EU Calls on US to Reconsider Visa Denial for Palestinian Delegation Ahead of UNGA

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during the foundation stone ceremony of the Innovation and Excellence Compound in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah on September 9, 2026.

The European Union has expressed regret over the United States denying visas for the second consecutive year to Palestinian Authority (PA) officials who planned to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, while calling on Washington to reverse its choice.

The announcement from Saturday follows a recent UNGA vote permitting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver a prerecorded address to the body during the upcoming 81st session.

Anouar El Anouni, speaking as a representative for the EU’s diplomatic service, stated that in view of existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its responsibilities as the host nation, the United States is urged to reconsider this ruling.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also voiced disappointment on Friday regarding the decision by Washington, noting his concern over how it affects the capacity of the State of Palestine to engage fully in United Nations activities.

The US Department of State communicated on Wednesday that visa sanctions targeting PA officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) would be extended.

According to the State Department statement, these sanctions denying visas to PLO members and PA officials are being prolonged due to a lack of reform, unmet commitments to the United States, and ongoing actions that hinder peace prospects.

The department asserted that the PA breached US law by bypassing direct negotiations in pursuit of international recognition for Palestinian statehood.

Additional justifications provided included the PA taking its dispute involving Israel to international courts and offering financial backing to individuals categorized by the US and Israel as convicted attackers alongside their families.

Despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza, no comparable US travel restrictions apply to Israeli officials.

This year's address by Mahmoud Abbas is anticipated to advocate for international recognition of Palestinian statehood and work toward reviving a two-state solution, following formal recognitions last year by nations including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.

Furthermore, the speech will focus on the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the rapid expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and settler pogroms throughout the occupied West Bank.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine welcomed the UN resolution passed on Thursday enabling Mahmoud Abbas to speak at next week's assembly, describing it as a way to overcome efforts meant to block Palestine from joining the annual UNGA session.