The U.S. State Department announced on Saturday that it is suspending all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza. This decision is part of a comprehensive review of the procedures for granting medical-humanitarian visas. The department stated that a limited number of these visas had been issued recently but did not specify the exact figures.

In 2025, the U.S. issued over 3,800 B1/B2 visitor visas, which allow foreigners to seek medical treatment in the country. This includes 640 visas issued in May. These visas are typically granted to holders of the Palestinian Authority travel document, which is provided to residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the State Department did not provide a breakdown of how many visas were issued specifically for Gaza.

The suspension follows comments made by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who claimed on social media that Palestinian refugees had entered the U.S. this month. Loomer’s remarks drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who expressed concern over the situation. Rep. Randy Fine of Florida labeled it a national security risk.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the State Department's decision, calling it a sign of the administration's "intentional cruelty." The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund also criticized the move, stating it would prevent access to medical care for injured and sick children in Gaza. The organization emphasized that this policy would have a devastating impact on their ability to provide lifesaving medical treatment for critically ill children.

Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas on Israel, Gaza has faced severe humanitarian crises. Israeli military actions in response have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials. The U.S. has not indicated plans to accept Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict.

HEAL Palestine, a humanitarian organization based in Ohio, has been actively involved in evacuating individuals from Gaza for medical treatment in the U.S. The group reported that it has evacuated 148 people, including 63 children, to various cities for care. Recently, they brought 11 critically injured children, aged 6 to 15, along with their caregivers, to cities such as Boston, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Loomer claimed credit for the State Department's decision, expressing her approval on social media. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the national deputy director of CAIR, criticized the policy, stating, "This policy makes no sense whatsoever. It is sheer cruelty. It is literally going to put the lives of more children at risk." He emphasized that the U.S. has a moral obligation to provide medical treatment to those in need.

The duration of the State Department's review process for medical-humanitarian visas remains unclear. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with reports indicating that nearly 100,000 women and children are facing severe malnutrition. A significant portion of Gaza's population has also been experiencing food shortages.