The US State Department announced it has suspended all tourist and visitor visas for Gaza residents, citing the need for a "full and comprehensive review."
The move came shortly after right-wing activist Laura Loomer, a close ally of President Trump, claimed on social media that Palestinian “refugees” had recently entered the US. Her remarks sparked anger among Republicans, with Texas Congressman Chip Roy vowing to pursue the matter and Florida Congressman Randy Fine calling it “a national security threat.”
According to Reuters, the US has issued more than 3,800 B1/B2 visitor visas for Palestinian Authority passport holders since October 2023, including 640 in May alone.
The State Department said a small number of temporary humanitarian-medical visas were still granted in recent days but gave no figures. Washington has shown no sign of taking in displaced Gazans, though sources told Reuters that Israel and South Sudan are weighing possible resettlement plans.