The U.S. State Department announced Saturday that it is suspending all visitor visas from the Gaza Strip while officials conduct “a full and thorough” review of the process used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days.
“All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days,” the department said in a post on X.
While the announcement did not specify the exact number of visas affected, it follows reports of several Palestinians entering the U.S. under the temporary visa program.
In recent months, the U.S. had issued more than 3,800 B1/B2 visitor visas, which allow holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents to enter the U.S. for medical treatment. This figure includes 640 visas issued in May alone, according to the State Department.
The agency did not clarify whether the suspended visas include all previously issued permits or only those issued in the past few days, Trending Politics reported.
The move comes after investigative reporter Laura Loomer drew national attention by posting a video of a group of Palestinians arriving in the U.S., reuniting with loved ones at an unidentified airport. Loomer described the arrivals as a stream of “Palestinian refugees,” which sparked outrage among some Republican lawmakers.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) announced plans to launch a formal inquiry into the visa approvals, calling the matter a potential national security concern. Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) echoed Roy’s concerns, describing the decision to issue the visas as a “national security risk.”
The suspension also occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people and left dozens of hostages abducted, Israel launched a major offensive in the region. Local health officials report that the campaign has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians.
The violence has created widespread instability and humanitarian challenges in Gaza.
The State Department emphasized that the temporary suspension is part of a standard review process to ensure that visa procedures are being followed properly. Officials have stated that the review will examine both the issuance of medical-humanitarian visas and the security protocols used to process applicants.
While the U.S. has made no indication that it plans to admit Palestinian refugees displaced by the conflict, reports suggest that other countries are exploring potential resettlement options.
Reuters recently reported that South Sudan and Israel are discussing plans to resettle Palestinians displaced by the fighting.
The announcement underscores the Trump administration’s focus on tightening U.S. immigration and visa procedures in sensitive regions, particularly where security concerns are elevated.
For now, all visitors from Gaza seeking entry to the U.S. for tourism or medical treatment will have to wait until the review is completed.
