US halts visitor visas used for medical trips from Gaza

The US State Department halts visitor visas for medical trips from Gaza, impacting critically ill patients needing treatment in the US. This decision has received criticism from Palestinian rights groups and humanitarian organizations like the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. The move follows pressure from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who urged the Trump administration to stop the visa program for Gaza residents, leading to a temporary freeze on visas. Gaza's medical infrastructure has been severely impacted by conflict and food shortages, with humanitarian groups warning of famine conditions as a result of Israeli blockades preventing aid delivery.