Politics & Diplomacy

UN chief regrets US visa denial for Palestinian leader Abbas

Times of Palestine6h ago

Published Friday, September 18, 2026 · 23:48 Jerusalem time

Politics & Diplomacy

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By the Times of Palestine Newsdesk · 1 min read

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep regret at Washington's refusal to grant a visa to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for the second consecutive year, a UN spokesperson said Friday, according to Middle East Eye. The denial prevents Abbas from attending the annual UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The visa rejection marks a continuing diplomatic tension between the United States and the Palestinian Authority. Abbas's absence from the gathering represents a significant obstacle to Palestinian participation in the world body's most prominent annual forum.