The Palestinian Authority (PA) has condemned the United States’ decision to deny visas to members of the Palestinian delegation expected to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The PA described the move as unjustified and said it would undermine Palestinian diplomatic efforts at the United Nations. The decision affects Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, who has again been prevented from travelling to New York to attend the annual UN gathering.
In a statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the visa restrictions were contrary to the United States’ obligations as the host country of the United Nations. It also argued that preventing Palestinian officials from attending the General Assembly would limit their ability to participate in international diplomacy and present the Palestinian position on key issues.
The US administration, however, defended the decision. American officials said the restrictions were linked to concerns over actions and policies by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Washington has particularly criticised Palestinian legal and diplomatic initiatives involving Israel at international courts.
The dispute comes as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a major issue on the international agenda. The UN General Assembly is expected to discuss the war in Gaza, humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories and prospects for a political settlement.
Despite the visa restrictions, Palestinian diplomats accredited to the United Nations are expected to continue representing Palestine during the General Assembly. Discussions have also focused on possible arrangements that could allow Abbas to address the assembly remotely.
The Palestinian Authority has urged the United States to reconsider the decision, arguing that dialogue and diplomatic engagement are necessary to advance efforts toward a two-state solution.
The latest dispute adds another point of tension between Washington and the Palestinian leadership at a time when international attention remains focused on the future of Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
