EU presses US to admit Palestinian UN delegation

The European Union has pressured the United States to reconsider its ban on Palestinians President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, escalating diplomatic tension before the event. Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the EU's External Action Service, expressed regret over the visa denial extending for a second year.

He argued the US, as host nation of UN headquarters, should review the measure in accordance with its obligations under agreements with the organization. The EU's intervention follows the US State Department's confirmation that visas would not be granted to Abbas and members of the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization delegation.

Washington claimed the restrictions stemmed from what it termed as Palestinian leaders' lack of necessary reforms and actions detrimental to peace prospects with Israel. The State Department has also criticized Palestinian efforts to bring Israel-related cases before international courts. The Palestinian leadership disputes the US reasoning, calling the visa restrictions unjustified as they hinder diplomacy and undermine efforts towards a two-state settlement.

This dispute reignites scrutiny over the 1947 agreement for UN headquarters access, which allows representatives attending UN business to be granted visas promptly. US administrations maintain host-country rules must be applied alongside American law and national security considerations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret over the visa decision and concern about its impact on Palestine's ability to fully participate in UN activities.

The disagreement has evolved beyond a US-Palestinian issue, drawing attention from European governments and wider UN membership ahead of the General Assembly's September 22 debate. The General Assembly previously approved remote participation for Abbas if he cannot attend in person. A resolution on Thursday backed virtual Palestinian involvement and called for a reversal of the US decision, reflecting broad opposition among member states to restrictions on access for UN representatives.

Palestine holds non-member observer state status at the UN and maintains a permanent observer mission in New York, meaning representation will continue even if high-level delegation access remains barred. Last year, similar US restrictions prevented Abbas from traveling to New York for the General Assembly, prompting UN members to criticize the move, arguing that denying access to invited representatives could undermine the organization's role as a diplomatic forum.

The US stance remains that Palestinian leaders must meet conditions related to governance, security, and the peace process, specifically objecting to moves at the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice involving Israel, viewing such actions as bypassing direct negotiations. Palestinian officials contend that engagement with international institutions is a legitimate diplomatic and legal path, and restrictions on their senior leadership are incompatible with efforts to restore relations with Washington and advance political negotiations.

The EU's appeal adds another layer of pressure at a critical moment for transatlantic diplomacy over the Middle East.