United News of Bangladesh

Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a second round of rare direct talks in Washington on Thursday, focusing on extending the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah group and exploring future negotiations. The meeting will bring together Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad and her Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter. It follows their first direct engagement held just days ago, marking the first such contact between the two countries in nearly 30 years. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said discussions are underway to prolong the current 10-day ceasefire that started last Friday. According to his office, Hamadeh will propose extending the truce and call for an end to Israeli demolitions of homes in areas occupied after fighting broke out on March 2. Aoun said broader negotiations are also being prepared, aiming to fully stop Israeli attacks, secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, ensure the release of Lebanese detainees held in Israel, deploy Lebanese forces along the border and begin reconstruction efforts. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged Lebanon to cooperate in disarming Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, ahead of the Washington talks. “We don't have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved,” Saar said during remarks marking Israel’s Independence Day, where he described Lebanon as a “failed state.” “The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah,” he added, saying Lebanon could achieve sovereignty and independence free from Iranian influence. The latest conflict began when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, shortly after Israel and the United States carried out strikes on Iran. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and a ground operation, capturing several towns and villages along the border. Israeli forces now control a buffer zone extending up to 10 kilometers inside southern Lebanon, saying it is meant to prevent attacks on northern Israel. Despite Hezbollah’s strong opposition, the talks are seen as a significant step between the two countries, which have no formal diplomatic ties and have technically been at war since 1948. The Lebanese government hopes the discussions will lead to a lasting end to the conflict. While Iran has linked regional ceasefires to any future talks with Washington, Lebanon has stressed it is negotiating independently. Wafiq Safa, a senior figure in Hezbollah’s political council, told AP that the group would not accept any outcome from the direct talks. Since the ceasefire began last week, both sides have reported several violations. The recent fighting has killed around 2,300 people in Lebanon, including many women and children, and forced more than 1 million people from their homes. Last week’s meeting marked the first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1993, with previous communication largely handled through mediators such as the United States or the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s leadership, which criticised Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on March 2, had pushed for direct talks early on in hopes of preventing further escalation and avoiding a ground invasion.

The government is working to repatriate the body of a Bangladeshi woman killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Saturday. “The government and the administration stand by the grieving family,” she said told reporters after an exchange of views with the Hindu community in Nagarkanda-Salthar area. She told Bangladesh’s mission in Lebanon has been instructed to ensure the repatriation of the body. Migration must be governed upholding dignity, rights: Shama Obaed “Air traffic is currently disrupted due to tensions in the Middle East. Despite this, efforts are underway to repatriate the body as soon as possible,” she added. The state minister said eight Bangladeshis have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, adding that steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in the war-torn region. Some citizens have already been repatriated. Dipali Akter, daughter of Sheikh Mofazzal alias Moka Sheikh of Char Harirampur Union in Charbhadrasan upazila, was seriously injured in an Israeli airstrike on April 8 and later died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday also condemned the killing of Dipali. Dipali had gone to Lebanon in 2024 to work as a domestic worker and had been living with family there.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli airstrikes on several towns in the Nabatieh district have killed at least 10 people and injured nine others. According to the report, an Israeli air attack on the town of Kfar Sir killed four people, including a paramedic, and injured four more. In a separate strike on the town of Zefta, three people were killed, including a member of the Lebanese Civil Defence, while two others were wounded. Israeli blitz stuns Beirut, AP reporter describes scenes of horror A third attack on the town of Toul left three people dead and three others injured, the report added. Source: Al Jazeera

Bangladesh has condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, resulting in the loss of civilian lives and injuries which undermined the ongoing efforts toward peace and stability in the region. Bangladesh also condemned the killing of Dipali, a Bangladeshi national reportedly in an Israeli attack in Beirut, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. The government of Bangladesh conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. Bangladesh embassy in Lebanon is in touch with Dipali's family and will repatriate her mortal remains whenever the situation allows.  

A woman from Faridpur district has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Hamra area of Lebanon amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The deceased, Dipali Akter, daughter of Sheikh Mofazzal alias Moka Sheikh of Purbo Shalepur village under Char Harirampur Union in Charbhadrasan upazila, was seriously injured in an Israeli airstrike on April 8 evening and later died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Dipali had gone to Lebanon in 2024 to work as a domestic worker and had been living with a family there. Family sources said the house where she worked came under a bombing attack on the day of the incident. The explosion also reportedly killed six members of her employer’s family. Iran denies passage, BSC vessel ‘Banglar Joyjatra’ forced to return to Sharjah Dipali’s younger sister, Laizu Begum, said she was the fourth among two brothers and three sisters. Her body has been kept at the morgue of Rafic Hariri Hospital in Beirut, and efforts are underway to repatriate it to Bangladesh. She added that Bangladeshis living in Beirut informed the family, who have since contacted the Bangladesh Embassy. Charbhadrasan Upazila Nirbahi Officer Suraiya Momtaz said local authorities have learned about the incident and assured that the family will be provided assistance to bring the body home. She also expressed deep condolences over the death of the migrant worker.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Tehran will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz “into a new phase,” as tensions persist over access to the critically important waterway despite a fragile ceasefire with the United States. In a statement broadcast by state media, Khamenei said Iran would “seek compensation for every single loss inflicted” and pursue damages for those injured in the war. While he did not clarify what the new phase of Hormuz management would entail, the remarks signal a potential shift in Tehran’s strategy over the vital global oil route. He stressed that Iran “never sought war and we’re not seeking war,” but warned it would “not back off from seeking our legitimate rights in any way,” including support for what he described as the “entire resistance front.” He also called on pro-Iran supporters to mobilise publicly, saying their voices could influence the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Israel would “scale back” strikes on Lebanon ahead of talks with Iran in Islamabad, expressing optimism about a potential deal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of a truce in Lebanon, declaring “there is no ceasefire” and vowing continued attacks against Hezbollah. Netanyahu says Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon amid ceasefire dispute The conflicting positions have cast doubt on the durability of the two-week ceasefire, with disputes over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz emerging as key sticking points. Heavy Israeli strikes on Beirut shortly after the truce announcement further deepened uncertainty. Diplomatic efforts are set to continue, with Pakistan hosting talks in Islamabad involving senior officials from the US, Iran and Pakistan, as both sides test the possibility of a broader settlement. Pakistani officials have disclosed the names of key figures expected to attend the upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States. The talks are tentatively scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, though officials said details are still being finalised and the list of participants may change, reports Al Jazeera. From Pakistan, expected attendees include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Security Adviser Asim Malik, who also heads the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The US delegation is likely to feature Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, senior presidential adviser Jared Kushner, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Iran’s side is expected to be represented by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Officials emphasised that the final list of participants could be updated as preparations continue. The talks come amid a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, providing a window for diplomatic engagement. With inputs from BBC

A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war came under pressure on Thursday as disagreements over Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and other key issues cast doubt on whether the truce will hold. Just hours after the ceasefire was announced, confusion emerged over whether it covered fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Soon after, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Beirut, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Iran and the United States, both claiming success after the truce, appeared to be increasing pressure on each other. Iranian semiofficial media suggested that forces may have planted sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, highlighting Tehran’s strategic leverage. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned that US forces would carry out stronger attacks if Iran fails to honour the deal. However, major questions remain unresolved. These include whether Lebanon is part of the ceasefire, the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, when normal shipping will resume through the strait, and limits on Iran’s missile capabilities. Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said protecting the country’s right to enrich uranium is essential for any agreement with Washington. Speaking in Tehran, he criticised the US for not recognising enrichment as part of Iran’s proposed plan for a lasting ceasefire. Talks between the US and Iran are expected to take place in Pakistan this weekend. Violence in Lebanon has further threatened the truce. At least 182 people were killed on Wednesday as Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut. Rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors. Israel said it killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, an aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, though Hezbollah has not commented. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that halting the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump rejected that claim. A New York-based think tank warned the agreement is close to collapse, saying Israel’s large-scale strikes could be seen as escalating tensions, regardless of whether Lebanon is formally included. Lebanon’s state news agency reported that an Israeli strike killed at least seven people in the south overnight, though Israel has not confirmed it. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continues to push global oil prices higher. Iranian media published a map indicating a “danger zone” in the waterway, suggesting the presence of sea mines during the conflict. Shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with only a few vessels passing since the war began due to security concerns. Although prices briefly fell after the ceasefire announcement, they rose again as doubts grew. Brent crude stood at around $98 on Thursday, up about 35% since the conflict started. Iran has said it will allow ships to pass under international law once US military actions stop and Israel halts attacks in Lebanon. Trump said US forces would remain deployed near Iran until a “real agreement” is fully implemented, warning of stronger military action if commitments are not met. The White House said Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation in upcoming talks in Islamabad starting Saturday. Key sticking points include Iran’s plan to potentially charge ships using the strait, which would challenge its status as an international waterway, and the future of Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. While the US wants Iran to abandon any ability to develop nuclear weapons and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Tehran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes. Trump said the US may work with Iran to remove the uranium, though Tehran has not confirmed this. In its own version of the agreement, Iran indicated it would continue uranium enrichment.

Israeli air strikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, have killed at least 112 people and wounded more than 837, authorities said, in one of the deadliest escalations in recent months. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed the updated toll, saying the number of casualties has risen as rescue operations continue in affected areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier stated that Lebanon would not be included in any ceasefire arrangement, signaling continued military operations despite regional efforts to halt the violence. Israel launches massive strikes across Lebanon while ceasefire covers other regions The widespread attacks targeted multiple locations across the country, causing heavy casualties and destruction. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) strongly condemned what it described as a “brutal massacre in Beirut,” according to a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The IRGC warned that if Israeli attacks on Lebanon do not stop immediately, it would deliver a “regretful response” against what it called aggressors in the region. The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, as tensions continue to rise following ongoing hostilities involving Israel and its regional adversaries.

The death toll from ongoing Israeli and US strikes on Iran has surged to 787, as attacks continue across multiple fronts, including a strike targeting Iran’s state broadcaster. Israeli forces have also stepped up air raids in Lebanon and launched a fresh ground incursion into the country’s southern region, further widening the conflict. In Saudi Arabia, authorities reported that two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, sparking a small fire and causing minor structural damage. Who leads Iran after Khamenei’s death? A senior official of Hezbollah said the latest wave of attacks leaves the group with “no option but to return to resistance.” Mahmoud Qmati declared that Israel had sought an open war and would now face one, adding that “the era of patience has ended.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that a missile equipped with a fragmentation warhead struck Petah Tikva in central Israel. According to Channel 12, the projectile hit the city, while The Times of Israel said fragments from an Iranian missile caused damage in the area. No injuries were immediately reported. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as a “treacherous” Iranian attack on the US embassy in Riyadh. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and interests, including responding to acts of aggression. Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon’s top military authority has issued a stern warning to Hamas, vowing the “harshest measures” if the group attempts to launch any attacks from Lebanese soil. The Higher Defence Council’s statement on Friday followed the recent arrest of several Lebanese and Palestinian individuals accused of firing rockets into northern Israel, according to AP. “Hamas and other factions will not be allowed to endanger national stability,” the council declared. “The safety of Lebanon’s territories is above all.” Brig Gen Mohammed al-Mustafa, reading the statement, added, “The harshest measures will be taken to put a complete end to any act that infringes on Lebanon’s sovereignty.” There was no immediate response from Hamas officials to requests for comment. Hamas previously launched attacks on Israel from within Lebanon since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Israeli airstrike targets area near Syrian presidential palace In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas operatives in Lebanon, including the assassination of senior military leader Saleh Arouri in Beirut. Lebanese authorities are aiming to reassert control over the entire country, particularly the south near the Israeli border, following a 14-month conflict between Israel - Hezbollah that concluded in late November with a US-mediated ceasefire. In March, multiple suspects, including Palestinians, were arrested in connection with two rocket attacks on Israel. Those attacks prompted heavy Israeli bombardments in Lebanon. Lebanon’s Hezbollah denied involvement in the rocket fire.