Israel Includes American Palestinians in Gaza for Visa Waiver Trial

Israeli Visa Waiver Program Director Gil Bringer stated on Monday that "Israel intends to ease travel for American Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip by September 15 as part of preparations that will allow Israelis to enter the United States without visas." Bringer told Reuters that "this measure will make the conditions imposed on Americans in Gaza similar to those imposed on Palestinian Americans in the West Bank as part of the trial period that began on July 20." He added that the number of American Palestinians living in Gaza is about 100 to 130, stating that under the trial program, they can enter the West Bank on a special bus and cross into Jordan for further travel to other destinations based on family visits. He noted that by September 15, those who meet Israeli security criteria among these individuals will be able to enter the country with B2 tourist visas and travel from Ben Gurion Airport. He confirmed in a phone interview, "This essentially means they are included in the program," explaining that the original target date was September 22. He said, "If we can bring it forward, we will." For its part, the U.S. embassy indicated that it had not yet been formally notified of Israel's decision. The statement mentioned that Israel had previously stated, "The policy regarding the Gaza Strip will be reviewed by September 15." It added, "Once the new procedures are announced, we will send another message to the American citizen community."