Washington (TDI): The United States has denied visas for members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), including President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September, in New York.
This will be the 80th session of the UNGA, and will open on September 9, 2025. However, the high-level week is scheduled for the end of the month, September 22-30, during which the General Debate will also take place.
The annual general debate is a chance for UN member countries to present their position on global issues. Seemingly, the US is denying Palestine a voice at the UNGA.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the decision targets PA and PLO officials who are involved in “lawfare,” using the international bodies like the ICC and ICJ to legally challenge Israel. This is the official position of both the US and Israel.
Both have been furious over recognition of a Palestinian state by many countries across the world. These recognitions are set to be formally announced at this year’s UN General Assembly.
Read More: US to Deny Visas to Palestinian Authority Officials as Europe Moves to Recognize Palestine
France, Canada, Australia, and potentially UK, have voiced intentions to recognize Palestine during the UN gathering.
Trump administration justified the denial of visas by citing security concerns and claiming that these actions undermine peace prospects and even hinder hostage negotiations.
This is the first known US refusal to admit an entire delegation to the UN General Assembly. The PA denounced the move as a breach of both international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, which obliges the United States, as host country, to grant access to foreign officials attending UN events.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the UN would seek clarification from the State Department while Israel welcomed the US decision. Conversely, the PA characterized the action as legally and morally flawed, urging a reversal.
Among US lawmakers, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley criticized the decision, saying it undermines America’s global leadership and the UN’s role as a forum for diplomacy.
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