EU urges US to lift travel ban on Palestinian delegation for UNGA meeting
Al Jazeera
Last updated: September 19, 2026
The European Union is urging the United States to lift its travel ban on a Palestinian delegation, which is preventing them from attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York. This diplomatic push aims to ensure Palestinian representation at the crucial international forum.
- The US has imposed travel restrictions on Palestinian officials, citing security concerns. These restrictions directly impact the ability of Palestinian representatives, including President Mahmoud Abbas, to participate in person at the UNGA.
- The UNGA has approved a request to allow President Abbas to deliver his address through a prerecorded video. This decision acknowledges the limitations imposed by the US travel ban while still facilitating Palestinian engagement.
- The EU's intervention highlights a division in approach between European and American policy regarding Palestinian participation in international bodies. The core issue revolves around the freedom of movement for Palestinian diplomats and leaders for multilateral engagements.
- The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in asserting their presence and voice on the global stage due to external political and security considerations. The UNGA's allowance for a prerecorded video is a procedural workaround.
