The Take Can the UN stand up to Donald Trump on Palestine?
Sep 9, 2025
In this discussion, Biesan Abu-Kwaik, Al Jazeera Arabic's UN correspondent, sheds light on the critical absence of key Palestinian leaders from the UN General Assembly due to U.S. visa refusals. She explores the implications for Palestinian statehood and questions the UN's neutrality. The conversation dives into the historical role of the UN in advocating for Palestinian rights, ongoing calls for reform amid criticisms, and the international community's reaction to U.S. restrictions on Palestinian representation at global forums.
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U.S. Conditions Palestinian Attendance
- The U.S. denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas and 80 Palestinian officials, tying entry to political conditions.
- That move links visa policy to demands to condemn October 7, drop ICC/ICJ cases, and halt unilateral statehood efforts.
Recognition Push Meets U.S. Opposition
- France and other countries planned to recognize Palestinian statehood at a Two-State Solution Summit.
- The U.S. actively opposed unilateral recognition and warned of 'disastrous consequences.'
Diplomatic Clash Over Headquarters Agreement
- France publicly called the U.S. decision unacceptable and urged reversal under the host-country agreement.
- The U.S. counters that the Palestinian mission in New York suffices for representation and thus no treaty violation occurred.