Full Breakdown
U.S. Extends Visa Ban on Palestinian Delegation Ahead of UN General Assembly; EU Calls for Reconsideration
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Core Event: Visa Denial and UNGA Video Permission
The U.S. State Department will continue to deny entry visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other PLO members for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA voted on September 17 to allow Abbas to address the assembly via a pre-recorded video, with 152 members in favour and the United States, Israel and Paraguay opposed.
Background & Context
Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the host country must permit foreign representatives to attend UN meetings. The State Department cited the PA and PLO for:
- Pursuing ICC and ICJ cases against Israel
- Seeking unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state
- Providing stipends to families of Palestinians convicted of attacks on Israelis
The visa restrictions, first imposed in August 2025, were extended in September 2026 for a second year. The EU’s External Action Service expressed regret and urged a reversal, referencing host-state obligations.
Data & Statistics
- UNGA video-address vote: 152-3, with four abstentions (Colombia, Honduras, Panama, Peru).
- The ban covers all senior PA officials and PLO members; the Palestinian Mission to the UN retains a standing waiver.
- The high-level week runs from September 22 through the end of the month.
Official Statements & Responses
- “We regret the decision to extend the denial of entry visas for members of the Palestinian delegation for a second year in a row,” — Anouar El Anouni, EU diplomatic service spokesman
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some outlets label the administration as “Trump administration,” while others refer simply to “the United States.”
- Voting records differ on whether abstentions are listed alongside the 152-3 tally.
- Legal citations vary between the Middle East Peace Commitments Act and the PLO Commitments Compliance Act.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In light of its existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its obligations as host state, we urge the United States for this decision to be reconsidered,” — Anouar El Anouni, EU diplomatic service
- “As long as Abbas continues his policy of making payments to terrorists and their families, he cannot expect the international community to simply ignore it. Instead of coming to New York, he will send videos. The responsibility for changing this policy is in his hands.” — UN Ambassador Danny Danon, Israel’s UN ambassador
What’s Next
The UNGA will convene on September 22 for its high-level week. Abbas’s pre-recorded statement will be broadcast during the general debate, with timing to be set by the UN Secretariat. The EU says it will keep diplomatic pressure on the United States to reverse the visa ban before the session begins.