Saturday, March 29, 2025
Washington, August 17, 2025 – As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes forward with what he has called the “final war” in Gaza, the United States has announced the immediate suspension of visitor visas for Gaza residents. The decision, confirmed by the State Department, comes amid warnings from conservative commentator and Trump ally Laura Loomer, who claimed that allowing injured Palestinians into the US for medical treatment could pose a “national security risk” and lead to “another 9/11-style attack.”
Following Netanyahu’s declaration of a full-scale push to seize control of Gaza, the Israeli military has intensified operations in the region. Meanwhile, the US move to halt visas adds another layer of pressure on Palestinian civilians, many of whom rely on humanitarian medical evacuations due to Gaza’s collapsed health system.
The State Department said: “All visitor visas from Gaza are being suspended effective immediately. We are conducting a full review of recently issued humanitarian medical visas.”
Loomer, who has long been a vocal critic of Palestinian aid efforts, accused charities of bringing “Hamas supporters” into the US with help from Qatar Airways. She specifically targeted Heal Palestine, a US-based humanitarian group that recently facilitated the evacuation of 11 critically injured Gaza children and their families for treatment in American hospitals, calling it “the largest medical evacuation to date.”
Her posts quickly gained traction among Republican lawmakers. Senator Tom Cotton’s office confirmed that the Senate Intelligence Committee has launched an inquiry. Representative Randy Fine praised Loomer, saying: “Laura raised the right concern and sounded the alarm.”
Human rights and aid organizations strongly criticized the Biden administration’s policy shift. The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund said in a statement: “This reckless and inhumane decision must be reversed immediately. For over 30 years, thousands of Palestinian children have been treated in the US. Medical evacuation remains the only lifeline for many.”
Although Loomer holds no official government position, her sway over the Trump administration is well documented. Earlier this year, her complaints led to the firing of NSA chief Timothy Hoff and deputy Wendy Noble. In July, she successfully pressured the White House to block a Biden-era appointee.
With the visa freeze, critics warn that Palestinian civilians in urgent need of treatment will pay the highest price as the Israel-Gaza conflict reaches a dangerous new stage.
