United News of Bangladesh

Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, have agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, according to a joint statement. Israel had earlier confirmed its participation. Trump on Wednesday said Russian President Vladimir Putin had also accepted the invitation, though Moscow later clarified it was still under consideration. The board, initially linked to ending the two-year Israel-Hamas conflict and overseeing Gaza reconstruction, does not specifically mention Palestine in its charter and appears aimed at taking on functions similar to the UN. Saudi Arabia said the Muslim-majority nations – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar – support efforts for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, reconstruction, and what they called a “just and lasting peace”. The body’s charter will take effect once three states formally agree, with member nations holding renewable three-year terms. Contributions of $1 billion will secure permanent seats. Trump will serve as chairman and US representative with authority to appoint executive board members. The White House last week named seven founding Executive Board members, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov. Phase one of the plan involved a ceasefire, partial prisoner exchange, limited Israeli withdrawal, and increased humanitarian aid. Israel says the second phase, including reconstruction and demilitarisation, will proceed only after the return of the last hostages. Humanitarian conditions remain fragile. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 460 Palestinian deaths from Israeli strikes since the ceasefire, while Israel reports three soldiers killed in Palestinian attacks. The board faces challenges, as Hamas has resisted disarming without recognition of a Palestinian state, and Israel has not fully committed to withdrawing from Gaza.   With inputs from BBC

Israeli settlers on Monday inaugurated a new settlement on a hilltop overlooking the Palestinian town of Beit Sahour in the occupied West Bank, marking the formal recognition of what had until recently been an unauthorised outpost. The settlement, named “Yatziv,” meaning “stable” in Hebrew, was set up with prefabricated homes in November and received official approval last month. The inauguration was held under heavy security, with Israeli soldiers deployed around the site as settlers gathered for the ceremony. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees Israeli settlement policy, attended the event and said the new settlement would be permanent. He has led an expanded programme of settlement construction and legalisation of outposts over the past three years. Settlers have long sought control of the hilltop, citing its location in a chain of settlements surrounding Jerusalem and its historical significance to Jews. The move gained momentum after a deadly stabbing attack on an Israeli at a nearby junction late last year, according to settlement leaders. On Dec 21, Smotrich approved Yatziv along with 18 other outposts, bringing an end to a two-decade campaign by settlers to establish a presence at the site. The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law. Palestinians say the continued expansion restricts movement and development, undermining prospects for a future Palestinian state. They seek the West Bank, captured by Israel in 1967, as part of such a state. Palestinian officials say the land belongs to families from Beit Sahour. Mayor Elias Isseid said the new settlement is part of a growing ring of Israeli communities around the town, connected by roads that lead directly to Jerusalem while bypassing Palestinian areas. In the past, the site had been discussed as a possible location for a Palestinian children’s hospital with international support, but the project was never implemented and the land was later used as a military base. Yatziv is the latest addition to a series of settlements that have expanded around Beit Sahour in recent years.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) said Bangladesh has not yet taken any decision regarding sending its forces to Gaza under the International Stabilization Force (ISF), stressing that the country has clearly outlined three conditions. “No decision has been made. It is still at the discussion level. It has not been determined yet who will be part of this initiative. Most importantly, three conditions have been mentioned clearly,” he told reporters responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under no circumstances Bangladesh would join without the creation of an environment consistent with the three key preconditions, he added. Read more: BSC should maintain profitable status, expand fleet: Prof Yunus Asked about discussing such an issue at the fag end of the interim government’s tenure, Adviser Hossain said the tenure is ending with the February 12 election, but the government remains in place. He said the country’s engagement and interests do not change overnight and the government would not do anything that goes against national interests. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also said they are very hopeful that the upcoming transition will take place smoothly. He the ISF is an issue of global concern and does not fully depend on Bangladesh alone. The interim government said some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said they recognise the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force. Read more: Election on Feb 12, no matter who says what: Prof Yunus tells former US diplomats “We are also carefully considering the matter,” he said while responding to a question, noting that as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, their interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfillment of a number of principles. These include, among others, that the ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate, he said, adding that there must be permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza; and the responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians. The Press Secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. "As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory,” Alam said. Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803 which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza. Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council. Read more: ISF for Gaza: Dhaka weighs its options carefully

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday (January 12, 2026) said they recognise the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force.  “We are also carefully considering the matter,” he said while responding to a question, noting that as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, their interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfillment of a number of principles. Read more: Gaza reports 14 dead after Israel says it killed two top Hamas figures These include, among others, that the ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate, he said, adding that there must be permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza; and the responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians. The Press Secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. "As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory,” Alam said. Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803 which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza. Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council.   Read more: Fourth Palestinian baby freezes to death in Gaza amid winter crisis

A two-month-old Palestinian baby has died from severe cold in Gaza, becoming the fourth child to freeze to death since November, health officials said on Sunday. Zaher al-Wahidi, director of health information at Gaza’s Health Ministry, said the infant, Mohammed Abu Harbid, died of hypothermia at al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital. His death brings the number of babies who have frozen to death in Gaza since November 2025 to four, and 12 since the war began in October 2023, according to local health officials. As winter storms, heavy rain and freezing winds hit the coastal enclave, thousands of displaced families are living in tents and makeshift shelters with little protection from the cold. Many homes have been destroyed, leaving families without proper shelter, heating or electricity. Hospitals are also struggling to keep premature babies alive. Medical staff at al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp said incubators often stop working due to frequent power cuts and lack of backup batteries. Doctors said many premature babies are now suffering from hypothermia, while shortages of medicine and baby formula have made the situation worse. Displaced families living in flooded tent camps said water enters their shelters during storms and children are falling sick from cold and damp conditions. Aid agencies and human rights groups have warned of a growing humanitarian disaster in Gaza, calling for urgent delivery of winter supplies, tents and medical support to protect vulnerable children.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

The Israel Defense Forces gives a statement Friday that it killed two top Hamas figures in Thursday's airstrikes, but Gaza health officials reported 14 deaths in 24 hours.  IDF gives a statement that the military killed Kamal Abd al-Rahman Muhammad Awad, identifying him as the head of Hamas' anti-tank missile unit. The military also reported the death of Ahmad Thabet, whom it identified as a central figure in Hamas’ weapons production unit. The military identified a failed rocket launch from Gaza on Thursday toward an area of Gaza City then Israeli troops were operating the mission. WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, confirmed Awad's death but characterized him as a civilian. The IDF also reported targeting a command-and-control compound in northern Gaza on Thursday, killing four militants it said were using the site to store weapons and plan attacks. Hamas yet gives any official statement about the specific deaths, but Spokesman Hazem Qassem said the attacks “demonstrate the Israeli occupation’s abandonment of its commitment to the ceasefire.” Read More: JU students hold 'March for Palestine' on International Solidarity Day Separately, Gaza health authorities said 14 Palestinians, including five children, were killed and 17  wounded in Israeli attacks over the past day. Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.

The United Nations on Monday gave strong backing to the Trump administration’s strategy for stabilizing and administering Gaza, offering crucial international support for U.S. efforts to guide the war-torn region toward peace after two years of conflict. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, approved by the U.N. Security Council, authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in Gaza, establishes a transitional governing body to be overseen by President Donald Trump, and outlines a possible future path toward an independent Palestinian state. Trump celebrated the vote on social media, calling it one of the UN’s most significant approvals and a milestone for global peace. The resolution formally supports Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan and builds on the fragile truce he helped negotiate with U.S. allies. It represents a major step in defining Gaza’s future following the Israel-Hamas war, which left widespread destruction and tens of thousands dead. First major winter rains flood Gaza tent camp, worsen crisis Under the proposal, a new “Board of Peace” would act as a temporary governing authority led by Trump. The stabilization force would receive broad authority, including border control, security operations, and disarmament efforts. Its mandate, along with the board’s, would expire at the end of 2027. Arab and Muslim nations that had indicated willingness to contribute troops had made clear that UN authorization was a necessary condition for their participation. Russia, which had introduced a competing proposal, abstained along with China in the final 13–0 vote, avoiding use of its veto power. Hamas rejected the resolution, saying it fails to meet the political and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. Stronger language on Palestinian statehood helped secure supportU.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said the resolution “marks another significant step toward a stable and prosperous Gaza” and toward ensuring Israel’s security. The measure came after nearly two weeks of negotiations in which Arab nations and Palestinian representatives pushed the U.S. to take a firmer stance on Palestinian self-determination. US pushes for support on Gaza resolution as Russia puts forward competing draft While the resolution acknowledges the possibility of eventual Palestinian statehood, it gives no specific timeline or guarantees. It states that such progress could come after substantial reconstruction in Gaza and reforms within the Palestinian Authority. The revised text says these developments could create “conditions for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” It also promises the U.S. will facilitate talks between Israel and the Palestinians on a long-term political framework. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, even as his coalition expressed concern about the resolution’s endorsement of a “pathway” to independence. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon praised Trump for advancing peace efforts. Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama thanked Trump for helping secure the ceasefire but emphasized that lasting peace in the Middle East requires justice for Palestinians. A coalition of Arab and Muslim nations—including Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey—had issued a joint statement encouraging quick adoption of the proposal. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow abstained because the resolution gives too little power to the Security Council and stops short of firmly supporting Palestinian statehood. The vote bolsters hopes that the fragile ceasefire will hold. The war began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people; Israel’s response has killed over 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who say most victims are women and children. Additional elements of the U.S. proposalTrump said the members of the new Board of Peace would be announced in the coming weeks, along with other planned initiatives. The resolution directs the stabilization force to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization and ensure weapons held by non-state groups are permanently removed. Hamas criticized this aspect, saying it compromises the force’s neutrality and aligns it with Israel. The force is authorized to use military measures as needed to fulfill its mandate. Troops will help secure Gaza’s borders alongside a Palestinian police force they will train and vet, and will work with other nations to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians. They will coordinate closely with Egypt and Israel. As the force takes control on the ground, Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from Gaza according to benchmarks and timelines tied to the demilitarization process—terms that must be agreed upon by the stabilization force, Israel, the U.S., and ceasefire guarantors.

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan pro‑democracy activist, has come under fire after being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Critics say the prize is controversial because Machado has publicly backed Israel and its military actions in Gaza and has previously called for foreign assistance to help remove Venezuela’s government. The Nobel Committee named Machado the Peace Laureate on Friday, praising her role in defending democracy and resisting authoritarian rule in Venezuela. orgen Watne Frydnes, the committee’s chair, described her as a "key, unifying figure in a political opposition" and hailed her as a "champion of peace" who has kept democratic hopes alive. In his announcement Frydnes added, "In the past year, Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist." The award prompted a swift reaction from Washington, with the White House criticising the decision for "placing politics over peace" — a rebuke that came amid a recent U.S. effort to present President Donald Trump as a global peacemaker. Machado later dedicated her Nobel to Trump; the U.S. President said he was happy for her. Opponents have pointed to Machado’s past statements and actions as grounds for protest. They cite social media posts and public remarks in which she expressed solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and voiced support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. One frequently highlighted line from her past posts says, "The struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel." She has also referred to Israel as a "genuine ally of freedom" and once pledged to move Venezuela’s embassy to Jerusalem if elected. Norwegian lawmaker Bjornar Moxnes noted Machado signed a cooperation document with Israel’s Likud party in 2020, arguing that association with a party blamed by some for actions in Gaza makes the award incompatible with the Nobel’s aims. The Council on American‑Islamic Relations condemned the decision as "unconscionable," urging the Nobel Committee to reconsider and calling instead for recognition of those who have "bravely pursuing justice for all people," including students, journalists, activists and medical workers opposing what they call "the genocide in Gaza." Machado also faces criticism over appeals she made for foreign support against the government of President Nicolás Maduro. In 2018 she posted a copy of a letter she said she had sent to Argentina’s then‑president and to Israel’s prime minister, writing, "Today, I am sending a letter to @mauriciomacri, President of Argentina, and to @netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, to ask them to apply their strength and influence to advance in the dismantling of the criminal Venezuelan regime, intimately linked to drug trafficking and terrorism." That call for outside intervention remains a focal point for critics who say it contradicts the Nobel Peace Prize’s spirit. Supporters argue Machado’s personal sacrifices and leadership in Venezuela’s opposition movement merit recognition, while detractors say her foreign alliances and statements about Israel and intervention undermine the moral standing of the prize. The debate over her selection has quickly become a flashpoint in wider discussions about how the Nobel Peace Prize should balance political realities, moral consistency and the promotion of peace. With inputs from NDTV      

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam has claimed that he has been ‘kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel’ while travelling by sea in their flotilla heading towards Gaza. In a video message circulating on social media, Shahidul said, “I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are seeing this video, we have been intercepted at sea and I have been kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel, the country conducting genocide in Gaza with active collaboration and assistance of the USA and other western powers.” He went on to appeal to his ‘comrades and friends’ to continue fighting for the freedom of Palestine. Shahidul Alam, known internationally for his photography and activism, has long been vocal about human rights and press freedom issues, including the situation in Palestine. Further details about his whereabouts and the status of others reportedly travelling with him remain unclear. Meanwhile, Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organises civilian maritime missions, has confirmed that the Israeli forces have attacked its convoy of aid boats and seized several vessels en route to Gaza. Israeli forces intercept flotilla bound for Gaza, detain over 140 activists According to the FFC, Israeli forces first targeted The Conscience -- a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists before intercepting three smaller boats on Wednesday. The group said the passengers were “being held in unknown conditions.” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on X that a raid on the flotilla had taken place. “Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly,” the ministry said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli operation and called for the immediate release of Malaysian activists participating in the mission, reports Al Jazeera. Activists from Ireland, France, Denmark and several other countries were also part of the flotilla. Prof Yunus expresses solidarity with Shahidul Alam and Gaza The FFC said the boats were carrying ‘vital aid’ worth more than $110,000, including medicines, respiratory devices and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s hospitals. “The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters,” the group wrote on Instagram. “Our flotilla poses no harm.” This marks the second interception in recent days. Earlier, Israeli forces stopped about 40 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining over 450 activists who had sought to deliver aid to Gaza. Most of them, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, have since been deported. Several participants from that earlier convoy have alleged physical and psychological mistreatment during detention. French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan said she was ‘beaten’ by Israeli police, while American activist David Adler described being ‘stripped’, ‘zip-tied, ‘blindfolded’, and forced to pose for photos with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed on Tuesday at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, coinciding with the second anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. The renewed round of indirect negotiations is centered on a peace plan proposed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to end the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya told Egypt’s Qahera TV that the group seeks guarantees of a permanent ceasefire as part of any agreement involving the release of the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed by Israel to still be alive. It marked his first public appearance since an Israeli airstrike in Qatar last month targeted him and other top Hamas figures, killing six people, including his son and office manager. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accepted Trump’s plan, which calls for the immediate release of hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and placing Gaza under international administration—conditions yet to be endorsed by Hamas. Netanyahu’s office said Israel was “cautiously optimistic,” describing the ongoing discussions as technical negotiations on a framework both parties have tentatively approved. Trump’s initiative has drawn wide international support. Speaking to reporters Monday, the U.S. president said he believed there was a “really good chance” of reaching a lasting peace deal. Global rallies mark Oct 7 anniversary as Gaza war’s toll deepens, protests grow worldwide Momentum appeared to build further as Qatar announced that its prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, would travel to Egypt on Wednesday to join the mediation efforts. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Netanyahu’s senior adviser Ron Dermer are also expected to participate. Trump’s peace plan The U.S.-brokered proposal envisions Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza once Hamas disarms, to be followed by the deployment of an international security force. The plan also calls for Gaza to come under international governance, overseen by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its demands for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, without mentioning the issue of disarmament. The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 251 others. Most hostages have since been released through ceasefire deals. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 67,160 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 injured in the ensuing conflict. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but says about half of the dead are women and children. The United Nations and independent analysts regard its data as the most credible estimate of casualties. Gaza peace talks continue on war's two-year anniversary Several international experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israel’s military campaign amounts to genocide—an allegation Israel vehemently rejects. On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis gathered at the sites attacked two years ago to commemorate victims and hostages. During the memorial, a rocket fired from northern Gaza exploded nearby, though no damage or casualties were reported. In Gaza City, residents said Israeli strikes continued until early Tuesday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. Humanitarian lifeline in focus Ahead of the latest talks, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the Gaza conflict as “a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension.” Trump’s proposal, he said, “offers an opportunity that must be seized to end this tragic conflict.” Egypt and Qatar, which have mediated between Israel and Hamas throughout much of the war, are again facilitating the current round of discussions. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Monday’s talks lasted around four hours. Witkoff, Kushner, and Dermer are due to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday, according to U.S. and Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as their trips had not yet been formally announced. A key element of Trump’s plan is to accelerate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians are facing severe hunger and, in some areas, famine conditions. Source: AP