United News of Bangladesh

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck northeastern Japan late Monday night (December 08, 2025), prompting a tsunami warning for wide stretches of the Pacific coastline, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake struck at 11:15 p.m. local time at a depth of 50 km and registered upper 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7 in the hardest-hit areas, the agency said. Read more: Earthquake: Matlab Bridge crack triggers fears as thousands cross every day Tsunami warnings have been issued for coastal regions of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures, where waves as high as 3 meters are expected. The epicenter was located off the eastern coast of Aomori at 41.0 degrees north latitude and 142.3 degrees east longitude. A tsunami advisory was also issued for Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures following the strong tremor. Authorities urged residents in the warned areas to move to higher ground immediately as aftershocks are likely. Read more: Earthquake Alerts: Best Free Mobile Apps in 2025-26

More than a year after a fragile ceasefire took hold along the Israel-Lebanon border, residents of war-battered towns like Metula say they are still struggling to rebuild their lives as renewed tensions unsettle the region. In Metula, Israel’s northernmost town, Ilan Rosenfeld walks through the burnt-out remains of the café and farm he built over four decades. Clay plates lie shattered on the ground and twisted metal from Hezbollah rockets is scattered in the rubble. “Everything I had, everything I built is gone,” Rosenfeld said, adding that he now wakes up each day “with only tears left.” He was among tens of thousands forced to flee when fighting erupted between Israel and Hezbollah in October 2023, after Hamas’ attack in southern Israel triggered a wider regional conflict. Although the Israeli government says most displaced residents have returned, large parts of the border communities remain half-empty. Metula has seen just over half of its 1,700 residents come back. Many returned to damaged homes, ruined orchards and businesses unable to recover. Local authorities say around 60% of homes in the town were hit by rocket fire. Others, left untended for months, were destroyed by rats. Tourism and agriculture — the backbone of the local economy — have been devastated, prompting some business owners to bring in workers from Thailand to fill labour gaps. Jacob Katz, who runs a produce business, said many workers never came back after the war. “We’ve lost a lot, and we can’t read the future,” he said. Rosenfeld now sleeps in a small shelter next to the ruins of his café, steps away from a military watchtower and armoured vehicles. He says repeated appeals for government aid have gone unanswered. Metula’s deputy mayor, Avi Nadiv, said residents feel abandoned. “The government needs to do much more for us. People living on Israel’s northern border are the country’s human shield,” he said. A spokesman for the Cabinet minister overseeing reconstruction claimed local officials had failed to use funds already allocated, blaming “political considerations.” Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have continued, with several reported weekly. Hezbollah has refused to disarm fully unless Israel withdraws from disputed areas, keeping the border tense despite the ceasefire reached in late 2024. A November U.N. report said at least 127 civilians had been killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire, calling some of the Israeli strikes “war crimes.” Israel insists its operations target Hezbollah positions and that the group uses civilians as shields. Last week, Israel killed Hezbollah’s top military commander in Beirut, raising fears of further escalation. The group has yet to respond. On the ground in Metula, signs of tension are everywhere. Public shelter maps have been updated and explosions from military drills echo through the hills. Farmer and reservist Levav Weinberg said his children are too frightened to ride their bikes. His family returned in July to keep their business alive but now they are reconsidering. “The army cannot protect me and my family,” he said. “Living in Metula means sacrificing your family these days. It’s not an easy life, and at some point the kids pay the price.”  

President Donald Trump on Sunday said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “hasn’t read” the latest U.S.-drafted peace proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia, suggesting this is delaying progress in negotiations. Speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump voiced frustration after U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators wrapped up three days of talks in Florida. “I’m a little bit disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn’t yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago,” he said. Trump claimed Ukrainian officials were positive about the plan and added, “Russia is, I believe, fine with it,” although Moscow has not publicly endorsed it. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said parts of the proposal were unworkable, even though earlier drafts were viewed as favorable to Moscow. Trump has had an uneven relationship with Zelenskyy during his second term, repeatedly criticizing the war as a burden on U.S. taxpayers and urging Ukraine to hand over territory to end the nearly four-year conflict. Zelenskyy said Saturday he had a “substantive phone call” with U.S. officials involved in the negotiations and that Ukraine remained committed to working “in good faith” toward a genuine peace deal. Russia on Sunday welcomed the Trump administration’s new national security strategy, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling Russia’s Tass news agency that the updated document aligned with Moscow’s preference for dialogue over confrontation. The strategy outlines Washington’s intent to improve relations with Russia and identifies ending the war as essential for restoring “strategic stability.” Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday, said efforts to finalize a deal were “in the last 10 meters.” He said the main unresolved issues involve the status of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, both largely under Russian control. Kellogg, who leaves his post in January, did not attend the Florida talks. Officials also said leaders of the UK, France and Germany are set to meet Zelenskyy in London on Monday. As discussions concluded, Russian missile, drone and artillery strikes killed at least four people across Ukraine between Saturday night and Sunday. A man died in a drone strike in Chernihiv region, while attacks on Kremenchuk knocked out power and water supplies in the industrial city. Three more people were killed and 10 wounded in shelling in Kharkiv region, according to prosecutors. Ukraine and its Western partners say Russia aims to plunge civilians into darkness and cold for a fourth winter by targeting power infrastructure.  

Israeli police forcibly entered the East Jerusalem compound of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees early Monday, escalating Israel’s campaign against an organisation already banned from operating on its territory. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said in a statement that “sizeable numbers” of Israeli forces, including motorcycle units, trucks and forklifts, entered its Sheikh Jarrah compound and cut its communications. The agency called the move an “unauthorized and forceful entry” and described it as a violation of its U.N.-granted privileges and immunities. Photos taken by an AP photographer showed police vehicles outside the facility and an Israeli flag placed on the roof. Images shared by UNRWA staff showed Israeli officers inside the compound. Police said the entry was part of a “debt-collection procedure” led by the Jerusalem municipality, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The raid is the latest step in Israel’s push against UNRWA, which provides aid and services to about 2.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with 3 million more in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Established after the 1948 war to support Palestinians forced from their homes, the agency has long been politically contentious. UNRWA’s supporters say Israel wants to erase the refugee issue by dismantling the agency, while Israel argues the refugees should be permanently resettled elsewhere. During the Israel-Hamas war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, UNRWA served as Gaza’s main humanitarian lifeline amid widespread destruction and strict Israeli restrictions on goods entering the territory. Israel has accused the agency of being infiltrated by Hamas, allegations the U.N. denies. After months of criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right allies, Israel formally banned UNRWA in January. The U.S., once its largest donor, halted funding in early 2024. UNRWA says it has struggled to continue working in Gaza, even as other U.N. agencies such as WFP and UNICEF try to fill what the agency calls an unfillable gap. Tamara Alrifai, UNRWA’s communications chief, said at the Doha Forum on Saturday that the agency has also been excluded from U.S.-led talks on Phase 2 of the ceasefire. The Jerusalem compound had already been closed since May after far-right protesters, including at least one Israeli lawmaker, pushed through its gate in front of police. Members of Israel’s far-right have urged the government to turn the compound into a settlement, and the housing minister said last year he had instructed officials to explore reclaiming the land for state use and housing development.  

Greenland on Monday began its annual meetings with U.S. officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, closing a year in which U.S. President Donald Trump revived talk of a potential U.S. takeover of the mineral-rich, semiautonomous Danish territory. The two-day meetings include a bilateral “joint committee” session focusing on cooperation in key areas, according to Greenland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Science. A separate “permanent committee” meeting will involve Danish government officials. Last year, similar discussions were held in the United States. Vivian Motzfeldt, head of the ministry, said Greenland is “pleased” to host the talks. “Through these successful meetings, we ensure that the interests of the Greenlanders and the Americans are respected for the benefit of all parties,” she said, noting the aim is to “develop cooperation in areas of common interest.” Earlier this year, Trump raised concerns in Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union by again suggesting a U.S. takeover of Greenland after beginning his second term. The matter drew renewed attention in August when Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador following reports that at least three Trump-connected individuals carried out covert influence operations on the island. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also visited a remote military base on Greenland this year, criticizing Denmark for underinvestment. Trump has described Greenland as vital to U.S. security and has not ruled out using military force, despite Denmark being a NATO ally.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London as Kyiv’s European partners seek to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations on a U.S.-backed plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelenskyy said his discussions in London and Brussels this week will focus on security, air defense, and long-term financial support for Ukraine’s war effort. The leaders aim to ensure any ceasefire includes robust guarantees from both Europe and the United States to prevent further Russian attacks. U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators concluded three days of talks on Saturday to narrow differences over the U.S. peace proposal. A key sticking point is the suggestion that Ukraine cede control of the Russian-occupied Donbas region, which Ukraine and its European allies oppose. Starmer said he will not pressure Zelenskyy to accept a peace settlement, emphasizing that any halt in hostilities must be fair and lasting. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued overnight. Drones struck residential buildings in Okhtyrka and Chernihiv, injuring at least 10 civilians and causing extensive damage, while Ukraine reported that 131 of 149 Russian drones fired were neutralized. Russia claimed its air defenses shot down 67 Ukrainian drones over 11 regions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed a new U.S. national security strategy, saying it aligns with Moscow’s vision for dialogue and constructive relations, though European leaders have expressed concern over parts of the document.  

Thailand carried out airstrikes along its contested border with Cambodia on Monday, as both nations accused each other of violating the ceasefire that ended deadly clashes earlier this year. Border tensions erupted into five days of violence in July, leaving dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire in October, but mistrust between the neighbors has remained high. Thailand’s defense ministry said more than 35,000 residents near the frontier have moved to shelters or to stay with relatives farther away. Cambodia’s Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said several border villages have also been evacuated. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a televised address that Thailand would take whatever military action is needed to safeguard its territory and protect civilians. “Thailand has never sought conflict. We have never started a fight or invaded anyone, but we will not accept violations of our sovereignty,” he said. New clashes followed Sunday’s exchange of fire The October ceasefire had already been under strain since early November, when land mines injured Thai soldiers. Bangkok then suspended implementation of the truce, with both sides blaming each other even as they were meant to jointly remove the mines. Trump said in mid-November that he had stepped in to help keep the ceasefire intact. A brief firefight erupted on Sunday, with each country claiming the other fired first. Thailand reported two soldiers wounded and said it returned fire for about 20 minutes, while Cambodia insisted Thai troops initiated the clash and that its forces held back. On Monday, Thai military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian forces opened fire across several areas of the border, killing one Thai soldier and injuring four others. Civilians were being moved from the conflict zone, he added. He confirmed that Thai aircraft struck “military targets in multiple locations to suppress Cambodian supporting fire.” Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata countered that Thailand launched Monday’s attack and claimed Cambodian troops did not respond initially. “Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostile actions that undermine regional peace and stability,” she said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged both sides to show restraint, saying his country is prepared to support efforts to prevent further escalation. “Our region cannot allow old disputes to spiral into confrontation,” he said. Longstanding historical rifts fuel dispute Thailand and Cambodia’s rivalry stretches back centuries to their eras as competing empires. Current territorial claims largely relate to a 1907 map drafted during Cambodia’s French colonial period — a document Thailand disputes. In 1962, the International Court of Justice granted Cambodia sovereignty over territory including the Preah Vihear temple, a ruling still resented by many in Thailand. The existing ceasefire does not address the root cause of the conflict — longstanding disagreements over the precise border line.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are “very close” to entering the second phase of the ceasefire, which will begin once Hamas returns the remains of the final hostage still held in Gaza. Speaking at a press conference alongside visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said the next phase — involving Hamas’ disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — could start by the end of the month. Hamas has not yet handed over the body of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. His remains were taken to Gaza. The second phase also calls for deploying an international security force in Gaza and forming an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international committee led by U.S. President Donald Trump. A senior Hamas figure told The Associated Press the group is willing to discuss “freezing, storing, or laying down” its weapons as part of the ceasefire, signaling possible progress on one of the toughest issues. Netanyahu: Next stages will be difficult Netanyahu noted that many doubted the first phase could be completed, and he expects similar challenges ahead. He added that a third phase — “deradicalizing Gaza” — is also essential, saying it has been achieved in places like Germany, Japan, and the Gulf States and could be done in Gaza as well, but only if Hamas is dismantled. Returning Gvili’s remains — in exchange for Israel handing over 15 Palestinian bodies — would finalize the first stage of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan. Hamas says locating all remains is difficult due to destruction from Israel’s two-year offensive, while Israel accuses Hamas of delaying and has threatened to resume operations or restrict aid if the returns are not completed. Hostage families reiterated that the next phase cannot begin without Gvili’s body being returned. Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the Yellow Line — separating Israeli-held Gaza areas from the rest of the territory — as a “new border,” saying Israeli forces will remain along the line as a forward defensive position. Germany reaffirms backing for Israel Merz said Germany is helping implement the second phase by sending personnel to a U.S.-led coordination center in southern Israel and providing humanitarian supplies to Gaza. He reaffirmed Germany’s support for a two-state solution but said Berlin maintains that Palestinian statehood can only be recognized at the end of negotiations. Netanyahu said he has not scheduled a visit to Germany due to concerns about an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the Gaza war. Merz said no visit is currently planned but may be considered in the future. He also said he is unaware of any impending EU sanctions on Israel or renewed German restrictions on arms exports. Germany previously paused defense exports to Israel, but the suspension was lifted after the Oct. 10 ceasefire. Israel kills militant near Yellow Line Israel’s military reported killing a militant who approached its forces near the Yellow Line. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 370 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began, including six people whose bodies reached hospitals in the past day. The Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack killed about 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages. Nearly all captives or their remains have since been released through ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed at least 70,360 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which does not separate civilians from combatants but reports that nearly half the victims were women and children. The ministry’s figures are considered credible by the U.N. and international organizations.

Thailand carried out airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday, with both countries blaming each other for initiating the attacks. The two Southeast Asian neighbors have experienced rising tensions since signing a U.S.-brokered truce in October, following a five-day conflict in July that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian forces fired first across multiple border points, resulting in one Thai soldier killed and four others injured. Civilians in the affected areas are being evacuated. Thai aircraft were used to target Cambodian military positions in response, he added. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, however, claimed that Thai forces struck first and that Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial attacks. “Cambodia urges Thailand to immediately halt all hostile actions that threaten regional peace and stability,” she said. Thailand halts ceasefire, demands Cambodia apology after border mine injures soldiers The U.S.-brokered ceasefire from October has been under strain, particularly after Thai troops were injured by land mines last month, with both sides continuing to dispute responsibility even as they are meant to cooperate in clearing the explosives. U.S. President Donald Trump said in mid-November that his mediation had prevented further escalation between the two nations. Source: AP

Somalia's Ministry of Health and Human Services on Sunday confirmed that a new diphtheria outbreak has killed 50 children and infected about 1,000 others nationwide. In a statement, the ministry said children aged 5 to 15 have been the most affected. Responding to this "dangerous situation," the ministry has launched vaccine campaigns to control the disease, it said, adding that vaccination will begin on Dec. 15 and run for five days. "All children, wherever they are, in villages, health facilities, and schools will be vaccinated", the ministry said, urging parents to bring their children to the designated sites to help contain what it described as a "killer disease." The warning comes amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia, compounded by persistent conflict and climate shocks, including floods and droughts.