UN Denies Reports of Relocation
The United Nations refuted widespread claims that the annual General Assembly session would shift from New York to Geneva. On 9 September, UN official Stéphane Dujarric clarified that no such vote took place, nor has there been any preparation for such a move.
The spokesperson dismissed these reports as misinformation and said that the assembly remains in New York due to provisions in the UN Charter as well as tradition.
US Blocks Palestinian Delegation
Tensions are rising shortly after visas issued to Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization officials were rescinded and suspended in late August by the United States. The move will keep the Palestinian representatives from attending the 80th General Assembly in New York commencing on 22 September.
The restrictions extend beyond diplomats. A State Department cable issued on 18 August suspended nearly all visitor visa categories for Palestinian passport holders from Gaza, the West Bank, and diaspora communities.
The measures affect medical, educational, family, and business travel.
Washington justified the sanctions by accusing Palestinian leadership of allegedly failing to comply with past peace commitments and pursuing international legal action against Israel at the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
UN Experts Call for Compliance with Treaty
On 9 September, UN experts urged Washington to reverse the visa bans, warning that the decision undermines international diplomacy. They reminded the US of its obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which requires it to grant entry to individuals invited to participate in UN proceedings, regardless of political disputes.
“The General Assembly is the epicentre of global diplomacy,” the experts said. “Excluding Palestinian officials strikes at the heart of this mission.”
They further stressed that the Palestine Liberation Organization has been recognised since 1974 as entitled to participate in General Assembly debates, and the State of Palestine has held observer status since 2012.
Recognition of Palestine on the Agenda
This year’s General Assembly is expected to be the stage to showcase Palestine’s quest for wider recognition. Several States have indicated they would or already do recognise Palestine in full. Among them are France, Belgium, Malta, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Their announcements add to the more than 140 nations that already recognise Palestine as a state. While full UN membership would still require Security Council approval—almost certain to face a US veto—the symbolic weight of growing recognition is significant.
List of Nations Recently Pledging to Recognise Palestine at the UNGA (2025):
France
Belgium
Malta
United Kingdom (conditional)
Canada (conditional)
Australia (conditional)
Watch a video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Momentum Builds for Palestinian Recognition as UK, Canada Join France — But with Conditions
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