Mahmoud Abbas Blocked from UN Assembly as International Support for Palestinian State Grows

Diplomatic Crisis Unfolds as Abbas Faces US Entry Ban

The Palestinian presidency has expressed “astonishment” at Washington’s recent decision to revoke the visas of President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials ahead of next month’s crucial United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.

The situation has gained particular significance as France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the assembly. Currently, Palestine is recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states.

International Response and Legal Implications

The European Union has called on Washington to reconsider its visa denials, with EU foreign policy leaders emphasizing the importance of reconsidering this decision. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has stressed that the General Assembly “cannot suffer any restrictions on access,” describing the UN headquarters as “a place of neutrality, a sanctuary dedicated to peace.”

The visa ban appears to contradict the 1947 UN “headquarters agreement,” which requires the US to allow foreign diplomats access to the UN in New York.

Abbas’s Recent Leadership Moves

In a significant development this year, Abbas created the post of vice president and appointed Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, positioning him as his likely successor.

Abbas has pledged to hold elections in 2026, while the Palestinian Authority faces pressure from Arab and Western states to undergo significant reform as they push for the body to replace Hamas as Gaza’s governing authority.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Abbas, who has not faced an election in almost two decades, currently leads the Palestinian Authority which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Authority has not governed in Gaza since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory.

In recent statements, Abbas has indicated that the Palestinian Authority is ready to assume “full responsibility” in post-war Gaza, including managing the return of displaced persons, providing basic services, managing crossings, and overseeing reconstruction of the war-torn territory.