Palestine Prez Mahmoud Abbas Denied US Visa Again Ahead Of UN General Assembly

The United States has denied Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, preventing him from addressing the gathering in person for the second consecutive year.

The US State Department informed the Palestinian delegation that Abbas’ visa application had been rejected. Palestinian officials are expected to arrange for Abbas to deliver his address remotely or through a prerecorded video.

The decision comes as the UN General Assembly prepares for discussions heavily focused on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, regional security and efforts towards Palestinian statehood.

The visa denial comes amid existing US restrictions on some Palestinian leaders and officials. The State Department has previously cited American laws relating to security, associations and compliance with US statutory requirements when imposing such restrictions.

Washington has also previously used visa and entry restrictions against Palestinian officials, particularly when it has raised concerns involving national security and other US foreign policy considerations.

The decision has also renewed attention on the United States’ responsibilities as the UN host country. Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the US is generally required to facilitate access for foreign officials travelling to the United Nations for official business.

However, Washington has maintained that domestic laws and national security considerations can affect visa decisions.

Abbas’ absence means he will not be physically present in New York as the General Assembly takes up issues surrounding Gaza and Palestinian statehood. Palestinian officials and other critics have argued that denying Abbas entry could affect the ability of a recognised Palestinian delegation to participate fully in UN proceedings.

Despite being unable to travel to the US, Abbas is expected to address the General Assembly remotely. The arrangement could involve a live remote appearance or a prerecorded video, with Palestinian officials working on the format.

The decision is likely to add another point of tension between Washington and the Palestinian leadership ahead of the gathering.

The White House and the UN Secretariat had not immediately issued detailed statements on the visa decision or confirmed the final arrangements for Abbas’ remote address.