The U.S. denial of visas to Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation ahead of the UN General Assembly has reignited disputes over America’s legal obligations as host nation under the 1947 Headquarters Agreement.
When the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York next week, the war in Gaza and Palestinian statehood will dominate debate but without Palestinian leaders in attendance.
The Trump administration has denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, and his delegation, citing national security concerns. France, Britain, Canada, and Australia are expected to recognize Palestine at a conference on Monday, a move opposed by Washington.
What’s in the agreement between the U.S. and U.N.?
The 1947 Headquarters Agreement requires the U.S. to allow access to UN representatives, regardless of relations. “We have raised this issue with the United States based on the obligations under the Headquarters Agreement,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
Can the U.S. refuse entry to leaders and U.N. diplomats?
U.S. lawmakers added provisions allowing denial of entry on security grounds. Legal experts argue the U.S. is violating obligations. “There is an underlying dispute between the U.N. and U.S. that has been there since 1947,” said former UN legal chief Larry Johnson.
Has the U.S. barred diplomats in the past?
The last outright refusal was in 1988, when Yasser Arafat was denied entry. Former U.S. ambassador Robert Wood said such rejections are rare but acknowledged delays often affect delegations from Russia, Iran, China, and Venezuela.