US denies visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for UN General Assembly

The United States government has denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the second consecutive year, preventing his attendance at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The U.S. State Department announced on September 16, 2026, that it is extending visa sanctions against officials of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Washington justified this decision by citing a lack of required political reforms, as well as Palestinian efforts to internationalize the conflict through legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the move as an unjustified act that hinders peace efforts. In response to the U.S. decision, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution supported by 152 states demanding that the United States revoke its travel restrictions on the Palestinian delegation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret, warning that the policy impedes the State of Palestine's ability to participate in international forums. While the Palestinian leadership remains blocked, the current status confirms that only the existing Palestinian mission members already in New York will represent the nation at the summit.