U.S. Halts Visitor Visas for Gaza Residents Amidst Political fallout
Washington D.C. – August 16, 2025 - The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended all visitor visas for residents of Gaza, citing a need to review the vetting process for “medical-humanitarian” visas [[1]]. This decision follows the recent arrival of wounded Palestinians in the U.S. for medical treatment and subsequent criticism from far-right activist laura Loomer.
The move impacts the ability of Gazans to seek medical care in the United States, even as the region continues to face a dire humanitarian crisis. Since hostilities resumed on March 18th, over 9,654 people have been killed and 39,401 injured in Gaza [[2]].
The visa halt was triggered by the arrival of 11 critically injured children, along with family members, who were brought to the U.S. by the Ohio-based humanitarian group HEAL palestine. The association has, to date, evacuated 148 people from gaza, including 63 children, for medical attention [[3]].
Loomer falsely claimed that HEAL Palestine was ”mass importing Gazans” and called for the “Trump administration” to intervene, despite President Trump being out of office. She afterward took credit for the State Department’s decision on social media,thanking Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The State Department has not disclosed the number of medical-humanitarian visas previously granted,only stating that the number was “small.” The review aims to assess the current procedures and ensure national security, though critics argue the decision further restricts access to vital medical care for a vulnerable population.
Further Context: The Escalating conflict in Gaza
This visa suspension occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions. Israel recently voted to expand its war in Gaza [[1]], marking a important escalation of the conflict that began after Hamas’s attacks on October 7th.The Gaza Strip has undergone drastic changes in the 15 months since the conflict began [[2]],with widespread destruction and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
