US Implements Visa Sanctions For Palestinian Authority Officials And PLO Members

JAKARTA - The United States imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) on Thursday, accusing them of undermining peace efforts with Israel.

The US State Department said it would refuse travel visas to the US for those on target, although it did not name certain individuals.

"It is in our national security interest to provide consequences and hold PLO and PA accountable for their non-compliance with commitment and undermine the prospects for peace," the US State Department said in a statement.

The State Department said the two Palestinian organizations had "taken action to internationalize" their conflicts with Israel, including through the International Criminal Court, and said the two continued to "support terrorism."

PA and PLO, acting as representatives of the Palestinian people, have long encouraged the recognition of the Palestinian state by international organizations and foreign countries.

The two groups have not made direct comments about the steps taken by Uncle Sam's country.

It is not yet clear how the US visa ban will affect Palestinian diplomats.

Under the "BB headquarters" agreement in 1947, the US is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the United Nations in New York. However, Washington says it can refuse visas for reasons of security, terrorism, and foreign policy.

Deputy State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said visa sanctions relief could be considered based on case-by-case.

The US sanctions follow this week's international conference at the United Nations, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at seeking a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Israel and the US boycotted the conference.