United News of Bangladesh

The first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion after two months marked by delays and disputes, even as the remains of one hostage are believed to still be in Gaza. The process now moves into a far more complex second phase that could shape the region’s future. The 20-point plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump and endorsed by the UN Security Council aims to end Hamas’ rule in Gaza, rebuild the territory under international oversight, normalize Israel’s ties with Arab states and potentially open a path toward Palestinian independence. But officials warn that if the process breaks down, Gaza could remain mired in instability for years, with Hamas retaining control of parts of the territory, Israel maintaining an open-ended military presence and civilians trapped in dire conditions reliant on aid. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator, said the deal has reached a critical stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington this month for talks on the way forward. Trump’s plan includes several high-risk components. One major element is the creation of an International Stabilization Force to secure Gaza and train Palestinian police. While countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan have shown interest, no commitments or deployment timeline have been finalized. A U.S. official says partner nations are meeting this month and expects forces to be deployed in early 2026, though Hamas has said it will oppose any effort to disarm it, and Israel remains wary of relying on foreign troops. Another part of the plan is an international Board of Peace that Trump says he will lead, overseeing a committee of Palestinian technocrats who would run Gaza’s daily affairs. The board has not been formed, though former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is among the names being discussed. The challenge will be creating a body trusted by Israel, Hamas, mediators and aid agencies. Reconstruction is also central to the plan, with Gaza devastated after months of war and most of its two million people displaced. Egypt is preparing to host a donor conference, but the UN estimates rebuilding costs at seventy billion dollars, with no financial framework yet in place. A core requirement is the disarmament of Hamas under international monitoring. Hamas argues it will only consider freezing weapons, not surrendering them, until Israel ends its occupation. Failure to disarm could lead to renewed conflict or clashes with international forces. Palestinians are expected to set up a technocratic committee to administer Gaza, but no names have been announced. Israel’s resistance to involving individuals linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority could complicate the process. There are also concerns the committee may have little real power if key decisions rest with the Board of Peace. The ceasefire also envisions a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza except for a buffer area along the border. Israel still controls more than half of the territory, and further withdrawals depend on conditions tied to demilitarization. There is no timeline, and top Israeli military officials have suggested the current dividing line could become a permanent defensive barrier. Another major component is reforming the Palestinian Authority and creating conditions for a “credible pathway” to statehood. Palestinian officials say they have begun reforms, including on corruption and education. Israel opposes Palestinian statehood and any role for the authority in Gaza, which could undermine the plan’s long-term viability. Without progress on these core issues, diplomats warn that support for the ceasefire arrangement could quickly weaken, leaving Gaza’s future uncertain.  

Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš was sworn in on Tuesday as the Czech Republic’s new prime minister, marking a political shift expected to move the country away from supporting Ukraine and oppose key European Union policies, particularly on the environment. Babiš, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, said he would defend Czech interests “at home and anywhere in the world” and work to make the country “the best place for life on earth.” President Petr Pavel tasked him with forming a government after his ANO (YES) movement won big in the October election and secured a majority coalition with the anti-migrant Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the right-wing Motorists for Themselves group. The coalition partners have agreed on a 16-member Cabinet: ANO will control eight ministries along with the prime minister’s office, the Motorists will take four, and the Freedom party three. Pavel will appoint the full Cabinet on Monday, his office confirmed. Together, the three parties command 108 seats in the 200-seat lower house, pushing the previous pro-Western government of Petr Fiala into opposition. The new coalition is expected to align more closely with Hungary and Slovakia by distancing Prague from Ukraine as Russia’s war nears its fourth year. Members of the alliance are also sharply critical of EU migration and environmental policies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Babiš’s return, calling him “an old ally” and saying, “Welcome back on board Andrej!” Babiš, 71, still faces fraud charges tied to EU subsidies. Parliament will need to lift his immunity before a court can proceed. After losing the 2021 parliamentary election, Babiš was defeated by Pavel — a retired general — in the presidential race. Pavel agreed to appoint him as prime minister only after Babiš publicly committed to divesting his major business assets to avoid conflicts of interest. Babiš controls roughly 200 companies through the Agrofert conglomerate. He said an independent trustee will oversee Agrofert under a trust fund structure, with an independent protector supervising the group until his death, after which his descendants will inherit it. He also owns a network of clinics and laboratories, and one of his close ANO allies is in line to become the new health minister.  

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday said the Trump administration’s new national security strategy highlights the need for Europe to become “much more independent” from the United States in security matters. Merz, who leads the European Union’s largest economy, also rejected suggestions that European democracy needs saving from external influence. The U.S. strategy, published Friday, portrays European allies as weak, shows tacit support for far-right parties, and criticizes European free speech and migration policies. European Council President António Costa on Monday warned the U.S. against interference, emphasizing that only Europeans should decide their governments. Merz said he was not surprised by the strategy, noting it reflected the lecture U.S. Vice President JD Vance gave in Munich in February. “Some of it is understandable, but some of it is unacceptable from a European point of view,” he said in Mainz. “That the Americans want to save democracy in Europe now, I don’t see any need for that,” Merz added. “If it needed to be saved, we would manage that alone.” The chancellor said the strategy confirms Europe, and Germany in particular, must increase security independence from the U.S. “This is not a surprise, but it has now been confirmed again. It has been documented,” he said. Merz noted that Vance’s speech earlier this year influenced Germany’s increased defense spending. Since taking office in May, his government has relaxed debt rules to allow higher military investment, building on efforts that began after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under pressure from Trump, NATO members, including Germany, agreed in June to a significant rise in defense spending targets. Merz stressed the importance of partnerships, saying, “America first is fine, but America alone can’t be in your interest. You need partners in the world too. And one of the partners can be Europe. And if you can’t do anything with Europe, then at least make Germany your partner.”  

Hundreds of Nicaraguans gathered in Miami to celebrate the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception, singing praises to the Virgin Mary at altars set up in church parking lots and on the streets, despite fears for their safety in both Nicaragua and the United States. The celebration, known as “gritería,” is especially meaningful this year as religious practices in Nicaragua face government crackdowns and immigrant communities in the U.S. encounter heightened enforcement. “We’re going to do it no matter what,” said Neri Flores, who traveled from Chicago to set up an altar with his parents. “It’s tradition, family, giving back to the community, keeping up the faith and positive vibes.” Families displayed paintings and statues of the Virgin Mary, some carried from Nicaragua decades ago. Michael Garcia, born in Miami, said, “All the blessings that we have are thanks to her. For the Virgin, there is no impossible.” In Nicaragua, the government has intensified repression against the Catholic Church, accusing clergy of supporting unrest following protests in 2018. Many priests and laypeople have been imprisoned or exiled, and public religious celebrations face restrictions. In the U.S., fears among Nicaraguan migrants have grown as the Trump administration moved to end temporary protections for nearly 430,000 migrants from Nicaragua and other countries. At Miami’s St. John Bosco Catholic Parish, over a thousand people attended, singing and praying by elaborately decorated altars. Rev. Yader Centeno, the pastor, said the event was a moment to strengthen faith and send a message of freedom to those still in Nicaragua. Some altars featured balloon arches, lights, and sound systems, while others were simple displays in car trunks. Participants sang traditional hymns and offered food, toys, and religious items to support the community. “I’m super happy. To have this tradition outside of my country is something grand,” said Scarlet Desbas, setting up her family’s altar. Many participants undertook the elaborate preparations as a promise to the Virgin, seeking protection for themselves and loved ones. At St. Agatha Catholic Parish, Rev. Silvio Báez, auxiliary bishop of Managua, urged the congregation to speak against oppression and faith-based persecution. “The Virgin is not going to forget our people and one day, Nicaragua will be free,” he said. Rev. Marcos Somarriba, pastor at St. Agatha’s, noted the dire situation for the faithful in Nicaragua, calling on U.S. authorities to ensure immigration policies protect Nicaraguans who fled persecution. Oscar Carballo, attending the altars at St. John Bosco’s, said, “Here you feel like in the patio of your home. The only thing I ask her is that we can stay here, and that there might be peace. Everywhere.”  

A new study by UN Women has found that more than two-thirds of women journalists, human rights defenders, and activists have experienced online violence, with over 40% reporting related attacks in the real world. The report, titled Tipping Point, highlights a growing surge in violence against women linked to the rise of social media and artificial intelligence. It surveyed more than 6,900 women across 119 countries, revealing how online abuse often spills into physical harassment. “Online violence against women has become a growing global crisis,” UN Women said. “What begins on a screen can quickly fuel harassment, intimidation, and even real-world harm.” About 41% of respondents said they faced offline attacks or harassment connected to digital abuse, including physical or sexual assault, stalking, verbal harassment, and swatting — a tactic that triggers false emergency responses. Women journalists, social media influencers, and content creators focusing on human rights were most affected. The study notes that new technologies, such as deepfake images and manipulated content, are increasingly used to target them. Lead researcher Julie Posetti said incidents of real-world harm linked to online attacks on women journalists have more than doubled over the past five years, with 42% of respondents identifying a “dangerous and potentially deadly trajectory.” The report urges governments to strengthen laws, improve monitoring of technology-related violence, hold tech companies accountable, and encourage broader public support for victims. “Women who speak up for human rights, report the news or lead social movements are being targeted with abuse designed to shame, silence and push them out of public debate,” said UN Women policy director Sarah Hendricks. “Increasingly, those attacks do not stop at the screen – they end at women’s front doors.”  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his refusal to cede any territory to Russia, resisting U.S. pressure for a compromise while rallying European support for Kyiv. In a WhatsApp exchange with reporters late Monday, Zelenskyy said Moscow demanded territorial concessions, but Ukraine had no intention or legal or moral authority to give up land.“Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, don’t want to give up anything. That’s what we are fighting for," he said.“Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we don’t have such right. According to Ukraine’s law, our constitution, international law, and we don’t have a moral right either.” U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Politico interview, renewed calls for Kyiv to accept a U.S. peace plan that includes ceding territory, arguing Russia still holds the “upper hand” and Ukraine must “play ball.” Zelenskyy met Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday at Castel Gandolfo. The pope called for sustained dialogue and urged that current diplomatic initiatives lead to a “just and lasting peace.” Later, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit follows Monday talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position amid Trump’s pressure. U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators concluded three days of talks on Saturday to narrow differences over the peace plan, with the most contentious issue being Kyiv ceding control of the Donbas region, mostly occupied by Russia. Trump claimed other Ukrainian officials supported the U.S. plan, saying, “They really liked it, but they said he hasn’t read it yet.” He also urged Ukraine to hold national elections despite martial law extending Zelenskyy’s term. Zelenskyy said Monday that Trump “certainly wants to end the war” but Ukrainians understand the conflict’s realities more deeply. He noted the latest U.S. peace plan has 20 points, down from 28 after removing “obvious anti-Ukrainian points.” European leaders strongly backed Kyiv. Starmer called the peace push a “critical stage,” stressing the need for a “just and lasting ceasefire.” Merz expressed skepticism over some U.S. documents, highlighting the need for further talks. European governments aim to back any ceasefire with strong security guarantees, something Trump has not publicly committed to. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 110 drones overnight, downing 84. Twenty-four struck targets, causing emergency blackouts in several regions. Ukraine also conducted drone attacks in Russia. Moscow said its air defenses destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and Crimea. In Chuvashia, nine people were injured and buildings damaged. A Ukrainian Security Service strike on Dec. 5 hit an LPG terminal in Temryuk, Krasnodar region. Over 20 storage tanks burned for more than three days, and rail cars and refueling facilities were damaged, an official told AP on condition of anonymity.  

Cambodia vowed a fierce response to Thailand as fighting resumed along their shared border, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. The clashes reignited after a Sunday skirmish injured two Thai soldiers, breaking a ceasefire established in July. Over five days of earlier fighting, dozens were killed and more than 100,000 civilians displaced. Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen said Monday the country initially refrained from retaliating but launched counterattacks overnight, targeting Thai forces with artillery, rockets, and drones. Thailand, which carried out defensive airstrikes along the frontier, reported three soldiers killed, while Cambodia confirmed seven civilian deaths and 20 injuries. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the conflict. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that Cambodia had not contacted Thailand for negotiations, signaling continued operations to defend sovereignty. Hun Sen emphasized Cambodia was compelled to fight to protect its territory. Evacuations have been extensive. Thailand set up nearly 500 temporary shelters in four provinces, hosting 125,838 people, with others staying with relatives. In Cambodia, over 55,000 have been relocated to safer areas. Evacuees described fleeing amid shelling, carrying only essential belongings. The two countries share a history of border tensions, with disputes over territory hosting ancient temples. Previous ceasefire agreements, brokered by Malaysia and supported by U.S. pressure, called for removing heavy weapons, halting disinformation, and restoring trust. Yet, compliance has been incomplete. Cambodia accuses Thailand of holding 18 prisoners from July’s ceasefire, while Thailand alleges new Cambodian land mines have caused injuries. The recent flare-up underscores the fragility of peace efforts and deep-rooted animosity between the neighbors, with civilians bearing the brunt of the renewed violence.  

The United States will permit exports of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to China, with a 25% fee collected on sales, President Donald Trump announced Monday. The move aims to balance maintaining U.S. leadership in AI technology while addressing national security concerns over advanced chip transfers to China. Trump said the same approach will apply to other AI chipmakers, including AMD and Intel, reports Reuters. The decision follows debate over whether restricting Nvidia and competitors from selling to China would help U.S. global dominance or spur Chinese self-reliance in AI. Nvidia shares rose 2% in after-hours trading following Trump’s announcement, with the U.S. Commerce Department finalizing details. Trump stated the arrangement includes security vetting before exports, and that the latest, faster Blackwell chips will not be part of the deal. The H200 is nearly six times more powerful than the H20 chips previously allowed for export. Critics, including several Democratic senators and U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, warned that the decision could strengthen China’s military and industrial capabilities. They expressed concern that Chinese firms could copy or mass-produce the technology, undercutting U.S. firms. Chinese regulators have previously cautioned domestic companies against using downgraded Nvidia chips like the H20 and L20. Analysts expect Beijing to gradually relax its stance toward Nvidia, while continuing long-term efforts to develop its own advanced AI chips. China’s domestic AI chip industry includes firms such as Huawei, Cambricon, and Moore Threads. Nvidia welcomed the decision, calling it a balance between commercial interests and national security. The Trump administration sees the H200 export as a compromise, allowing sales to vetted commercial customers while protecting U.S. strategic interests and jobs in the AI sector.  

France’s social security budget faces a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Tuesday that could spark a political crisis and leave a €30 billion ($35 billion) shortfall for healthcare, pensions, and welfare programs. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, lacking a parliamentary majority, has secured Socialist backing by suspending President Macron’s 2023 pension reform, but this move alienated centrist and conservative allies, leaving the bill’s approval uncertain, reports reuters. Lawmakers in the lower house began reviewing the legislation after 4 p.m. local time, following narrow approval of the taxation portion. Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin said she could not predict the outcome, though the government might promise additional funding for hospitals to win over reluctant parties, including the Greens. Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated his party’s support after concessions, while far-right and hard-left factions are expected to oppose the bill. Centrist Horizon and conservative Republicains may abstain or vote against it, criticizing Lecornu for sacrificing pension reform and increasing taxes to appease the Socialists. Social security accounts for over 40% of France’s public spending. Lecornu warned that rejection could create a €30 billion gap, nearly double the original €17 billion allocation, threatening the entire 2025 budget. With the year-end approaching, the government may need stopgap measures. The administration aims to reduce France’s budget deficit to below 5% of GDP next year but faces a fragmented parliament without a majority, making budget passage difficult. Budgetary instability has plagued France since Macron lost his parliamentary majority in last year’s snap election, leading to three governments falling. Last year, budget disputes triggered a no-confidence vote that toppled Michel Barnier’s cabinet, highlighting ongoing political volatility. This vote is seen as a key test of Lecornu’s ability to navigate a divided legislature while securing funding for essential social programs.  

A fire swept through a seven-story office building in central Jakarta on Tuesday, killing at least 17 people, police said. Thick black smoke rose over the area as flames quickly engulfed the structure, triggering panic among residents and office workers in the densely populated neighborhood.