This is an entry from: Live: Major clashes break out near Bethlehem after Israeli raid
Trump draws condemnation for expanding travel ban, barring Palestinians
17 December 2025 21:10 GMT
Backlash spread online after US President Donald Trump banned citizens of five African and Arab countries - including Syrians and Palestinian nationals - prompting sharp criticism from politicians and advocates.
The expansion, announced on Tuesday, adds 20 countries to Trump’s existing travel ban, bringing the total number of restricted nations to 39.
The order includes a full ban on Syrian nationals and explicitly targets individuals holding Palestinian Authority travel documents, alongside new restrictions affecting multiple African and Arab countries.
The White House said the measures were aimed at safeguarding US national security and are set to take effect on 1 January.