Palestinian official cool to Tlaib private visit
A senior Palestinian official distanced herself from a West Bank visit by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib who has been allowed entry to the Israeli-occupied territory on "humanitarian grounds."
The official, Hanan Ashrawi, was to have hosted Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar, on a West Bank tour. Tlaib and Omar are sharply critical of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians.
On Thursday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prodded by President Donald Trump, said he won't allow Tlaib and Omar to enter.
In a reversal Friday, Israel's interior minister said he granted a request by Tlaib to visit West Bank relatives. Tlaib has pledged to abide by Israeli restrictions.
Ashrawi said Friday that she does not get involved in personal visits and that the congressional visit is off until all participants "can have free access to Palestine."
