US Bars Palestinian Delegation and President Abbas from 2026 UN General Assembly
For the second year in a row, the United States has denied visas to Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, blocking their participation at the UN General Assembly in New York.
By Claire Dubois · First published 17 Sept 2026
In brief
- The United States denied visa requests for the Palestinian delegation, including President Mahmoud Abbas, for the 2026 UN General Assembly.
- This is the second consecutive year that President Abbas and senior Palestinian officials are barred from attending the event in person.
- The US State Department cited ongoing policy concerns and lack of reforms as reasons for the decision.
- More than 150 countries at the UN General Assembly voted to reject the US move to bar the Palestinian delegation.
- President Abbas will address the UN General Assembly by video after the Assembly approved this option again.
Timeline · 4 moments
US refuses visas to Palestinian delegation for UN General Assembly
CBC Top Stories ↗US extends visa curbs to President Mahmoud Abbas and officials
Times of India Top Stories ↗State Department continues visa sanctions against Palestinian Authority
Al Jazeera ↗US denies President Abbas visa for second year in a row
© AFP ↗Update 17 Sept 2026, 10:59 pm UTC
The United States has again denied visas to Palestinian officials, including President Abbas, for the 2026 UN General Assembly. Over 150 countries at the UN General Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the US decision, and the Assembly voted to let Abbas address the gathering by video for the second year in a row.
Update 17 Sept 2026, 3:08 pm UTC
The US has again denied visas to Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, for the 2026 UN General Assembly. Palestinian representatives criticized the decision and confirmed Abbas will address the assembly virtually for the second year in a row.
Update 17 Sept 2026, 7:27 am UTC
The US has officially extended its visa sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and PLO members for another year, confirming that President Mahmoud Abbas will be barred from attending the 2026 UN General Assembly. Palestinian officials are expected to participate via video statement instead of attending in person.
How it started
The US and Palestinian officials have had a strained relationship in recent years, particularly regarding diplomatic access. In 2025, the United States began restricting visas for Palestinian delegations to the United Nations, preventing their participation in key international meetings. These restrictions were part of a broader set of sanctions and diplomatic measures impacting Palestinian Authority leaders. The visa denial for the 2025 UN General Assembly set a precedent, raising concerns about the implications for international dialogue.
How it unfolded
On September 17, 2026, multiple news outlets reported that the United States again denied visas to the Palestinian delegation ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York. This included a direct refusal for President Mahmoud Abbas, who was expected to lead the delegation. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the US State Department had extended visa bans covering Abbas and other high-ranking Palestinian officials. The decision marked the second consecutive year such restrictions were enforced, continuing from the previous year's policy.
The visa denials were announced just days before the UN General Assembly was set to begin. According to coverage, the US cited ongoing sanctions and broader diplomatic considerations as reasons for maintaining the ban. Critics, including some UN observers and peace advocates, argued that excluding Palestinian voices from the General Assembly could further stall efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As the story developed, it became clear that the restrictions were not limited to President Abbas but applied to a broader group of Palestinian Authority officials. This move drew international attention and debate about the impact on diplomatic engagement at the United Nations.
Where it stands
As of now, the Palestinian delegation, including President Abbas, remains unable to attend the 2026 UN General Assembly in New York. The US has not indicated any plans to review or lift the visa restrictions. The absence of Palestinian officials at such a high-profile international gathering highlights ongoing frictions between the US and Palestinian leadership. The situation has also raised questions about the broader implications for peace efforts and diplomatic representation at the United Nations.
What to watch
Observers are watching to see whether the US will reconsider its visa policy ahead of future international meetings. The ongoing exclusion of Palestinian officials could affect diplomatic initiatives and the prospects for renewed peace talks in the Middle East.
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