Palestinian leaders have been denied visas to attend a United Nations meeting in New York, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their travel permissions, citing alleged links to terrorism.

The decision drew sharp reactions ahead of the high-profile UN session on the Middle East conflict. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, speaking on Fox News Live, welcomed the move, arguing that it sends a strong message against legitimizing groups with ties to extremist activity.

According to U.S. officials, the visa denial was based on intelligence suggesting that certain Palestinian representatives maintained connections with organizations designated as terrorist groups. Critics, however, argue the decision could further isolate Palestinian leadership at a time when diplomatic channels are urgently needed to de-escalate the conflict.

The controversy comes as violence in the Middle East continues to intensify, with Israel and Palestinian factions locked in clashes that have drawn international concern. Observers warn that excluding Palestinian voices from the UN may complicate efforts to broker peace or advance negotiations.

For now, Rubio’s move highlights Washington’s hardline stance, aligning closely with Israel’s position while deepening divisions over how the international community should engage with Palestinian leadership.