Mahmoud Abbas Blocked from Attending UN General Assembly After U.S. Revokes Visas
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be able to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, after the United States revoked visas for him and more than 80 senior Palestinian officials.
U.S. Explains Decision
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move, accusing Palestinian leaders of obstructing peace talks and seeking international recognition of a Palestinian state outside of direct negotiations with Israel. The measure, which drew support from Israel, is highly unusual because the U.S., as host of the UN headquarters, is typically expected to allow access for all international delegations.
The visa cancellations were announced just as France and other countries prepared to push for recognition of Palestine at the General Assembly—an initiative Washington and Israel strongly oppose.
Palestinian Reaction
The Palestinian Authority sharply criticized the decision, calling it a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement. Abbas’s office described the move as a contradiction of international law, stressing that Palestine is an observer member of the UN and entitled to representation.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour had earlier confirmed that Abbas would personally head the delegation. Now, participation will be limited to mission staff already accredited to the UN.
Israel Welcomes the Ban
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the U.S. action, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again rejected the idea of a two-state solution. He argued that recognizing Palestine at this moment would effectively reward Hamas for the October 2023 attacks against Israel.
Background on Palestine’s UN Status
-
In 1974, the UN recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the representative body of the Palestinian people.
-
In 2012, Palestine was granted non-member observer state status by the General Assembly.
-
Today, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states officially recognize Palestine as a state.
Still, Palestine has no fixed borders, with Israeli settlements expanding in the West Bank and Hamas controlling Gaza, leaving recognition largely symbolic.
U.S. Conditions for Engagement
Washington insists that Palestinian leadership must:
-
Condemn violence and terrorism, including the October 7 Hamas-led assault.
-
End incitement in schools and political messaging.
-
Stop pursuing legal action against Israel in international courts.
Only then, Rubio said, can the Palestinian Authority or PLO be considered genuine partners for peace.
International Momentum for Recognition
Despite American opposition, France, the UK, Canada, and Australia have voiced plans to support recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN session. Saudi Arabia is also set to join France in leading discussions on a renewed push for a two-state solution.
UN Response
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said officials are engaging with Washington to resolve the dispute, emphasizing that “all delegations must be allowed to participate—especially in discussions about the two-state solution.”
With Abbas barred from the global stage, Palestinians risk losing political visibility at a moment when international momentum for recognition is gaining unprecedented support.