US revokes visas for PA President Abbas, 80 PA officials ahead of UN assembly over move to recognize Palestinian statehood

The United States has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 Palestinian Authority officials ahead of next month’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where several countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state.

An anonymous State Department official told several media outlets that Abbas’ personal travel visa was affected by a U.S. decision made weeks earlier.

“It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said, adding that only groups that “consistently repudiate terrorism and end incitement to terrorism in education” can be considered partners for peace.

The decision was met with strong criticism by the Palestinian Authority (PA) as well as European nations, particularly those supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Abbas’ presidential office expressed “deep regret and astonishment” at the decision, charging that it “contravenes international law and the Headquarters Agreement, especially since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations.”

PA presidential spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, told the Associated Press: “We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation.”

“We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock,” he added, calling on other countries to pressure the Trump administration over the issue.

France and Saudi Arabia are leading the conference set for Sept. 22, during which several nations, including Britain, France, Australia and Canada, plan to announce their formal recognition of a Palestinian state.

On Saturday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that there should be no travel restrictions for UNGA participants.

“With my European colleagues, I deplore the revocation of visas for representatives of the Palestinian Authority and the PLO ahead of the UN General Assembly. The UN headquarters is a sanctuary in the service of peace: it cannot tolerate any restrictions on access,” Barrot said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark.

“In the light of the existing agreements between the UN and its host state, we all urge for this decision to be reconsidered,” EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said following the meeting.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he spoke with Abbas and expressed, “Spain's firm support following the unjust revocation of visas for Palestinian delegates at the upcoming high-level week of the United Nations.”

“Palestine has the right to make its voice heard in the United Nations and in all international forums. The attacks on civilians in Gaza are inhumane and must cease immediately,” Sanchez wrote on 𝕏. “Implementing the two-State solution is the only path to peace.”

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric also criticized the U.S. decision, noting he would seek further clarification.

“We obviously hope that this will be resolved,” he said. “It is important that all member states, permanent observers be able to be represented.”