Washington, USA, August 30, 2025
In a new diplomatic spat, the US has denied visas to dozens of Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of next month’s United Nations General Assembly. The move, which has been widely condemned by the Palestinian Authority and other nations, is a significant escalation of tensions and a blow to diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Key Headlines
* Abbas Barred: The visa ban applies to President Mahmoud Abbas and approximately 80 other officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
* A “Violation of International Law”: The Palestinian Authority has condemned the decision as a “violation of international law” and the UN Headquarters Agreement.
* US Justification: The US State Department said the move was in its national security interests to hold the PA and PLO “accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.”
* EU Urges Reconsideration: The European Union and other countries, including Spain and Turkey, have urged the US to reconsider the decision.
The US State Department announced today that it is denying and revoking visas for members of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization ahead of the annual UN General Assembly meeting in New York. The ban includes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has addressed the UN for years and was expected to lead the Palestinian delegation. The US justified the move by stating that the PA and PLO “must consistently repudiate terrorism” and “end incitement to terrorism in education.”
The Palestinian Authority has strongly denounced the visa withdrawals. Its official spokesperson stated that the decision “contravenes international law and the Headquarters Agreement, especially since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations.” The spokesperson urged the US to reverse its decision, warning that it “will only increase tension and escalation.” The UN has a headquarters agreement with the US as the host country, which generally requires the US to grant visas to foreign diplomats for UN business. However, the US has cited national security concerns to justify the ban.
The move has been met with condemnation from the international community. The European Union has urged the US to reconsider the decision, citing international law and the UN’s founding principles. Spain’s Prime Minister has also expressed his “firm support” for Abbas. Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister has thanked the US for the “bold step.” The denial of visas comes as several European countries have been leading a push to recognize a Palestinian state.
