U.S. Revokes Visas for Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN Gathering, Says State Department

The United States is revoking or denying visas for certain members of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation just weeks before the United Nations General Assembly convenes in September, according to a statement issued by the State Department on Friday.
The department did not disclose the names of those affected, and it remains unclear whether Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—who is expected to address the assembly in late September—is among those impacted.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said they are currently evaluating the implications of the decision and how it may affect their delegation. President Abbas’ office has not yet commented on the matter.
These visa actions come on the heels of U.S. sanctions imposed in July on officials from both the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. Meanwhile, several Western nations have recently moved closer to formally recognising Palestinian statehood, in an attempt to put increased diplomatic pressure on Israel.
The State Department explained that the decision aligns with U.S. national security priorities and is intended to hold the PA and PLO accountable for what it describes as failures to honour prior commitments and for actions believed to hinder peace efforts.
Palestinian officials have rejected the claim that they are obstructing peace, asserting instead that their position remains committed to a negotiated resolution.
While the United States is generally obligated to allow international diplomats entry to attend UN meetings under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, it maintains the right to deny entry on grounds related to security, counterterrorism, or broader foreign policy interests.
The U.S. clarified that the Palestinian mission to the UN in New York would not be affected by the visa restrictions but did not provide further details.
Palestinians continue to advocate for a sovereign state encompassing the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Many blame the collapse of peace prospects on Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank and widespread destruction in Gaza during the current conflict—claims Israel firmly denies.
In recent weeks, countries including Canada, the UK, Australia, and France have either recognised or expressed support for recognising a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN meetings. These moves have increased diplomatic pressure amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.