(Web Desk) - The US Department of State has denied visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, barring them from attending next week’s UN General Assembly in New York in person.
The State Department cited the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and PA’s failure to meet commitments under US law, including unilateral statehood efforts, legal actions against Israel and what it described as the glorification of terrorism.
Sanctioning Officials of the Palestinian Authority and Members of the Palestine Liberation Organizationhttps://t.co/mCPpNa3AEf
— U.S. State Dept - Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) September 17, 2026“It is in our national interest to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for glorifying terrorism,” the State Department said in a statement.
Abbas could address the General Assembly virtually. According to The Jerusalem Post, the UN is considering allowing Abbas to address the General Assembly remotely.
If approved, it would mark the second consecutive year Abbas has been unable to travel to New York for the annual gathering.