United News of Bangladesh

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.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country's flag carrier, has been facing prolonged financial losses on multiple routes, primarily due to inadequate feasibility studies and political interference in route selection. According to sources within Biman, the state-owned airline is experiencing financial losses on six routes: Narita, Manchester, Delhi, Kuwait City, Kolkata, and Guangzhou. The Narita route alone incurs an average monthly loss of Tk 20 crore. Among the loss-making routes, they said, the worst affected are the Narita (Japan) and Manchester (UK) flights. Biman authorities have said that a shortage of passengers has forced them to reduce the frequency of flights on these routes, with efforts underway to ensure profitability in the Middle East. Six Loss-Making Routes Identified Allegations suggest that the airline launched three weekly flights on the route without conducting a proper feasibility study. To curb losses, the frequency was reduced to two flights per week from October. Biman has also been sustaining losses on its Kolkata and Delhi routes. Following recent political shifts in Bangladesh, India has restricted visa issuance, causing a severe decline in passenger numbers. As a result, weekly flights on the Dhaka-Kolkata route have been cut from 14 to seven, while the Dhaka-Delhi route has seen a reduction from seven to three flights per week. A major factor contributing to Biman’s losses is operating flights with nearly half the seats unoccupied. The airline recently appointed a new Managing Director, Md Safiqul Rahman, in an attempt to mitigate financial setbacks. Profits in Ground Handling Services Despite losses on several routes, Biman has remained profitable through its ground handling operations. To enhance this segment, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport recently acquired some advanced pieces of equipment, including seven air-conditioning units, two air start units, and nine belt loaders. Losses on Narita and Manchester Routes Biman launched its Narita flights with great fanfare, establishing direct connectivity between Dhaka and Japan on 1 September 2023. But within the first eight months, the airline accumulated losses exceeding Tk 166 crore on this route. This decision has been criticised, as a similar service was discontinued in 2006 due to continued financial losses. Despite that history, the route was revived 17 years later, reportedly for political reasons, without a thorough commercial assessment. Biman a frain, loss-making organisation for years: Wahiduddin Mahmud The Manchester route is also unprofitable, with each Dhaka-Manchester-Dhaka flight averaging a loss of Tk 1.10 crore. To counter this, Biman reduced one flight per week from October and introduced a 30% fare discount to attract passengers. Temporary Suspension of Manchester Flights In a recent announcement, Biman stated that to ensure the smooth operation of Hajj flights and due to aircraft shortages, flights on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester route will be temporarily suspended from 1 May 2025 to 10 July 2025. Regular operations on this route are scheduled to resume on 11 July 2025. Efforts to Boost Middle Eastern Routes The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has reported that four Middle Eastern routes—Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, and Muscat—have turned profitable, partly due to additional baggage allowances for passengers. Other profitable routes include London, Toronto, Medina, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Biman is also expanding its network, with new international destinations including Malé, Kunming, Sydney, Jakarta, Seoul, Wuhan, and Bahrain. Biman's capability in ground handling at ‘Third Terminal’ under scrutiny Efforts are also going on to relaunch flights to New York. To enhance profitability, the airline is focusing on increasing revenue per passenger, reducing operational costs, and improving adherence to flight schedules. Increased Demand for Toronto Route Due to rising passenger demand, Biman has increased its flights on the Dhaka-Toronto route. Since 31 October 2024, the airline has been operating three weekly flights—on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays—with the newly added Thursday flight catering to growing demand. Adjustments to European Routes According to Biman’s General Manager for Public Relations, Bosra Islam, flight frequency reductions on some routes are not solely due to low passenger numbers but also other operational factors. She added that once India resumes issuing visas at normal rates, demand for flights to Kolkata and Delhi is expected to recover, leading to potential flight increases. Meanwhile, Biman’s Director of Marketing and Sales, Ashraful Alam, has confirmed that, from 28 March 2025, an additional flight will be introduced on the London route, increasing the total to five per week. Similarly, the Rome route will see an increase from two to three weekly flights. Need for Strategic Partnerships and Skilled Workforce Aviation expert and former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam has emphasised the importance of forming inter-partner airline links to expand the airline’s network and increase passenger flow. He noted that Narita-bound passengers should have seamless connectivity to other international destinations, which would improve ticket sales and profitability. Alam stressed that merely opening new routes is not enough; targeted marketing and skilled personnel are required to attract more passengers. He highlighted that private airlines are outperforming Biman in many aspects due to superior ticketing and marketing strategies. “If other airlines are making profits on these routes, why can’t Biman?” he questioned, urging the airline to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness. Work underway to enhance Biman's GSE fleet with modern equipment Current Fleet and Operations Biman currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, serving 23 international destinations. While some routes continue to struggle, others show promise, with strategic expansions and operational improvements aimed at securing the airline’s long-term profitability.

Israel's military has announced that its forces will stay in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, despite the deadline for their withdrawal under the Hezbollah ceasefire, reports AP. This has frustrated the Lebanese government, which is calling for the withdrawal to occur. Similarly, a separate ceasefire in Gaza is at risk as Israel's war with Hamas marks its 500th day. Israel threatens 'all hell will break loose' on Hamas in latest Gaza ceasefire crisis Tensions have also emerged over whether Israel and the United States want to continue the truce. Negotiations for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire have yet to commence. Israel's military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, explained that the five locations in Lebanon provide key vantage points and are situated near northern Israeli communities, where many residents remain displaced. The U.S.-led body monitoring the ceasefire has approved a temporary extension. The agreement involves Israeli forces withdrawing from a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, which will be patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers. Despite the ceasefire holding since November, Israel has emphasised the importance of a gradual withdrawal to ensure the security of its civilians. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun insists the ceasefire must be honoured, with Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem asserting that no excuses should delay the Israeli pullback. Tensions in Lebanon are rising, with Hezbollah launching rockets, drones, and missiles into Israel following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, which led to a larger conflict in the region. In Gaza, protests in Israel call for an extension of the ceasefire to secure the release of more hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Israeli officials believe several of the 33 people slated for return are already dead, and Hamas is slowly releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas' threat to delay the next release of Israeli hostages raises fears for Gaza ceasefire The first phase of the ceasefire is nearing its end, but talks for the second phase, which could involve the release of more hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, have not begun. Amidst these developments, U.S. and Israeli officials remain committed to eradicating Hamas, though this objective is seen as incompatible with the goal of bringing all hostages home. Meanwhile, proposals for the future of Gaza, including a controversial plan for its permanent relocation, have drawn significant opposition from Palestinians and Arab nations. Meanwhile, Israel is accelerating settlement expansion in the West Bank, with plans for nearly 1,000 new homes, further intensifying tensions over territorial disputes.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday expressed Bangladesh's desire for a "deeper cooperation" in energy sector with Oman and requested for guaranteed energy supply from the country in the Middle East. On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, the Foreign Affairs Adviser met with Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and discussed various issues of mutual interests. The Foreign Minister of Oman welcomed Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain to Oman. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations the two countries are enjoying. The two countries recalled that Bangladesh and Oman will soon complete the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and agreed to duly celebrate it. The Foreign Affairs Adviser invited his Omani counterpart to visit Bangladesh to mark the celebration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He thanked the government of Oman for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman who are contributing to both the economies. Touhid Hossain, Jaishankar likely to hold talks during Indian Ocean Conference in Oman The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested his Omani counterpart the consideration of the Oman government for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses by the country . He also requested to recruit shipbuilding technicians from Bangladesh.  The Foreign Affairs Adviser also held meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan Al Muraikhi. He thanked the government of Qatar for hosting a good number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar. The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested consideration of the Government of Qatar for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses. He invited representatives from the relevant authorities from Qatar to visit Bangladesh to meet the professionals for prospective recruitment. Foreign Adviser Hossain likely to meet Indian EAM Jaishankar at Indian Ocean Conf in Oman Hossain also welcomed investment from Qatar and both sides highlighted the importance of visits from private sectors of Qatar to Bangladesh to identify the sectors for investment.

Israeli police have conducted a raid on a long-standing Palestinian-owned bookstore in east Jerusalem, detaining the owners and seizing books related to the protracted conflict, reports AP. Authorities stated that the books contained material inciting violence. Erdogan again rejects US proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza The Educational Bookshop, which has been in operation for over 40 years, serves as a centre for intellectual activity in east Jerusalem. Israel captured the area in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it to its capital—a move not internationally recognised. The majority of Jerusalem’s Palestinian population resides in the east, and Palestinians aspire to establish their future state’s capital there. The three-storey bookstore, raided on Sunday, offers a vast collection of books, primarily in Arabic and English, covering the conflict and broader Middle Eastern affairs, including works by Israeli and Jewish authors. It also hosts cultural events and is particularly frequented by researchers, journalists, and foreign diplomats. According to May Muna, wife of co-owner Mahmoud Muna, police detained bookstore owners Ahmed and Mahmoud Muna, confiscated hundreds of books concerning the conflict, and ordered the shop’s closure. She described how the soldiers selected books based on Palestinian titles or flags, using Google Translate to interpret Arabic titles before taking them away in plastic bags. A similar raid took place last week at another Palestinian-owned bookstore in east Jerusalem’s Old City. In a statement, police claimed the two owners had been arrested for “selling books containing incitement and support for terrorism.” Palestinian Crisis: Egypt to host emergency Arab Summit on Feb 27  As an example, police cited an English-language children’s colouring book titled From the River to the Sea, a phrase referring to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing present-day Israel, the occupied West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Both Palestinians and hard-line Israelis consider the entire territory as their rightful homeland. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government opposes Palestinian statehood, has asserted that Israel must retain indefinite control over all land west of the Jordan River. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have intensified since Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023 from Gaza triggered the ongoing war. A ceasefire has temporarily halted hostilities, leading to the release of several Israeli hostages taken in the attack and hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted approximately 250 others in the 7 October assault. The ensuing war has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, more than half of whom were women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not specify how many casualties were fighters. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants but has not provided evidence. Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and Palestinians seek all three territories for their future state. The last significant peace negotiations collapsed after Netanyahu returned to office in 2009.