member states in backing a resolution that allowed Abbas to address the high-level debate via pre-recorded video.
Global Vote Divides
The vote revealed a clear split in international opinion: 145 countries supported the measure, while Israel, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, and the United States opposed it.
Meanwhile, six nations – Albania, Fiji, Hungary, North Macedonia, Panama, and Papua New Guinea – abstained.
According to the resolution, Abbas can now deliver his address from afar, introduced by one of Palestine’s representatives in New York.
Moreover, it allows other leaders to speak via live link or pre-recorded video during the high-level conference on the two-State solution and at additional key meetings.
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These arrangements will only apply to the current 80th session.
Dialogue Continues
Similarly, the Assembly approved a Saudi Arabian-proposed decision, which allows Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to deliver his statement by video at the high-level conference on September 22.
Earlier, on August 19, the U.S. Department of State had announced that it would deny and revoke visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian Authority, citing national security concerns and accusing them of undermining the prospects for peace.
By adopting the resolution, the General Assembly demonstrated that it could preserve dialogue despite diplomatic obstacles.
Consequently, Abbas will address world leaders, ensuring his message reaches the international stage even without Washington’s approval.
