United States limits access from Gaza for health-related purposes
In a surprising turn of events, the United States State Department has suspended the issuance of all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza, including those seeking urgent medical treatment in the States [1][2][3][4]. This pause was announced in mid-August 2025, following concerns over the vetting process of recently issued medical-humanitarian visas.
The decision comes shortly after a nonprofit organisation, HEAL Palestine, successfully brought severely injured Palestinian children from Gaza to the US for treatment. The move was criticised by conservative commentator Laura Loomer, who labelled the visa recipients as refugees and a national security threat [2].
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that the U.S. government does not want to partner with groups friendly to Hamas, and the program is being paused to re-evaluate visa issuance procedures and relationships with involved organisations. The duration of this visa suspension remains uncertain [2].
Before the war, dozens of Gaza residents travelled daily for medical care abroad. However, with current border closures and the visa halt, access to life-saving treatment overseas has been severely restricted [2]. Humanitarian groups and the World Health Organization have highlighted a critical need for medical care in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict [1][2].
It is important to note that the article does not provide information about any new influence of Laura Loomer on US President Donald Trump or his administration, nor any new political demands from over 200 German celebrities regarding arms sales to Israel. Additionally, the article does not suggest any new calls for the firing of government officials by Laura Loomer, nor any new halts or reviews of the issuance of medical-humanitarian visas.
The State Department has stated that it will conduct a "complete and thorough review" of the procedures used to grant these types of entry permits. The number of medical-humanitarian visas issued to people from the Gaza Strip recently was "small" according to the State Department [1].
The US-based aid organisation Palestine Children's Relief Fund has called on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to stop medical evacuations [1]. Over 61,700 people, according to Hamas authorities (unverified), have reportedly been killed in Israel's recent military operations in the Gaza Strip [1].
References:
[1] ntv.de [2] mbr/AFP
- Given the recent suspension of visitor visas for individuals from Gaza, including those seeking urgent medical treatment, the review of community and employment policies might focus on ensuring the vetting process remains secure, especially in relation to employment policy and potential partnerships with organizations friendly to Hamas.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza and its impact on healthcare, highlighted by humanitarian groups and the World Health Organization, coincides with the general news of war-and-conflicts, raising concerns about access to life-saving medical care for Gaza residents, as border closures and visa halts severely restrict overseas treatment options.
