US Revokes Palestinian Leaders Visas before United Nations Meeting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked visas for several Palestinian Authority and PLO officials ahead of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. The State Department said the move was necessary to hold Palestinian leaders accountable for incitement and failure to repudiate terrorism. Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour vowed to assess the decision’s impact as President Mahmoud Abbas prepares to lead the delegation.
Quick Look: US Revokes Palestinian Visas Ahead UNGA
- Action: Secretary of State Marco Rubio revokes and denies Palestinian visas.
- Targeted: Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials.
- Timing: Ahead of September’s U.N. General Assembly high-level session.
- Exceptions: Palestinian mission staff in New York get waivers under U.N. host agreement.
- Reasoning: U.S. cites PA/PLO failure to repudiate terrorism, including Oct. 7 massacre.
- Impact: Number of revoked/denied visas not disclosed.
- Response: Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour says Abbas will still attend UNGA and Sept. 22 peace talks.
Deep Look: Why the US Revoked Palestinian Officials’ Visas
Rubio’s Decision and Context
The U.S. State Department confirmed Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked several visas held by officials from both the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The decision comes just weeks before the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Palestinian officials traditionally take part in diplomatic discussions.
Rubio’s move also includes instructions to deny new visa applications from Palestinian officials. The decision escalates the Trump administration’s policy of imposing visa restrictions and political pressure on Palestinian representatives while openly siding with Israel in the ongoing conflict.
The State Department framed the measure as a matter of U.S. national security, arguing that Palestinian leaders continue to “undermine prospects for peace” and have not complied with commitments to reject terrorism.
Waivers for UN Mission Staff
Despite the crackdown, the U.S. clarified that it will comply with its obligations as the U.N. host nation. This means representatives already assigned to the Palestinian mission in New York will still be granted waivers to maintain their diplomatic operations.
The department emphasized that this exception does not alter its broader stance:
“Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism — including the October 7 massacre — and end incitement to terrorism in education.”
Medical Program Halted
This move follows another controversial decision: the suspension of a humanitarian program that had allowed injured Palestinian children from Gaza to travel to the U.S. for medical care. The administration acted after conservatives launched a campaign on social media criticizing the initiative.
Together, these steps illustrate a hardline posture from Washington toward Palestinian institutions at a moment when Israel has declared Gaza City a combat zone and fighting in the enclave intensifies.
Palestinian Response and Abbas’ Role
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., confirmed Friday that he had just learned of the visa revocations and was still assessing how they might affect the delegation.
“We will see exactly what it means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly,” Mansour told reporters.
He also emphasized that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is still expected to lead the delegation to New York and deliver an address to the General Assembly — as he has done for years.
In addition, Abbas is scheduled to join a high-level peace meeting on September 22, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which will focus on reaffirming support for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side.
A Rare Diplomatic Precedent
It remains unclear how many Palestinian officials will be directly affected by the revocation and denial of visas. The U.S. has rarely used such sweeping restrictions in the lead-up to U.N. General Assembly sessions, given the U.N.’s role as a neutral platform for international diplomacy.
The step could raise tensions further between Washington and Palestinian leaders at a time when diplomacy is already strained. Analysts note the move is consistent with Trump’s broader effort to reshape U.S. foreign aid, limit Palestinian representation, and align more firmly with Israel’s military objectives.
Looking Ahead
As the U.N. prepares for its annual high-level meetings, the Palestinian delegation’s participation — though technically permitted under U.N. agreements — will take place under the shadow of new U.S. restrictions.
The decision underscores the Trump administration’s strategy of maximum pressure on Palestinian leaders while simultaneously backing Israel militarily and diplomatically. With Abbas still expected to speak in New York, the stage is set for potentially tense exchanges between Palestinian representatives and U.S. officials.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.