Restore Humanitarian Medical Visas for Critically Ill Palestinians from Gaza

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with widespread malnutrition, injuries, and lack of access to essential medical care. Humanitarian organizations and UN agencies have warned of famine and a collapsing health system. Over 180 children and young people have been evacuated to Italy alone, suffering from severe wounds, congenital diseases, and amputations. Many more remain trapped, unable to access life-saving treatment due to border closures and restrictive policies.

The recent US policy to halt all visitor visas for people from Gaza is a cruel and unjustifiable act that will have devastating and irreversible consequences. This decision, made in response to political pressure and misinformation, punishes innocent civilians and denies them their basic right to health and dignity. Medical humanitarian visas are often the only lifeline for critically ill Palestinians, especially children, who cannot receive adequate care in Gaza due to the destruction of hospitals and shortages of medicine.

We urge the US government to uphold its humanitarian obligations and ensure that all those in need, regardless of nationality or political context, have access to life-saving medical care. The lives of vulnerable Palestinians depend on immediate action.