Palestinian presidency expresses regret over US denial of visas for UN delegation

The Palestinian Presidency expressed deep regret and surprise over the US State Department’s decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation scheduled to participate in next month’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In a statement, the Presidency said the decision conflicts with international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, particularly as Palestine holds observer status at the United Nations.

Read more: US cancels visas for Palestinian leaders ahead of UN General Assembly

The Presidency urged the US administration to reconsider the decision, emphasizing Palestine’s commitment to international law, UN resolutions, and all obligations toward peace, as highlighted in a message from President Mahmoud Abbas to world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

The move follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s directive to block senior Palestinian officials, including President Abbas, from attending the assembly. The State Department justified the decision as compliance with longstanding US laws that deny recognition of Palestinian statehood and sanction the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) over alleged payments to individuals accused of attacks against 'Israelis'.

A US State Department statement said the PA and PLO must repudiate terrorism and suspend unilateral recognition efforts before being treated as “partners for peace.” While permanent staff at the Palestinian UN mission will remain under existing agreements, the broader delegation will be barred from attending the General Assembly—a first in US-Palestinian diplomatic relations.

The decision is expected to generate diplomatic backlash, as Palestinian leaders have frequently used the UN platform to press for international recognition of statehood.