Israel has barred a Canadian delegation from entering the occupied West Bank, labeling the group a potential threat to public security. The delegation included six Canadian Members of Parliament and representatives from the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). The group had previously received entry approval, which was later revoked by Israeli authorities.

Israeli officials stated that the visit was organized by Canadian Muslim Vote, which they claim receives significant funding from Islamic Relief Canada — an affiliate of an organization Israel designates as a terrorist entity. NCCM head Stephen Brown criticized the decision as deeply troubling and disappointing, arguing that it restricts independent observation of conditions in the occupied territories. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Ottawa had contacted the delegation and expressed concern over the treatment of Canadian citizens.

Islamic Relief Canada is not listed as a terrorist organization in Canada and has received government grants for humanitarian work abroad. The diplomatic tension may strain Canada-Israel relations as both sides defend their positions on security and human rights oversight.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing intense criticism after a video surfaced showing him pulling off the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor during a government event on December 15. The incident, which occurred while handing an appointment letter to an AYUSH medical officer, has sparked widespread condemnation across India. Opposition parties and civil society groups have demanded Kumar’s public apology and resignation.

Leaders from multiple parties, including the Congress, PDP, and National Conference, denounced the act as an assault on personal dignity and religious freedom. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the act “shocking,” questioning whether it reflected age-related issues or growing normalization of public humiliation of Muslims. National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah and spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar described the behavior as unconstitutional and unacceptable from a public official.

The controversy has reignited debates over religious sensitivity and political accountability in India. Analysts warn that the incident could strain Nitish Kumar’s political standing and deepen communal tensions in Bihar, where Muslims constitute about 17% of the population.

Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Dhaka South Ameer, Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, has officially collected his nomination papers to contest from Chapainawabganj-3 (Sadar) constituency in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters after submitting his papers, Bulbul demanded that authorities ensure the safety of all candidates, party workers, and voters during the election process.

He emphasized the need for a level playing field to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to build a humane and secure Bangladesh. Bulbul also pledged to make Chapainawabganj a safe haven for people of all political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Senior party leaders, including former mayor Mohammad Nazrul Islam and former MP Latifur Rahman, were present during the nomination submission.

The call for security reflects growing concerns among opposition parties about election-time violence and intimidation. Election officials are expected to review nominations and finalize the candidate list in the coming weeks.

A two-week-old Palestinian infant has died from hypothermia in Gaza as freezing temperatures sweep through the war-torn enclave. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the death of Mohammad Khalil Abu al-Khair, citing a lack of heating, electricity, and shelter. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum reported that the baby’s death reflects the collapse of Gaza’s basic infrastructure following prolonged Israeli bombardments.

Families are living in makeshift tents on wet ground without adequate clothing or heating. Humanitarian agencies say Israel’s restrictions on fuel, food, and aid deliveries have worsened the crisis. A displaced mother told Al Jazeera that residents are drying children’s clothes over open fires to survive. Recent storms have killed at least 11 others as heavy rain and wind destroyed fragile shelters.

The ongoing blockade and destruction have left over 80% of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, forcing millions into overcrowded camps. Aid groups warn that without immediate humanitarian access, more deaths from cold and disease are likely in the coming weeks.

Amnesty International has called on Pakistan, Iran, and several European countries to immediately stop the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, warning that such actions violate international law. The organization stated that many Afghans are being returned unlawfully to a country facing severe economic, climate, and humanitarian crises. According to UN Special Representative Georgette Gagnon, around 2.5 million Afghans have returned so far this year, intensifying the strain on Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure.

Amnesty emphasized that deported individuals face heightened risks of human rights abuses, particularly under the Taliban’s restrictive governance, which continues to impose harsh limitations on women and minorities. The group urged all governments to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning anyone to a place where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

Observers warn that continued deportations could worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation, leaving returnees without jobs, shelter, or safety. International agencies are calling for coordinated action to ensure protection and support for displaced Afghans.

FIFA has announced a new low-cost ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, following criticism over high ticket prices. The “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets, priced at $60, will be available for all 104 matches, including the final. These tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams who plan to follow their teams throughout the tournament, and will account for 10% of each federation’s ticket allocation.

The move comes after fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, condemned the steep pricing compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, noting that following a team from the group stage to the final could cost at least $6,900. FIFA said the new plan aims to ensure “loyal supporters” receive special consideration. Additionally, fans whose teams are eliminated early will have administrative fees waived during the refund process.

With over 20 million ticket requests already submitted, demand for the 2026 World Cup remains exceptionally high. The first ticket draw is scheduled for January 13, 2026, across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Biru Molla, the president of the BNP’s Laxmikunda Union unit in Ishwardi, Pabna, was shot dead on Wednesday morning following a family dispute over land. The incident occurred in Kamalpur village when Molla visited his cousin Jahurul Molla’s home to discuss the contested property. According to police, an argument escalated, leading Jahurul and his son to open fire, fatally striking Biru Molla in the head.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar confirmed that the killing stemmed from a long-standing family conflict. Ishwardi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mominuzzaman said the body was sent for autopsy and legal proceedings are underway. Local residents reported heightened tension in the area after the shooting.

Police have been deployed to prevent further violence, as the killing of a local political leader has stirred unrest in the community. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine whether political motives were involved or if it was purely a domestic dispute.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that India will not tolerate any threats to separate its northeastern states, known as the 'Seven Sisters.' His remarks came in response to comments by Hasnat Abdullah, a senior organizer of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), who suggested supporting Indian separatists if India shelters opponents of Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Sarma told reporters that such statements from Bangladesh have been recurring for a year and are completely unacceptable. He emphasized that India, as a major nuclear power and the world’s fourth-largest economy, would not remain silent if its territorial integrity were challenged. The Chief Minister accused some Bangladeshi leaders of fostering a misguided perception about India’s northeastern region.

The exchange highlights growing rhetorical tension between the two neighbors. Analysts say both governments may need to reaffirm diplomatic restraint to prevent further escalation. Delhi has yet to issue an official response, but observers expect the issue to feature in upcoming bilateral discussions.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to hold a hearing today on the formation of formal charges against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq. The case concerns alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution period. The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with members Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired district judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

According to tribunal sources, the prosecution will first present its arguments, followed by the defense counsel’s response. The prosecution had earlier submitted formal charges on December 4, marking a key procedural step in the case. Both accused have denied wrongdoing, while human rights observers are closely monitoring the proceedings.

Legal analysts note that this hearing could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in politically sensitive human rights cases. The tribunal’s decision is expected to draw significant domestic and international attention.

Family members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail after being denied permission to meet him despite a court order allowing visits twice a week. Khan’s sisters, Aleema, Naureen, and Dr. Uzma Khan, along with senior PTI leaders, gathered near the prison on Tuesday but were informed that the scheduled meeting would not be allowed. Late at night, police used water cannons and batons to disperse the demonstrators, detaining several party workers.

Aleema Khan told reporters that the family had no choice but to protest after repeated denials of access. PTI officials accused jail authorities of violating court directives and restricting legal and family visits without justification. The party condemned the police action, calling it an attempt to silence peaceful dissent.

The confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between PTI and Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies as Khan remains imprisoned. Observers warn that continued restrictions on family and legal access could further inflame political unrest ahead of upcoming elections.

United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, and several Gaza-based doctors have been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement was made by European Parliament member Matjaž Nemec after the formal submission of the nomination to the Norwegian Nobel Committee on December 16, 2025.

Nemec stated that nearly 300 qualified nominators from 33 countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, endorsed the proposal. He described the nomination as a tribute to courage and resilience in defending humanitarian values under extreme conditions. Albanese was praised for upholding international law and human rights despite political pressure from Israel and the United States. Gaza doctors such as Dr. Husam Abu Safiya and Dr. Sara Al-Saqqa were recognized for their work saving lives amid collapsing health infrastructure and severe shortages.

The nomination calls on global leaders to respect international law and human dignity. It comes as Gaza continues to face devastating humanitarian conditions, with over 70,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023 despite ceasefire agreements.

Four people, including three members of Iran’s security forces and one civilian, were killed in an armed confrontation at a security checkpoint in Fahraj County, southeastern Iran. The incident occurred early Monday near the entrance to the county along the Zahedan–Fahraj road, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Headquarters confirmed the clash, stating that armed assailants opened fire on law enforcement personnel stationed at the checkpoint. Security and law enforcement agencies have launched a joint investigation to identify the attackers and determine their motives. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault.

The southeastern region of Iran, particularly near Kerman and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, has seen sporadic violence involving armed groups and smugglers in recent years. Authorities have heightened security measures in the area as investigations continue into the latest deadly encounter.

Two Rohingya men were seriously injured in a landmine explosion on Totar Island in Myanmar’s Arakan State, near the Naf River bordering Bangladesh. The victims reportedly crossed into Bangladesh through the Hwaikong border in Teknaf after the blast and were initially treated at the Kutupalong MSF hospital before being transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital due to worsening conditions.

Local sources said the explosion occurred during a routine patrol by the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), which has been active in the conflict zone. The area has long been suspected of being mined by Myanmar’s military junta, though no clear warnings were in place. Witnesses confirmed that several injured individuals were seen crossing the border by boat with the help of local intermediaries.

The incident follows recent heavy clashes between the Arakan Army and the ARA over control of several islands along the Naf River. The fighting has heightened security concerns on both sides of the border, with stray bullets previously landing inside Bangladeshi territory.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has identified brokers as the main obstacle to the country’s overseas manpower exports. Speaking at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day 2025, he urged authorities to protect migrant workers from exploitation and to free the sector from middlemen. According to Yunus, the entire labor export process is dominated by brokers who deceive workers and hinder progress.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh’s youthful population is a valuable resource in a world facing labor shortages. Citing his recent visit to Japan, he noted that Japan needs workers and that Bangladesh could supply up to 100,000 if language training is ensured. He expressed surprise that Japan recruited 7,000 workers from Nepal but only 2,000 from Bangladesh.

He added that many Japanese cities face severe labor shortages, with idle farmland and halted taxi services. Yunus urged reforms to ensure transparent recruitment, enabling Bangladesh to capitalize on its demographic advantage and expand its global labor footprint.

Pakistan has accused India of sponsoring terrorist attacks within its territory, claiming to possess credible evidence of New Delhi’s involvement. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Gul Kaisar Sarwani, Counselor and Political Coordinator of Pakistan’s UN Mission, alleged that India supports groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and others operating against Islamabad.

Sarwani argued that India uses unfounded terrorism allegations to divert global attention from its own record of cross-border aggression and state-backed violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He further criticized India for rejecting Pakistan’s proposal for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, calling New Delhi’s actions a violation of international law.

The Pakistani diplomat also warned that India’s unilateral actions, including threats to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, amount to weaponizing water resources for political gain. The remarks underscore deepening diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with no immediate sign of de-escalation.