Fri Aug 29 22:22:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article written from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting. This action, justified by the US as holding the PLO and PA accountable for not repudiating terrorism and inciting terrorism, has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority, who view it as a violation of US obligations as host of the UN. The UN is seeking clarification, while the US states that Palestinian representatives to the UN will be granted waivers. The Palestinian ambassador to the UN insists Abbas will attend the General Assembly meeting.

**News Article:**

**US Visa Ban on Abbas Sparks Concerns Over Peace Process, UN Role**

*New Delhi, August 30, 2025* – The United States has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, a move that has drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, according to reports filtering in.

The decision, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes ahead of the annual UN General Assembly meeting next month. The US State Department cited the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) alleged failure to “repudiate terrorism” and “end incitement to terrorism in education” as justification for the action, placing the blame squarely on the organisation, and PLO.

“It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said in a statement.

This move is the latest in a series of restrictions imposed by the US on Palestinians. However, the timing, ahead of a crucial UN gathering where the Palestinian issue is likely to be debated, has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles.

The Palestinian Authority has condemned the visa revocations as a violation of international law and US obligations as the host nation of the United Nations. They view the decision as undermining the role of the UN and its efforts to find a resolution to the long-standing conflict.

“The Palestinian presidency expressed its deep regret and astonishment” at the visa decision, and that the move “contravenes international law and the Headquarters Agreement, especially since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has indicated that the world body is seeking clarification from the US on the matter, and the UN Palestinian ambassador stated that Abbas plans to still address the UN assembly. The US has assured that UN representatives from the Palestinian Authority will be granted waivers so they can continue their New York-based operations.

The decision is likely to resonate deeply in India, which has historically maintained a strong relationship with Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution and supporting the Palestinian cause on international platforms. Analysts here in India suggest this move could further complicate efforts to restart negotiations between Israel and Palestine, potentially destabilizing the region.

The situation is being closely monitored in New Delhi, with officials considering the implications for multilateralism and the role of the UN in resolving international disputes. The move also highlights the increasingly complex dynamics of US foreign policy in the Middle East under the current administration.

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