The United States has blocked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly for the second consecutive year, a source familiar with the decision confirmed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
State Department Extends Visa Restrictions on PA and PLO Officials
The visa denial came alongside a broader announcement from the State Department, which confirmed it was extending visa restrictions on Palestinian Authority (PA) officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). As Al Jazeera reported, the American government accused both bodies of failing to honour commitments made to the US.
The State Department's statement listed a series of actions it said justified the measures, including the PA and PLO pursuing cases against Israel at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, seeking international recognition of a Palestinian state outside of formal negotiations, and continuing to make payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families. It described these payments as the "glorification of acts of terrorism."
The restrictions apply under the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002. The State Department did not name any of the specific officials who would be affected by the measures.
One Exception for UN Observer Mission
One exception was built into the announcement: a standing waiver will remain in effect for personnel assigned to the PLO Observer Mission to the United Nations, allowing that diplomatic presence to continue functioning in New York.
This is the second straight year Abbas has been denied entry to attend the annual gathering. In 2024, member states voted to allow him to address the assembly by video after a similar refusal barred him from appearing in person.
What the Refusal Means
The back-to-back denials represent a significant diplomatic signal from Washington, effectively preventing the Palestinian head of state from participating in one of the most prominent multilateral forums in the world. The UN General Assembly typically draws dozens of heads of state and government each September.
The State Department did not say whether Abbas could seek alternative means of participation, as was arranged last year when member states approved his remote address.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy directed at foreign nationals linked to South Africa's race-based policies. Rubio said those who enact or enable land confiscation without compensation or incite violence against minorities would be targeted. The move follows President Trump's earlier criticism of the South African government over its treatment of the Afrikaner minority.
