US Halts Medical Visas for Gaza Amid Far-Right Pressure
Published 16 August 2025
Highlights
- The US State Department has paused issuing visitor visas for medical purposes to individuals from Gaza, citing a review of procedures.
- The decision follows a campaign by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized the visa program on social media.
- Palestinian rights groups, including the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, have condemned the move, highlighting its impact on critically ill children.
- Loomer claimed credit for the policy shift, which has been supported by some US political figures.
- Gaza's humanitarian situation remains dire, with damaged infrastructure and food shortages exacerbated by an Israeli blockade.
The United States has temporarily halted the issuance of visitor visas for medical purposes to individuals from Gaza, following a campaign led by far-right activist Laura Loomer. The US State Department announced the pause to conduct a "full and thorough review" of the visa process, a move that has sparked significant backlash from Palestinian rights groups.
Policy Shift and Controversy
The decision to halt the visas comes after Loomer, a controversial figure known for her inflammatory rhetoric, criticized the program on social media. Loomer, who has described herself as a "proud Islamophobe," shared misleading videos of injured Palestinian children arriving in the US for medical treatment, falsely labeling them as "Islamic invaders." Her posts prompted a swift response from the State Department, which announced the suspension of the visa program on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, a US-based charity, has expressed deep concern over the decision, emphasizing its detrimental impact on their ability to provide life-saving medical care to children from Gaza. The organization has facilitated the evacuation of 169 children from Gaza in 2024 alone, sending them to various countries, including the US, for treatment. "This decision will have a devastating and irreversible impact on our ability to bring injured and critically ill children from Gaza to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment," the charity stated.
Loomer's Influence and Political Support
Loomer's campaign has garnered support from some US political figures, including Republican Congressman Randy Fine, who praised her efforts in influencing the policy change. Loomer herself celebrated the decision, expressing hope that all Gazans would be added to President Trump's travel ban. Her influence highlights the growing impact of far-right voices on US policy decisions.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The halt in medical visas comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The region's medical infrastructure has been severely damaged, and an Israeli blockade has led to significant food shortages. Humanitarian groups and journalists have warned of famine conditions, with the blockade preventing adequate aid from reaching those in need. Despite these challenges, the Trump administration has maintained its support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What this might mean
The suspension of medical visas for Gazans could have far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and humanitarian efforts. If the review leads to a permanent change in visa policy, it may further strain US-Palestinian relations and hinder international aid efforts. Experts warn that the decision could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leaving vulnerable populations without access to critical medical care. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the US's next steps and their potential impact on the region's stability.
