Secretary of State Marco Rubio just made the right call by denying visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials. These leaders were planning to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting next month in New York. Finally, we have an administration that puts America and our allies first instead of coddling terrorist sympathizers.
The Palestinian Authority has refused to condemn the horrific October 7th massacre that killed over 1,200 innocent Israelis. They continue to teach hatred against Jews in their schools and celebrate terrorism. How can we welcome people who cheer when Americans and Israelis are murdered by Hamas terrorists.
Instead of working for real peace, these Palestinian leaders spend their time trying to destroy Israel through international courts. They file bogus genocide charges and waste everyone’s time with legal games. This lawfare strategy only helps Hamas keep holding innocent hostages while blocking real negotiations.
The European Union is already whining about America’s decision and demanding we change course. These are the same European leaders who have been appeasing terrorists for decades while Israel fights for survival. We should never take foreign policy advice from countries that have failed to stop Islamic extremism in their own backyard.
President Trump and Secretary Rubio are showing real leadership by standing with our democratic ally Israel. The previous administration would have rolled out the red carpet for these terror-linked officials. Now we have leaders who understand that actions have consequences and terrorism must never be rewarded.
Palestinian Authority President Abbas has been in power for nearly 20 years without holding real elections. He pays salaries to imprisoned terrorists and their families using American taxpayer money. Why should we give him a platform at the United Nations when he refuses to condemn the murder of innocent people.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon praised this decision because he knows what real terrorism looks like. Israel faces rocket attacks and suicide bombers while trying to defend innocent civilians. The contrast could not be clearer between a democracy defending itself and terrorist organizations targeting children.
This visa denial sends a strong message that America will not tolerate terrorism or reward those who support it. If Palestinian leaders want to attend international meetings, they need to stop funding terror and start working for genuine peace. Until then, they can stay home and think about their choices.
