US Again Denies Palestinian President’s Visa for UN General Assembly

The United States has again denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, keeping him from attending the annual gathering in person.

The State Department said on Wednesday that it would extend visa restrictions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) ahead of the UN General Assembly. A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Abbas is covered by the decision.

The State Department said the restrictions were linked to what it described as the Palestinian Authority and PLO failing to meet commitments made to the United States. It also accused the organizations of taking actions that Washington says undermine prospects for peace.

The U.S. cited Palestinian efforts at international organizations, including the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice. It also objected to efforts to seek international recognition of a Palestinian state outside direct negotiations. These are the reasons given by Washington for extending the visa restrictions.

Abbas Faced Visa Denial Last Year

The Trump administration also denied visas to Abbas and other Palestinian representatives ahead of last year’s UN General Assembly. Abbas addressed the assembly by video instead.

What’s Next?

The latest decision comes ahead of the 2026 UN General Assembly in New York. The Palestinian Authority remains a non-voting observer at the UN General Assembly.

The United Nations is considering arrangements that could allow Abbas to participate remotely if he cannot attend in person.