US Blocks Palestinian President Abbas from Attending UN General Assembly

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be able to attend next month’s UN General Assembly in New York after the United States revoked his visa, along with those of about 80 other Palestinian officials, the US State Department confirmed.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision was made because Palestinian leaders had undermined peace efforts by seeking “unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.” Israel welcomed the move, while Palestinian officials called it a violation of international law.

The step is unusual, as the US normally facilitates visas for foreign leaders and delegations visiting UN headquarters. The timing is also significant, coming as France and other countries push for international recognition of a Palestinian state — an effort strongly opposed by the Trump administration.

Abbas’ office expressed shock at the decision, saying it contradicts the UN Headquarters Agreement, which states that US visa policies should not prevent foreign leaders from attending UN meetings. Palestine, though not a full UN member, holds observer status at the General Assembly.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Washington’s move, while critics argued it further deepens divisions.

The development comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has been carrying out a military campaign following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. That assault left around 1,200 people dead and more than 250 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry says over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.