US denies visas to Palestinian President Abbas for UN General Assembly

The Palestinian Authority has publicly condemned the United States’ decision to deny visas to President Mahmoud Abbas and dozens of senior Palestinian officials scheduled to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly. The denial marks the second consecutive year that Washington has blocked the Palestinian leader’s participation in the UN’s annual gathering, prompting the PA to describe the move as “unjustified” and a further erosion of Palestinian diplomatic engagement on the world stage.

U.S. officials cited security concerns and alleged links to extremist groups as the basis for the visa refusals, a rationale that has been contested by Palestinian representatives who argue the restrictions are politically motivated. The decision comes as the UNGA prepares to convene on September 23, with many member states already confirming visas for their delegations, while the United Nations has not intervened in the bilateral visa dispute. The continued exclusion of President Abbas is expected to limit the Palestinian Authority’s ability to present its positions directly at the summit and may intensify calls for alternative diplomatic channels to ensure Palestinian representation in future UN deliberations.