United News of Bangladesh

Israel continued military operations in southern Lebanon on Friday despite a reported ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, raising concerns that the fragile truce could collapse and undermine broader regional peace efforts. US and Gulf officials said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to halt hostilities under a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, the United States and Iran. The truce was scheduled to take effect at 4pm local time. Israeli strikes in Lebanon threaten Iran-US deal as Switzerland talks postponed However, reports from southern Lebanon indicated that at least 12 Israeli air raids and continued artillery shelling occurred after the ceasefire deadline. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks launched from midnight through Friday killed at least 47 people and injured 97 others. A senior US official told media that the ceasefire had been reached through US and Qatari mediation with Iranian assistance. Hezbollah and Israeli officials also confirmed the agreement, with Hezbollah saying it would hold if Israel respected it. The next round of Lebanese-Israeli talks is scheduled in Washington from June 23-25, the US State Department said. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed reports of the ceasefire and urged all parties to respect existing arrangements and pursue dialogue for lasting stability.

Andy Burnham’s commanding victory in a special parliamentary election has intensified speculation over the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield seat in northwest England with nearly 55 percent of the vote, significantly increasing Labour’s vote share despite the party’s poor polling performance and losses in local elections last month. Reform UK had previously dominated the local seats in the constituency. Labour’s Andy Burnham wins by-election, intensifying leadership pressure on UK PM Starmer The 56-year-old’s return to Parliament after nearly a decade has positioned him as a potential challenger to Starmer, although he has not formally declared any leadership ambitions. Describing his victory as a “change moment,” Burnham said Britain needed renewed hope and a new direction. Starmer, facing mounting criticism over policy setbacks and controversies, has rejected suggestions he could step down and vowed to contest any leadership challenge. Under Labour rules, challengers must secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs and additional backing from local party organizations or affiliates before a membership vote is held. Should Starmer resign or lose a leadership contest, the winner would be invited by King Charles III to form a government. Any leadership race could take up to four months.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been temporarily suspended from practicing law by Britain's legal regulator as disciplinary proceedings move forward over allegations of misconduct. The Bar Standards Board (BSB), which regulates barristers in England and Wales, announced Friday that Khan had been suspended pending a hearing expected within four weeks. The decision comes days after the ICC’s oversight body concluded that he had engaged in “serious misconduct” and committed a “serious breach of duty.” Khan, 56, was formally relieved of his duties at the ICC last week following recommendations by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the executive committee of the court’s governing body. Member states are scheduled to vote next month on whether to permanently remove him from office. The British lawyer has strongly denied all allegations against him. His legal team said the BSB’s decision was based on the findings of the ICC oversight body and stressed that Khan “unequivocally denies all allegations of impropriety.” They added that they would challenge the conclusions reached by the Bureau. The case stems from allegations that Khan engaged in an inappropriate relationship and sexual misconduct involving a female staff member. The controversy has overshadowed the Hague-based court for more than two years. According to earlier reports, Khan allegedly transferred the woman from another department into his office. In 2025, he temporarily stepped aside from his responsibilities while a United Nations investigation examined the claims. A report by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services released in April found evidence suggesting Khan had engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with the aide in several locations, including his office, private residence and during an official mission. However, a separate three-judge panel tasked with reviewing the findings concluded that the evidence was not sufficiently conclusive. The final decision regarding Khan’s future now rests with the 125-member Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC. A special session has been scheduled for July 24 in New York to vote on his removal. According to officials involved in the process, at least 63 member states would need to support the motion for it to pass. The embattled prosecutor is also facing pressure from the United States. The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Khan and several other ICC officials over the court’s investigations involving Israel and American personnel. The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s former defence minister, alleging there were grounds to believe they had used starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally targeted civilians during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israeli authorities have rejected the accusations. Diplomatic sources told AP that some countries believe the allegations against Khan may be linked to efforts to undermine the court’s investigations into Israel. However, no evidence has been publicly presented to support that claim. For the past year, two deputy prosecutors have been carrying out Khan’s responsibilities, and it remains unclear who would succeed him if member states vote to remove him permanently.

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior US official confirmed on Friday, marking a significant step toward easing tensions on one of the most volatile fronts linked to the recent Iran conflict. The ceasefire took effect at 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT), following a surge in violence that left at least 18 people dead in southern Lebanon after overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israel also reported the deaths of four soldiers in the fighting. The Israeli military confirmed the truce, with IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stating that a ceasefire was now in effect while emphasizing that Israeli forces remained ready to resume military operations if necessary. The agreement comes days after the United States and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending the war involving Iran and reducing tensions across the region. The accord includes provisions calling for an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. According to the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the first provision calls for the “immediate and permanent” cessation of military activities across the region. The agreement also commits all parties to respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The 14-point framework outlines several broader measures, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, a proposed $300 billion reconstruction programme for Iran, and the eventual removal of all US sanctions on Tehran. US officials have previously clarified that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire arrangement, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a requirement under the agreement. They also stressed that Israel retains the right to act in self-defence if necessary. The ceasefire is expected to reduce immediate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, although questions remain over the long-term implementation of the broader regional agreement and the future status of Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon. Source: BBC

Planned talks between the United States and Iran were postponed on Friday after renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about the durability of a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the recent Iran conflict. Iranian officials cancelled a scheduled trip to Switzerland for negotiations with US representatives, insisting that hostilities in Lebanon must cease before discussions can proceed, according to regional officials and a source familiar with the matter. US Vice President JD Vance also delayed his planned visit. The postponement came as Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, while Hezbollah reported fierce clashes on the ground. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed, while Israel reported the deaths of four soldiers. The confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement remains one of the most sensitive aspects of the broader Iran-US agreement. Although neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a party to the deal, the accord is intended to halt regional hostilities, including fighting between the two sides. The interim agreement has already helped restore stability in Iran and the Gulf region and facilitated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route that had been severely disrupted by Iranian attacks and threats. Future negotiations are expected to focus on securing a permanent settlement to the conflict and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, which was at the centre of the war involving Israel, the United States and Iran that began on February 28. According to the Israeli military, four soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an attack on a tank near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Five other soldiers were wounded in a separate drone attack. In response, Israel launched airstrikes against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatiyeh and other areas, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire. Additional strikes were reported in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, including the village of Douris. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, saying Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for attacks on Israeli soldiers and territory. Hezbollah confirmed targeting Israeli tanks, saying its actions were retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations. The group said Israeli troops had attempted to advance toward the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill overlooking Nabatiyeh. The renewed violence has displaced residents in parts of southern Lebanon, with many fleeing their villages amid fears of further escalation. Disagreements over Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon also remain unresolved. Iran has repeatedly demanded a full Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli troops will remain in a security zone for as long as security conditions require. The latest developments have added strain to relations between Washington and Jerusalem, with reports indicating growing criticism from US President Donald Trump toward Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Iran refused to begin the Switzerland talks while Israeli military operations in Lebanon continued. The White House had earlier attributed Vance’s postponed trip to logistical reasons. Regional officials said mediators are working to reschedule the talks, although uncertainty remains over when discussions can resume. Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has improved significantly, with the United States reporting that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway on Wednesday. However, analysts say it could take weeks or months before energy exports fully return to normal levels. Iran’s newly established authority overseeing the strait announced Friday that vessels would be required to register with it, although security, safety and environmental service fees would be waived during the 60-day period outlined in the interim agreement. Negotiators still face major challenges in reaching a comprehensive nuclear accord. Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, although the International Atomic Energy Agency says Tehran possesses highly enriched uranium that could potentially be used to produce nuclear weapons. Under the interim agreement, negotiators have 60 days—subject to extension—to reach a final nuclear deal. The framework includes incentives for Iran, such as the eventual lifting of international sanctions and a proposed $300 billion fund for post-war reconstruction. The United States has already eased some restrictions by allowing Iran to resume oil exports and by lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. The agreement also envisages the release of frozen Iranian assets, although the timing remains uncertain.

At least 18 people were killed in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes overnight, Lebanon's health ministry said, while the Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed in attacks by Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck around 80 Hezbollah-linked targets and killed dozens of fighters from the Iran-backed armed group. The latest violence came just a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement aimed at ending the conflict across the Middle East, including a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon. Despite the deal, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging attacks, raising doubts about the future of the fragile truce. The agreement calls for an end to hostilities on all fronts and respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, Israel has made clear that it does not plan to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, arguing that its campaign against Hezbollah is separate from the broader conflict involving Iran. Lebanon's state news agency described Thursday night's bombardment across the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon as among the heaviest since the war began. It reported at least 18 deaths, 33 injuries and damage to several buildings. Hezbollah said its fighters ambushed an Israeli military unit in southern Lebanon, destroying three tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rocket and artillery fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences over the deaths of the four soldiers and said he had ordered the military to intensify operations against Hezbollah. "My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks," Netanyahu wrote on X. Lebanon became involved in the wider conflict shortly after it began when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an extensive military campaign across Lebanon and occupied parts of southern Lebanon, saying its goal was to push Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border. According to Lebanon's health ministry, at least 3,912 people, including women and children, have been killed and another 11,699 wounded since the latest conflict began. Around one million people remain displaced, while dozens of communities in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory. Netanyahu is also facing pressure at home to maintain military operations against Hezbollah, a position that could further strain relations with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticised Israel's actions in Lebanon. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reacted to the deaths of the four soldiers by saying that "all of Lebanon must burn." "With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining," he said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to respect the agreement and called on the United States to pressure the Israeli government to comply with its commitments. The US-Iran agreement signed on Thursday includes provisions related to Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and a commitment by both sides to seek a final settlement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the deadline by mutual consent. A new round of direct talks scheduled in Switzerland on Friday was postponed after US Vice President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit. Vance has previously criticised some members of Netanyahu's cabinet for opposing the agreement. "If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," he told reporters. In an interview with the New York Times, Vance singled out Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as critics of the deal. "I guess my response to them would be, what is your exact proposal? You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have," he said. Netanyahu, meanwhile, stressed the importance of maintaining close ties with Washington, saying the United States had stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel during the war with Iran. Recent reports, however, suggest tensions have emerged between the two allies, with leaks indicating that Trump has expressed frustration with Netanyahu during private phone conversations. US officials have maintained that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire framework, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory is not a condition of the agreement and that Israel retains the right to self-defence. #Reports BBC

Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight into Friday following deadly attacks that killed four Israeli soldiers, escalating tensions that threaten a fragile agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at ending their recent conflict. Lebanese media reported that at least 18 people were killed in the strikes, while Israel said four of its soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed when a tank was attacked near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Five other soldiers were wounded in a separate explosive drone attack. The violence has cast doubt on the interim agreement reached between Tehran and Washington, which seeks to end regional hostilities and pave the way for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Although neither Israel nor the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is a signatory to the accord, the deal is intended to halt fighting involving both sides. Iranian officials cancelled a planned trip to Switzerland for talks with US representatives on Friday, partly because of the renewed clashes in Lebanon, according to a regional official. US Vice President JD Vance also postponed his visit, prompting mediators to seek a new date for the discussions. The Switzerland talks were expected to address restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities—the central issue behind the recent war between Israel and the United States against Iran that began on February 28. The negotiations are also aimed at securing a permanent end to hostilities. The interim agreement has already led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping after months of disruptions caused by Iranian attacks and threats. The closure had severely affected global energy markets, driving up oil and gas prices worldwide. The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatiyeh and other areas, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire. Later, Israeli forces also targeted locations in Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa Valley, including the village of Douris, according to Lebanese media reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would respond forcefully to attacks on its soldiers and territory, warning that Hezbollah would pay a “very heavy price” for such actions. Hezbollah acknowledged targeting Israeli tanks, saying the attacks were retaliation for Israeli violations of the ceasefire. The group said Israeli troops had attempted to advance toward the northern side of the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill overlooking Nabatiyeh. The renewed fighting threatens to undermine the broader agreement between Iran and the United States, which includes commitments to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, the deal does not clearly state whether Israel must withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon it has occupied since Hezbollah entered the conflict by launching rockets and drones into northern Israel. Iran has repeatedly demanded a full Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has insisted Israeli troops will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon as long as national security considerations require it. The situation has also highlighted growing differences between Washington and Jerusalem, with US President Donald Trump reportedly becoming increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s approach. Nevertheless, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee defended Israel’s actions, saying on social media that “Israel strikes when struck” and that a ceasefire would be achieved when Hezbollah stops its attacks. Regional officials said mediators are now concentrating on de-escalating tensions in Lebanon. One official said Iran withdrew from the Switzerland talks because it viewed the fighting and Netanyahu’s remarks as violations of the interim agreement. The White House, however, attributed Vance’s decision to postpone his trip to logistical reasons. The planned negotiations remain focused on Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful, although the International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran possesses highly enriched uranium that could potentially be used to build several nuclear weapons if it chose to do so. Negotiators face a difficult task, with the interim agreement allowing 60 days to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal, though the deadline may be extended. The accord offers significant incentives for Iran, including the eventual removal of international sanctions and a proposed $300 billion post-war reconstruction fund. The United States has already eased some restrictions by lifting its blockade on Iranian ports and allowing Tehran to resume oil exports. The agreement also provides for the release of frozen Iranian assets, although the timeline remains unclear. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has begun recovering, with the United States reporting that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the strategic waterway on Wednesday night. However, analysts expect it may take weeks or even months before oil and gas flows return fully to normal levels.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a parliamentary by-election in northwest England, a result that could set up a direct leadership challenge to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham secured a clear victory in the Makerfield seat, defeating Rob Kenyon of the anti-immigration Reform UK party. He won nearly 55% of the 45,510 votes cast in a crowded field of more than a dozen candidates, finishing more than 9,000 votes ahead of his nearest rival. The result strengthens Burnham’s position as a leading figure in the Labour Party and fuels speculation that he could seek to replace Starmer as both party leader and prime minister. Known as the “King of the North,” the 56-year-old politician has led Greater Manchester since 2017 and is widely seen as a popular figure within Labour’s ranks. In his victory speech, Burnham signalled clear national ambitions. “Everyone knows that politics isn’t working. Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point,” he said. He also said Labour had “a final chance to change” and rebuild public trust, calling for “a new politics based on unity and hope” and warning against what he described as a “divided, dark politics” seen elsewhere. Starmer congratulated Burnham but defended his own leadership, saying voters backed Labour’s “campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate,” in a post on X. Labour currently holds power but has faced growing public dissatisfaction since its landslide win in July 2024. Starmer has struggled with sluggish economic growth, strained public services, and cost-of-living pressures, along with political setbacks including controversial appointments. The party is also losing support to both the Green Party on the left and the Reform UK party on the right, which has gained ground in post-industrial areas such as Makerfield. Burnham’s win is being seen as a boost for Labour’s chances of countering Reform UK’s rise. Reform leader Nigel Farage said he was “disappointed” by the outcome. The result follows months of internal pressure on Starmer after poor local election results in May led to calls from some Labour MPs for him to step down. While Starmer has rejected those demands, speculation over his leadership has continued to grow. Former health secretary Wes Streeting resigned in May, warning of a “vacuum” in leadership vision, and has said he would consider running if a contest opens. Makerfield MP Josh Simons stepped down to trigger the by-election, clearing the way for Burnham’s return to Parliament. Under Labour rules, a leadership challenge can be triggered if at least 20% of Labour MPs back a candidate, currently around 81 lawmakers. Burnham is expected to take his seat in Parliament soon and may push for talks with Starmer on the party’s future direction. Allies suggest he would favour an orderly transition rather than a sudden confrontation. However, Starmer has insisted he will not resign and told reporters at the G7 summit that he would “fight if there’s a challenge,” saying he remains committed to the mandate given in the 2024 election. Political observers say Burnham’s return to Westminster significantly increases pressure on Starmer, especially after defeating Reform UK in a key battleground seat. Analysts note that Burnham’s victory strengthens his claim that he can reconnect Labour with voters in areas where the party is losing ground. Professor Rob Ford of the University of Manchester said the result makes it harder for Starmer to ignore internal pressure, arguing that Burnham now has a strong political narrative built around electoral success and voter appeal.

Israel's military said on Friday that its forces carried out overnight strikes on targets across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah reported heavy fighting in the area. The latest clashes came as planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Iran conflict, were postponed. Israel's presence in southern Lebanon and its continued military operations against the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah have been among the key issues under discussion. Israeli officials have argued that the military must maintain control of the area and continue operations against Hezbollah, accusing the group of launching attacks into northern Israel. The delay in the talks followed a report by pan-Arab satellite channel Al-Mayadeen, which is politically aligned with Hezbollah, saying that Iran had postponed sending its delegation to Switzerland because of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.

A fire broke out at an elementary school in downtown Tokyo Friday, but all of about 300 students and teachers were evacuated or rescued, officials said. The Tokyo Fire Department said the fire at the Takinogawa No. 3 Elementary School broke out near a music room on the top floor of the four-story building late morning Friday. Firefighters rescued one teacher and several schoolchildren out of the building, with non-life-threatening injuries, the department said. Television footage showed black smoke billowing out of windows on the fourth floor, as firefighters combated the fire at the scene. Dozens of fire engines were deployed. All others inside the building when the fire broke out had evacuated to a nearby park on their own and no one was left behind, officials said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.