United News of Bangladesh

An Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Gaza City early Saturday killed at least two children, Palestinian health officials said, as deadly violence continued in the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the strike occurred around 2 a.m. local time and hit a residential apartment in Gaza City. Rescue teams were still searching through the rubble, with authorities expecting the death toll to rise. No immediate information was available on the number of injured. The victims were identified as two sisters, four-year-old Zina and 14-year-old Lana. Their bodies were taken to the morgue at Shifa Hospital, where grieving family members gathered. An Associated Press journalist at the scene reported seeing scattered debris and bloodstained chunks of concrete following the attack. Mohammad Safadi, a cousin of the two girls, said he and his wife were also injured in the strike. “I was sitting at home. The rocket fell on us without a warning,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of the ceasefire and insisting that the family were civilians. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident but said it was looking into the matter. Israel has repeatedly said its operations target Hamas and other militants it considers security threats. Despite a ceasefire that took effect in October, Israeli attacks have continued almost daily in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry said more than 1,007 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since the truce began. The ministry also reported that the overall Palestinian death toll from the war has risen to 73,018, including those killed after the ceasefire. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage, according to Israeli figures. Israel says five of its soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire took effect. The Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths but says women and children account for around half of those killed. The ministry's casualty figures are generally regarded as credible by United Nations agencies and independent experts.

Pakistan Interior Minister Syed Mohsen Naqvi has travelled to Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials as Islamabad continues efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States over nuclear negotiations,  media says. The visit is intended to review and follow up on the progress of talks between Tehran and Washington, the source said. Naqvi left for Tehran on Saturday and is expected to hold discussions with senior Iranian authorities during the visit. Truce reached between Israel and Hezbollah amid delays in US-Iran negotiations The trip marks Naqvi’s latest engagement as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate communication between Iran and the US. During his previous visit to Iran on June 7, Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. Pakistan has been seeking to play a mediating role amid ongoing discussions between the two countries over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israel continued military operations in southern Lebanon on Friday despite a reported ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, raising concerns that the fragile truce could collapse and undermine broader regional peace efforts. US and Gulf officials said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to halt hostilities under a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, the United States and Iran. The truce was scheduled to take effect at 4pm local time. Israeli strikes in Lebanon threaten Iran-US deal as Switzerland talks postponed However, reports from southern Lebanon indicated that at least 12 Israeli air raids and continued artillery shelling occurred after the ceasefire deadline. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks launched from midnight through Friday killed at least 47 people and injured 97 others. A senior US official told media that the ceasefire had been reached through US and Qatari mediation with Iranian assistance. Hezbollah and Israeli officials also confirmed the agreement, with Hezbollah saying it would hold if Israel respected it. The next round of Lebanese-Israeli talks is scheduled in Washington from June 23-25, the US State Department said. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed reports of the ceasefire and urged all parties to respect existing arrangements and pursue dialogue for lasting stability.

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a senior US official confirmed on Friday, marking a significant step toward easing tensions on one of the most volatile fronts linked to the recent Iran conflict. The ceasefire took effect at 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT), following a surge in violence that left at least 18 people dead in southern Lebanon after overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israel also reported the deaths of four soldiers in the fighting. The Israeli military confirmed the truce, with IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stating that a ceasefire was now in effect while emphasizing that Israeli forces remained ready to resume military operations if necessary. The agreement comes days after the United States and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending the war involving Iran and reducing tensions across the region. The accord includes provisions calling for an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. According to the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the first provision calls for the “immediate and permanent” cessation of military activities across the region. The agreement also commits all parties to respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The 14-point framework outlines several broader measures, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, a proposed $300 billion reconstruction programme for Iran, and the eventual removal of all US sanctions on Tehran. US officials have previously clarified that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire arrangement, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is not a requirement under the agreement. They also stressed that Israel retains the right to act in self-defence if necessary. The ceasefire is expected to reduce immediate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, although questions remain over the long-term implementation of the broader regional agreement and the future status of Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon. Source: BBC

Planned talks between the United States and Iran were postponed on Friday after renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about the durability of a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the recent Iran conflict. Iranian officials cancelled a scheduled trip to Switzerland for negotiations with US representatives, insisting that hostilities in Lebanon must cease before discussions can proceed, according to regional officials and a source familiar with the matter. US Vice President JD Vance also delayed his planned visit. The postponement came as Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, while Hezbollah reported fierce clashes on the ground. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed, while Israel reported the deaths of four soldiers. The confrontation between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement remains one of the most sensitive aspects of the broader Iran-US agreement. Although neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a party to the deal, the accord is intended to halt regional hostilities, including fighting between the two sides. The interim agreement has already helped restore stability in Iran and the Gulf region and facilitated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route that had been severely disrupted by Iranian attacks and threats. Future negotiations are expected to focus on securing a permanent settlement to the conflict and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, which was at the centre of the war involving Israel, the United States and Iran that began on February 28. According to the Israeli military, four soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an attack on a tank near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Five other soldiers were wounded in a separate drone attack. In response, Israel launched airstrikes against what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatiyeh and other areas, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire. Additional strikes were reported in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, including the village of Douris. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, saying Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for attacks on Israeli soldiers and territory. Hezbollah confirmed targeting Israeli tanks, saying its actions were retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations. The group said Israeli troops had attempted to advance toward the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill overlooking Nabatiyeh. The renewed violence has displaced residents in parts of southern Lebanon, with many fleeing their villages amid fears of further escalation. Disagreements over Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon also remain unresolved. Iran has repeatedly demanded a full Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli troops will remain in a security zone for as long as security conditions require. The latest developments have added strain to relations between Washington and Jerusalem, with reports indicating growing criticism from US President Donald Trump toward Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Iran refused to begin the Switzerland talks while Israeli military operations in Lebanon continued. The White House had earlier attributed Vance’s postponed trip to logistical reasons. Regional officials said mediators are working to reschedule the talks, although uncertainty remains over when discussions can resume. Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has improved significantly, with the United States reporting that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway on Wednesday. However, analysts say it could take weeks or months before energy exports fully return to normal levels. Iran’s newly established authority overseeing the strait announced Friday that vessels would be required to register with it, although security, safety and environmental service fees would be waived during the 60-day period outlined in the interim agreement. Negotiators still face major challenges in reaching a comprehensive nuclear accord. Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, although the International Atomic Energy Agency says Tehran possesses highly enriched uranium that could potentially be used to produce nuclear weapons. Under the interim agreement, negotiators have 60 days—subject to extension—to reach a final nuclear deal. The framework includes incentives for Iran, such as the eventual lifting of international sanctions and a proposed $300 billion fund for post-war reconstruction. The United States has already eased some restrictions by allowing Iran to resume oil exports and by lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. The agreement also envisages the release of frozen Iranian assets, although the timing remains uncertain.

At least 18 people were killed in southern Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes overnight, Lebanon's health ministry said, while the Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed in attacks by Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck around 80 Hezbollah-linked targets and killed dozens of fighters from the Iran-backed armed group. The latest violence came just a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement aimed at ending the conflict across the Middle East, including a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon. Despite the deal, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging attacks, raising doubts about the future of the fragile truce. The agreement calls for an end to hostilities on all fronts and respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, Israel has made clear that it does not plan to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, arguing that its campaign against Hezbollah is separate from the broader conflict involving Iran. Lebanon's state news agency described Thursday night's bombardment across the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon as among the heaviest since the war began. It reported at least 18 deaths, 33 injuries and damage to several buildings. Hezbollah said its fighters ambushed an Israeli military unit in southern Lebanon, destroying three tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rocket and artillery fire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences over the deaths of the four soldiers and said he had ordered the military to intensify operations against Hezbollah. "My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks," Netanyahu wrote on X. Lebanon became involved in the wider conflict shortly after it began when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an extensive military campaign across Lebanon and occupied parts of southern Lebanon, saying its goal was to push Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border. According to Lebanon's health ministry, at least 3,912 people, including women and children, have been killed and another 11,699 wounded since the latest conflict began. Around one million people remain displaced, while dozens of communities in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory. Netanyahu is also facing pressure at home to maintain military operations against Hezbollah, a position that could further strain relations with US President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticised Israel's actions in Lebanon. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reacted to the deaths of the four soldiers by saying that "all of Lebanon must burn." "With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining," he said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to respect the agreement and called on the United States to pressure the Israeli government to comply with its commitments. The US-Iran agreement signed on Thursday includes provisions related to Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and a commitment by both sides to seek a final settlement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the deadline by mutual consent. A new round of direct talks scheduled in Switzerland on Friday was postponed after US Vice President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit. Vance has previously criticised some members of Netanyahu's cabinet for opposing the agreement. "If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," he told reporters. In an interview with the New York Times, Vance singled out Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as critics of the deal. "I guess my response to them would be, what is your exact proposal? You're a country of nine million people. You can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have," he said. Netanyahu, meanwhile, stressed the importance of maintaining close ties with Washington, saying the United States had stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel during the war with Iran. Recent reports, however, suggest tensions have emerged between the two allies, with leaks indicating that Trump has expressed frustration with Netanyahu during private phone conversations. US officials have maintained that while Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire framework, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory is not a condition of the agreement and that Israel retains the right to self-defence. #Reports BBC

Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight into Friday following deadly attacks that killed four Israeli soldiers, escalating tensions that threaten a fragile agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at ending their recent conflict. Lebanese media reported that at least 18 people were killed in the strikes, while Israel said four of its soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed when a tank was attacked near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. Five other soldiers were wounded in a separate explosive drone attack. The violence has cast doubt on the interim agreement reached between Tehran and Washington, which seeks to end regional hostilities and pave the way for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Although neither Israel nor the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is a signatory to the accord, the deal is intended to halt fighting involving both sides. Iranian officials cancelled a planned trip to Switzerland for talks with US representatives on Friday, partly because of the renewed clashes in Lebanon, according to a regional official. US Vice President JD Vance also postponed his visit, prompting mediators to seek a new date for the discussions. The Switzerland talks were expected to address restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities—the central issue behind the recent war between Israel and the United States against Iran that began on February 28. The negotiations are also aimed at securing a permanent end to hostilities. The interim agreement has already led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping after months of disruptions caused by Iranian attacks and threats. The closure had severely affected global energy markets, driving up oil and gas prices worldwide. The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in Nabatiyeh and other areas, accusing the group of violating the ceasefire. Later, Israeli forces also targeted locations in Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa Valley, including the village of Douris, according to Lebanese media reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would respond forcefully to attacks on its soldiers and territory, warning that Hezbollah would pay a “very heavy price” for such actions. Hezbollah acknowledged targeting Israeli tanks, saying the attacks were retaliation for Israeli violations of the ceasefire. The group said Israeli troops had attempted to advance toward the northern side of the strategically important Ali al-Taher hill overlooking Nabatiyeh. The renewed fighting threatens to undermine the broader agreement between Iran and the United States, which includes commitments to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, the deal does not clearly state whether Israel must withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon it has occupied since Hezbollah entered the conflict by launching rockets and drones into northern Israel. Iran has repeatedly demanded a full Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has insisted Israeli troops will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon as long as national security considerations require it. The situation has also highlighted growing differences between Washington and Jerusalem, with US President Donald Trump reportedly becoming increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s approach. Nevertheless, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee defended Israel’s actions, saying on social media that “Israel strikes when struck” and that a ceasefire would be achieved when Hezbollah stops its attacks. Regional officials said mediators are now concentrating on de-escalating tensions in Lebanon. One official said Iran withdrew from the Switzerland talks because it viewed the fighting and Netanyahu’s remarks as violations of the interim agreement. The White House, however, attributed Vance’s decision to postpone his trip to logistical reasons. The planned negotiations remain focused on Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran insists its nuclear activities are peaceful, although the International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran possesses highly enriched uranium that could potentially be used to build several nuclear weapons if it chose to do so. Negotiators face a difficult task, with the interim agreement allowing 60 days to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal, though the deadline may be extended. The accord offers significant incentives for Iran, including the eventual removal of international sanctions and a proposed $300 billion post-war reconstruction fund. The United States has already eased some restrictions by lifting its blockade on Iranian ports and allowing Tehran to resume oil exports. The agreement also provides for the release of frozen Iranian assets, although the timeline remains unclear. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has begun recovering, with the United States reporting that more than 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through the strategic waterway on Wednesday night. However, analysts expect it may take weeks or even months before oil and gas flows return fully to normal levels.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a telephone conversation to discuss the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and its implications for the region. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments following the signing of the agreement between Washington and Tehran. Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, key energy producers in the Gulf, have long supported diplomatic efforts to secure a deal between Iran and the United States, seeking to prevent further instability that has disrupted the region and affected vital oil and gas exports. In a separate phone call, Sheikh Mohammed also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, with the US-Iran agreement featuring prominently in their discussions. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the two ministers discussed bilateral ties as well as the latest developments related to the accord reached between Washington and Tehran. During the conversation, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s support for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means in accordance with international law, the ministry said. Source: Al Jazeera

Eleven Iranian ships have sailed through a US naval blockade since Tehran and Washington finalised the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday, according to Iran’s state-run Press TV. Citing an informed source, the report said eight of the vessels moved from Iran’s territorial waters into international waters, while three others entered Iranian waters. As previously reported, the MoU includes provisions calling for the United States to end its blockade, while Iran would allow toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days.  #From Al Jazeera

President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an initial agreement on Wednesday aimed at ending the war between the two countries, easing sanctions on Tehran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz while broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme continue. According to details released by both governments, the agreement requires Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and allows the United States to waive certain sanctions, enabling Tehran to resume oil exports freely. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government helped mediate the talks, said in a post on X that the agreement took “immediate effect” after it was signed by leaders of both countries. The accord seeks to bring a permanent end to hostilities and launches a 60-day period of negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, Trump indicated that military action could resume if the process fails. The deal had remained largely secret for days, with US officials declining to reveal details even after saying Trump and Vice President JD Vance had digitally signed it over the weekend. Trump signed a physical copy on Wednesday while attending a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles. “It’s signed,” Trump told reporters as he left the dinner following his participation in the Group of Seven summit in France. Video released by the White House showed Trump signing the document beside Macron before handing it to Secretary of State Marco Rubio as those present applauded. “This was not easy,” Trump said before signing the agreement, according to footage shared by Macron. In Tehran, state-run IRNA reported that President Pezeshkian signed the accord on behalf of Iran and released photographs showing him holding the document bearing both leaders’ signatures. Although the full text has not been officially published, US officials outlined draft provisions to reporters on condition of anonymity, while Iranian state television later released similar details. The agreement would largely restore conditions that existed before the conflict, including ending military operations, resuming nuclear negotiations and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies whose closure triggered a major energy crisis. Under the draft terms, ships will be allowed to pass through the strait without tolls for two months, although future fees are not ruled out. In return, Washington will move to waive some sanctions imposed on Iran, though they will not be immediately removed. The agreement also reaffirms support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity amid Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah. This remains one of the most sensitive elements of the deal, as Iran insists Israeli forces must withdraw from occupied areas of Lebanon, a demand Israel has rejected. The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, arguing they were necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump had previously said the war aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and its support for regional proxy groups, while at times suggesting it could contribute to regime change in Tehran. The interim agreement falls short of many of those objectives, though Trump described it as “very strong.” At the same time, he cautioned that the arrangement could be abandoned if negotiations do not progress. “It’s a memorandum of understanding, and if I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs,” Trump said. The US decision to immediately permit Iranian oil sales and the prospect of eventually lifting broader sanctions represent significant concessions that go beyond the provisions of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, from which Trump withdrew during his first term. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. The agreement is expected to face strong opposition in Washington and could be viewed as a setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has come under growing criticism at home over the handling of the conflict. Pakistani officials involved in mediation said some benefits for Iran, including the release of frozen assets and the eventual lifting of sanctions, would be implemented gradually and linked to progress in future nuclear talks. However, the immediate sanctions waivers allowing Iran to export oil remove one of Washington’s key sources of leverage during the upcoming negotiations. Iran earned more than $46 billion from oil exports in 2024, with China remaining its largest customer despite sanctions. The agreement also leaves open the possibility of ending all US and UN sanctions against Iran, including measures linked to weapons programmes and human rights concerns. Such a move would go well beyond the scope of the 2015 nuclear accord, which only lifted selected sanctions in exchange for major reductions in Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. In addition, the deal includes plans for at least $300 billion in reconstruction assistance for Iran, though officials said the funding would depend on future progress in negotiations. Vice President Vance has suggested Gulf Arab countries could provide much of that investment, though analysts note that regional governments may be reluctant to do so after suffering damage from Iranian attacks during the conflict. Trump reiterated that the United States would not contribute financially and said other countries would decide independently whether to invest. The agreement is also expected to provide significant relief to the global economy through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that previously handled around one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. The closure of the strait during the conflict contributed to higher global energy prices and increased costs for a wide range of goods. The agreement states that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will be lifted and that shipping traffic through the strait is expected to return to pre-war levels within 30 days, although it acknowledges that Iranian naval mines may still need to be cleared.