Israel Agrees to Visa Exemption for Palestinian-Americans Living in Gaza
In a significant move, Israel has agreed to the United States’ demand and will allow residents of Gaza with American citizenship to fly through Ben-Gurion Airport without requiring a visa. This decision comes as part of an agreement made with the USA, as reported by Reuters today. In addition, Israel has granted these citizens the ability to stay in the country under a tourist visa for a period of three months.
Gil Bringer, the Deputy Director General of the Population and Immigration Authority, who is responsible for overseeing the visa exemption process, confirmed this development in an interview with the news agency. Bringer stated that approximately 100 to 130 residents holding American citizenship currently reside in the Gaza Strip. He also mentioned that the target date for implementing the visa exemption is September 22, with hopes of advancing the timeline if possible.
Last week, American observers were dispatched to Israel to anonymously evaluate the conditions at border crossings for American-Palestinian citizens. Israeli officials revealed that the observers had examined various checkpoints in Israel as well as those scattered across Judea and Samaria, and described the pilot phase as a success.
Meanwhile, Palestinians living in Gaza with American citizenship have urged the United States to ensure the preservation of their rights at border crossings. Several individuals spoke to Reuters, highlighting the restrictions imposed by Israel that prevent them from crossing its borders or returning to the Gaza Strip.
In June, 19 Democratic members of Congress sent a scathing letter to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, drawing attention to Israel’s treatment of average Palestinian American citizens upon their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. The members of Congress emphasized the need for equal treatment for all US citizens, regardless of race, nationality, or religion. This criticism arose as the US administration considers including Israel in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The letter stated the members’ dedication to ensuring fair treatment for American citizens abroad and expressed concerns about adding Israel to the exemption program. The members argued that for the program to work effectively, there must be guaranteed equality and freedom of movement for all American citizens. They accused Israel of continuous discrimination and mistreatment towards American Arabs, including Palestinians, and individuals who advocate for Palestinian human rights. The letter also highlighted the denial of entry to American citizens who have shown support for Palestinian human rights through advocacy or social media posts.
The members of Congress urgently called on relevant ministries to address these concerns and provide an explanation of the measures taken to address this issue.