A senior Palestinian official has criticized the United States for denying Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking the second consecutive year that Abbas has been barred from appearing in person. The official, described as one of Abbas’s closest aides, expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. decision and characterized it as politically motivated rather than based on the reforms the Palestinian Authority (PA) has undertaken.
The official stated that despite ongoing efforts by the PA to implement institutional reforms and honor commitments to the international community, the U.S. has disregarded these steps. Instead, Washington’s refusal appears linked to the PA’s diplomatic initiatives, including moves to seek state recognition through international bodies and its involvement with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), actions that both the U.S. and Israel view as unilateral.
“We thought that the Americans would enable President Abbas to come to New York and join the gathering with other world leaders. But unfortunately, the Americans did not approve our request,” the official said, noting that Abbas will deliver his speech remotely. It remains undecided whether he will address the assembly via live video or a prerecorded statement.
Recent attempts by Palestinian officials to persuade the U.S. to reverse its visa denial have been unsuccessful. “I believe it’s over. I don’t think we are going to keep pushing. America took its decision,” the official added. Nonetheless, the PA affirmed its intention to continue pursuing diplomatic efforts internationally, stating, “we will do everything necessary according to our interests.”
The U.S. State Department has defended its stance, accusing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and PA of failing to meet their obligations. In a recent statement, the department cited Palestinian efforts to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as justification for extending visa sanctions against PLO members and PA officials. The U.S. criticized payments to individuals described as terrorists, the glorification of such figures in public discourse and educational materials, and what it characterized as unilateral moves undermining peace negotiations.
In response, the office of President Abbas rejected the American position, emphasizing that “resorting to international institutions and international law is a legitimate right for the state of Palestine and a peaceful and legal means to protect our people and their rights.” The statement distinguished these actions from policies it described as threats to peace, including Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, annexation, displacement, and settler violence.
The Palestinian leadership further maintained that international recognition of a Palestinian state does not replace negotiations but rather acknowledges the “inalienable right to self-determination” and supports efforts toward a just peace based on a two-state solution.