On Friday, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its deep regret over the decision of the U.S. Department of State to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation for participating in the upcoming sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September.

In a statement, the OIC called on the U.S. government to reconsider this discriminatory decision, which contravenes international law and the Headquarters Agreement it has signed. It urged the U.S. to fulfill its obligations under this agreement and respect the role of the United Nations as an inclusive platform for all countries and their official representatives. The OIC also called on all members of the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take urgent action with the relevant U.S. authorities to reverse this decision.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. Department of State announced the cancellation of visas for Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting next month, during which many countries plan to officially recognize the State of Palestine.

A State Department spokesperson stated in a release that "Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in accordance with U.S. law, has refused to grant entry visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority and has revoked their visas prior to the convening of the United Nations General Assembly." At the same time, the spokesperson noted that the Palestinian Authority’s mission to the UN would receive exemptions under the UN Headquarters Agreement.