US Bars Palestinian President Abbas From UNGA

News Desk

New York: The United States has barred Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from attending next month’s UN General Assembly in New York, after revoking his visa along with those of around 80 senior Palestinian officials.

The move, confirmed by the US State Department, has drawn sharp criticism from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and triggered questions about Washington’s compliance with international law.

Washington cites “undermining peace efforts”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, accusing Palestinian leaders of undermining peace initiatives by pushing for “unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state.”

The restrictions come as France, supported by the UK, Canada, and Australia, is spearheading a campaign at the UN session to recognise Palestine — a step staunchly opposed by the Trump administration.

The UN Headquarters Agreement, which governs the presence of foreign officials in New York, stipulates that the US must not restrict access “irrespective of the relations” it has with governments.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said discussions with the State Department were under way to resolve the issue, stressing that “all members and observers must be represented at the General Assembly.”

Palestinian condemnation, Israeli support

Abbas’ office condemned the US action as a “clear violation of international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.” Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour confirmed that Abbas had been scheduled to lead the delegation at the annual summit of world leaders.

Israel welcomed Washington’s move. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the decision, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his rejection of a two-state solution, saying recognition of Palestine would amount to “rewarding Hamas’s monstrous terrorism.”

Wider context

Palestine currently holds observer status at the UN and is recognised by 147 of the 193 member states. France’s push for formal recognition comes amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians since the Hamas-led October 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead.

The PA, led by Abbas, administers parts of the West Bank but faces mounting challenges from Israeli settlement expansion and internal divisions with Hamas, which governs Gaza.

Although Palestinian representatives already stationed at the UN mission in New York will still be allowed to participate, the exclusion of Abbas and other senior officials could significantly weaken Palestinian involvement in key diplomatic discussions, including a planned high-level meeting on the two-state solution led by France and Saudi Arabia.