US Blocks Abbas from Attending UN as Western Allies Move to Recognize Palestine

The United States has barred Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and dozens of Palestinian officials from attending next month’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, a move that comes as several Western allies prepare to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Citing national security concerns and foreign policy priorities, the State Department confirmed that Abbas and roughly 80 other members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) would not be granted visas. The decision excludes diplomats already stationed at the Palestinian mission to the UN.

Abbas had planned to participate in the annual gathering of world leaders, as well as a separate summit where Britain, France, Australia, and Canada are expected to extend official recognition to Palestine. The Palestinian leadership expressed shock, accusing Washington of violating the 1947 UN “headquarters agreement,” which typically obliges the US to allow foreign representatives access to the UN.

“We call on the US administration to reverse this decision,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Abbas. “It contradicts international law and obstructs Palestine’s right to make its voice heard.”

The move has drawn sharp criticism across Europe. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted that UN access should never be restricted, while Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris urged the European Union to protest “in the strongest possible terms.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez personally contacted Abbas to express solidarity, calling the US decision “unjust.”

The State Department defended its position by accusing the PLO and PA of failing to denounce extremism, especially after the Hamas-led massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite Abbas condemning the attack in a June letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, US officials say the PA has not done enough to repudiate terrorism.

“It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable,” the State Department said. “Unilateral efforts to gain recognition undermine the peace process.”

While over 147 UN member states already recognize a Palestinian state, the renewed push by key Western democracies has triggered tension with both Israel and the United States. Both governments argue that recognition should come only through direct negotiations, not international pressure campaigns.

This is not the first time the US has blocked Palestinian leadership from attending the UN. In 1988, Yasser Arafat was denied a visa, prompting the General Assembly to relocate its session to Geneva so he could address the body.

As the debate over recognition intensifies, the UN has confirmed it is in talks with the US regarding the visa issue. Whether this leads to a diplomatic compromise or further standoff remains to be seen.

As Israel continues to defend its interests on the world stage, the importance of clear-eyed diplomacy, historical understanding, and principled action has never been greater. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to follow Israel’s ongoing diplomatic and security developments.