The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the U.S. government Saturday to reverse its decision to revoke his visa, just weeks before he is scheduled to attend the United Nations’ annual meeting and an international conference on the creation of a Palestinian state.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled the visas of Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of next month’s high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, the State Department announced Friday. Palestinian representatives who are part of the U.N. mission were given exceptions.
This step is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration that place visa restrictions on Palestinians.
In a statement, the State Department said Rubio also directed that some new visa applications from Palestinian officials, including those connected to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), be denied.
“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 statement said.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the visa cancellations, saying they violate U.S. obligations as the host nation of the United Nations.
Abbas has regularly addressed the U.N. General Assembly and typically leads the Palestinian delegation.
“We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation,” Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday.
He added that Palestinian officials have been in contact with Arab and foreign governments about the issue and that efforts will continue “around the clock.” He also urged other nations to pressure the U.S. to change course.
European Union nations show support
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized the restrictions on access to the U.N. General Assembly and said he would raise the matter with European Union counterparts.
“The United Nations headquarters is a place of neutrality, a sanctuary dedicated to peace, where conflicts are resolved,” Barrot said Saturday. “The UN General Assembly … cannot suffer any restrictions on access.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he spoke with Abbas on Saturday to show Madrid’s support, calling the visa denial “unjust.”
“Palestine has the right to make its voice heard at the United Nations and in all international forums,” he posted on X.
The U.S. decision comes as the Israeli military declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone, saying Gaza City continues to serve as a Hamas stronghold.
