The European Union has formally expressed regret regarding the United States government's decision to deny entry visas to Palestinian officials for the second consecutive year. These officials had intended to travel to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings scheduled for next week.
Anouar El Anouni, a spokesman for the EU's diplomatic service, stated, "We regret the decision to extend the denial of entry visas for members of the Palestinian delegation for a second year in a row." He further emphasized the EU's position, adding, "In light of its existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its obligations as host state, we urge the United States for this decision to be reconsidered."
The US State Department confirmed earlier this week that it would not grant visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other members of his delegation. This mirrors the action taken by the administration of US President Donald Trump last year, which also forced President Abbas—a regular participant at the assembly—to address the global leadership body via video link. On Thursday, the General Assembly voted 152-3 to permit Abbas to appear virtually once again this year. Currently, only members of the Palestinian mission already based at the UN will be able to attend the meeting, which commences on Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also voiced his regret on Friday, expressing concern over the potential impact this policy has "on the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations."
The US government has cited several objections regarding the Palestinian administration, including historical payments made to the families of imprisoned or slain Palestinians, such as those accused of attacking Israelis. While the Palestinian leadership has recently reformed this system to allocate welfare payments based on financial need rather than political status, the State Department continues to oppose Palestinian efforts to internationalize the conflict, including through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. The US remains at odds with the 142 UN member states that recognized the State of Palestine at the United Nations last year.
Tensions remain high as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have been subject to an ICC arrest warrant since November 2024 related to the war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 73,000 deaths and 174,000 injuries since October 7, 2023. In support of Israel, the US has implemented sanctions on ICC officials and taken a firm stance against protesters criticizing the conflict.
