Overview
- The State Department announced the extension on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2026, saying it will deny visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and officials of the Palestinian Authority, including President Mahmoud Abbas.
- The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to let Abbas speak by prerecorded video after the visa denial, with his delegation’s accredited diplomats still allowed to attend in person.
- The State Department kept a standing waiver that allows personnel assigned to the PLO Observer Mission to operate in New York so routine UN work by accredited staff can continue.
- The decision came as Washington approved visas for a limited core Iranian delegation to attend the General Assembly, prompting public appeals from allies such as France to reverse the Palestinian visa policy.
- U.S. officials cited violations of U.S. laws that govern PLO and PA commitments and pointed to ICC and ICJ actions plus payments linked to attackers; the move risks renewed strain on U.S. obligations to facilitate UN access and on diplomatic ties with partners.