The European Union expressed regret over the United States' decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials for the second consecutive year, urging Washington to reconsider its stance ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

The US State Department announced this week that it would refuse entry visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and members of his delegation, preventing their physical attendance at the session scheduled to begin next Tuesday. The denial follows a similar move last year under the administration of President Donald Trump, which required Abbas to address the General Assembly remotely.

Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU’s diplomatic service, conveyed disappointment with the visa denials, noting the United States’ obligations as host country under existing headquarters agreements with the UN. He called on US authorities to revisit the decision to ensure the Palestinian delegation’s participation.

The General Assembly overwhelmingly approved by a 152-3 vote on Thursday to allow Abbas to participate virtually once again this year. Currently, only members of the Palestinian mission stationed at the UN will be able to attend the session in person.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also voiced concern over the US measure, indicating that it could hinder the State of Palestine’s full engagement in UN activities.

The United States and Israel have long opposed the Palestinian Authority’s practice of distributing payments to families of prisoners and individuals killed in the conflict, including those involved in attacks against Israelis. Recently, the Palestinian Authority altered the payment system to allocate assistance based on need rather than affiliation or prisoner status.

US officials have further criticized Palestinian efforts to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian dispute by pursuing legal action through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, arguing that such steps seek to circumvent direct negotiations.

The US government’s decision contrasts with that of 142 United Nations member states, which recognized a Palestinian state in 2015. This ongoing discord underscores persistent challenges in diplomatic efforts surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the participation of Palestinian representatives in international forums.