United News of Bangladesh

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has unveiled significant updates to the validity periods and fee structures for expatriate residence cards and Omani personal identity cards. These changes aim to enhance flexibility and simplify the renewal process for residents. Expatriates can now select residence cards valid for one, two, or three years, with fees set at 5, 10, and 15 riyals respectively, according to a decision of ROP. A replacement fee of 20 riyals will apply for lost or damaged cards. Besides, the validity of personal identity cards for Omani nationals has been extended to 10 years, matching the validity period of the Omani passport. The fee for issuing, renewing, or replacing Omani ID cards remains at 10 riyals. The updated regulations also mandate that holders of residence and ID cards must renew their documents within 30 days after expiration to stay compliant with the law. Malaysia to grant Multiple Entry Visas to Bangladeshi workers “These amendments are designed to ease administrative processes and provide residents with flexible options to suit their needs,” the ROP stated. As of June 2025, Oman hosts around 1.8 million expatriate workers, including 1.4 million in the private sector, 41,000 in government roles, 349,000 domestic workers, and 6,800 in family sectors. This move is part of Oman’s broader initiative to modernise civil status legislation and enhance public services in accordance with international standards.  

Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif was killed along with four colleagues when Israeli forces targeted a tent sheltering journalists in Gaza City. The attack, carried out late Sunday outside the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital, claimed seven lives in total. Among the dead were fellow Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. Before his death, al-Sharif, a prominent 28-year-old Arabic-language reporter known for his extensive coverage of northern Gaza, posted on X about heavy, concentrated Israeli bombardment — or “fire belts” — hitting the city’s eastern and southern areas. In his final video, explosions thundered in the background as orange flashes lit up the night sky. In a message written on April 6 to be released in the event of his death, al-Sharif reflected on the suffering he had witnessed, saying he had “lived the pain in all its details” and “tasted grief and loss repeatedly,” but had never wavered in his commitment to tell the truth. He expressed sorrow over leaving behind his wife, Bayan, and missing the chance to watch his son Salah and daughter Sham grow up. Israel accuses 6 Al Jazeera journalists of being Palestinian militants Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the killings as a “blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom,” describing them as part of the wider devastation caused by Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, which it said has brought “slaughter of civilians, forced starvation, and the obliteration of entire communities.” The network accused Israel of trying to silence reporting that exposes its actions and urged the international community to act to stop the “deliberate targeting of journalists.” Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera English correspondent who was nearby when the strike occurred, said reporting on al-Sharif’s death was the hardest task he had faced in nearly two years of war. He said the journalists were targeted because of their coverage of starvation, famine, and malnutrition in Gaza. Israel’s military confirmed it had intentionally targeted al-Sharif, accusing him of leading a Hamas cell and facilitating rocket attacks — claims it said were backed by documents. However, Muhammed Shehada of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said there was “zero evidence” linking him to any militant activity, noting his daily work was on camera. Israel raids and shuts down Al Jazeera's bureau in Ramallah in the West Bank Last month, the UN’s special rapporteur on freedom of expression, Irene Khan, warned of growing evidence that journalists in Gaza were being killed on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations of Hamas ties. Al Jazeera has accused Israel of fabricating evidence and running a “campaign of incitement” against its reporters, while the Committee to Protect Journalists voiced concern over an Israeli “smear campaign” targeting al-Sharif. Rights groups say Israel has routinely labelled Palestinian journalists in Gaza as Hamas operatives in an effort to undermine their reporting. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 200 journalists and media workers — including several from Al Jazeera and their family members — have been killed in Israeli attacks. Source: Al Jazeera

An Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon killed several people, including a senior leader of the Palestinian group Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and his bodyguard, as they were traveling to Syria, according to news reports and the group’s statement Friday. The strike near the Masnaa border crossing on Thursday afternoon killed Mohammed Wishah, a central committee member of the PFLP, the group said. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, describing Wishah as responsible for coordinating with militant groups in the region and strengthening ties between the PFLP and Iran’s so-called axis of resistance. Israel said Wishah was involved in planning attacks against Israel and had recently taken over as the PFLP’s top security official in Syria following the death of his predecessor in a Beirut airstrike last September. PFLP official Marwan Abdel-Al mourned the deaths of Wishah and his bodyguard, Mufid Hussein, calling them “two of the most loyal comrades who gave their precious souls to freedom.” Lebanese state news agency NNA reported that the airstrike killed six people and wounded 10 others but did not identify the victims. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Israel has targeted Palestinian officials in Lebanon, including members of the PFLP. Three PFLP members were killed in a September airstrike on a Beirut apartment. Germany stops military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza A PFLP source said Wishah was in Lebanon for meetings with group officials and was returning to Syria when the strike occurred. Wishah was born in Gaza in 1954 and joined the PFLP in 1973. He spent five years in Israeli prisons early in his involvement. The PFLP, a leftist and secular group, is the second-largest member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization after President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah. On Friday morning, an Israeli drone strike targeted a car on a coastal highway in southern Lebanon, killing citizen journalist Mohammed Shehadeh, who was later identified by Hezbollah as one of its members, NNA reported.

Israel’s decision to take over Gaza City has been met with strong rejection from the Palestinians and widespread international condemnation, marking a further escalation in its 22-month war with Hamas. The move, approved in a late-night security Cabinet meeting, has also sparked concern in Israel over the fate of hostages still held by the group. The planned ground operation is expected to worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with the territory already on the brink of famine. Hamas vowed that people in Gaza would “remain defiant against occupation.” Israel to retake Gaza City in latest war escalation Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, backed by major Gulf states, are working on a new framework to end the war and secure the release of all hostages — dead or alive — in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal aims to resolve disputes over Hamas’ weapons, with discussions underway about a possible “freeze” on their use, and calls for the group to relinquish power. Under the plan, a Palestinian-Arab committee would govern Gaza and oversee reconstruction until a new administration, with a police force trained by U.S. allies in the Middle East, takes over. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Berlin will suspend any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, citing Israel’s intensified military action. He reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself but stressed that freeing hostages and advancing meaningful ceasefire negotiations remain top priorities. The UK, Spain, Turkey, and Australia also criticized Israel’s Gaza City plan, warning it would only cause further destruction and suffering, and called for a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution.

Israel has announced plans to seize control of Gaza City in a new phase of its 22-month-long war with Hamas, a move likely to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the territory. The decision was made following an overnight meeting of Israel’s Security Cabinet and came despite growing international pressure to end the war and concerns from within Israel over the fate of hostages still held by Hamas. Israel's military campaign in Gaza has so far killed tens of thousands, displaced the majority of the population, devastated infrastructure, and pushed the region to the brink of famine. A renewed ground offensive in Gaza City could intensify the crisis further. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to Fox News ahead of the Cabinet meeting, hinted at broader ambitions, saying Israel aimed to take full control of Gaza to eliminate Hamas. However, the final decision approved by the Cabinet focused specifically on Gaza City. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military “will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones.” The move may be aimed at forcing Hamas into accepting ceasefire terms, though it could also reflect military reservations. Reports indicate that Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, cautioned against a full occupation, warning it could endanger the remaining hostages and further strain Israeli forces already stretched by nearly two years of regional conflict. Gaza City under renewed threat Gaza City remains one of the few areas not declared an evacuation zone or converted into an Israeli buffer zone. While hundreds of thousands fled the city early in the war, many returned during a brief ceasefire earlier this year. A major offensive now could displace thousands more and hinder aid distribution. Netanyahu signals possible escalation in Gaza At least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings on Thursday, according to local hospitals. “There is nothing left to occupy,” said Maysaa al-Heila, a displaced resident. “There is no Gaza left.” Netanyahu: Israel wants control, not permanent occupation In his Fox News interview, Netanyahu said Israel’s goal was to ensure security by removing Hamas. “We don’t want to keep it,” he added, indicating a preference to hand over control to Arab forces capable of governing without posing a threat to Israel. Internal opposition to the escalation continues to grow. Families of hostages staged a protest at sea on Thursday, sailing toward the maritime border with Gaza and broadcasting pleas for their loved ones’ release. Yehuda Cohen, whose son is being held in Gaza, accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease extremist elements in his coalition who advocate reoccupying Gaza and relocating its population. Rising death toll as Palestinians seek food Gaza’s Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reported over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, with Thursday’s toll including 13 people killed while attempting to access aid in an Israeli-controlled area in southern Gaza. Two more deaths were reported on roads leading to food distribution centers operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Nasser Hospital confirmed the casualties, though GHF denied any violence near its sites. Former Israeli Security Chiefs Call for End to Gaza War as Netanyahu Plans Next Military Move Access to food has become deadly in many parts of Gaza, with numerous reports of civilians killed while approaching U.N. and GHF convoys. The Israeli military has been accused of opening fire on desperate crowds, though it claims only warning shots have been used. MSF condemns GHF aid operations Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a damning report accusing GHF of dangerous mismanagement, calling its food distribution model “orchestrated killing.” The group documented 1,380 injuries and 28 deaths between June 7 and July 20 near GHF sites, including gunshot wounds and injuries from pepper spray. At least 147 people treated had gunshot wounds — 41 of them children. MSF accused GHF of creating deadly chaos at distribution points and called for accountability. GHF rejected the allegations as “false and disgraceful,” accusing MSF of echoing a disinformation campaign by Hamas. GHF was established by the U.S. and Israel as an alternative to U.N. aid delivery, which they claim is vulnerable to Hamas interference. The U.N. has denied those claims and accused GHF of endangering civilians and enabling further displacement. Source: Agency 

Former Israeli military and intelligence leaders have called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled possible escalation and convened his Security Cabinet to determine the next phase of military operations. The appeal came in a video posted online by former heads of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency, the Mossad intelligence service, and the military. They accused far-right members of the government of prolonging the war and warned that continuing the conflict is damaging Israel’s security and global standing. Dozens dead as Palestinians in Gaza risk their lives for aid “This is leading the State of Israel to the loss of its security and its identity,” said Ami Ayalon, a former Shin Bet chief. His successor, Yoram Cohen, called Netanyahu’s war goals “a fantasy,” saying the idea of defeating every militant and rescuing hostages simultaneously was “impossible.”   Netanyahu Pushes for Further Military Action Despite internal dissent, Netanyahu remains committed to his stated war objectives: defeating Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and preventing future threats from Gaza. Israeli media report tensions between Netanyahu and army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who is reportedly resisting calls to capture the remaining parts of Gaza, fearing humanitarian fallout and international isolation. Reports suggest Zamir may step down or be removed if he refuses to support a full takeover. Israeli forces kill over 20 aid-seekers in Gaza amid mounting hunger crisis   Mounting Civilian Deaths and Aid Challenges Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. Palestinian health officials reported more deaths Tuesday near food distribution points, where desperate residents scramble for aid. Hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed since May while trying to access humanitarian assistance. The Israeli military says it has only used warning shots and disputes the reported death tolls.   Israel Introduces Aid Plan via Local Merchants To ease the crisis, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced a new system allowing selected Gaza merchants to distribute essential goods. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on international organizations, with items like baby food, hygiene supplies, and fresh produce being sold through controlled bank transfers.   Aid Access Marked by Chaos and Bloodshed Despite efforts to improve aid flow, the reality on the ground remains chaotic. Crowds gathered near aid trucks entering Gaza through the southern Morag corridor on Monday, with many people climbing onto moving vehicles to grab whatever they could. Slovenia halts all arms trade with Israel citing Gaza crisis “This aid is stained with humiliation and blood,” said Yusif Abu Mor, a resident of Khan Younis, who described scenes of men carrying flour alongside wounded or dead bodies. Another resident, Mohammed Qassas, said, “If we fight, we get the food. If we don’t fight, we don’t get anything.”   Famine Risk Grows Israel’s military blockade and ongoing offensive have severely limited aid delivery, pushing parts of Gaza toward famine nearly 22 months into the conflict. Aid groups say the recent Israeli measures fall short, while airdrops by several countries remain insufficient and risky. Although families of Israeli hostages also fear starvation could affect their loved ones, they place the blame on Hamas for obstructing humanitarian efforts.   Source: Agency

Iran has formed a new high-level defense council following deadly airstrikes in June by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media reported on Monday. The Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top security authority, approved the creation of the Supreme National Defense Council, which will be led by President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to the report, the new body will be tasked with overseeing defense strategies and strengthening the capabilities of Iran’s armed forces. Its members will include the Parliament Speaker, the head of the judiciary, and top military and ministry officials. US sanctions six Indian companies over Iran petroleum purchases While the report did not confirm full membership details, it indicated that the defense, intelligence, and foreign ministries are expected to take part in the council. The move comes in response to a 12-day aerial offensive by Israel and the U.S. that killed nearly 1,100 people, including several high-ranking Iranian commanders. The strikes, which targeted key nuclear facilities, have since been followed by a ceasefire. Iran had previously formed a similar council during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, a conflict that claimed nearly one million lives on both sides.

A United Nations investigator and outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza says the sanctions imposed on her by the Trump administration will have serious consequences for her personal and professional life. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, told The Associated Press in Rome on Tuesday that being sanctioned by the United States is “very serious,” as it bars her from any financial transactions or credit card use with American banks. “My daughter is American. I’ve lived in the US and have some assets there. So, of course, it’s going to harm me,” said Albanese. “But I did everything in good faith. My commitment to justice is more important than personal interests.” Albanese has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, a charge both Israel and the US strongly deny. Earlier this month, Washington imposed sanctions on her after failing to convince the UN Human Rights Council to remove her from the post. First group of Syrian refugees returns from Lebanon under new UN-backed plan Despite the sanctions, Albanese continues her work. In July, she published a report accusing Israel of operating a “genocidal economy” in the occupied Palestinian territories. The report urges sanctions against Israel and prosecution of those responsible for enabling or profiting from the occupation. “There’s an entire ecosystem that has allowed Israel’s occupation to thrive and turn into an economy of genocide,” she said. She also noted shifting global sentiment, especially in Europe, following graphic images of starving children and hunger-related deaths in Gaza after nearly 22 months of war. “It’s shocking. I don’t think there are words left to describe what’s happening to the Palestinian people,” Albanese said.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported Tuesday that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 146,000 injured since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. The ministry, run by the Hamas-led government, said women and children make up about half the dead. Though the breakdown between civilians and militants remains unclear, UN agencies consider the figures credible. In the past 24 hours alone, at least 77 Palestinians were killed, including 58 who died around aid convoys in southern Gaza. Israeli airstrikes also hit tents sheltering displaced people in Nuseirat, killing 30, including 12 children and 14 women, according to local hospitals. Israel said it is targeting Hamas military infrastructure and blames civilian casualties on the group's operations in populated areas. The military has not commented on the latest aid convoy deaths. Gaza is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with 90% of its population displaced and warnings of famine growing. The World Health Organization reports over 60 deaths this month from hunger-related causes, including 24 young children. Since the war began, 88 children and 58 adults have died from malnutrition-related complications. Israeli strikes kill 36 in Gaza amid rising hunger crisis Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected accusations of using starvation as a tactic, calling such claims “distorted pressure” that harm ceasefire efforts. Talks for a truce and hostage release have stalled, with both Israeli and U.S. negotiators recently pulling out. Since March, when Israel imposed a full blockade and launched intensified operations to pressure Hamas, at least 8,867 additional Palestinians have died. Aid delivery remains severely restricted due to Israeli controls and ongoing instability, despite some easing of the blockade in May.

On Tuesday, the first group of Syrian refugees returned to their home country from Lebanon under a newly launched plan developed by the United Nations in coordination with the Lebanese government, following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in December. Over the past 14 years, Syria’s civil war displaced roughly half of its pre-conflict population of 23 million. Lebanon has hosted an estimated 1.5 million of those refugees — nearly a quarter of its own population — many of whom entered the country illegally and remained unregistered with the UN. Under the new repatriation initiative, each Syrian refugee choosing to return will receive $100 in cash assistance from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), while Lebanese authorities will waive any residency fines or legal fees. The UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are also providing transportation, including buses for returnees. In addition to travel support, the UNHCR has committed to offering returnees various forms of assistance once back in Syria — including financial aid, legal services for civil documentation, psychosocial support, livelihood programs, and other protection services. Lebanon’s Push for Repatriation Amid Economic Struggles Lebanon has repeatedly called for the return of Syrian refugees, especially as the country grapples with a deepening economic crisis and shrinking aid from international donors. However, many Syrians were reluctant to return under Assad’s rule due to fears of forced conscription, political repression, and penalties for overstaying in Lebanon. With the rise of Syria’s new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa — who ousted Assad in a surprise offensive — Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has renewed hopes that more Syrians will opt into the voluntary return plan. According to the UNHCR, more than 205,000 Syrians have returned from Lebanon since December, with at least 126,000 confirmed as permanent returns. Torrential rain triggers deadly flooding, evacuations in Beijing region A Small Start to a Larger Plan UNHCR Lebanon spokesperson Lisa Abou Khaled described Tuesday’s return as a “test run,” involving only 72 refugees, mostly bound for Homs and rural Damascus. She noted that around 17,000 refugees in Lebanon have registered for repatriation, though most have not yet boarded the buses. At the border crossing, Syrian authorities welcomed the returnees with roses and bottled water, and helped them complete paperwork. Many posed for photos in front of Syria’s new green flag. Among them was Rasha, returning to Homs after 14 years. “We’re going home with nothing, but it’s easier than paying rent,” she told the AP. Her decision to stay in Lebanon previously was due to fears that her sons would be conscripted — a fate she likened to “sending your son to his death.” Another returnee, Raghad, fled to Lebanon as a child after her father was killed in Homs. Now, she is heading back with her siblings and their children. “We’re hoping to fix up the house so we can live there again,” she said. “I can’t imagine being there without Dad.” Humanitarian Challenges Persist Despite the lifting of long-standing U.S. sanctions, Syria remains mired in economic hardship, with widespread poverty and crumbling infrastructure. The country faces the daunting task of rebuilding after years of war, with reconstruction costs estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars.   UNHCR’s Abou Khaled cautioned that without addressing these challenges, long-term, sustainable returns may be difficult. “We must acknowledge that there is a real humanitarian crisis in Syria that remains very significant,” she said. “Millions of people will need urgent help to be able to return in a sustainable way.”