A: Hey! Heard anything interesting lately?
B: Not really, just been studying hard for my exams. Why?

A: Oh, there's this thing... The US is putting sanctions on some Palestinian Authority officials and PLO members. They can't travel to the country now.

B: Whoa, that's serious! Why did they do that?

A: Well, the State Department says they support terrorism and took actions against Israel in international courts. Plus, they still have problems with their textbooks promoting violence.

B: That doesn't sound good at all... And it seems like the US is really supporting Israel because other countries like France, Britain, and Canada are planning to recognize the State of Palestine.

A: Right! The weird thing is, they didn't say who exactly these sanctions apply to yet. Some news outlets suggest that maybe even President Abbas could be affected if he goes to a UN meeting in September.

A: But here's the catch: The US has an agreement with the UN not to block UN members from coming to its headquarters. So it's kinda tricky.

B: That sounds complicated, but I get what you mean. It seems like the UN is asking the US to follow their rules too.

A: Exactly! The UN spokesperson said they expect the US to live up to its obligations under that agreement. Let's hope it all works out soon for everyone involved.
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The United States says it is imposing sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, denying them visas for travel to the country.



The US State Department made the announcement on Thursday.



The State Department accused the two organizations of "taking actions to internationalize its conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court." It also said they continue to support terrorism, including incitement and glorification of violence in textbooks.



The step shows strong US support for Israel and contrasts with moves by France, Britain and Canada, which indicate they will recognize the State of Palestine.



There is still no end in sight to the fighting in the Gaza Strip.



The announcement does not specify who would be subject to the sanctions.



US media say it is not yet clear whether Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials would be barred from entering the US for a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.



The US is required by an agreement with the UN not to impose any impediments to the transit of representatives of UN members to its headquarters.



Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq told NHK that "We expect the US as host country to live up to its obligations" under the agreement.
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Quiz 1:
Why is the United States imposing sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization?
A. For their support of terrorism in textbooks
B. For denying visas for travel to the country
C. For not recognizing the State of Palestine
D. For not living up to their obligations under an agreement with the UN

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: A

Quiz 2:
The step shows strong US support for which country?
A. Israel
B. Palestine
C. France
D. Canada

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: A

Quiz 3:
Which of the following is not true about the US sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestinian Liberation Organization?
A. The US media say it is not yet clear whether Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials would be barred from entering the US for a United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
B. The announcement does not specify who would be subject to the sanctions.
C. The US is required by an agreement with the UN not to impose any impediments to the transit of representatives of UN members to its headquarters.
D. The State Department accused the two organizations of internationalizing their conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court.

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: C