The decision comes days before the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Palestinian ministry said the restrictions could undermine efforts to rebuild confidence between Washington and the Palestinians and advance a two-state solution, Anadolu Agency reported.
The ministry said the PLO and Palestinian Authority remain committed to peace, international legitimacy and a two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with Israel and Palestine living alongside each other in security and peace.
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It also rejected the US position that Palestinian actions at international institutions, including the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, undermine prospects for peace.
According to the Palestinian ministry, seeking recourse through international institutions and international law is a legitimate means of pursuing Palestinian rights. It also said international recognition of Palestine should not be viewed as a substitute for negotiations, but as recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The ministry further criticized Washington for not acknowledging what it described as significant Palestinian reforms in areas including social protection, finance, administration, education and law.
It argued that visa restrictions and other punitive measures would weaken what it described as the Palestinian side’s commitment to a political solution.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also warned that restrictions preventing the Palestinian delegation from fully participating in UN meetings could affect its rights and raised questions over US obligations as the host country under the UN Headquarters Agreement.
It called on the US administration to reconsider the decision, end what it described as a policy of sanctions and restrictions, and resume direct dialogue with the Palestinians.
The US State Department said Wednesday that it would extend visa restrictions preventing entry to PLO members and Palestinian Authority officials after notifying Congress that the two bodies had again failed to meet requirements under US law.
Washington cited Palestinian activities at international organizations, including what it described as efforts to “internationalize” the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the ICC and ICJ. The State Department also accused the PLO and Palestinian Authority of failing to implement reforms and pursuing actions it says undermine prospects for peace.
The US did not publicly specify which officials are covered by the restrictions. It maintained an exemption for staff of the PLO’s permanent observer mission to the UN in New York.
The State Department also cited Palestinian efforts to seek international recognition of a Palestinian state outside negotiations and alleged continued stipend payments to individuals Washington says were involved in attacks against Israelis.
The restrictions follow a similar US decision last year affecting PLO and Palestinian Authority officials ahead of the 2025 UN General Assembly. Palestinian representatives received waivers under the UN Headquarters Agreement, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly virtually after being unable to attend in person.
The latest measures come as Palestinian officials prepare for the upcoming UN General Assembly, where the dispute over their participation in person has again become an issue between Washington and the Palestinian leadership.
