Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends a meeting in Sochi, Russia, November 23, 2021. — Reuters

UNGA venue questioned as calls grow for Geneva shift

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends a meeting in Sochi, Russia, November 23, 2021. — ReutersCalls are growing to move the United Nations General Assembly session from New York to Geneva after the United States denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation,...

Calls are intensifying to relocate the United Nations General Assembly session from New York to Geneva after the United States denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, according to international media reports. The upcoming session, scheduled from September 23 to 29, carries historic weight, with high-level debates expected to address the recognition of Palestine and decisions that could reshape the region’s diplomatic landscape.

The U.S. refusal to issue visas has impacted around 80 Palestinian officials, echoing a precedent set in 1988 when the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat was similarly barred from attending the General Assembly in New York. However, observers note that this is the first time in UN history that such a wide-ranging ban has been attempted, a move widely seen as an effort to block Palestinian participation in one of the most significant international gatherings since the Oslo Accords.

The decision has sparked debate over Washington’s obligations under the 1947 UN “headquarters agreement,” which generally requires the U.S. to allow foreign diplomats access to UN meetings. The American government argues that it retains the right to deny visas based on national security, extremism concerns, or foreign policy priorities.

Ahead of the main session, a one-day General Assembly conference on the two-state solution is set for September 22 in New York, jointly led by Saudi Arabia and France. President Abbas had been scheduled to participate, with expectations that the meeting could see countries such as Britain, France, Canada, and Australia join the 147 UN member states that already recognise Palestine as a state.

The U.S. stance has fueled calls from European lawmakers to shift the venue altogether. Danish MEP Per Clausen has urged Europe to take the lead in relocating the session to Geneva, arguing that Palestinians’ rights must be upheld and that Washington’s obstruction sends a damaging political signal.

Meanwhile, Israel and the U.S. have expressed frustration with Western allies who have indicated support for Palestinian statehood at the UN. Critics warn that Israel’s proposed plan to demilitarise Gaza while asserting full security control could worsen the humanitarian catastrophe faced by its 2.2 million residents, many of whom are already at risk of famine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the ongoing military campaign, insisting Israel has no choice but to dismantle Hamas after the group’s refusal to disarm. Hamas maintains it will only consider laying down arms once an independent Palestinian state is recognised.

Since the war’s outbreak on October 7, 2023—when Hamas attacks left around 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures—Israel has seized control of roughly 75% of Gaza. Israeli authorities report that of the 48 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, only 20 are still alive.

The toll on Palestinians has been devastating. Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 62,000 killed, widespread displacement of nearly the entire population, and vast destruction across the enclave. International pressure continues to mount, not only over the humanitarian crisis but also over the political deadlock now spilling into the United Nations’ highest forum.