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Canada Revokes Travel Authorization for Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King Over Settlement Activities

Canada: Canada has revoked the travel authorization of Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King due to his settlement activities in the occupied city, as reported by Israeli newspaper Haaretz. King is known for his efforts to seize Palestinian homes in occupied East Jerusalem and for leading a campaign against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the city.

According to Anadolu Agency, King had been scheduled to attend an event in Canada to raise funds for his settlement initiatives. He has attributed the revocation of his travel authorization to a campaign waged against him by Arabs, citing his activities opposing UNRWA and his support for Jewish settlement in occupied East Jerusalem.

The decision comes amid increasing public and official criticism of Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the occupied territories, particularly in light of its ongoing actions in the Gaza Strip since 2023. King has consistently advocated for the seizure of Palestinian homes in occupied East Jerusalem and has called for the evacuation of UNRWA's headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to establish a settlement at the site.

Recently, King expressed support for Israel's seizure of the Qalandia Training Center operated by UNRWA north of Jerusalem, stating "UNRWA is outside Jerusalem, mission accomplished" on the social media platform X. Despite these developments, the Canadian government has not confirmed or commented on the reported cancellation of his visa.

Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967. The international community widely considers Israeli settlements in the occupied territories illegal under international law, a stance that Israel rejects.