Washington( The COW News Digital)In a move stirring international criticism, the United States has refused visas to the Palestinian delegation, effectively barring them from attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. The denial comes at a crucial moment when the General Assembly is expected to debate and possibly recognize Palestine, with several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada, reportedly considering acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood.
According to media reports, the Trump administration rejected visa applications for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the accompanying delegation, preventing them from traveling to the United States. This decision has revived calls among international diplomats and rights groups to shift UN conferences from New York to Geneva to avoid similar restrictions in the future.
The 78th UNGA session officially began today in New York, with high-level debates scheduled from September 23 to 27, and the closing session slated for September 29. A key event on September 22—a one-day conference on the two-state solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France—was expected to host President Abbas as a central figure. His absence, observers argue, undermines the credibility of the dialogue and reflects Washington’s long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood.
The situation echoes a similar episode from 1988, when the US barred late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from entering New York to address the UN. However, analysts note that this is the first time in history that an entire Palestinian delegation has been collectively denied entry. Critics claim the move aims to obstruct Palestinian participation in what could become one of the most significant diplomatic moments since the Oslo Accords.
European voices are now pushing back. Danish Member of the European Parliament, Per Clausen, has suggested relocating the UN conference to Geneva, stressing that the international community must ensure Palestinians have the right to represent themselves on the world stage. “The UN must not be held hostage by unilateral US decisions,” Clausen argued, calling for stronger measures to send a clear message to Washington.
Meanwhile, expectations are building that Spain and several other European nations may follow through on measures to formally recognize Palestine, particularly amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and growing calls for sanctions on Israel. The US decision has intensified debates over whether New York should continue as the permanent host city for UN assemblies, especially when member states are excluded from participation.
