Washington, D.C. — The United States has suspended visa approvals for nearly all individuals holding Palestinian passports, according to a report published by the New York Times on Sunday. The move marks a significant escalation of existing restrictions, which previously focused primarily on residents of Gaza.
The new policy effectively prevents Palestinians from traveling to the US for medical treatment, pursuing higher education, or engaging in business activities. Officials cited by the newspaper confirmed that the measure extends well beyond earlier directives issued under the Trump administration.
Two weeks ago, the State Department announced that all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza would be halted pending what it described as “a full and thorough” review. That decision has already drawn sharp criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, who argue the suspension is both discriminatory and in violation of humanitarian norms.
On Friday, the US government moved further by denying and revoking visas belonging to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). The action came in advance of the United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for September, raising concerns over Washington’s compliance with its obligations as host of the UN headquarters in New York.
While the State Department insisted it was adhering to the host-country agreement by allowing the Palestinian mission to attend the General Assembly, critics contend that the restrictions undermine the spirit of diplomatic inclusivity.
A statement issued by the State Department reaffirmed the Trump administration’s position, declaring it “in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.”
The decision underscores Washington’s deepening alignment with Israel’s rightwing government, which has consistently rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state. Analysts warn the move could further complicate the already fragile dynamics in the Middle East, intensifying both diplomatic tensions and humanitarian challenges for Palestinians seeking international engagement.
