The Trump administration has again refused visas to a senior Palestinian delegation seeking to attend the U.N. General Assembly, citing failures to uphold commitments to pursue peace with Israel. The State Department pointed to Palestinian legal actions at the ICJ and ICC and continued payments to families of convicted attackers as grounds for visa sanctions. The action—denying visas to PLO members and PA officials under U.S. law—underscores Washington's alignment with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. Palestinians will still be represented at the General Assembly by diplomats already accredited to the United Nations.
U.S. Again Denies Visas To Senior Palestinian Delegation Ahead Of UN General Assembly
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the inauguration ceremony of the Innovation and Excellence Compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
WASHINGTON — For the second consecutive year, the Trump administration has denied visas to a high-level Palestinian delegation that planned to attend the United Nations General Assembly's annual meeting of world leaders.
The State Department said Wednesday that Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, failed to meet commitments under prior agreements aimed at advancing a negotiated peace with Israel. The statement cited continued Palestinian legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as the payment of stipends to families of prisoners convicted of attacks on Israelis.
"As a consequence of their failure to reform, contrary to their commitments to the United States, and their ongoing activities that undermine the prospects for peace, the United States will extend sanctions that deny visas to PLO members and PA officials," the department said, noting the action is being taken in accordance with existing U.S. law.
Officials described the visa restrictions as the latest measure by the Trump administration to limit travel privileges for Palestinian leaders and as a signal of continued U.S. alignment with Israel amid international debate over Israel's conduct during the Gaza war following the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. A fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect in October, though Israel has continued strikes in Palestinian territory.
The move also comes as the administration has ramped up efforts to challenge the ICC, accusing the tribunal of seeking to unfairly prosecute U.S. and Israeli personnel for alleged crimes in Afghanistan, Iraq and Gaza. Neither Israel nor the United States are members of the court.
Despite the visa denials, Palestinians will still be represented at next week’s high-level U.N. General Assembly meeting by diplomats already accredited to the United Nations. Last year, President Abbas participated by video.
What to watch: How other U.N. member states respond to the visa denials, whether the Palestinians pursue alternative diplomatic or legal steps at the U.N., and whether further U.S. restrictions on Palestinian officials follow.
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