The US has revoked visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 officials, barring them from next month’s UN General Assembly in New York. Washington accused the Palestinian leadership of undermining peace by pushing for unilateral statehood recognition and failing to denounce terrorism, BBC reported.

The move, welcomed by Israel, is unusual as the US is expected to allow access for all delegations under the UN Headquarters Agreement. Abbas’ office condemned the decision as unlawful, while the UN said it was in talks with Washington to resolve the issue.

France, backed by the UK, Canada and Australia, is leading efforts at the Assembly to recognise Palestine—a step opposed by President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine is recognised by 147 UN member states but lacks defined borders and remains under Israeli occupation, according to BBC.