United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to continue protesting against their government, saying “help is on its way.” He urged protesters to take note of the names of those responsible for killings and abuses. Trump cancelled meetings with Iranian officials until the violent crackdown on protesters stops. Thousands of people are feared dead after weeks of anti-government protests. Human rights groups estimate around 1,847 protesters have died, including children and security personnel. Iranian authorities have sentenced some protesters to death. One, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, is reportedly due to be executed on Jan 14. Families say the process is fast, raising fears of execution without notice. Iranian security forces also seized a large shipment of Starlink satellite internet kits, alleging they were intended for espionage and sabotage. Use of Starlink devices is illegal in Iran, and internet blackouts are ongoing. Meanwhile, the UK government has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the crackdown. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the violence “the most brutal and bloody repression against public protests in Iran for at least 13 years” and said the UK plans to push for further sanctions in coordination with the EU and the UN. Trump’s threats have drawn criticism from Iran’s officials and Russia. Ali Larijani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, blamed Trump for protest deaths. Russia’s foreign ministry called US threats of strikes “categorically unacceptable” and warned of serious consequences in the Middle East. The White House said Trump’s national security team is discussing possible options for intervention in Iran. It is unclear what kind of “help” the president intends or when it might come. Economic sanctions are also escalating. Trump announced a 25% US tariff on trade with Iran’s partners. Analysts warn enforcement may be difficult, and secondary sanctions could further harm Iran’s struggling economy, already affected by inflation, reduced oil exports, and trade restrictions. Internet blackouts and censorship continue to make verification of events inside Iran difficult. Human rights groups say the shutdowns violate international law and limit the ability to document abuses. The protests and international response highlight growing tension over Iran’s human rights record, economic crisis, and geopolitical position.   With inputs from BBC

 Mobile phones in Iran were able to make some international calls on Tuesday, days after authorities shut down the internet and blocked overseas connections amid a nationwide crackdown on protests. Several residents in Tehran managed to reach journalists at The Associated Press, though the AP bureau in Dubai said it could not call those numbers back. Iranians said text messaging was still not working, and witnesses reported that internet access remained cut off from the outside world. Iran imposed the shutdown on Thursday as protests intensified across the country. US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after he warned of possible military action over Tehran’s handling of the protests. Activists say at least 646 people have been killed during the unrest. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Qatar-based Al Jazeera in an interview aired Monday night that he has continued to communicate with US envoy Steve Witkoff. The contacts “continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing,” Araghchi said, adding that Washington’s proposals and threats toward Iran are “incompatible.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran’s public statements differ from the private messages the US administration has received in recent days. “The president has an interest in exploring those messages,” Leavitt said. “However, the president has also shown he is not afraid to use military options if and when he believes it is necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran.” Meanwhile, large pro-government rallies took to the streets on Monday in a show of support for the ruling system after days of protests that directly challenged the leadership of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television broadcast scenes of crowds, appearing to be in the tens of thousands, chanting slogans including “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Others shouted, “Death to the enemies of God!” What to know about Iran protests as government shuts down internet, phone networks Iran’s attorney general has warned that anyone taking part in protests will be treated as an “enemy of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has urged Bahrain to reopen visa facilities for Bangladeshi citizens, including businesspeople, professionals, and skilled and semi-skilled workers, to boost people-to-people contact and economic engagement between the two countries. He made the request during a meeting with Bahrain’s Deputy Interior Minister Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel in Manama on Sunday. The Foreign Adviser also urged the Bahraini authorities to consider issuing family visas for Bangladeshi nationals residing in the Kingdom. Bangladesh praises Bahrain’s role in promoting Middle East stability Acknowledging the contributions of the Bangladeshi community to Bahrain’s economy, the Deputy Interior Minister said his government is actively working to reopen visa facilities for Bangladeshi citizens in phases. Both sides also discussed the possibility of concluding an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between Bangladesh and Bahrain. Foreign Adviser Hossain is in Bahrain to attend the sessions and side events of the 21st Manama Dialogue, which brings together global leaders and policymakers to discuss key regional and international security issues. On the sidelines of the event, he held a series of bilateral meetings focused on strengthening regional peace, cooperation and bilateral relations. Read more: Bangladesh reaffirms solidarity with Qatar over security, sovereignty

If oil prices are any indication, Iran may have backed down. Crude prices plunged Monday afternoon in a historic drop, as traders interpreted Iran’s strike on a U.S. base in Qatar as a sign that Tehran was not planning the one move that could inflict real damage on the U.S.—disrupting global oil supplies by targeting crude shipments. “When the response comes and it is muted, oil drops,” explained Tom Kloza, chief market strategist at consultancy Turner Mason & Co. He described Iran’s measured retaliation as far less severe than many market participants had anticipated, calling the oil price slide comparable to some of the most significant selloffs in history. While analysts acknowledge that Iran still has the capability to escalate tensions and push oil prices higher, the immediate fears in the market appear to have eased. The likelihood of oil prices stabilizing increased further after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a complete ceasefire, though uncertainty around the situation still lingered. Scary then calm The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the primary U.S. oil benchmark, dropped by 7.2% to $68.51 per barrel during regular trading on Monday, following Iran's announcement that it had carried out a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. military installation. Despite the attack, traders felt reassured after Iran stated that the strike matched the number of bombs the U.S. had dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend — suggesting a possible willingness to reduce tensions. Brent crude dips below $70 amid Iran-Israel tensions Oil prices declined even further after President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Iran and Israel, set to take effect gradually over 24 hours. Early Tuesday, U.S. crude prices had fallen nearly 4% to $65.84 per barrel, now sitting lower than they were before the Iran-Israel conflict escalated over a week ago, when oil prices hovered just above $68 per barrel. Traders were initially on edge when oil markets opened for the week on Sunday. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, surged 4% as traders closely monitored the situation around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway along Iran’s southern coast — following demands from lawmakers in Tehran to shut it down as retaliation. A closure of the Strait would have had devastating consequences for the global economy since a significant portion of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the area. However, by early Tuesday, Brent crude had retreated to $68.06 per barrel, reflecting a 3.5% drop. This decline in oil prices benefits President Trump, who has been urging the Federal Reserve to shift its focus away from inflation concerns and start cutting interest rates. Lower oil prices could also bring relief to drivers ahead of the summer travel season, provided the downward trend holds. Even before the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, drivers were already paying more at the gas pump. According to GasBuddy surveys, the national average for gasoline reached $3.18 per gallon — an increase of about 10 cents over the past two weeks. ‘It would be suicidal’ Despite tensions, many traders were skeptical that Iran would attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, even before its limited retaliatory strike on Monday. A significant amount of Iran’s own oil — approximately 1.5 million barrels per day — passes through the Strait, and crude exports remain a vital source of revenue for Tehran, which the government would likely avoid jeopardizing. “It’s a foolish idea to think Iran would deliberately shut down the Strait,” said Tom Kloza, chief market strategist at Turner Mason & Co. “In my 50 years covering the oil sector, we’ve never seen the Strait of Hormuz successfully closed.” Vice President J.D. Vance also dismissed the idea during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, bluntly stating, “I think that would be suicidal.” At the current market rate for oil, Iran earns around $40 billion annually from crude exports passing through the Strait — representing roughly one-tenth of the country's total economic output. Hyundai’s US exports plunge amid tariff woes Yes, but… Houston-based oil analyst Andy Lipow pointed out that although history suggests Iran would avoid actions that block its own oil shipments, nations — much like individuals — don’t always act according to pure economic logic. “The big question for oil markets is whether this time will be different,” Lipow said, cautioning that political or emotional factors might drive unexpected decisions. He added that Iran has several alternatives to disrupt oil markets without fully shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. According to Lipow, Tehran could interfere with navigational systems to delay oil shipments, deploy underwater mines to force increased U.S. naval protection, or even target an oil tanker. Any of these moves would likely send shipping insurance costs soaring, driving oil prices higher. Big gamble Should market expectations prove wrong and oil prices surge again, the repercussions could be widespread. Tianjin Port advances as China’s premier smart shipping hub A sudden spike in oil prices would hit the global economy at a delicate moment. While Trump has been asserting that inflation concerns are largely over, many economists believe prices are still poised to rise, especially as the effects of his tariffs on everyday goods begin to surface. Trump himself seems aware of the risks. Posting on Truth Social Monday, he ordered: “To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!” He added, “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING!”  

Israel's military operation in Gaza has expanded to seize "large areas," according to the defence minister, while hospital officials in the Palestinian territory report that Israeli strikes overnight and into Wednesday have killed over 40 people, including nearly a dozen children. Israel’s offensive in Gaza is "expanding to crush and clean the area" of militants while "seizing large areas that will be added to the security zones of the State of Israel," Defence Minister Israel Katz stated in a written announcement. Israel strikes kill 3 in Beirut Israel has long maintained a buffer zone inside Gaza along its security fence, which has significantly expanded since the war began in 2023. While Israel argues that the buffer zone is essential for security, Palestinians see it as a land grab further reducing the already narrow coastal enclave, home to around 2 million people. Katz did not specify which areas of Gaza would be seized in this expanded operation, which he said involves the “extensive evacuation” of residents from combat zones. His remarks followed Israel’s order for a full evacuation of the southern city of Rafah and surrounding areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel intends to maintain indefinite but unspecified security control over Gaza once Hamas is defeated. The minister urged Gaza’s residents to "expel Hamas and return all hostages." The militant group still holds 59 captives, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, after most others were freed through ceasefire agreements or other negotiations. “This is the only way to end the war,” Katz declared. Since the collapse of the ceasefire last month, Israel’s expanding areas of operation and evacuation orders have resulted in “no-go” zones covering more than 60% of Gaza, according to Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Aid organisations are offering assistance where possible, though supplies are dwindling due to Israel’s monthlong blockade. These "no-go" zones include the military zone in the Netzarim corridor—an Israeli-controlled strip dividing northern and southern Gaza—as well as the expanded buffer zone and newly designated evacuation areas. The Hostage Families Forum, representing most captives' relatives, expressed shock over the defence minister’s announcement. The group stated that Israel’s government has a duty to secure the release of all 59 hostages and must pursue every possible negotiation channel. “Their lives hang in the balance as more and more disturbing details emerge about the horrific conditions they’re being held in—chained, abused, and in desperate need of medical attention,” the forum said. It urged the Trump administration and other mediators to maintain pressure on Hamas for their release. “Our highest priority must be an immediate deal to bring ALL hostages back home—the living for rehabilitation and those killed for proper burial—and end this war,” the group added. Children killed in strike on UN building Israel continued its strikes on Gaza, with overnight air raids killing 17 people in the southern city of Khan Younis. Another 15 were killed in an attack in northern Gaza on Wednesday, according to hospital officials. At Nasser Hospital, officials said 12 bodies from an overnight airstrike included five women—one of them pregnant—and two children. The Gaza European Hospital reported receiving five bodies from separate airstrikes. Later on Wednesday, officials at the Indonesian Hospital said an Israeli strike on a U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) building in Jabaliya refugee camp killed 15 people, including nine children and two women. The Palestinian Civil Defence reported that the building had previously functioned as a UNRWA clinic but was now housing displaced individuals. It said the attack hit two rooms and that rescue teams retrieved the bodies of seven victims and 12 wounded survivors. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for UNRWA, stated that the facility was no longer operating as a clinic but served as a shelter for about 735 displaced people from 160 families. Despite warnings from UNRWA staff about the dangers after Wednesday’s attack, many families have remained at the site “simply because they have absolutely nowhere else to go,” Touma said, adding that no UNRWA staff were harmed in the strike. The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas operatives in the area, alleging that they were hiding in a “command and control centre” used to coordinate armed activities and functioned as a central meeting place for the group. Separately, the European Hospital confirmed receiving the bodies of eight people killed in Khan Younis, while three others killed in Zawaida in central Gaza were taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital, according to hospital officials. The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Israel orders evacuation of most of Rafah Israel’s ongoing offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians, including hundreds killed since the recent ceasefire ended about two weeks ago, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants, though it has not provided evidence.

Gaza's Health Ministry reports that Israel targeted the largest hospital in southern Gaza on Sunday night, resulting in one death, several injuries, and a significant fire. The strike hit the surgical building of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, just days after the hospital was overwhelmed with casualties following Israel’s resumption of attacks last week. Israel's military confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted a Hamas militant operating at the hospital. Israel attributes civilian deaths to Hamas, accusing them of operating in densely populated areas. Israeli airstrikes kill senior Hamas leader, 18 others; Houthis launch missile toward Israel Nasser Hospital, like many other medical facilities in Gaza, has sustained damage from Israeli airstrikes throughout the conflict. The Health Ministry also reported that over 50,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, with the military stating that they have killed dozens of militants since the end of a ceasefire earlier this week. On the political front, public unrest in Israel has been growing, with protests outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office and calls for changes in direction. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel's military ordered thousands of people to leave the severely damaged Tel al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah, causing more displacement amidst ongoing strikes. Israel also confirmed the death of a Hamas leader, Salah Bardawil, in an airstrike in Muwasi, along with his wife. In southern Gaza, hospitals reported receiving 24 more bodies from overnight strikes, including several women and children. The Health Ministry's figures show a staggering death toll, including over 15,000 children. Meanwhile, Israel claims it has killed around 20,000 militants, although they have not provided evidence. Israel retaliates with strikes on Lebanon after rocket attack The ceasefire that had been in place since January has collapsed, with no progress in the planned negotiations for the next phase. Additionally, Israel's government passed a measure to create 13 new settlements in the West Bank, bringing the total number of settlements to 140, despite international opposition.

A one-month-old girl was rescued from the rubble in Gaza after an Israeli airstrike killed her parents. On Thursday, as rescuers sifted through the debris of a collapsed apartment in Khan Younis, they heard the cries of a baby beneath the wreckage. Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 40, Say Hospitals Amidst shouts of “God is great,” a man emerged carrying the infant, wrapped in a blanket, and handed her to waiting paramedics. Despite being alive, the baby girl showed signs of distress as the paramedics checked her over. Her family, including her brother, mother, and father, perished in the airstrike. Rescuers noted that the baby had been trapped under the rubble since dawn. Hazen Attar, a civil defense worker, said, “She had been crying, then falling silent until we were able to free her.” The infant, identified as Ella Osama Abu Dagga, was born just 25 days earlier, during a fragile ceasefire that many hoped would end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced nearly the entire population. The girl's grandparents were the only survivors from the family. The airstrike also claimed the lives of a neighboring family, including a father and his seven children. Rescuers were seen recovering the body of one of the children from the wreckage. Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday, ending the ceasefire and reigniting the conflict. Israel cited Hamas's rejection of a new ceasefire proposal as the reason for the renewed fighting. Since the resumption of strikes, nearly 600 people have been killed in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The strike that destroyed the girl's home targeted Abasan al-Kabira, a village near the Gaza-Israel border, killing at least 16 people. The area had been evacuated earlier by the Israeli military. The Israeli military insists it targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian casualties, alleging that Hamas operates within residential areas. The military did not immediately comment on the recent airstrikes. Later, Israel reinstated a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, which had been lifted under the ceasefire agreement. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel launches ground operation to retake key Gaza corridor In retaliation, Israel’s air and ground assaults have resulted in nearly 49,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants, though it has not provided evidence.

Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Thursday killed at least 40 Palestinians across Gaza, according to three hospitals. The attacks targeted homes in the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, as well as Beit Lahiya in the north. Israel resumed intense bombardments on Tuesday, breaking a ceasefire that had paused fighting and enabled the release of over two dozen hostages. Israeli officials blamed Hamas for the renewed conflict, accusing the group of rejecting an Israeli-backed proposal that differed from their prior agreement. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 400 Palestinians—primarily women and children—were killed on Tuesday alone. There have been no reports of Hamas launching rockets or carrying out attacks since fighting resumed. Israeli Ground Troops AdvanceFor the first time since the ceasefire took effect in January, Israeli ground troops moved deeper into Gaza on Wednesday, securing part of a corridor that divides the northern and southern regions of the territory. Israel has also cut off essential supplies, including food, fuel, and humanitarian aid, to Gaza’s roughly 2 million residents. Officials say military operations will continue until Hamas releases the 59 remaining hostages—35 of whom are believed to be dead—and relinquishes control of the territory. The Trump administration, which mediated the earlier ceasefire, has expressed full support for Israel. Hamas has stated that it will only release the hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, as outlined in the January agreement brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Israel launches ground operation to retake key Gaza corridor The militant group, which does not recognize Israel, has indicated a willingness to transfer power to the Palestinian Authority or a politically independent committee but refuses to disarm until Israel ends its long-standing occupation of lands Palestinians seek for a future state. Civilian CasualtiesIsrael has yet to comment on the latest airstrikes. The military maintains that its attacks target militants and blames Hamas for civilian casualties, citing the group's presence in residential areas. The European Hospital in Rafah reported that 26 people, mostly women and children, were killed in strikes on two homes. One attack killed a father and his seven children. Meanwhile, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received seven bodies from an overnight airstrike on a home, and the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya reported seven more deaths from a separate strike. Background of the WarThe war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly assault into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Many hostages have since been freed through ceasefire deals, with Israeli forces rescuing eight alive and recovering dozens of bodies. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has been one of the deadliest and most destructive in recent history. The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 49,000 Palestinian deaths, stating that more than half were women and children. While Israel claims to have killed about 20,000 militants, it has not provided evidence. Israeli strikes killing hundreds in Gaza are 'Only the Beginning': Netanyahu The war displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population at its peak, leaving vast devastation across the enclave. Many who returned home during the ceasefire found their neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Source: With input from agency 

Israel has introduced a new ceasefire proposal this week, distinct from the one agreed upon in January, and is trying to force Hamas to accept it through a siege on Gaza, reports AP. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to this plan as the “Witkoff proposal,” claiming it was drafted by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, the White House has not confirmed this, simply stating its support for Israel's actions. Palestinians hope Oscar-winning ‘No Other Land’ brings global support The new plan calls for Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages, which are key to the group's leverage, in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire and negotiations towards a long-term peace deal. There is no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, a part of the original agreement. Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the current ceasefire deal, which stipulates the return of all hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli pullout from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire. However, no substantive talks have occurred. On Sunday, Israel halted all humanitarian supplies to Gaza and warned of further consequences if Hamas does not accept the new plan. Meanwhile, Arab leaders are working on an alternative vision for Gaza's future, countering Trump's proposal to relocate its population and turn it into a tourist destination. The original ceasefire agreement, reached in January, outlined a three-phase plan to secure the return of hostages and end the war that began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack. While Phase 1 led to the release of several hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Phase 2 is more complex, as it would require Israel to balance its goal of securing the hostages’ return with the destruction of Hamas. Hamas has stated it will only release the remaining hostages if the war ends, leaving it in control of Gaza. The new plan would require Hamas to release half of the 59 remaining hostages on day one, without any immediate reciprocal actions from Israel. This would weaken Hamas’ position, and the U.S. and Israel have already mentioned new demands, such as the disarmament of Hamas or the exile of its leadership, which were not part of the original agreement. For Netanyahu, this new plan offers a six-week window, crucial for passing a budget and avoiding early elections, which could see him ousted from power. Opposition parties have indicated they will not push for Netanyahu's removal over a deal that returns the hostages, though it would still harm his political standing. Muslims in Middle East observe Ramadan amid political upheaval The U.S. has been silent on the details of the new plan, though Netanyahu claims it has been fully coordinated with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Trump has given mixed messages, criticizing Hamas’ treatment of the captives while expressing his desire for their immediate release, yet leaving the decision to Israel. Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza’s population to other countries and turn it into a tourist site has been rejected by Palestinians, Arab countries, and human rights experts, who argue that it would violate international law. If implemented, it would likely require resuming the war and intensifying the offensive, which has already caused significant devastation in Gaza. In response, Egypt is finalising a counterproposal, which will be discussed at an Arab summit in Cairo. This plan suggests that Palestinians stay in Gaza, relocate to safe zones, and have Hamas cede power to a transitional authority while the international community strengthens the Palestinian Authority. However, Israel has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s postwar reconstruction, and it remains uncertain whether Trump would support Egypt’s plan.

Hamas has stated that no progress has been made in the indirect talks with Israel regarding the second phase of the ceasefire. It is uncertain whether the talks will resume on Saturday, as reported by a senior Hamas official. The first phase of the ceasefire halted 15 months of conflict in Gaza, leading to the release of 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel's ceasefires with Hezbollah, Hamas uncertain again This first phase will end on Saturday, but fighting is not expected to resume while negotiations for the second phase continue. The second phase aims to bring an end to the war in Gaza and secure the return of all remaining living hostages. The discussions are taking place in Cairo with participation from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. While Hamas has not attended the talks directly, their position has been represented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, told the Associated Press that no progress had been made before Israeli negotiators left on Friday. It is uncertain if the mediators will return on Saturday as planned, and Naim said he did not know when negotiations might continue. Hamas initiated the war on October 7, 2023, with an attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel. Since then, Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, with Gaza health officials noting that more than half of those killed were women and children. Israel threatens 'all hell will break loose' on Hamas in latest Gaza ceasefire crisis The ceasefire deal, which was agreed upon in January, includes three phases intended to end the war. On Friday, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the terms of the agreement and urged the international community to push Israel to begin the second phase without delay. Alongside the second phase of the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office revealed that mediators are also discussing measures to improve the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, in order to ease the suffering of the population and contribute to regional stability. Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by 42 days, claiming it violates the truce agreement. The proposal would extend the ceasefire through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in exchange for another hostage exchange. The World Food Program reported that during the first phase, it reached 1 million Palestinians in Gaza, restoring distribution points, reopening bakeries, and increasing cash assistance. The agency stressed that the ceasefire must hold, with no turning back.