Hamas criticizes US decision to deny visas to Palestinian delegation

Hamas calls US denial of visas to Palestinian delegation a breach of agreement

Hamas described the US refusal to issue visas to the Palestinian delegation seeking to attend United Nations General Assembly meetings as a violation of international agreements. The UN General Assembly approved Palestine’s participation in the general debate of its 81st session through a prerecorded speech, with 152 votes in favor.

Scraper SystemSeptember 21, 2026, 07:30 PM

Hamas calls US denial of visas to Palestinian delegation a breach of agreement

Hamas condemned the US refusal to issue visas to the Palestinian delegation seeking to attend United Nations General Assembly meetings.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement on Monday that the decision was a clear violation of the international conventions and agreements governing the operation of the UN headquarters. Qassem argued that the move showed the United States’ continued full support for Israel.

Visa restrictions enter second year

As Washington’s visa restrictions on Palestinian officials entered their second year, the United States also denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials in 2025. Abbas attended the General Assembly meeting that year via video link.

The United Nations General Assembly decided on Thursday to allow Palestine to participate in the general debate of the 81st session by showing a prerecorded speech by its president in the General Assembly Hall. The decision received the support of 152 countries; three opposed it and four abstained.

Palestinian administration seeks direct dialogue

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry rejected Washington’s extension of visa restrictions on Palestinian officials. The ministry also rejected the US justification that the decision was based on the Palestinian side’s failure to fulfill its obligations toward the United States.

The ministry also called for the restrictions to be lifted and for direct Palestinian-US dialogue to begin.

The 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement obliges the United States, as the host country, to facilitate representatives of states and organizations participating in UN activities gaining access to the UN headquarters in New York.

Palestine’s status at the UN

Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the UN since 2012. According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, 160 of the UN’s 193 members recognize the State of Palestine; Palestine is also a party to more than 100 international organizations and agreements.

Israel and the United States oppose recognition of Palestine as a state. The United States has also blocked Palestine from obtaining full UN membership, instead of its current status, by using its veto power at the UN Security Council.

Hamas calls US denial of visas to Palestinian delegation a breach of agreement