🚨 🇨🇦 🇮🇱 ⚠️— Israeli authorities block entry of Canadian MPs into the West Bank, citing ties to a designated terror organization.

➡️ Six Canadian parliament members, including Ontario MP Iqra Khalid, were denied entry at the Allenby border crossing on December 16. Israeli officials claimed the delegation was sponsored by a charity linked to Islamic Relief Worldwide, which Israel designates as a terror entity.

➡️ Khalid reported being physically pushed by border officials while attempting to assist a colleague who was detained for questioning. The delegation had previously notified Israeli authorities about their planned meetings with various civil society leaders.

➡️ Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand condemned the treatment of the MPs, stating that Ottawa has formally expressed its objections regarding the incident. The delegation has since returned to Amman, Jordan.

@TPOnow

🚨 🇺🇸 🇸🇾 🇵🇸 ❗️Trump expands US travel ban to include Palestine and Syria among six new countries.

➡️ On December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the addition of Palestine, Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan to the US travel ban list, intensifying immigration restrictions. The White House cited security concerns, claiming that "several US-designated terrorist groups" operate in these regions.

➡️ The ban specifically refers to Palestinians as “individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents,” avoiding direct recognition of Palestine as a state. This decision follows a recent declaration by Trump for a “permanent pause” on migration from what he termed “all Third World Countries.”

➡️ Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib criticized the ban, asserting it aims to alter the demographics of the US. The move coincides with ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, where at least two US citizens have been killed this year.

@TPOnow