United News of Bangladesh

At least 32 people, including 12 children, were killed in airstrikes across Gaza City as Israel escalates its offensive and urges residents to evacuate, medical officials reported Saturday. Israel has intensified strikes on Gaza City, targeting high-rise buildings it claims house Hamas surveillance equipment, in a bid to seize the city, considered Hamas’ last stronghold. One overnight strike in Sheikh Radwan killed a family of 10, including a mother and three children. Despite calls to leave, many residents remain due to high relocation costs, repeated displacement, and safety concerns. Israel says over 250,000 people have left northern Gaza, while the UN estimates more than 100,000 have moved south since mid-August. Humanitarian agencies warn mass displacement is worsening the crisis, with shelters and supplies still pending entry into Gaza. The bombardment follows Israel’s recent strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, raising concerns for ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the safety of around 48 hostages still held in Gaza. The Gaza conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 251. Israel’s retaliation has killed over 64,700 Palestinians, including large numbers of women and children, and displaced about 90% of Gaza’s population.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar appears to have failed, escalating tensions with Qatar and straining ties with the U.S. The strike, aimed at exiled Hamas officials meeting over a U.S. ceasefire proposal, killed five low-level Hamas members and a Qatari security guard, but Hamas claims its senior leaders survived. The attack has drawn sharp criticism across the Arab world, disrupted ongoing ceasefire negotiations, and threatened the safety of 20 hostages still believed alive in Gaza. While Netanyahu faces international backlash, he remains resolute, backed by his hard-line coalition, and has vowed further action if Hamas leadership continues to operate from Qatar. Experts say the failed strike undercuts Netanyahu’s vision of “total victory” over Hamas, complicates efforts to secure a ceasefire, and risks alienating Israeli citizens seeking an end to the war. Despite this, Netanyahu’s political position remains secure, with his coalition’s support outweighing public opposition. Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City, urging evacuation of around one million residents ahead of a planned invasion. The Trump administration has expressed unhappiness over the strike but has not indicated steps to pressure Israel to halt the war.

  Two separate boat accidents in northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this week have left at least 193 people dead and dozens more missing, authorities and state media said Friday. The tragedies occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, about 150 kilometers apart in Equateur province. On Thursday evening, a whaleboat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized along the Congo River in Lukolela territory, killing 107 people, according to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. At least 209 survivors were rescued near the village of Malange, while a memo from the Ministry of Social Affairs said 146 others were still missing. A day earlier, another motorized boat capsized in Basankusu territory, claiming the lives of at least 86 people, most of them students, state media reported. Several others remain unaccounted for, though no official figure was given. The cause of the accidents was not immediately clear. State media, citing reports from the scene, blamed Wednesday’s disaster on “improper loading and night navigation.” Photos from the area showed villagers mourning beside recovered bodies. A local civil society group accused the government of negligence and claimed the toll was even higher. Search operations were launched after the accidents, with naval personnel and community volunteers combing the riverbanks. Authorities pledged medical treatment for the injured, assistance to bereaved families, and the repatriation of survivors. River transport remains a lifeline in the DRC’s vast rainforest regions, where wooden vessels serve as the primary mode of travel between remote villages. The boats are often poorly maintained, overloaded with passengers and goods, and travel without life jackets, making accidents frequent and deadly. Night navigation adds further risk, often complicating rescue efforts and leaving many victims unaccounted for. Limited resources and the remoteness of accident sites also hamper search and recovery operations. Source: AL Zazeera    

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to recognize a future Palestinian state — a move staunchly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 193-member body passed a nonbinding resolution backing the “New York Declaration,” which outlines a gradual plan to resolve the decades-long conflict. The vote was 142 in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. Just hours before the vote, Netanyahu declared that a Palestinian state would never be established, speaking during the signing of an agreement to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank — territory Palestinians claim for their future state. “This place belongs to us,” Netanyahu said. The resolution was introduced by France and Saudi Arabia, who led a high-level conference in July to promote the two-state solution, where the declaration was originally endorsed. The ongoing war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are expected to be key issues at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, beginning September 22. The Palestinian delegation hopes more countries — at least 10 — will formally recognize Palestine, adding to over 145 that already have. Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour described the vote as a sign of global support for peace. Without directly naming Israel, he criticized those “still pushing for war and destruction,” urging them to listen to reason and the international call for a peaceful solution. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon rejected the resolution, calling it “theater” that benefits Hamas and undermines the Assembly’s credibility. The United States, a close ally of Israel, also criticized the resolution. U.S. representative Morgan Ortagus labeled it “misguided” and “ill-timed,” calling it a propaganda gift for Hamas that undercuts genuine diplomatic efforts. The New York Declaration notably condemns Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel — a rare instance of Arab states publicly denouncing the militant group. The assault killed around 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages, with roughly 20 still believed alive. The declaration also denounces Israeli military actions in Gaza, citing the severe humanitarian crisis caused by airstrikes, blockades, and shortages of food and supplies. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, though the numbers do not separate civilians from militants. The document calls for the Palestinian Authority to take control of all Palestinian territories, including Gaza, through a transitional committee once a ceasefire is in place. It also demands that Hamas relinquish control of Gaza and disarm. Additionally, the declaration supports a temporary U.N.-backed international mission to help protect civilians, oversee the ceasefire, assist the Palestinian Authority with security, and monitor future peace agreements. Finally, the declaration urges global recognition of the Palestinian state, describing it as vital for realizing the two-state solution. Without directly naming Israel, it warns that “illegal unilateral actions” are threatening the viability of a Palestinian state.

Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday named former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s interim prime minister, marking the first time a woman has led the nation’s government. The appointment followed widespread unrest that led to the downfall of the previous administration. Acting on Karki’s recommendation, the president also dissolved the parliament and scheduled new elections for March 5, according to an official statement released late Friday. Nepal last held parliamentary elections in 2022. Karki, 73, earned public admiration during her tenure as Nepal’s only female chief justice in 2016–2017, particularly for her anti-corruption efforts. Though she faced an attempted impeachment in 2017 on allegations of bias, the effort was widely condemned and ultimately failed. Mass protests erupted in Kathmandu on Monday after the government briefly banned social media platforms. The demonstrations quickly escalated into violence, with protesters attacking public buildings and police forces responding with gunfire. Despite the government reversing the ban, the unrest persisted, fueled by broader dissatisfaction with political elites. Protesters set fire to the parliament building, the presidential residence, and various businesses. The turmoil led to the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli on Tuesday. The military took control of the capital that night, and talks began between the army, protesters, and the president to form an interim government. Police reported on Friday that the week’s violence had claimed at least 51 lives, including protesters killed by police and inmates who died while attempting a prison break. Three police officers were also among the fatalities. A military-enforced curfew has been in place since Tuesday evening, allowing residents only limited hours to access essentials while soldiers patrol the streets. The protests, known as the “Gen Z uprising,” initially responded to the temporary ban on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube—blocked for failing to comply with government oversight. However, the movement quickly expanded, with young demonstrators expressing frustration over political nepotism and youth unemployment, contrasting their struggles with the privilege enjoyed by the children of political leaders.

US President Donald Trump admitted on Friday that his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil created a rift between the two nations. "India was Russia's biggest customer, and I put a 50% tariff on India because of their oil purchases. That wasn't an easy decision," Trump said during a Fox News interview. The tariffs sparked outrage in India, fueling anti-US sentiment. The move was part of the US's efforts to counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine by penalizing nations buying oil from Moscow under Western sanctions. "That's a big deal. And it causes a rift with India," Trump added during the Fox & Friends program. US-India relations have been tense since Trump’s trade war, particularly after trade talks collapsed over India's reluctance to open its agricultural and dairy sectors. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeds $190 billion annually. Trump first imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports and later doubled it to 50% starting August 27. This was in response to India’s increasing oil purchases from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump indicated that negotiations with India on trade barriers are ongoing and he plans to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling a potential reset after recent tensions. Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to India, expressed hope for progress during India's commerce minister's visit to Washington next week. Gor downplayed the tariffs as a "little hiccup," adding that the US holds its allies to higher standards. He emphasized that aligning India with the US is a priority. Trump also addressed his waning patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that while he previously had a good relationship with Putin, he was frustrated by the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine. Trump hinted that further sanctions and tariffs, including on banks and oil, were options but stressed that European nations must also participate.   Source: NDTV

Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, following violent protests that toppled the previous government. Karki, who earned popularity as Nepal’s only female chief justice during 2016–17, was scheduled to be sworn in later in the day, presidential spokesman Kiran Pokhrel announced. The appointment comes after a week of unrest sparked by a social media ban that quickly escalated into deadly clashes. Tens of thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to parliament, the presidential residence and private businesses, while also assaulting politicians. Police opened fire, and at least 51 people were killed. The crisis forced the resignation of the prime minister earlier this week. The army took control of Kathmandu on Tuesday night and began talks with protest leaders, political representatives and the presidency on forming an interim government.

President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk has been apprehended with "high certainty." Federal and state authorities had earlier released images and a video of the suspected shooter. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and ally of Trump, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. The attack occurred in broad daylight, with disturbing footage showing Kirk being struck by a bullet during a public address on social issues. Over 7,000 tips have been received as part of the investigation, but authorities have not yet identified the suspect or provided a motive. The FBI's Robert Bohls confirmed it was a "targeted event." The shooter fired from a rooftop and then blended into the crowd, disappearing after the attack. Trump, along with other political leaders, condemned the violence and announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Kirk’s funeral will be attended by Trump, and his body was flown to Phoenix for services, where his organization, Turning Point USA, is based. Kirk, known for his divisive views, was taking questions on gun violence moments before the shooting. His appearance sparked protests on campus, with some students barricading themselves in classrooms for safety. The shooting continues to draw bipartisan outrage, reflecting ongoing concerns about political violence in the U.S.  

Britain’s Prince Harry has made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to express solidarity with wounded service members amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion. Harry’s representatives confirmed his arrival in Kyiv on Friday but withheld details of his schedule citing security concerns. It marks his second trip to Ukraine since 2022, following an earlier visit to Lviv in April. “We cannot stop the war but what we can do is do everything we can to help the recovery process,” Harry told the Guardian while traveling by train to the capital. A veteran of the British Army who served in Afghanistan, Harry is the founder of the Invictus Games — a Paralympic-style competition for injured veterans worldwide. Ukraine is currently bidding to host the games in 2029. Earlier this week, the Archewell Foundation — established by Harry and his wife Meghan — announced a $500,000 donation to projects supporting injured children in Gaza and Ukraine. The funds will go to the World Health Organization for medical evacuations and to develop prosthetics for severely wounded youth. According to the Guardian, Harry will meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, spend time with around 200 veterans, and visit the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. His trip coincides with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s visit to Kyiv, where she unveiled new U.K. sanctions targeting Russia’s oil revenues and military supplies. Harry’s appearance in Ukraine follows a four-day stay in the U.K., where he met his father, King Charles III, for the first time in 19 months — a move seen as a step toward mending strained royal ties. The visit comes less than a week after Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.