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 in-person attendance at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. On September 16, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced an extension of visa restrictions against officials of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), citing a failure to implement promised reforms and activities that undermine peace prospects.

Washington specifically accused the Palestinian leadership of attempting to internationalize the conflict by seeking recognition through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, rather than through direct negotiations. Additionally, the U.S. criticized the continuation of certain financial payments and noted a general lack of compliance with legislative commitments made to the United States.

This decision marks a continued strain in diplomatic relations. Similar to the 2025 incident, the denial of entry forces President Abbas to address international leaders via video link. The U.S. remains firm in its stance, linking the travel ban to the perceived inability of the Palestinian Authority to meet its reform obligations.