Gaza visa halt confirmed

The U S State Department paused Gaza visitor visas while it conducts a broad review, triggering criticism from humanitarian groups and lawmakers.

State Department halts Gaza visas during review

The U S State Department said it would halt all visitor visas for people from Gaza while it conducts a full and thorough review. It did not provide a figure for how many temporary medical humanitarian visas had been issued recently. In 2025, the United States issued more than 3 800 B1/B2 visas to holders of the Palestinian Authority travel document, including 640 in May; the PA issues such documents to residents of the West Bank and Gaza. The department did not offer a territory breakdown. The move comes after social media claims by a far right activist about Gazan entrants and amid calls from some Republicans to review security risks. Human rights groups condemned the decision as harming children and patients who rely on U S medical treatment policies. Gaza has faced a devastating war since 2023 and the U S has not signaled plans to accept displaced Palestinians.

The policy reflects a tension between security priorities and humanitarian access. Halting Gaza visas during a review creates uncertainty for patients and families seeking care in the United States and could complicate ongoing medical collaborations. Critics argue the move weaponizes aid policy in a time of war, while supporters insist on tougher screening. The episode also shows how public messaging, amplified by social media and partisan voices, can influence policy decisions even when facts are evolving. For credibility, authorities should publish clear data and maintain transparent criteria for any visa actions.

Highlights

Policy moves like this remind us that humanitarian aid and national security often collide