US expands visa restrictions for Palestinians ahead of UN meeting

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — Palestinian passports belonging to members of the Banat Gaza, which means "Girls of Gaza", after fleeing the war in Khan Younis, Gaza, following the events of October 7, 2023, are displayed in Obour City, Egypt July 15, 2025. REUTERS/Hadeer Mahmoud

The United States has suspended visa approvals for nearly everyone who holds a Palestinian passport, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

The restrictions go beyond those President Donald Trump's administration had previously announced on visitors from Gaza. They would prevent Palestinians from traveling to the United States for medical treatment, attending college and business travel, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified officials.

The State Department said two weeks ago that it was halting all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza while it conducts "a full and thorough" review, a move that has been condemned by pro-Palestine groups.

 (Reporting by Brad HeathEditing by Bill Berkrot // REUTERS)