United News of Bangladesh

Activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by sea said Israeli forces intercepted their flotilla overnight while it was sailing near the Greek island of Crete, detaining crew members. The group said the boats were stopped hundreds of miles from Gaza in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla had set off earlier this month from Barcelona, with organisers saying more than 70 boats and about 1,000 people from different countries were involved. Additional vessels were expected to join as it moved across the Mediterranean. In a statement, the activists described the interception as a serious escalation, alleging civilians were detained far from the conflict zone. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said around 175 activists from more than 20 boats were being taken to Israel. According to tracking data shared by organisers, 22 boats had been stopped west of Crete, while several others were still heading east as of Thursday morning. Israel, along with Egypt, has maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. Israel says the restrictions are necessary to stop weapons from reaching Hamas, while critics argue they have worsened humanitarian conditions for Palestinians. Turkey condemned the action, calling it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. Turkish officials said the incident was discussed between the country’s foreign minister and his Spanish counterpart. Activists in Greece announced plans to stage a protest in Athens, claiming the interception took place within an area where Greece is responsible for search and rescue operations, and accusing authorities of failing to respond. Although a fragile ceasefire has reduced large-scale fighting in Gaza, violence has continued. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 790 people have been killed since the truce began, and over 72,000 Palestinians have died since the war started following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led militants on Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Around 2 million people in Gaza are still facing severe shortages of food and medicine, with limited aid entering through a single Israeli-controlled crossing. Organisers said the flotilla aimed to draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially as international focus shifts to other conflicts. A similar attempt last year also failed after Israeli forces intercepted or turned back participating vessels. Some activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, were detained and later deported, with claims of mistreatment that Israel denied.

Myanmar’s military appears to be regaining momentum in the country’s long-running civil war, taking advantage of a weakened and divided resistance after years of intense fighting. Just over a year ago, the army, known as the Tatmadaw, was losing control of large parts of northern Myanmar to a powerful alliance of ethnic militias, while also struggling against pro-democracy fighters across the country. Now, the situation has shifted. Bolstered by tens of thousands of new recruits, the military has recovered some lost territory and is preparing to step up attacks. At the same time, several opposition groups have either withdrawn from the conflict or been weakened by internal disputes and shortages of supplies. Analysts say the military is gaining the upper hand, though the conflict is far from over. Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based expert from the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said the army has regained the initiative and currently holds an advantage over resistance forces. However, he noted that armed resistance is likely to continue until a political settlement is reached. After five years of war, there is growing fatigue among both fighters and civilians. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, including around 8,000 civilians, and forced millions to flee their homes. Political analyst Aung Thu Nyein said many people in Myanmar now simply want the violence to end, regardless of who wins. China has also been pushing for stability in Myanmar, which is an important source of rare earth minerals and other resources. Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as pipelines and mining operations, and is a key supplier of arms to the military, alongside Russia. China initially backed a major offensive launched in October 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance against the military, partly due to concerns over criminal networks operating in border areas. But it later withdrew support and pressured the groups to halt fighting. Two members of the alliance — the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army — agreed to ceasefires following talks mediated by China. The Arakan Army remains the only group in the alliance still actively fighting, mainly in Rakhine state. Alongside these ethnic armed groups, pro-democracy militias known as People’s Defense Forces have been fighting the military since the 2021 coup that removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Some resistance groups say they need stronger coordination to counter the military’s renewed strength. A pro-democracy alliance fighting in central Myanmar said differences in strategy and competing interests among various groups continue to limit their effectiveness. They also accused the military of trying to exploit divisions within the resistance. Meanwhile, the military leadership has taken steps to strengthen its political position. Elections held recently — widely criticised by UN experts as neither free nor fair — brought army chief Min Aung Hlaing to the presidency. Observers say the vote was aimed at boosting the military government’s legitimacy and improving ties with regional countries, despite ongoing international sanctions. China quickly congratulated the new leadership and reaffirmed its support, while some armed groups also signalled willingness to maintain ceasefires. The end of the election process has also freed up troops who had been deployed for security duties, allowing the military to focus more on combat operations. In one of his first moves as president, Min Aung Hlaing invited armed groups to peace talks, setting a July 31 deadline but warning against “unrealistic demands.” The offer did not include the shadow National Unity Government, which rejected the proposal. Fighting continues despite the call for dialogue. The military is carrying out a major offensive in Sagaing region to retake the town of Indaw, while also defending positions in the east against advances by the Karen National Liberation Army near the Thai border. Analysts say the military may be aiming for smaller, separate ceasefires with different groups, rather than a nationwide agreement. Such deals could allow the army to focus its forces on remaining opponents, as it seeks to further consolidate its control.

Health experts are warning of growing lead contamination risks across Africa as the continent’s rapid shift toward clean energy fuels a surge in battery use and recycling, often in unsafe conditions. In Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa, residents of Owino Uhuru say they continue to suffer from lead poisoning years after a lead-acid battery recycling plant was shut down, highlighting the long-term health impact of industrial pollution linked to battery processing. Faith Muthama, 40, a mother of four, said her health has never recovered. “Life has never been the same,” she said, wiping away sweat. “I still struggle to do heavy chores as I suffer from breathing difficulties. When I was tested in 2012, I was found with high lead levels in my blood.” The contamination in Owino Uhuru dates back to 2007, when Kenya Metal Refineries EPZ, a local subsidiary of a Mumbai-based company, operated a lead-acid battery recycling plant in the settlement. Residents allege toxic waste from the facility, which exported processed lead to India, seeped into soil and water, causing widespread illness. More than 20 deaths have been linked to the pollution. The plant was shut down in 2014, but residents say its effects remain. Lead exposure is associated with neurological damage, reduced cognitive development, and long-term health complications, particularly in children. A February report by the Centre for Global Development, a Washington and London-based think tank, warned that the rapid expansion of off-grid solar systems and battery storage in Africa is increasing demand for battery recycling, much of which takes place in informal or poorly regulated environments. The report noted that lead-acid batteries remain widely used in low-income markets because they are cheaper than alternatives such as lithium-ion batteries. However, safe recycling requires costly infrastructure, which is often lacking, leading informal recyclers to use unsafe methods that release lead into air, soil and water. Experts say similar risks are emerging across Africa and other regions as renewable energy adoption accelerates. “Off-grid solar could account for a substantial share of batteries entering the recycling stream in Africa,” said Lee Crawford, senior research fellow at the Centre for Global Development. “That's on top of existing demand from vehicles like cars and motorbikes.” “Safe recycling is expensive and that creates a strong incentive to do it unsafely,” he added, noting that banning lead-acid batteries is unrealistic and the focus must be on making recycling safer. Across Africa and South Asia, studies suggest that between one-third and half of children have elevated blood lead levels, making it one of the most widespread environmental health threats globally. Experts say weak enforcement of environmental rules in many countries worsens the situation, even where regulations exist. “This is a silent threat,” Crawford said. “It's often invisible, but it affects health, cognitive development and economic productivity.” In Owino Uhuru, residents say the impact continues to devastate lives. Alfred Ogulo, 70, a village elder, said he is still awaiting compensation after years of illness linked to exposure. He described nerve damage, mobility issues, and severe health problems. At one point, Ogulo said tests revealed extremely high lead levels in his blood. “I cannot walk without a stick,” he said. “I also suffer from serious chest pain and coughs from the toxic fumes that we breathed in here when the factory was still in operation.” In 2025, Kenya’s Supreme Court awarded about $12 million in damages to around 3,000 residents after a class-action lawsuit against the smelting company, marking a rare legal victory in industrial pollution cases. However, activists say compensation has been delayed. Phyllis Omido, who leads the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA) in Mombasa and helped residents take legal action, criticised the lack of implementation. “It is sad that the state has ignored prioritizing the compensation payment as ordered by the court,” she said. “These monies would have alleviated the current suffering these vulnerable residents are going through.” Residents also expressed frustration over the long wait for justice. “Is it fair that we are the ones still chasing justice while the company walks away?” said Mejumaa Hassan Nyanje, 60. “Will we all die before justice is served? It feels like we've been abandoned, like our lives and our health don't matter.”

The United States has seized “close to half a billion” worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed, saying the move is part of an intensified economic pressure campaign against Tehran. “We were able to grab about 350 million crypto assets, and then on top of another 100 that we had recently gotten, so we’re almost at half a billion there, and we are freezing bank accounts everywhere,” Bessent told Fox News. He said US President Donald Trump ordered the economic pressure drive in March last year and instructed him to “up the pressure again” about three weeks ago. According to Bessent, the campaign has now expanded to pressuring foreign governments and companies to sever financial and trade links with Iran. “We have gone to the buyers of Iranian oil and told them that … we are willing to do secondary sanctions on your industries, on your banks who tolerate Iranian oil in their system,” he said. He further claimed that the ongoing economic measures, along with a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, would cause long-term damage to Iran’s economy. Iran has dismissed the US claims, arguing that the campaign would only push global oil prices higher. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also criticised Bessent, calling his advice to Trump “junk” in a post on X. #Via Al Jazeera

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is grappling with one of the most serious crises in its 65-year history as officials gather at its headquarters in Vienna. The oil-producing bloc is dealing with several urgent challenges, including the ongoing global energy crisis and a surprise announcement by the United Arab Emirates that it plans to leave the organisation after many years of membership. However, discussions at Wednesday’s meeting focused largely on a different issue. Officials presented OPEC’s annual flagship report, now in its 61st edition. The report compiles detailed data on global oil imports and exports, reserves, and demand trends. According to the report, global oil demand increased in 2025 compared to 2024. It also showed higher oil reserves and a rise in exports, with much of the supply going to Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The findings, however, reflect a period before the UAE’s decision to exit the group, a move that is expected to significantly affect future projections and the outlook for the next report. Reporters who visited the OPEC headquarters earlier in the day sought official comments on the UAE’s departure. A senior official from the secretary-general’s office declined to elaborate, saying they had nothing to say on the matter at this time. The lack of response has added to speculation that the organisation is operating in a state of heightened concern as it navigates the unfolding situation. #From Al Jazeera

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have held a phone conversation discussing issues related to Iran and Ukraine, the Kremlin has said. According to a Kremlin aide, during the call Putin put forward proposals aimed at resolving the conflict over Iran’s nuclear programme. He also suggested a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the upcoming anniversary of the end of World War II next month. Meanwhile, US media outlet Axios reported that Trump has rejected Iran’s peace proposal and said the US military blockade of Iranian ports will continue until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal. Trump Declares “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY” in Sharp Warning to Iran “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig, and it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump was quoted as saying by Axios. Iran had earlier this week reportedly proposed ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while suggesting that nuclear negotiations be postponed to an unspecified future date. Source: Al Jazeera

The U.S. State Department is preparing a limited release of commemorative passports to mark America’s 250th anniversary, with documents featuring a picture of Donald Trump, according to officials. The special edition passports, approved late Monday, will be issued in a limited batch of 25,000 to 30,000 copies starting around July 4 from the Washington, D.C. passport office. Officials said the design includes Trump’s portrait over a gold signature-style imprint inside the passport, making him the first living president to appear in such a travel document. A State Department spokesperson said the initiative is intended to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday while maintaining full security standards. Applicants in Washington will receive the commemorative version by default, though standard passports will still be available through online applications and outside the capital. The design also features customized artwork, a redesigned cover with “United States of America” in gold lettering, and a special 250th anniversary emblem on the back. The move is part of a broader series of tributes tied to the anniversary celebrations, including proposals to feature Trump’s name on currency and commemorative coins. Currently, U.S. passports only include historical presidential figures in artwork—such as Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln—primarily through depictions like Mount Rushmore. The announcement has drawn attention as it adds to a growing list of symbolic recognitions of Trump in federal institutions and public projects during his presidency.

Iran’s national currency, the rial, has fallen to a record low wednesday of 1.8 million against the US dollar as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Israel continues to hold. The rial, which remained relatively stable in the early weeks of the conflict that began on February 28 due to limited trade and imports, started declining two days ago. Analysts warn the continued depreciation is likely to intensify inflation in Iran, where the value of the dollar heavily influences prices of imported goods, including food, medicine, electronics and raw materials. Trump Declares “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY” in Sharp Warning to Iran The currency’s slide comes as a US naval blockade during the ceasefire adds pressure on Iran’s struggling economy by restricting oil shipments, a key source of government revenue and foreign currency. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that his government is continuing efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran following an initial round of direct talks held on April 11. The latest downturn follows earlier currency instability that contributed to nationwide protests in January, when the rial weakened from about 1.4 million to 1.6 million per dollar in under a week, fueling public anger over rising prices. Iran’s economy, already affected by decades of sanctions, inflation and exchange rate disparities, has seen rising prices of basic goods such as milk, yogurt, cooking oil, bread, rice, cheese and detergents over the past two weeks. The economic strain has also affected employment, with reports of layoffs including 500 workers at Pinak in Rasht and 700 at Borujerd Textile Factory after contract terminations since the start of the new Iranian calendar year in late March.

US President Donald Trump has criticized Iran over its handling of nuclear negotiations, saying the country has failed to move toward a deal. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” The post was accompanied by an AI-generated image of Trump holding a weapon amid explosions, with the caption: “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY.” Trump plans to extend blockade on Iran: report Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which escalated ahead of the recent war. He has repeatedly vowed that Iran must be prevented from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, however, has long maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful in nature, although it has enriched uranium to levels close to weapons-grade.

A Russian oil facility was reported on fire in the Perm region on Wednesday following what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as another long-range drone strike by Kyiv deep inside Russia. Russian media said the blaze broke out at an industrial site in the Ural Mountains region, more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Some unconfirmed reports suggested it was a pumping station and storage complex. Perm regional governor Dmitry Makhonin said only that a drone hit an unspecified industrial facility, triggering a fire. Russian authorities have not provided detailed information about Ukraine’s claims of expanding long-range drone operations or the growing precision of domestically produced drones. The war has increasingly been shaped by drone warfare as Russia continues its large-scale invasion that has entered its fourth year. Ukraine has been focusing on expanding its drone capabilities for both strikes and defense. Zelenskyy on Wednesday shared a video on Telegram showing thick black smoke rising near a populated area, though he did not confirm the location or target. He said Ukraine was extending the range of its long-distance strikes, calling it a new phase aimed at weakening Russia’s war capability by targeting its oil revenues. He said the distance of the reported strike exceeded 1,500 kilometers and added that Ukraine would continue increasing the reach of its attacks. He also thanked Ukraine’s Security Service for what he called the precision of its operations. The reported strike came a day after Ukraine hit the Tuapse oil refinery and terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast for the third time in under two weeks. The attack prompted evacuations and raised concerns over environmental risks. Russian authorities said the fire there had been contained by Wednesday. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt revenue flows that support Moscow’s war effort. A Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said Ukraine is taking advantage of Russia’s vast territory and stretched air defenses to intensify such strikes, supported by increased domestic drone production. Russia’s defence ministry said its air defenses intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions and in Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is now producing a surplus of some weapons and is preparing to expand cooperation with international partners on drone and missile production. He said discussions are underway with countries in the Middle East, Gulf, Europe and the Caucasus, and that Kyiv has also submitted proposals to the United States for joint defence cooperation. Russia, however, continues its own long-range strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported injuries and damage in several regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy and Odesa. Eight people were injured in Kharkiv region overnight, while a woman died in Sumy due to carbon monoxide poisoning linked to an attack. In Odesa, infrastructure and a hospital building were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 154 of 171 drones launched by Russia overnight.