US Visa Ban on Palestinian Officials for UNGA Meeting Draws Criticism from France

The French government, represented by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, has voiced its objection to the United States’ decision to deny visas to Palestinian representatives for the forthcoming UN General Assembly. Barrot emphasized the importance of unrestricted access to the UNGA during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Denmark. Several other ministers present in Copenhagen joined France in calling upon the US to reverse its decision and allow the Palestinian delegation to attend. This move by the US has been viewed with concern, especially as France is leading efforts to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN gathering in New York. The US stance is perceived as further aligning with the Israeli government during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Under the established agreement as host of the United Nations, the US is expected to facilitate access for officials attending UN events. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a visa ban on Friday, preventing Palestinian officials from attending the annual UN General Assembly. The visa restrictions apply to officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation who are not based at the Palestinian mission to the UN. The US Department of State released a statement justifying the visa ban, citing US law and the need to hold the PLO and PA accountable for failing to meet their commitments and undermining peace. The statement also demanded that the Palestinian Authority renounce terrorism, including the October 7 massacre, and halt incitement to terrorism in educational materials. Moreover, it criticized the PA’s efforts to bypass negotiations through international legal challenges, which the US believes contributed to the collapse of ceasefire talks in Gaza.