The United States has again denied Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, barring him and other Palestinian officials from travelling to the annual gathering.
The decision, announced by the US State Department on Thursday, marks the second consecutive year that Abbas has been prevented from attending the high-level UN meeting in person. The UN General Assembly subsequently voted to allow him to address the body through a pre-recorded video statement.
The State Department said visas would be denied to members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority, citing what it described as their failure to meet commitments to the United States and actions that undermine prospects for peace.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Abbas was among those affected by the decision.
Last year, the US also denied Abbas a visa, forcing the Palestinian leader, who has regularly addressed the General Assembly, to participate by video.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the latest decision, describing it as an unjustified measure that could undermine efforts to rebuild trust between Washington and the Palestinians and efforts towards a two-state solution.
The ministry also disputed the US position that the Palestinian leadership had failed to implement reforms, pointing to changes in its social welfare system as well as financial, administrative, educational and legal reforms.
The United States and Israel have long criticised the Palestinian Authority over payments historically made to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed in connection with attacks against Israelis. The Palestinian Authority has since changed the system to base welfare payments on economic need rather than political affiliation or prisoner status.
In announcing the visa restrictions, the US State Department also accused the PLO and Palestinian Authority of pursuing actions at international institutions that it said undermined previous commitments.
Washington specifically cited Palestinian efforts at the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, attempts to secure international recognition outside negotiations, and what it described as continued payments and public glorification of individuals involved in attacks against Israelis.
The latest decision comes as the United States continues to maintain restrictions on people travelling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. A US State Department proclamation issued in January 2026 included a suspension of visa issuance for such travellers, with limited exceptions.
The Palestinian leadership has rejected the US characterisation of its policies, saying its reforms were intended to meet international standards and strengthen Palestinian institutions.
The decision has also drawn attention because the United States, as host country for the UN headquarters in New York, normally facilitates access for foreign diplomats attending UN meetings, although Washington maintains that security and foreign-policy considerations can justify restrictions.
The General Assembly’s decision to permit Abbas to participate remotely means he can address the annual gathering despite being unable to travel to New York.
The dispute comes as the 81st UN General Assembly prepares to open its high-level debate, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict expected to remain among the major issues before world leaders.
