Brazilian President Lula da Silva Criticizes U.S. Visa Revocations for Palestinians Ahead of UN General Assembly
New York – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio lula da Silva sharply criticized the united States’ decision to revoke visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials prior to the UN General Assembly, calling it an act of “colonizing” the Palestinian delegation. Lula’s remarks, delivered during a UN session, underscored growing international concern over the conditions in Gaza and the obstacles faced by Palestinian representation on the world stage.
Lula stated that hunger is being “used as a weapon of war” in Gaza and that forced population transfer is going unpunished. He lamented the U.S. action, which prevented Abbas from attending the General Assembly where several U.S. allies were expected to recognize the Palestinian state. “It was regrettable that President Mahmoud Abbas was prevented by the host country by ‘occupying’ (colonizing) the Palestinian bench at this historical moment,” Lula explained, referencing a resolution supported by over 150 UN members that was vetoed.
The U.S. government, under the Trump governance, justified the visa revocations by stating that Palestinian actions had ”damaged the prospects of peace.” According to Reuters and Al Arabiya,the decision,announced on August 29th,affected approximately 80 Palestinian Liberation Institution (PLO) and Palestinian Authority officials based in the West Bank. A U.S. State Department official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the scope of the visa cancellations.
Despite the travel restrictions, the UN General Assembly permitted Abbas to deliver a pre-recorded statement remotely. The UN stated that a previously recorded address from the Palestinian President would be played in the General Assembly hall,as reported by AFP on September 19th. The move allows for Palestinian representation despite the U.S. visa denials, though it falls short of in-person participation.