The Biden State Department has blocked members of the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization from entering the U.S., citing their ongoing support for terrorism. This comes just ahead of a planned United Nations push to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
Key Facts:
- The State Department denied U.S. visas to members of the PLO and PA on Thursday.
- Officials cited violations of the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002.
- Reasons include glorifying terrorism, paying terrorists, and seeking international action against Israel.
- The decision casts doubt on whether Palestinian leaders can attend the UN General Assembly vote on Palestinian statehood in September.
- President Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was in Israel the same day to inspect humanitarian efforts for Gaza.
The Rest of The Story:
The U.S. State Department announced Thursday it will deny entry to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA), citing their non-compliance with U.S. laws meant to promote Middle East peace.
Officials said both the PLO and PA continue to promote and support terrorism, particularly through payments to terrorists and glorifying violence in public education materials.
They’ve also criticized the groups for pursuing legal action against Israel through international courts rather than negotiating directly.
According to a State Department statement, “It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace.”
The move lands just as a major vote on Palestinian statehood looms at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
It’s unclear now whether Palestinian representatives will be able to attend.
Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was in Israel visiting the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is delivering aid to civilians in the conflict zone.
.@StateDeputySpox details new U.S. visa sanctions on Palestinian Authority Officials and Members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, “These actions reflect our national security interests and our commitment to holding the PLO and PA accountable for undermining the prospects… pic.twitter.com/o0VmkkxI18
— Department of State (@StateDept) July 31, 2025
Commentary:
This is a smart and necessary move by the State Department.
There is no reason to reward or legitimize organizations that continue to fund and promote terror while Israel is still recovering from one of the deadliest attacks in its history.
Pushing for a two-state solution while hostages remain in Hamas custody is not just tone-deaf—it’s reckless.
These aren’t theoretical grievances; families are still waiting for their loved ones to return after nearly 21 months.
The West’s push for recognition of a Palestinian state ignores the reality that Hamas still controls Gaza, and the PA has shown no ability or willingness to stop them.
The PLO and PA continue to pay the families of terrorists and glorify attacks against Israeli civilians in their education systems.
Textbooks used by Palestinian children glorify martyrdom and demonize Israel. This is not a foundation for peace—it’s a roadmap to more violence.
Some Arab countries are only now starting to pressure Hamas to disband and turn over weapons to the Palestinian Authority. That shift, while positive, is far too little and far too late.
The Palestinian Authority has never demonstrated it can govern Gaza or stop Hamas, and nothing has changed since October 7.
A population that teaches its children to hate will not build a peaceful neighbor.
Gaza has not undergone any cultural transformation since the attacks. If anything, support for violence appears deeply entrenched.
Pushing for a two-state solution under these conditions is inviting another massacre.It’s absurd to negotiate statehood while the people in that territory continue to call for Israel’s destruction.
By denying visas to the PLO and PA, the U.S. effectively blocks their participation in what would be a hollow, dangerous vote at the UN.
It sends a clear message: no recognition without real reform, and no legitimacy for those who back terrorism.
The Bottom Line:
The U.S. has denied visas to Palestinian officials due to their continued support for terrorism and incitement.
The move throws a wrench into plans for a UN vote on Palestinian statehood in September.
With hostages still in captivity and no change in the region’s hostility toward Israel, a two-state push is premature and dangerous.
This decision may be one of the only checks on a misguided diplomatic rush toward legitimizing a terror-complicit regime.
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