Arab, Muslim nations urge US to reverse visa denial for Palestinian delegation at UNGA

CAIRO – 30 August 2025: Many Arab and Muslim nations have called on the United States to reverse its decision of denying entry visas to the Palestinian delegation at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), set to take place in New York this September.

In a statement on Saturday, the Arab Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza expressed its deep regret over the US State Department’s decision.

The committee called for upholding commitments under the Agreement Regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations and ensuring the opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy.

The committee also stressed the importance of building upon the positive stances of the Palestinian Authority and its firm commitment to the strategic option of peace.

US President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Friday blocking the issuance of visas to senior Palestinian officials willing to attend the UNGA meeting.

A US State Department official stated that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and about 80 officials are affected by the decision.

In its statement, the US State Department said its decision is affiliated with the Palestinian Authority’s “efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state.”

Several countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Australia, have announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state during the UNGA meeting, decisions slammed by the US.

In its statement, the committee on Gaza underscored the necessity of supporting the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas in advancing the government’s reform agenda.

The committee urged endorsement of the commitments that Abbas has reiterated to world leaders in support of peace, and in confronting violence, extremism, and terrorism, particularly in light of the current unprecedented escalation against the Palestinian people.

The committee warns that weakening the Palestinian Authority will undermine peace efforts in the face of rising violence, escalation, and the ongoing conflict.