The U.S. State Department has suspended the issuance of all visitor visas for individuals from the Gaza Strip, including those used for urgent medical treatment of children. This decision follows a review prompted by concerns raised by conservative activist Laura Loomer and other far-right figures who questioned how these visas were granted, alleging security risks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the suspension, citing evidence that some organizations involved in arranging the visas have ties to Hamas, and stated the U.S. will not cooperate with groups friendly to the militant organization. The suspension affects humanitarian medical visas that have allowed severely injured Palestinian children from Gaza to receive life-saving treatment in the United States. Nonprofit groups such as HEAL Palestine and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund have condemned the move, warning it will harm vulnerable children and disrupt urgent medical care programs. The State Department has not specified how long the review will take or detailed the specific reasons for the visa halt. The policy shift has sparked criticism from human rights organizations and some members of Congress, while supporters emphasize national security concerns. The suspension also includes a review of visas already issued, impacting those currently in the U.S. on special medical visas.