Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via prerecorded video after being denied a US visa for the second consecutive year, warning that Palestinians face their most dangerous period in history and accusing Israel of destroying the two-state solution. He urged the international community to prevent another Nakba and protect Palestinian existence.
The European Union expressed regret over the United States' decision to deny entry visas for the second consecutive year to members of the Palestinian delegation seeking to attend the UN General Assembly session in New York. The UN will allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the assembly via prerecorded video instead.
The U.S. federal budget deficit reached a record $432 billion in July 2026, driven by increased spending and negative tariff revenues from refund payments. The fiscal year-to-date deficit has climbed to $1.799 trillion, already exceeding the full 2025 fiscal year total with two months remaining, as the Congressional Budget Office confirms tariffs are creating a $200 billion hole in the budget.
Activists unfurled a massive banner reading 'Kick Israel out of FIFA' over a World Cup logo in Toronto on Friday, hours before Canada's opening match, while Iran's delegation reported that 15 officials were denied U.S. visas for the tournament.
Iran's national football team is preparing for their 2026 World Cup opener against New Zealand while training in Tijuana under armed guard, amid cartel violence including a body found outside their stadium and five police officers killed nearby. Additionally, 11 members of Iran's delegation remain banned from entering the United States despite four successful visa appeals.
