The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution Thursday permitting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to address its high-level session next week by pre-recorded video. The measure passed 152-3 with four abstentions after the United States extended visa restrictions on Palestinian officials.

The United States, Israel, and Paraguay voted against the resolution. The United States cited national security grounds and the Palestinian Authority's ongoing policies, including payments to families of terrorists. Deputy U.S. Ambassador Tammy Bruce told the assembly that the Palestinian Authority must stop subsidizing terror and using diplomatic efforts as a substitute for serious governance.

This marks the second consecutive year the United States has denied Abbas a visa to attend the General Assembly in New York. Washington announced the extension of the ban on Wednesday. The restrictions apply to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority officials.

The resolution allows Abbas to submit a pre-recorded statement for playback in the General Assembly Hall. It also permits video participation in related high-level meetings on the two-state solution. The arrangements apply to the current session and extend to other meetings if travel is blocked.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stated that Abbas cannot reward terrorism while demanding international legitimacy. He noted that Abbas will send videos instead of attending in person.

The United States has maintained that it can deny visas for security, extremism, and foreign policy reasons despite the 1947 headquarters agreement. Officials have pointed to the Palestinian leadership's failure to comply with past commitments and actions that undermine peace prospects.

The vote reflects broad international support for Palestinian participation despite the visa issue. Several Western countries backed the measure. The General Assembly high-level debate begins next week.