U.S. to deny visas to Palestinian officials

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now.

The United States says it will deny visas for officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The U.S. State Department announced the sanctions on Thursday, under the Middle East Peace Commitments Act and the PLO Commitments Compliance Act.

The measures formally deny visas to unspecified members of both the PA and PLO for their alleged efforts to "internationalize" the conflict with Israel, such as bringing cases to the International Criminal Court.

They also coincide with moves by European and North American allies, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, to recognize Palestinian statehood at the September U.N. General Assembly.

The White House, on the same day, made clear that President Trump "expressed his dissatisfaction and disagreement" with the three allied leaders, and views any recognition of Palestinian statehood as "rewarding Hamas."