United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump signed his new package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law on Friday during a Fourth of July picnic at the White House, marking a major legislative victory he hopes will define his second-term legacy. The multitrillion-dollar legislation, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and imposes significant reductions to social programs, was signed in front of Republican lawmakers, Cabinet members, and supporters on the White House driveway. House Speaker Mike Johnson presented Trump with the gavel used during the bill’s final passage, which Trump banged down after signing the measure. The president had set the national holiday as his deadline for Congress to deliver the bill, which passed with near-unanimous Republican support. Fighter jets and stealth bombers flew overhead as part of the Independence Day celebrations. “America's winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump told the crowd, referring to last month's bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear program. “Promises made, promises kept, and we've kept them.” The South Lawn was decorated in red, white, and blue, with music from the US Marine Band and pop hits from Chaka Khan and Huey Lewis adding Trump’s signature style to the festivities. Trump spoke for 22 minutes before signing the bill, highlighting what he described as a string of recent victories, including the Iran campaign and favorable US Supreme Court rulings. Later, Trump and First Lady Melania appeared on the Truman Balcony to watch fireworks, waving to the crowd as chants of “USA, USA” echoed across the lawn. They danced to “Y.M.C.A.” before departing for New Jersey. The legislation fulfills several of Trump’s key campaign pledges, including eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security income. Trump called it his “highest-profile win yet” and said, “Our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.” However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, labor leaders, and advocacy groups, who argue it benefits the wealthy at the expense of working families. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement, “Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history. It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country’s largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich.” Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' The legislation slashes Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion and significantly increases immigration enforcement. The Congressional Budget Office projects that nearly 12 million more people will lose health insurance under the new law and estimates it will add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. The bill passed the House on Thursday with only two Republican defections and no Democratic support. In the Senate, it cleared by a single vote, with North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis announcing he would not seek re-election after opposing the bill. Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The package reverses major policies from the Obama and Biden administrations, including the rollback of Medicaid expansion and the elimination of tax credits for renewable energy initiatives. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin described the bill as “devastating,” saying it “sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests — not working families.” He predicted the GOP would lose its congressional majority, calling the bill “a full betrayal of the American people.” Trump, however, defended the legislation, saying Democrats oppose it because of their “hatred” for him or the country. “Their standard line is to say Republican legislation is dangerous or everybody's going to die,” Trump said. “We can't let them get away with it. It's actually just the opposite, everybody's going to live.” Trump warned supporters to dismiss Democratic criticism, saying, “If you see anything negative put out by Democrats, it's all a con job.” The bill is expected to be a major issue in next year’s midterm elections, with Democrats planning rallies, voter drives, and other campaigns to highlight the cuts to social programs. Although Trump claimed the package is “very popular,” recent polling suggests mixed public opinion. A Washington Post/Ipsos poll found support for elements like eliminating taxes on tips and increasing the child tax credit, but majorities opposed cutting food assistance and spending $45 billion on migrant detention centers.  Additionally, around 60% of respondents called the projected $3 trillion increase to the national debt “unacceptable.”

Hamas announced it is prepared to begin negotiations “immediately” on a ceasefire proposal for Gaza, where over 50 people were reportedly killed in the latest phase of Israel’s offensive, according to the local civil defence agency. Islamic Jihad, a group aligned with Hamas, also voiced support for truce discussions but insisted on “guarantees” to ensure the process results in a lasting ceasefire. The statement followed internal consultations among Palestinian factions and came ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington on Monday. U.S. President Donald Trump has been advocating for an end to the conflict, now in its 21st month. 82 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 38 people waiting for aid, authorities say Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that Israel’s military campaign has resulted in at least 57,268 deaths and 135,625 injuries. In contrast, the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel claimed approximately 1,139 lives and led to the capture of over 200 individuals.   Source: with input from Al Jazeera

China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Friday that dialogue and cooperation remain the correct path forward, in response to the US lifting a series of economic and trade restrictions on China. A ministry spokesperson addressed media enquiries regarding recent reports that certain Chinese companies received notices from the US Department of Commerce concerning the resumption of exports to China of products such as electronic design automation software, ethane, and aircraft engines. The spokesperson confirmed that, following the recent China–US economic and trade talks in London, both sides had finalised the implementation details to carry out the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone conversations on 5 June, as well as to solidify the outcomes of the Geneva talks. China successfully launches new test satellite As part of this process, China is reviewing applications for export licences of eligible controlled items in accordance with laws and regulations, while the US has taken corresponding steps to eliminate certain restrictive measures and has informed the Chinese side of these moves. Describing the framework established during the London talks as "hard-won," the spokesperson emphasised that dialogue and cooperation are the right approach, while threats and coercion "lead nowhere." China opposes trade deals that undermine its interests, says Commerce Ministry The spokesperson called on the US to fully recognise the mutually beneficial nature of China–US economic and trade relations, to continue engaging with China constructively, and to correct its mistaken practices. This, the spokesperson said, is essential for jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders and promoting the stable, long-term development of bilateral economic and trade ties. China, EU aim to deepen cooperation on global issues

Russia has become the first nation to officially recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, drawing sharp criticism from opposition figures and rights activists. The decisin marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough for the Taliban nearly four years after they seized control of Kabul and re-established their rule. Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed hope that Russia’s decision would encourage other nations to follow suit. So far, most countries have hesitated to recognise the Taliban administration due to its strict interpretation of Sharia law and severe restrictions on women and girls. Critics, however, have strongly condemned Moscow’s recognition. Former Afghan politician Fawzia Koofi warned that normalising relations with the Taliban would not bring peace but rather embolden impunity. She further cautioned that such actions could endanger both Afghan citizens and global security. The Afghan Women's Political Participation Network echoed these concerns, saying the recognition legitimises a "regime that is authoritarian, anti-women, and systematically dismantling basic civil rights." The Taliban maintains that they respect women's rights within the framework of their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law. However, since they regained power in 2021, girls above the age of 12 have been barred from receiving an education, and women have been excluded from many professions. Additional restrictions include limiting women’s ability to travel without a male guardian and bans on women raising their voices in public. Russia launches largest air attack on Kyiv since war began Muttaqi described Russia’s move, announced on Thursday, as the beginning of "a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement," calling the decision "courageous." Russia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, highlighted prospects for expanded economic cooperation with Afghanistan in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. The ministry also pledged continued support to Kabul in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking. Unlike many other countries, Russia kept its embassy in Kabul open after the Taliban took power in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and allied troops. In 2022, Russia also became the first country to sign a major economic agreement with the Taliban, involving the supply of oil, gas, and wheat to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, in April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, further paving the way for official engagement. Russian President Vladimir Putin had already referred to the Taliban as an "ally" in combating terrorism during remarks made in July last year. The relationship between the two countries, however, remains complex. The Soviet Union, led by Russia, invaded Afghanistan in 1979, leading to a devastating nine-year conflict that resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 Soviet troops. The Soviet-backed government installed in Kabul faced international condemnation, eventually forcing a Soviet withdrawal in 1989. In response to Russia’s latest decision, the Afghan Women's Political Participation Network recalled the Soviet invasion, saying they had not forgotten Russia’s role in Afghanistan’s destruction. The group accused Moscow of continuing its harmful interference under the guise of diplomacy. Former Afghan National Security Adviser Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta also criticised Russia's recognition, calling it "regrettable." He warned that in the absence of widespread opposition, other countries might follow Russia’s example. Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, the United Nations imposed strict sanctions on Afghanistan, including the freezing of around $9 billion in assets. The UN has condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women, labelling the restrictions as "gender apartheid," while also reporting incidents of public floggings and brutal attacks on former government officials. Despite widespread international refusal to recognise the Taliban, some countries have maintained or adjusted their relations. Germany, for example, is considering re-establishing deportations of convicted Afghan criminals. Although Germany halted deportations after the Taliban’s return to power, politician Alexander Dobrindt said Thursday that Berlin should negotiate directly with Afghan authorities to resume deportations. However, the UN Human Rights Office warned on Friday that returning individuals to Afghanistan would be inappropriate, citing ongoing human rights violations under the Taliban regime. While most countries shut their embassies in Kabul after 2021, a few—including China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan—continue to maintain formal diplomatic representation by appointing ambassadors to Afghanistan. #With Inputs from BBC

Russia launched the largest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv since the start of the war in Ukraine, officials said Friday, as Moscow steps up its efforts to capture more Ukrainian territory. The overnight aerial assault lasted seven hours, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others, including a child, Ukrainian officials confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as “a harsh, sleepless night” for the capital. Shortly after the attack, Zelenskyy held what he called a “very important and productive” phone conversation with US President Donald Trump to discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, joint weapons production, and broader US-led efforts to end the war with Russia, as reported by AP. Zelenskyy’s office said they discussed the possibility of future meetings between their teams to explore ways of enhancing Ukraine’s protection, particularly through direct projects in drone technology and defense industry cooperation. They also exchanged views on military procurement, investment, and diplomatic efforts with international partners. The White House did not immediately comment on the call. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine during the night, including 11 missiles. Most of the aerial assault involved Shahed drones. The attack caused severe damage across multiple districts of Kyiv. Emergency services removed more than 300 tons of rubble, while five ambulances responding to the aftermath were also damaged. Blasts lit up the night sky and echoed across the city as air raid sirens wailed. “Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X. He called it “one of the worst so far.” Kyiv’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described “families running into metro stations, basements, underground parking garages, mass destruction in the heart of our capital.” “What Kyiv endured last night cannot be called anything but a deliberate act of terror,” Svyrydenko wrote on X. At least 14 people were hospitalized in Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Ukraine pursues joint weapons production with allies as US pauses some arms shipments Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted military production sites in Kyiv, including drone factories. Meanwhile, another prisoner swap took place Friday. Zelenskyy said most of the Ukrainian soldiers freed had been in Russian captivity since 2022 and were classified as “wounded and seriously ill.” The total number of soldiers exchanged was not disclosed by either side. The assault on Kyiv came hours after a phone call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. When asked if any progress was made toward ending the war, Trump said, “No, I didn’t make any progress with him today at all.” He added, “I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don’t think he’s there. I don’t think he’s looking to stop (the fighting), and that’s too bad.” Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said the Russian leader told Trump that Moscow will continue its efforts to achieve its objectives in Ukraine and eliminate the “root causes” of the conflict. “Russia will not back down from these goals,” Ushakov told reporters after the call. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with Putin falsely claiming it was necessary to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Ukraine's military is under pressure as Russia intensifies attacks along the 1,000-kilometer front line and escalates aerial strikes. Official data compiled by The Associated Press shows that Russia launched 5,438 drones and more than 330 missiles across Ukraine in June alone, a new monthly record. Throughout Thursday night, AP journalists in Kyiv reported the constant buzzing of drones, explosions, and intense machine-gun fire as Ukrainian forces tried to intercept incoming threats. Ukraine’s air defenses reportedly shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles, though another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed. Russia struck eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones, while debris from intercepted drones fell across 33 sites. In addition to Kyiv, damage was reported in the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions. Zelenskyy condemned the attack on Kyiv as “cynical.” Emergency services reported damage in at least five of the capital's 10 districts.

President Donald Trump has said he was unaware that the term “shylock,” which he used during a recent speech in Iowa, is considered antisemitic. Speaking to reporters early Friday after returning from the Iowa event, Trump said, “I’ve never heard it that way” and “never heard that” the term is seen as an offensive stereotype about Jews. The word “shylock” originates from the character of a Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, who is depicted as a villain demanding a pound of flesh from a debtor. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization working to combat antisemitism, condemned the use of the term. In a statement, the ADL said the word “evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous. President Trump’s use of the term is very troubling and irresponsible.” Trump is not the first political figure to face criticism over the use of the word. In 2014, Democrat Joe Biden, then serving as vice president, acknowledged making a “poor choice” of words after he used the term while speaking to a legal aid group. Although Trump’s administration has claimed that cracking down on antisemitism is a priority — including screening for antisemitic activity in immigration processes and criticizing Harvard University for allegedly tolerating antisemitism — Trump has previously faced accusations of promoting stereotypes about Jewish people. In 2015, while speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Trump told the audience, “you want to control your politicians,” and suggested they use money to exert influence. Trump also drew widespread criticism before launching his 2024 presidential campaign for hosting a Holocaust-denying white nationalist at his Florida club. Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' Last year, he faced backlash for repeatedly suggesting that Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats are disloyal, citing Democratic leaders' criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Critics argued that Trump’s remarks reinforced antisemitic tropes about Jews having divided loyalties. During his Thursday night speech in Iowa, Trump used the controversial term while discussing the passage of his signature legislation. “No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing some from, in some cases, a fine banker and in some cases shylocks and bad people,” Trump said. When asked by a reporter about the antisemitic association of the term and his intention, Trump responded, “No, I’ve never heard it that way. To me, a shylock is somebody that’s a money lender at high rates. I’ve never heard it that way. You view it differently than me. I’ve never heard that.” The Anti-Defamation League, in its statement, added, “Trump’s use of the word underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country. Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States.”

A gas station explosion in southeastern Rome on Friday morning left at least 25 people injured, including nine police officers and a firefighter, according to local authorities and rescue officials. The explosion, which occurred shortly after 8 a.m., was heard across the Italian capital, sending a massive cloud of dark smoke and fire into the sky, visible from several parts of the city. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said police and firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a gas leak. “Two explosions followed after they arrived,” he added. Elisabetta Accardo, spokeswoman for Rome police, confirmed that 16 residents were injured, including two who were in “severe conditions” and hospitalized at Rome's Casilino Hospital. “Nine of the injured are from law enforcement corps — police and carabinieri — and one is a firefighter," she added. "But luckily they are not in life-threatening conditions.” Fifteen firefighting teams were deployed to the site and worked to bring the fire under control. Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, which may be linked to a reported gas leak during the unloading of liquefied petroleum gas at the station. Ukraine pursues joint weapons production with allies as US pauses some arms shipments Police swiftly evacuated a nearby sports center following the first explosion, bringing several children to safety. Officers also searched surrounding areas for people who may have been injured or trapped in nearby buildings. Barbara Belardinelli, a local resident, said she and her daughter were slightly injured after leaving their home to investigate the initial blast. “As soon as we heard the second explosion, we were also hit by a ball of fire. I thought that a car near us exploded, metal fragments were flying in the air,” she recalled. “We felt the fire on the skin, the arm of my daughter is still red, it was horrible.” Other residents described the explosion as so powerful it shook nearby buildings “like an earthquake,” breaking windows and tearing off shutters. Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern and solidarity, stating he was praying for those affected by the explosion, which occurred “in the heart of my Diocese.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring the situation.

Pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action on Friday sought to block the British government’s decision to ban the organization under anti-terrorism laws, following a high-profile incident in which activists broke into a military base and vandalized two planes. The ban, which was approved by Parliament earlier this week, is scheduled to take effect at midnight. Once in force, membership in the group or support for its actions will be considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Raza Husain, a lawyer representing Palestine Action co-founders Huda Ammori, argued against the decision in court on Friday. “My client had never encouraged harm to any person at all,” Husain told the court. He also read a statement from Ammori, saying: “We ask you, in the first instance, to suspend until July 21 what we say is an ill-considered, discriminatory and authoritarian abuse of statutory power which is alien to the basic tradition of the common law and is contrary to the Human Rights Act." Justice Martin Chamberlain is expected to announce his decision at the conclusion of Friday’s hearing. 82 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 38 people waiting for aid, authorities say The British government’s move to ban the group follows a break-in at the Royal Air Force base in Brize Norton last month, where activists damaged two military planes using red paint and crowbars. The protest targeted the UK government’s continued military support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Authorities estimated the damage at approximately 7 million pounds ($9.4 million), and four people have been charged in connection with the incident. The suspects, aged between 22 and 35, face charges of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the United Kingdom. During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, no pleas were entered. The four are scheduled to appear before the Central Criminal Court on July 18. Following the break-in, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. She described the vandalism of the military aircraft as “disgraceful” and added that the group had a “long history of unacceptable criminal damage.”

At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza early Friday, while 20 more died in shootings as they waited for humanitarian aid, according to a hospital morgue that received their bodies. The latest casualties come as the UN human rights office reported Friday that it has recorded 613 deaths near humanitarian convoys and aid distribution points in Gaza, operated by an Israeli-backed American organization since its operations began in late May. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN rights office, said the agency could not yet attribute responsibility for the killings. However, she stated, “it is clear that the Israeli military has shelled and shot at Palestinians trying to reach the distribution points” run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Among those killed in Friday’s airstrikes were eight women and a child, Nasser Hospital confirmed. Of those shot dead while waiting for aid, two were killed near distribution points in Rafah, while 18 others died near trucks delivering supplies in southern Gaza. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the latest strikes. Separately, the military confirmed that one Israeli soldier was killed in combat in northern Gaza and that an investigation is underway. More than 860 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the conflict began, including over 400 during ground fighting inside Gaza. 94 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 45 waiting for aid The surge in violence comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to halt the war, which has stretched into its 21st month. Hamas announced Friday that it is holding discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding a ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and called on Hamas to accept the proposal before conditions worsen. Hamas said its final response to the mediators will be given after consultations with other Palestinian groups are completed. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the Palestinian death toll in the enclave has surpassed 57,000. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties but says over half of the dead are women and children. The war began when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Since the opening of aid distribution sites in Gaza in May, Palestinian witnesses and the Health Ministry say hundreds have been killed or wounded by Israeli troops while attempting to access supplies. The Israeli military insists it has only fired warning shots, denies targeting civilians intentionally, and says it is investigating reports of harm to non-combatants.

Russia on Thursday became the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group took control in 2021, following Moscow’s decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s newly appointed Ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. In a statement, the ministry said this formal recognition would help promote “productive bilateral cooperation.” Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry described the move as historic, quoting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who welcomed the decision as “a good example for other countries.” The Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after U.S. and NATO troops withdrew. Since then, they have been pushing for international recognition while enforcing a strict version of Islamic law. Until now, no country had formally recognized the Taliban regime, though the group maintained diplomatic contacts and held high-level discussions with several countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates. Despite those efforts, the Taliban government has remained largely isolated globally, primarily due to its severe restrictions on women. Foreign Ministers laud progress in China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral cooperation Although the Taliban initially pledged a more moderate rule compared to their first period in power from 1996 to 2001, they began imposing strict limitations on women and girls shortly after the 2021 takeover. Women are barred from most jobs and public spaces, such as parks, gyms, and bathhouses, while girls are prohibited from education beyond grade six. Russian officials have recently stressed the importance of engaging with the Taliban to support stability in Afghanistan, and in April, lifted the ban on the group. Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, told state-run Channel One that President Vladimir Putin approved the recognition of the Taliban government based on recommendations from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Afghanistan's central bank to inject $25m to keep local currency stable Zhirnov said the decision reflects Russia’s “sincere desire to build full-scale relations with Afghanistan.” Source: Agency