US Extends Entry Ban, Preventing Palestinian Leader Abbas from UN Assembly

The United States has extended sanctions that prevent certain Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials from entering the country, effectively barring PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, referred to as "terrorist Abu Mazen" in the original headline, from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly. This marks the second consecutive year Washington has denied Abbas and other senior officials visas for the international forum.

The State Department cited the PA and PLO's failure to meet commitments aimed at supporting the peace process with Israel. Specific grievances include continued engagement in international legal and diplomatic arenas, such as appeals to the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The US also opposes unilateral state recognition efforts through international bodies and objects to PA payments to families of convicted terrorists, as well as alleged incitement and glorification of violence.

These visa restrictions continue the policy implemented before the 2025 UN General Assembly. Last August, then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked or denied visas for senior officials, including Abbas, citing non-compliance with commitments and actions detrimental to political progress.

The current sanctions are based on U.S. legislation, including the PLO Commitments Compliance Act and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act. The State Department has informed Congress of its decision. However, the restrictions do not fully apply to the permanent PLO delegation to the UN due to existing host country agreements.

Following the entry ban, discussions are underway to allow Abbas to participate remotely via video, a method used last year. This decision adds another point of tension in U.S.-Palestinian relations ahead of a major diplomatic event, with the U.S. framing the measures as enforcement of its laws and pressure for policy changes, while Palestinian leadership is expected to continue presenting its positions internationally.