Hamas condemns US refusal to issue visas to Palestinian UN delegation

Hamas has condemned the US refusal to grant visas to a Palestinian delegation seeking to attend the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York, calling the decision a violation of international agreements.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said on September 21 that the decision was a “flagrant violation” of agreements governing the work of the UN headquarters and accused Washington of continuing its “complete US bias” towards Israel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The visa restrictions have continued for a second year. In 2025, the US denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials, forcing Abbas to address the General Assembly by video link.

The UN General Assembly voted on September 17 to allow the State of Palestine to participate in the general debate of its 81st session through a prerecorded address by Abbas. The resolution was supported by 152 countries, while three opposed it and four abstained.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry rejected the US decision to extend visa restrictions on Palestinian officials, citing alleged failures to meet commitments towards Washington. It called for the restrictions to be lifted and for direct dialogue between the Palestinian and US sides.

Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the US, as the host country, is required to facilitate access to the UN headquarters in New York for representatives of states and entities participating in UN activities.

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 member states recognise the State of Palestine.

The US and Israel oppose recognition of Palestine as a state, while Washington has used its veto at the UN Security Council to block Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.

By Aghakazim Guliyev