United News of Bangladesh

The UN Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory (OHCHR) has accused Israeli authorities of accelerating efforts to forcibly displace large numbers of Palestinians from long-established towns and communities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. According to OHCHR, these forced removals are being facilitated by an order from the Israeli Civil Administration to systematically reject all Palestinian building and planning permit applications in Masafer Yatta, located in the South Hebron Hills, citing military training needs of the Israeli army. “Over the past months, Israel has dramatically ramped up home demolitions, as well as the arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of Palestinians and human rights defenders, alongside intensifying movement restrictions in and around Masafer Yatta, to force Palestinians out,” the UN body stated. Simultaneously, OHCHR said Israeli settlers from nearby unauthorized outposts—who themselves face no threat of eviction—have carried out daily assaults and acts of harassment targeting Palestinians, including the elderly, women, and children, with the aim of driving them from their homes. Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza as Iran-Israel Ceasefire holds steady The organisation warned that around 1,200 Palestinians could be subjected to forcible transfer, which constitutes both a war crime and potentially a crime against humanity. Fourteen more people were killed this morning in Israeli attacks on Gaza, hospital sources tell Al Jazeera Arabic, bringing the death toll in the enclave to more than 90 over the past 24 hours. At least three Palestinians were killed and several injured in an attack by Israeli settlers on Kafr Malek, northeast of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Source: Al Jazeera  

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced on Wednesday that its Chief Commander, Ali Shadmani, has died from injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike. Shadmani, who had recently succeeded Gholam Ali Rashid as head of the military command, was critically wounded in an Israeli attack last week, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. The Israeli military had claimed responsibility for killing Shadmani in an overnight airstrike targeting a command center in central Tehran. News of Iran Ceasefire Spreads as Israel Continues Strikes in Gaza On June 13, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across Iran, hitting nuclear and military sites, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel, causing significant casualties and damage. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on Tuesday.  

The head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog has avoided commenting on reports claiming that recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities only delayed its atomic program by a few months, but indicated that Iran could restore its nuclear infrastructure. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted that parts of Iran's infrastructure remained intact following the attacks, adding, “the reconstruction of the infrastructure is not impossible.” Speaking after talks with senior Austrian officials on Wednesday, Grossi said, “This is work that Iran knows how to do. It would take some time." He emphasized the need to “re-engage” with Iran swiftly to enable inspectors to resume monitoring its nuclear sites, warning that “we cannot afford that, because of this, the inspection regime is interrupted.” Grossi did not respond to Iran’s recent criticism of the IAEA. When asked whether Iran might withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), Grossi said such a move would be “very regrettable.” He acknowledged that “hard words and emotions are of course, perhaps … if not normal, inevitable at times of war,” but stressed that “we are working for diplomacy. We are working for a solution that (is) really sustainable.”

The Iranian parliament has voted in favour of a recommendation to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear oversight body. Mehr news agency reported that 221 lawmakers supported the proposal, while no one voted against it and there was one abstention. The proposed legislation would bar IAEA inspectors from accessing Iranian facilities unless their security can be guaranteed. Israel, Iran seemingly agree to accept Trump's ceasefire proposal However, the final decision rests with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, which will determine whether to implement the parliament’s recommendation. In addition, lawmakers have begun considering a separate bill aimed at tightening restrictions on drone usage.

Iranian intelligence and security forces have arrested more than 700 individuals suspected of being part of Israel’s “spy network” within the country, according to reports from local media. Iran’s Fars news agency and the state-affiliated Nournews reported that the arrests took place during Israel’s recent 12-day war with Iran. The operation, according to the reports, targeted individuals allegedly connected to Israeli intelligence activities. The conflict, described as one of the most intense in recent years, included what Iranian sources have called an unprecedented Israeli intelligence campaign. This reportedly involved the targeted killings of high-ranking Iranian military officials and prominent nuclear scientists. “Israel’s military assault on Iran also involved what has been described as an unprecedented Israeli intelligence operation that included the targeted killings of high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists,” the reports noted. 25 Killed as Israeli forces open fire on aid seekers in Gaza, say witnesses and hospitals The arrests come amid heightened tensions between the two countries and growing concerns about regional stability. However, previous mass detentions by Iranian authorities have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which have raised concerns about the lack of due process. “Previous mass arrests by the Iranian government have been criticised by human rights groups for lack of due process.” Authorities have not released the identities of those detained, and no further details have been made public regarding charges or legal proceedings.

While reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel have begun to circulate widely, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with no sign of relief from ongoing violence. “But here in Gaza, not only are we seeing very overcrowded hospitals, but this morning felt heavier,” a report from inside Gaza reads. “The silence is much heavier than before. Not because it is peaceful, but because nothing has changed, and the bombs have not stopped falling, and the killing continues”, as reported by Aljazeera. At the emergency ward of al-Shifa Hospital, the toll of continued Israeli air strikes is becoming increasingly apparent. The facility, which was already overwhelmed, is now reaching the point of collapse. “This place was already overwhelmed and now, it is on the verge of collapse,” the report continues. “Israeli air strikes hit multiple areas across Gaza City, and the result is dozens of injured – most of them are children.” Iran Strikes U.S. Air Base in Qatar: What we know so far Health workers and reporters on the ground describe dire conditions inside the hospital. “As we walked between the corridors of the emergency wards, we couldn’t help but notice that this place does not have enough space. And what is going on right now is that there is no medical equipment or medical supplies and everything seems to be collapsing.” Despite the news of a broader regional ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with hospitals pushed to the brink and civilians, particularly children, continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to hold off on additional attacks against Iran following a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, according to a statement from his office. The statement confirmed that Israeli forces “destroyed a radar installation near Tehran” in response to earlier Iranian missile attacks, which Israel described as “violations” of the ceasefire agreement. However, after speaking with Trump, Netanyahu “refrained from further strikes,” the statement said. “In the call, President Trump expressed his deep appreciation for Israel, saying it had achieved all the objectives of the war. He also expressed confidence in the stability of the ceasefire,” it added. Meanwhile, Iranian officials are hailing the ceasefire as a triumph over Israel and the United States. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref declared that the “victory” demonstrated Iran’s strength, saying the country had “broke the horn of the US and the West in the region.” Mahdi Mohammadi, senior adviser to parliament speaker and former IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, described the outcome as a “major, history-making victory,” posting on X, “A new era has begun.” Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, told state television that Iran’s nuclear programme cannot be dismantled. “Considering the capacities and abilities that we possess, the nuclear industry must persist, and it will not be stopped,” he stated. With inputs from Al Jazeera

President Donald Trump issued a fiery rebuke of Israel on Monday morning, as the fragile ceasefire he brokered between Israel and Iran showed signs of collapse just hours after it was announced. Trump, known for his often combative rhetoric, lashed out at both nations, accusing them of undermining the agreement he had personally touted as a breakthrough. However, the former president directed his most scathing criticism at Israel, accusing the country of launching a large-scale bombing campaign against Iran mere hours after the deal was struck. “We have two countries that have been fighting for so hard and so long they don’t know what the fuck they are doing,” Trump told reporters in an impromptu address before departing Washington for a NATO summit in the Netherlands. He claimed that while both parties had acted recklessly, Israel’s actions were particularly disappointing. “Israel, as soon as we made the deal they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” Trump said. “The biggest load that we’ve seen.” Iran, Israel remain silent on Trump-announced ceasefire; Qatar reportedly mediated Despite stating that he did not officially believe the ceasefire had been fully breached, Trump expressed clear dissatisfaction with the way events were unfolding. “I’m not happy with Israel,” he said. “You know, when I say, ‘OK, now you have 12 hours,’ you don’t go out in the first hour and just drop everything you have. So I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either.” The rebuke marked a rare public falling out between Trump and Israel, a nation he has historically backed during his presidency and post-presidency tenure. His frustration boiled over on social media shortly after his departure from the White House aboard Marine One. In a blunt post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” The latest tensions add another layer of uncertainty to a region long plagued by instability, and raise questions about the sustainability of Trump’s Middle East diplomacy efforts. While details of the ceasefire agreement remain unclear, the breakdown in trust between the involved parties threatens to reignite broader conflict unless immediate restraint is exercised. Neither the Israeli nor Iranian governments issued an official response to Trump’s statements at the time of publication. # With inputs from CNN

US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Israel urging its military to halt planned airstrikes. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” His remarks come as Israel’s Defence Minister accused Iran of violating the recently announced truce, vowing “powerful strikes” in response. Iran, however, denies launching any attacks after the ceasefire came into effect. Tensions have soared overnight, with both sides exchanging fire despite international calls for restraint. Tehran residents told BBC Persian they witnessed one of the "heaviest" rounds of attacks by Israel in recent months. Local officials in Iran’s northern Gilan province say nine people were killed. Trump announces Israel-Iran truce after attack on US base in Qatar Meanwhile, Israel’s emergency services confirmed four people were killed in the southern city of Beersheba. Rescue teams told reporters a residential building, where civilians had been sheltering, was hit. The latest flare-up follows Iran’s missile attacks on a US airbase in the region over the weekend, which Tehran described as retaliation for strikes on its nuclear facilities. Qatar said all incoming missiles targeting the US base were intercepted. In a separate statement, Iran warned that “any further aggression will be met with a decisive, firm, and timely response.” Source: BBC

Oil prices dropped sharply by nearly 5% on Tuesday following the announcement that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, fell to \$68 per barrel, a decrease that brought it below the levels seen before Israel launched missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 13, reports BBC. In recent days, oil prices had surged amid concerns that Iran might disrupt global oil supplies by blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil and gas. The announcement of the ceasefire sent stock markets in the UK, Europe, and Asia rising. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire was "now in effect," which was later corroborated by Israel’s confirmation of the agreement. Oil prices had spiked to as high as \$81 per barrel since the missile strikes began, raising concerns about a potential increase in the cost of living as prices for petrol, diesel, and business expenses soared. "If the ceasefire is followed as announced, investors might expect the return to normalcy in oil," said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.  However, she added, "the extent to which Israel and Iran adhere to the recently announced ceasefire conditions will play a significant role in determining oil prices." Despite the initial drop, oil price declines were tempered after Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by launching a missile strike. In response to the ceasefire, stock markets showed positive movement. The FTSE 100 index in the UK rose by 0.4% in early trading, while the CAC-40 in France increased by 1.4%, and Germany's DAX added 2%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei share index ended the day up by 1.1%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased by 2.1%. Iran, Israel remain silent on Trump-announced ceasefire; Qatar reportedly mediated President Trump urged both Israel and Iran to respect the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for both sides to avoid any violations. Israel confirmed that it had agreed to the ceasefire after "eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat." The ongoing Middle East conflict had driven global energy prices higher, stoking fears of rising energy bills and petrol costs worldwide. However, wholesale UK gas prices dropped by 12.5% on Tuesday after spiking higher, with Qatar—one of the largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas—being a key player in the region. Earlier, on Monday, Iran had launched missiles at a US military base in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. The recent oil price hikes had reignited concerns that increased energy costs could trigger higher prices for everyday goods, from petrol to food, much like the global price increases seen after Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.