US Revokes Visas for Palestinian Officials Ahead of UN General Assembly

The Trump Administration, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has revoked and denied visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. This unprecedented move aims to hold the PLO and PA accountable for supporting terrorism, including the October 7 massacre, and for unilateral efforts to gain international recognition of a Palestinian state outside of negotiated peace talks. The administration emphasized that these actions undermine peace prospects and national security interests, warning that the PA must cease incitement to terrorism, stop pursuing international legal campaigns, and return to constructive negotiations with Israel. Palestinian representatives assigned to the UN mission in New York will receive waivers to continue their operations, but key figures such as PA President Mahmoud Abbas may be barred from attending the assembly. The decision contradicts the UN-US agreement guaranteeing all heads of state the right to address the forum and comes as several US allies prepare to recognize Palestinian statehood. The administration remains open to re-engagement if the PA and PLO meet their obligations and commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel.