The United States has denied visas to 80 Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Trump administration cites national security concerns and adherence to anti-terrorism laws as the basis for this decision.
This move has sparked international criticism, with several countries planning to recognize Palestinian statehood during a conference on September 22, 2025. France, the UK, Canada, and Australia are among those expected to extend recognition, despite U.S opposition.
The United Nations, as the host nation, is obligated to facilitate the participation of member states’ representatives. Calls have emerged to relocate the conference to Geneva, as was done in 1988 when the U.S. denied a visa to Yasser Arafat. This denial underscores the challenges Palestine faces in its pursuit of full UN membership and broader international recognition. Palestinian leaders can’t enter the US to attend the UN General Assembly.
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