Gaza cancer patients are dying at two to three times the pace they did before the start of the genocide in the territory, as Israel blocks many from travelling for treatment after destroying the only local specialised facility. Israel blew up Gaza's specialised cancer hospital last year after claiming that troops found a tunnel used by Hamas running beneath it, a claim that they have yet to substantiate. That means that an estimated 17,000 Gazans with cancer have no local option for chemotherapy or other advanced therapy. Practically no Palestinians can afford to travel for treatment, and those who can face Israeli restrictions. The military imposes strict caps on daily crossings to Egypt, despite a 2025 Israel-Hamas "ceasefire" deal that requires free movement in and out. Asked for comment, COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls access to Gaza, said it coordinates medical evacuations with the World Health Organisation. To depart, Gazans mus...
The United States will soon require most foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant visas to pay a new “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, under a provision in the Trump administration’s newly passed domestic policy bill, according to a CNN report. The non-refundable upfront fee, which could be reimbursed only after visa holders prove compliance with immigration rules, is aimed at curbing overstays, strengthening border security, and funding enforcement efforts, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The new charge will apply to nearly all international visitors requiring a non-immigrant visa, including students, workers, and business travellers — but not tourists from Visa Waiver Programme countries such as the UK, Australia, or many EU nations. The policy’s rollout date remains unclear as DHS says the fee requires inter-agency coordination. The State Department confirmed it will publish details on its visa information page once implementation procedures are finalised. Under the provision, travellers who fully comply with visa terms may request a refund, although immigration lawyers caution that the process will likely be burdensome and is currently undefined. The US Travel Association sharply criticised the move, calling it a “step backward” that could discourage international visitors. The group estimated it would increase visa-related costs by 144%, adding financial complexity that might deter tourism and business travel. The policy states the fee will be set at $250 or a higher amount as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, with annual inflation adjustments. Unclaimed fees will be deposited into the US Treasury’s general fund.
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from Latest World News, International News | Breaking World News https://ift.tt/fHGqnsN
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