EU Urges US to Reverse Visa Ban on Palestinian Delegation

The European Union on Saturday called on the United States to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and members of the Palestinian delegation, preventing their physical participation in the UN General Assembly in New York. The EU expressed regret that this measure is being repeated for the second consecutive year.

The European stance comes after the US maintained restrictions on visas for Abbas and approximately 80 other Palestinian officials, hindering their in-person attendance at high-level meetings during the 81st session of the General Assembly. The visa restrictions do not apply to currently accredited members of the Palestinian Mission to the UN.

Last Thursday, the UN General Assembly voted 152-3 with 4 abstentions in favor of allowing the Palestinian delegation to participate in UN meetings via video conference when unable to attend due to US visa restrictions. The United States, Israel, and Paraguay opposed this resolution, while Colombia, Honduras, Panama, and Peru abstained.

Washington previously denied visas to Abbas and Palestinian officials for the 2025 General Assembly, forcing the Palestinian president to deliver his speech via video then as well. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed regret over the US decision on Friday, with his spokesperson stating Guterres is concerned about the impact on Palestine's ability to fully participate in UN activities.

The US administration justifies the visa restrictions by citing Palestinian actions before international bodies, including appeals to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, as well as efforts to gain international recognition for a Palestinian state outside of negotiation processes.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the US decision, deeming it "unjustified and contrary to efforts to restore trust, develop Palestinian-American relations, and create the necessary political climate for implementing the two-state solution and achieving peace and stability in the region." The 81st session of the UN General Assembly began on September 8th, with high-level general debate scheduled from September 22nd to 28th in New York. Abbas is slated to deliver his address on September 24th.