(CNN) — The US State Department is “denying and revoking visas” from members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) – a significant step ahead of the UN General Assembly, where multiple traditional US allies are expected to recognize a Palestinian state .

According to Friday’s announcement from the State Department, the Palestinian Authority’s Mission to the UN “will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement.”

However, the restrictions could prevent the attendance of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Refusing him a visa would be highly controversial and would appear to violate the UN Headquarters Agreement. The United Nations recognizes Palestine as a non-member observer state.

The policy is likely to severely limit the

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