United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel and Hamas are “very shortly expected to move into the second phase of the ceasefire,” after Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. Netanyahu spoke during a news conference with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and stressed that the second phase, which addresses the disarming of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, could begin as soon as the end of the month. Hamas has yet to hand over the remains of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer who was killed in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war. His body was taken to Gaza. The ceasefire's second stage also includes the deployment of an international force to secure Gaza and forming a temporary Palestinian government to run day-to-day affairs under the supervision of an international board led by U.S. President Donald Trump. A senior Hamas official on Sunday told The Associated Press the group is ready to discuss “freezing or storing or laying down” its weapons as part of the ceasefire in a possible approach to one of the most difficult issues ahead. Netanyahu says second phase will be challenging Netanyahu said few people believed the ceasefire’s first stage could be achieved, and the second phase is just as challenging. “As I mentioned to the chancellor, there’s a third phase, and that is to deradicalize Gaza, something that also people believed was impossible. But it was done in Germany, it was done in Japan, it was done in the Gulf States. It can be done in Gaza, too, but of course Hamas has to be dismantled,” he said. The return of Gvili’s remains — and Israel's return of 15 bodies of Palestinians in exchange — would complete the first phase of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan. Hamas says it has not been able to reach all remains because they are buried under rubble left by Israel’s two-year offensive in Gaza. Israel has accused the militants of stalling and threatened to resume military operations or withhold humanitarian aid if all remains are not returned. A group of families of hostages said in a statement that “we cannot advance to the next phase before Ran Gvili returns home.” Meanwhile, Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Sunday called the so-called Yellow Line that divides the Israeli-controlled majority of Gaza from the rest of the territory a “new border.” “We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defense lines," Zamir said. "The Yellow Line is a new border line, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity." Germany says support for Israel is unchanged Merz said Germany, one of Israel’s closest allies, is assisting with the implementation of the second phase by sending officers and diplomats to a U.S.-led civilian and military coordination center in southern Israel, and by sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. The chancellor also said Germany still believes that a two-state-solution is the best possible option but that “the German federal government remains of the opinion that recognition of a Palestinian state can only come at the end of such a process, not at the beginning.” The U.S.-drafted plan for Gaza leaves the door open to Palestinian independence. Netanyahu has long asserted that creating a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and eventually lead to an even larger Hamas-run state on Israel’s borders. Netanyahu also said that while he would like to visit Germany, he hasn’t planned a diplomatic trip because he is concerned about an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, the U.N.'s top war crimes court, last year in connection with the war in Gaza. Merz said there are currently no plans for a visit but he may invite Netanyahu in the future. He added that he is not aware of future sanctions against Israel from the European Union nor any plans to renew German bans on military exports to Israel. Germany had a temporary ban on exporting military equipment to Israel, which was lifted after the ceasefire began on Oct. 10. Israel kills militant in Gaza The Israeli military said it killed a militant who approached its troops across the Yellow Line. Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israeli forces have killed more than 370 Palestinians since the start of the ceasefire, and that the bodies of six people killed in attacks had been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours. In the original Hamas-led attack in 2023, the militants killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 others hostage. Almost all the hostages or their remains have been returned in ceasefires or other deals. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed at least 70,360 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says that nearly half the dead have been women and children. The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamas government and its numbers are considered reliable by the U.N. and other international bodies.

At least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities said Saturday. The half-sunken boat was located Saturday by a passing Turkish merchant vessel, authorities said. Two survivors were rescued and a rescue operation to find more was ongoing. Greece is a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and f atal accidents are a common occurrence. The short but perilous journey from Turkey’s coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or small boats, often in poor conditions, used to be the major route until increased patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced crossing attempts. In recent months, arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged. Authorities have not yet determined where the boat came from. A ship and a plane from European border agency Frontex, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter and three merchant vessels are taking part in the search operation.