The United States has again denied Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials visas to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking the second consecutive year Abbas has been prevented from attending the annual gathering in person.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NBBSPIDEL.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The decision comes ahead of the high-level general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly, scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The US State Department said it was extending visa restrictions against officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, accusing both bodies of failing to fulfil commitments previously made to Washington and of taking actions it says undermine prospects for peace with Israel.
According to the State Department, the measures are being imposed under existing US law. Washington cited Palestinian efforts to pursue cases involving Israel before the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, efforts to obtain broader international recognition of a Palestinian state outside direct negotiations, and continued payments to families of Palestinian prisoners convicted of attacks against Israelis.
The State Department did not publicly identify all officials affected by the restrictions, but the Associated Press reported that Abbas is among members of the high-level Palestinian delegation denied permission to travel to New York.
Washington said a standing waiver remains in effect for personnel formally assigned to the PLO Observer Mission to the United Nations, meaning Palestinian diplomats already accredited to the UN will still be able to participate in proceedings. Palestine has non-member observer state status at the UN and does not have a vote in the General Assembly.
The latest decision mirrors US action ahead of the 2025 General Assembly, when Abbas and other Palestinian representatives were also denied visas. The UN General Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution permitting Abbas to participate remotely, and he delivered his address by video.
A similar arrangement may again be required this year. Reuters reported that the 193-member General Assembly was due to consider a proposal allowing Abbas to submit a video statement for the upcoming high-level meeting. As of the latest reporting, that vote had not yet taken place.
The visa decision also raises questions concerning the United States’ obligations as host country of the United Nations. Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the US is generally expected to facilitate access for foreign representatives travelling to UN meetings in New York. Washington, however, maintains that it can deny visas on grounds including national security, extremism and foreign-policy considerations.
The Palestinian side has argued that decades of US-mediated negotiations have failed to end Israeli occupation or produce an independent Palestinian state, while Washington maintains that Palestinian actions in international institutions and courts have undermined direct negotiations.
The dispute comes as the 81st session of the General Assembly convenes world leaders in New York for discussions on international peace and security, development and other global issues.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
