UN votes to let Abbas address General Assembly by video after US visa denial

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressing the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2024 at UN headquarters (Frank Franklin II/AP)

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting of world leaders by video after the United States revoked his visa last month.

The motion passed by a vote of 145-5, with six abstentions.