The Hamas Movement condemned the United States administration's decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation seeking to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, describing the move as a violation of international agreements and an attempt to prevent the Palestinian cause from being presented on the international stage.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the movement strongly rejects and protests the US decision, stressing that the measure contradicts the agreements governing the activities of the United Nations headquarters and international conventions.

Qassem said the decision reflects an attempt by Washington to restrict the Palestinian presence in international forums and prevent the Palestinian cause from being raised before the global community.

Hamas: Decision targets Palestinian diplomatic presence

The Hamas spokesperson said the US administration's move came as part of continued pressure on Palestinian representation, arguing that Washington was seeking to silence Palestinian voices at a time when international attention is focused on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Qassem noted that the decision was repeated for the second consecutive year, describing it as an unjustified measure that undermines the role of international institutions.

US blocks Palestinian delegation from attending UN meetings

The US administration refused to issue entry visas for the Palestinian delegation, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to attend the UN General Assembly meetings in person in New York.

Washington cited legal and political reasons for the decision, including Palestinian actions at international courts and policies related to US-Palestinian relations.

Following the US move, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution allowing Abbas to participate in the general debate of the 81st session through a pre-recorded video address.

The resolution was adopted with 152 votes in favour, while the United States, the Israeli regime and Paraguay voted against it. Four countries abstained.

Palestinian mission criticises US decision

Palestine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, also criticised the decision after the vote, saying that preventing the Palestinian delegation from attending the meetings in person was unacceptable.

Mansour said the measure was the second consecutive attempt to restrict Palestinian participation in UN activities and called for preserving the right of Palestine to engage in international diplomacy.(ILKHA)