The U.S. administration has begun to gradually suspend the issuance of visas for Palestinian citizens, particularly for those living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. This was reported by “The New York Times” citing official sources.
According to available information, on August 16, the U.S. Department of State announced that it had canceled all types of visitor visas for residents of Gaza. Two days later, on August 18, an even stricter decision was made.
On that day, Washington sent a special directive to all U.S. embassies instructing them to halt the issuance process of non-immigrant visas to individuals from the West Bank and the Palestinian diaspora abroad.
This restriction also affects visas that Palestinians obtain for purposes such as education, medical treatment, business trips, and family visits to the U.S.
On August 29, the U.S. Department of State issued another serious statement. It stated that visa applications submitted by Palestinian officials intending to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September were denied.
The statement emphasized that, in accordance with U.S. law, on behalf of the Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio canceled or denied visas to representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority.
This firm decision by Washington sparked strong dissatisfaction on the Palestinian side. Official Ramallah considers it political pressure and an attempt to limit Palestine’s voice on the international stage.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
