The visa strike: US suspends Palestinian approvals; students, patients, travellers in limbo

In a latest move, US on Sunday said that it has suspended visa approvals for nearly everyone who holds a Palestinian passport, according to a news report from the New York Times.

This sweeping measure could affect medical patients, students, and business travellers..

The decision, which goes significantly further than earlier restrictions under Donald Trump's administration, has sparked criticism from pro-Palestinian groups. Two weeks ago, the state department said it was halting all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza while conducting a "full and thorough" review.

Visas revoked for Palestinian officials ahead of UN meeting

On Friday, the US began denying and revoking visas for members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September, according to the state department.

While the US is required as host nation to grant entry for foreign officials attending the UN in New York, officials said they were complying with those obligations by permitting the Palestinian mission to attend, but revoking individual visas for PLO and PA members outside that scope.

National security argument

"The Trump administration has been clear: it is 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 state department said in a statement.

The measure marks another step by Washington to align itself with Israel's right-wing government, which opposes Palestinian statehood. Critics say the suspension of visas amounts to collective punishment and undermines Palestinians' ability to engage internationally.