Cuba has strongly denounced the United States for refusing to grant visas to members of the Palestinian delegation, including President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said the decision violated international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, which obliges Washington, as host country, to provide entry to officials attending UN meetings.

“We condemn the US government's announcement to deny visas to Palestinian representatives for the 80th UN General Assembly, including President Mahmoud Abbas. This decision violates the agreement regarding the UN host country and demonstrates full support and complicity with ‘Israel's’ hostile policy against the Palestinian people,” Rodriguez Parrilla declared on X.

Denunciamos anuncio de gobierno de #EEUU de negar visas a representantes palestinos a #AGNU80, incluido el presidente Mahmud Abbas.

Decisión viola acuerdo sobre país sede de ONU y demuestra su total apoyo y complicidad con política hostil de Israel contra el pueblo palestino. pic.twitter.com/o7gUTEJm8d

— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) August 31, 2025

US blocks Palestinian officials from attending UNGA

On Friday, the US Department of State confirmed it had begun denying and revoking visas for around 80 officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). The move prevents Abbas and senior officials from participating in the annual gathering of world leaders.

While Washington stated that waivers would still allow the Palestinian UN mission to function, the restrictions mark a sharp departure from established diplomatic protocol. Historically, the host country has rarely blocked delegations, even from states facing major disputes with the US.

Legal and diplomatic implications

The visa ban directly challenges the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which prohibits the US from denying entry to officials attending UN functions. Analysts say Washington’s decision risks undermining the integrity of the UN as a neutral platform for diplomacy.

The Trump administration, however, defended its actions, accusing the PLO and PA of undermining peace efforts by pursuing international legal action against “Israel” at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

Palestine’s recognition and diplomatic struggle

Despite Washington’s opposition, international support for Palestine has been growing. As of 2024, 147 countries officially recognize Palestine, with recent additions including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia.

At the upcoming UNGA session, France is expected to push for broader recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move opposed by both Washington and “Israel,” which claim it would “reward Hamas.”