United States Stops Granting Visa Approvals for Palestinians According to News Reports
The United States has imposed expanded visa restrictions on Palestinians from Gaza, the West Bank, and diaspora communities, according to a cable sent by the State Department on August 18. The move comes amidst the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state by 147 countries.
The exact nature of the restrictions outlined in the cable is not specified, but the visa suspension for Palestinian passport holders from Gaza is at least temporary, according to a newspaper report. The suspension applies to non-immigrant visas for medical treatment, university education, family visits, and business travel from Gaza.
The State Department's decision to revoke visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, occurred on August 29 and barred them from attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The visa revocation followed the announcements by France, the U.K., Canada, and Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming General Assembly.
Israel adamantly rejects a Palestinian state and seeks to lump together the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority with rival Hamas. The US is not mentioned as having announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming General Assembly.
The visa restrictions have drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian groups. The State Department, however, has stated that the restrictions are mainly due to concerns over security and political considerations related to Palestinian leadership and activities, including pressures related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and U.S. efforts to influence political developments and counter what it sees as hostile actions or affiliations.
The State Department also announced a two-week visa suspension for people from Gaza while conducting a review. It is important to note that the suspension does not apply to Palestinian passport holders from areas other than Gaza.
The information was confirmed by four American sources and was reported by The New York Times. The visa restrictions mark a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the Palestinian issue, and their implications are being closely watched by both Palestinians and Israelis.
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