US Revokes Visas for Palestinian President Abbas, Officials Ahead of UN General Assembly

WASHINGTON – The United States has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials, a significant diplomatic move announced just weeks before the annual high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly in September. The Palestinian Authority has vehemently condemned the decision, labeling it a violation of international law.

A State Department official, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of visa matters, confirmed Friday that President Abbas and numerous other Palestinian Authority officials are subject to the new restrictions. Crucially, Palestinian representatives assigned to the U.N. mission itself have been granted exceptions, ensuring their ability to operate in New York.

This latest action marks an escalation in U.S. pressure on the Palestinian leadership. The State Department stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio also mandated the denial of new visa applications from Palestinian officials, including those affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

“It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department declared. The statement emphasized that for these groups to be considered partners for peace, they “must consistently repudiate terrorism, and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO.”

The Palestinian Authority expressed “deep regret and astonishment,” asserting that the visa withdrawals contravene international law and the U.S. Headquarters Agreement with the United Nations, particularly as Palestine holds observer member status. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric indicated the global body would seek clarification from the State Department, stressing the importance of all member states and permanent observers being adequately represented.

Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the U.N., confirmed Friday that President Abbas had intended to lead the delegation and address the General Assembly, a long-standing tradition. Abbas was also slated to attend a high-level meeting on the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for September 22.

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