The United States has reportedly denied a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, alongside revoking visas for numerous other officials associated with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that Abbas is among approximately 80 individuals affected by this decision.
While the Palestinian Authority’s mission to the United Nations is expected to receive exemptions under the UN Headquarters Agreement, the denial of a visa to President Abbas raises questions regarding potential conflict with the agreement, given the United Nations’ recognition of Palestine as an observer state. This action is anticipated to significantly limit the presence of Palestinian representatives at the annual global summit, occurring amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and as several Western nations consider formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
The Palestinian presidency has expressed “deep regret and astonishment” regarding the State Department’s decision and has called upon the United States to reconsider and reverse it. Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, stated that they will be carefully assessing the implications of the decision and its application to the delegation, in order to formulate an appropriate response.