U.S. Blocks Most Visitor Visas for Palestinian Passport Holders

(MENAFN) The United States has suspended approval for nearly all visitor visa types for Palestinian passport holders residing in Gaza, media reported on Sunday.

According to four American officials cited by the paper, a State Department directive issued on August 18 to U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide enforces sweeping restrictions that also limit many Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and diaspora communities from securing non-immigrant visas.

These expanded constraints temporarily affect visa categories including medical treatment, university studies, family visits, and business travel, the report states.

This visa freeze follows Friday’s cancellation of visas for Palestinian officials, barring their participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September.

The development coincides with announcements from France, the UK, Canada, and Australia that they intend to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming General Assembly, joining 147 nations that have already recognized Palestine as a sovereign entity.

Earlier, on July 31, the State Department imposed sanctions on the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, blocking their members from obtaining U.S. visas.

In contrast, Washington recently removed sanctions against illegal Israeli settlers implicated in attacks on Palestinians.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in nearly 63,500 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, devastating the region and pushing it toward famine conditions.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Additionally, Israel faces a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice over its military actions in the enclave.

MENAFN01092025000045017169ID1110000374