The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza urged the United States to reverse its decision to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation scheduled to attend the 80th UN General Assembly in New York this September, calling the move a breach of the UN Headquarters Agreement and a blow to vital peace diplomacy.

New York — UN Headquarters 

Background: What the Visa Denial Means

The reported refusal by the US State Department to issue entry visas for the Palestinian delegation to UNGA 2025 has drawn sharp criticism from the committee. Analysts warn that restricting access to UN proceedings undermines multilateral norms and complicates already fragile channels of dialogue.

Committee’s Call: Respect the UN Headquarters Agreement

The committee appealed to Washington to honor obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement, which is designed to facilitate the participation of all accredited delegations in UN meetings. It emphasized that diplomatic access is not a courtesy it is a prerequisite for negotiation and conflict de-escalation.

Focus on Peace and Reform

Reaffirming that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and President Mahmoud Abbas are committed to peaceful solutions, the statement encouraged the international community to support governance reforms and efforts to counter violence, extremism, and terrorism priorities repeatedly conveyed to global leaders.

Escalating Humanitarian Risks

With Palestinians facing increasingly dangerous conditions on the ground, the committee warned that weakening the Palestinian Authority would further obstruct peace prospects and entrench instability.

What’s at Stake Now

Reversing the visa denial would signal a commitment to rules-based diplomacy and open the door to constructive engagement at UNGA. Sustaining diplomatic pathways is essential to move from crisis management to durable conflict resolution.