The US State Department has announced a halt to issuing visitor visas for people from Gaza, saying it will conduct a “full and thorough review” of the process. The move has sparked criticism from civil rights and humanitarian groups, who warn it will block critically ill children from receiving medical treatment in the United States.
Visa Suspension
The decision affects B1/B2 visitor visas, which allow foreigners to enter the US for short-term stays, including medical treatment. According to State Department data, more than 3,800 visas have been issued to holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents in 2025, including 640 in May alone. These documents are provided to residents of both the West Bank and Gaza, though the government did not provide a breakdown by territory.
The department said only a “small number” of temporary medical-humanitarian visas had been approved in recent days, but did not disclose exact figures.
Political Reactions
The policy shift came after Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and ally of President Donald Trump, claimed on social media that Palestinians had recently entered the US on visitor visas. Her comments fueled backlash among Republicans.
Congressman Chip Roy of Texas said he would press for answers, while Florida’s Randy Fine described Palestinian entry as a “national security risk.”
Humanitarian Outcry
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the decision as an act of “intentional cruelty.” Meanwhile, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund warned that the suspension would block access to lifesaving care for sick and injured children.
“This policy will have a devastating and irreversible impact on our ability to bring critically ill children from Gaza to the US for treatment,” the group said in a statement.
War Context
The decision comes amid the continuing war in Gaza, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and left 251 hostage, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a massive offensive that has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
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