United News of Bangladesh

In the early hours of Tuesday, Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, claiming to target dozens of Hamas positions in what it described as the most extensive attack since a ceasefire took effect in January. Palestinian officials reported at least 69 fatalities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were ordered due to stalled ceasefire negotiations. Officials described the operation as open-ended and anticipated further expansion. ISIS leader killed in Iraq, Iraqi prime minister says “Israel will now take increasingly forceful military action against Hamas,” Netanyahu’s office announced. The surprise offensive disrupted a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, raising fears of a full-scale resumption of the 17-month war, which has already claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza. The escalation also cast uncertainty over the fate of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages still believed to be alive in Hamas captivity. Hamas denounced the strikes as an “unprovoked escalation,” stating that they jeopardised the lives of the hostages. There was no immediate response from the U.S. However, over the weekend, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts alongside Egypt and Qatar, warned that Hamas must release the living hostages immediately “or face severe consequences.” An Israeli official, speaking anonymously about the ongoing military operation, stated that Israel was targeting Hamas' military leadership and infrastructure and planned to extend the assault beyond aerial bombardments. The official accused Hamas of using the ceasefire period to regroup and plan new attacks. In recent weeks, Hamas militants and security personnel had visibly returned to Gaza’s streets. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, warned that “the gates of hell will open in Gaza” unless the hostages were freed. “We will not halt our operations until all hostages are returned and our war objectives are fully achieved,” he asserted. Explosions echoed throughout Gaza, and hospitals reported receiving at least 69 bodies from the morning airstrikes. The territory’s civil defence agency indicated that rescue efforts were severely hindered due to multiple simultaneous strikes. Ceasefire negotiations had stalledThe airstrikes came two months after a ceasefire agreement had temporarily paused the war. During the first phase, Hamas released about three dozen hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, since the ceasefire ended two weeks ago, both sides have struggled to reach an agreement on a second phase that would involve the release of the remaining 60 hostages and a potential end to the war. Hamas has insisted that Israel must completely withdraw its forces and end the war in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages. Israel, on the other hand, has maintained that it will not stop fighting until Hamas' military and governing capabilities are dismantled and all hostages are freed. Iranian, Azerbaijani FMs hold phone talk over ties, regional issues Netanyahu has repeatedly threatened to resume military operations. Earlier this month, he also halted the entry of food and humanitarian aid into Gaza to exert pressure on Hamas. “This escalation follows Hamas’ continued refusal to release our hostages and its rejection of all proposals from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators,” Netanyahu’s office stated on Tuesday. Hamas official Taher Nunu condemned the Israeli offensive, stating: “The international community now faces a moral test—either it allows the occupation army to resume its crimes, or it enforces an end to the aggression against Gaza’s innocent civilians.” Gaza was already facing a humanitarian crisisThe war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign that has since killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population. Gaza’s Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but reports that over half of the dead were women and children. The ceasefire had brought some temporary relief, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what was left of their homes. However, Gaza remains devastated, with no immediate plans for reconstruction. A resumption of full-scale hostilities threatens to undo any progress made in alleviating the humanitarian crisis. An Israeli ground offensive could be especially lethal, as large numbers of civilians have now returned to their homes. Before the ceasefire, many had sought refuge in tent camps that provided relative protection from airstrikes. The return to fighting could also deepen internal tensions in Israel regarding the fate of the remaining hostages. Many of those who were released by Hamas described harsh conditions in captivity, leading to growing domestic pressure on the Israeli government to extend the ceasefire to secure the release of all hostages. Hostage families and supporters have repeatedly urged the government to prioritise negotiations. Tens of thousands of Israelis have recently taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. Further protests are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahu’s controversial decision to dismiss the head of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet. Critics view the move as an attempt to shift blame for the government’s failures in the October 7 attack and its handling of the war. Since the ceasefire took effect in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians whom the military claims entered restricted areas or posed security threats. Despite ongoing tensions, the ceasefire had largely held without a major resurgence of violence. The first phase of the agreement had facilitated the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have continued efforts to broker a second phase of negotiations. Israel has proposed securing the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a commitment to further ceasefire talks. However, Hamas insists that both sides adhere to the original agreement, which calls for negotiations on a broader truce, the release of all hostages, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas is believed to be holding 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced Friday that the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria was killed in an operation conducted by Iraqi national intelligence forces with support from the U.S.-led coalition. “The Iraqi people continue their remarkable victories against the forces of darkness and terrorism,” al-Sudani stated on X, formerly Twitter. The slain militant, Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, known as “Abu Khadija,” was identified as ISIS's “deputy caliph” and one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, according to the statement. EU leaders hold crisis talks on Ukraine amid declining US support U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation on Truth Social, saying, “Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our brave warfighters in coordination with the Iraqi and Kurdish governments.” He ended the post with, “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” A security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the operation took place in Iraq’s western Anbar province via an airstrike. Another official stated that the raid occurred Thursday night, with confirmation of al-Rifai's death coming on Friday. The announcement coincided with the first official visit of Syria’s top diplomat to Iraq, where both nations pledged to intensify efforts against ISIS. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein emphasized shared security concerns, particularly regarding ISIS movements along the Syrian-Iraqi border. Hussein also highlighted a recently formed regional operations center involving Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon to combat ISIS threats. While Iraq and Syria have a complex relationship—especially following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad—their officials stressed the importance of cooperation. Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani pointed to historical ties between Baghdad and Damascus, emphasizing that stronger collaboration would enhance regional stability. The operation and diplomatic discussions come amid concerns of an ISIS resurgence following Assad’s downfall. Despite Iraq previously asserting that ISIS no longer posed a major threat, some political factions have reconsidered their stance, fearing security instability in Syria could spill over into Iraq. The U.S. and Iraq had agreed last year to gradually wind down the American-led coalition’s military presence by September 2025, marking the end of a two-decade-long mission. However, recent developments have reignited debates over whether Iraq still requires external support to contain ISIS threats.        

The top diplomats of Iran and Azerbaijan exchanged views on bilateral ties and regional issues in a phone call on Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, also discussed certain bilateral issues, according to a statement released by the ministry. The two sides highlighted the necessity to expand political ties and exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in energy and transportation sectors, border issues, as well as the implementation of joint agreements and economic projects, the statement said. It added that they also discussed arrangements and necessary coordination for future mutual visits by their countries' high-ranking officials. Israeli fire kills 7 Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank Araghchi stressed that Iran would continue its approach of good neighborliness towards and expanding relations with Azerbaijan in all areas.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli fire killed three Palestinians, including a 58-year-old woman, in the restive city of Jenin on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.  The Israeli military stated that two of those killed were militants engaged in an exchange of fire with troops. A third individual, who allegedly opened fire at Israeli forces, was also killed. Additionally, 10 people were arrested, and two vehicles loaded with weapons were destroyed, the army said.  Israel launched a major military operation in Jenin following the January ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. Since then, forces have demolished homes and infrastructure, forcing tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee northern parts of the West Bank, AP reports.  More than 1,000 people dead in clashes between Syrian govt forces and Asad loyalists The Gaza Health Ministry reported that four people were killed and 14 wounded by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours. Rescuers also recovered 32 bodies from the rubble.  Among those killed were three brothers targeted by a drone strike in central Gaza on Monday, while a woman was killed in a separate strike in Rafah on Tuesday.  The latest fatalities bring the overall Palestinian death toll to 48,503, with over 110,000 wounded, according to the ministry. It says women and children make up the majority of those killed but does not differentiate between fighters and civilians.  Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants but has not provided evidence. 

Israel cut off the electricity supply to Gaza, officials said Sunday, affecting a desalination plant producing drinking water for part of the arid territory. Hamas called it part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” Israel last week suspended supplies of goods to the territory of more than 2 million Palestinians, an echo of the siege it imposed in the earliest days of the war. Israel is pressing the militant group to accept an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire. That phase ended last weekend. Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to start negotiations on the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase, which would see the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a lasting peace. Hamas is believed to have 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others. The militant group — which has warned that discontinuing supplies would affect the hostages — said Sunday that it wrapped up the latest round of ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators without changes to its position. Israel has said it would send a delegation to Qatar on Monday in an effort to “advance” the negotiations. Israel had warned when it stopped all supplies that water and electricity could be next. The letter from Israel’s energy minister to the Israel Electric Corporation tells it to stop selling power to Gaza. The territory and its infrastructure have been largely devastated, and most facilities, including hospitals, now use generators. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassam said that Israel has ”practically” cut off electricity since the war began and called the latest decision part of Israel’s “starvation policy, in clear disregard for all international laws and norms.” The desalination plant was providing 18,000 cubic meters of water per day for central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah area, according to Gisha, an Israeli organization dedicated to protecting Palestinians’ right to freedom of movement. Executive director Tania Hary said that it’s expected to run on generators and produce around 2,500 cubic meters per day, about the amount in an Olympic swimming pool. Advertisement Israel’s restrictions on fuel entering Gaza have a larger impact, Hary said, and water shortages are a looming issue, because fuel is needed for distribution trucks. Israel has faced sharp criticism over suspending supplies. “Any denial of the entry of the necessities of life for civilians may amount to collective punishment,” the U.N. human rights office said Friday. The International Criminal Court said there was reason to believe Israel had used “starvation as a method of warfare” when it issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. The allegation is central to South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide. Israel has denied the accusations, saying it has allowed in enough aid and blaming shortages on what it called the United Nations’ inability to distribute it. It also accused Hamas of siphoning off aid. The leader of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, warned Friday that attacks against Israel-linked vessels off Yemen would resume within four days if aid doesn’t resume to Gaza. The Houthis described their earlier attacks as solidarity with Palestinians there. The ceasefire has paused the deadliest and most destructive fighting ever between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The first phase allowed the return of 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces have withdrawn to buffer zones inside Gaza, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza and hundreds of trucks of aid entered per day until Israel suspended supplies.  

The death toll from two days of clashes between Syrian security forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar Assad and revenge killings that followed has risen to more than 1,000, a war monitoring group said Saturday, making it one of the deadliest acts of violence since Syria’s conflict began 14 years ago. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in addition to 745 civilians killed, mostly in shootings from close distance, 125 government security force members and 148 militants with armed groups affiliated with Assad were killed. It added that electricity and drinking water were cut off in large areas around the city of Latakia. The clashes, which erupted Thursday, marked a major escalation in the challenge to the new government in Damascus, three months after insurgents took authority after removing Assad from power. The government has said that they were responding to attacks from remnants of Assad’s forces and blamed “individual actions” for the rampant violence. Retribution killings between Sunnis and Alawites The revenge killings that started Friday by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the government against members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect are a major blow to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the overthrow of the former government. Alawites made up a large part of Assad’s support base for decades. Residents of Alawite villages and towns spoke to The Associated Press about killings during which gunmen shot Alawites, the majority of them men, in the streets or at the gates of their homes. Many homes of Alawites were looted and then set on fire in different areas, two residents of Syria’s coastal region told the AP from their hideouts. They asked that their names not be made public out of fear of being killed by gunmen, adding that thousands of people have fled to nearby mountains for safety. Residents speak of atrocities in one town Residents of Baniyas, one of the towns worst hit by the violence, said bodies were strewn on the streets or left unburied in homes and on the roofs of buildings, and nobody was able to collect them. One resident said that the gunmen prevented residents for hours from removing the bodies of five of their neighbors killed Friday at close range. Clashes in Syria's coastal region kill over 70 as government forces fight Assad loyalists Ali Sheha, a 57-year-old resident of Baniyas who fled with his family and neighbors hours after the violence broke out Friday, said that at least 20 of his neighbors and colleagues in one neighborhood of Baniyas where Alawites lived, were killed, some of them in their shops, or in their homes. Sheha called the attacks “revenge killings” of the Alawite minority for the crimes committed by Assad's government. Other residents said the gunmen included foreign fighters, and militants from neighboring villages and towns. “It was very very bad. Bodies were on the streets,” as he was fleeing, Sheha said, speaking by phone from nearly 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the city. He said the gunmen were gathering less than 100 meters from his apartment building, firing randomly at homes and residents and in at least one incident he knows of, asked residents for their IDs to check their religion and their sect before killing them. He said the gunmen also burned some homes and stole cars and robbed homes. Death toll has multiplied The Observatory’s chief Rami Abdurrahman said that revenge killings stopped early Saturday. “This was one of the biggest massacres during the Syrian conflict,” Abdurrahman said about the killings of Alawite civilians. The previous figure given by the group was more than 600 dead. No official figures have been released. A funeral was held Saturday afternoon for four Syrian security force members in the northwestern village of Al-Janoudiya after they were killed in the clashes along Syria's coast. Scores of people attended the funeral. Official reports say Syrian forces regaining control Syria’s state news agency quoted an unnamed Defense Ministry official as saying that government forces have regained control of much of the areas from Assad loyalists. It added that authorities have closed all roads leading to the coastal region “to prevent violations and gradually restore stability.” On Saturday morning, the bodies of 31 people killed in revenge attacks the day before in the central village of Tuwaym were laid to rest in a mass grave, residents said. Those killed included nine children and four women, the residents said, sending the AP photos of the bodies draped in white cloth as they were lined in the mass grave. Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser, who holds one of the two seats allocated to the Alawite sect in parliament, said that people were fleeing from Syria for safety in Lebanon. He said he didn't have exact numbers. Assad loyalists kill at least 13 police officers in ambush on Syrian forces in coastal town Nasser said that many people were sheltering at the Russian air base in Hmeimim, Syria, adding that the international community should protect Alawites who are Syrian citizens loyal to their country. He said that since Assad’s fall, many Alawites were fired from their jobs and some former soldiers who reconciled with the new authorities were killed. Under Assad, Alawites held top posts in the army and security agencies. The new government has blamed his loyalists for attacks against the country’s new security forces over the past several weeks. France expressed “its deep concern” over recent violence in Syria. Paris “condemns in the strongest possible terms atrocities committed against civilians on the basis of religion grounds and against prisoners,” its foreign ministry said in a statement Saturday. France urged Syrian interim authorities to make sure independent investigations “shed full light on these crimes.” The most recent clashes started when government forces tried to detain a wanted person near the coastal city of Jableh, and were ambushed by Assad loyalists, according to the Observatory.

The death toll from two days of fighting between security forces and supporters of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad, followed by retaliatory killings, has exceeded 600, a war monitoring group reported on Saturday. This marks one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence since the Syrian conflict began 14 years ago, reports AP. Assad loyalists kill at least 13 police officers in ambush on Syrian forces in coastal town The clashes, which began on Thursday, signalled a significant escalation in resistance against the new government in Damascus, just three months after insurgents took control and removed Assad from power. The government stated that it was responding to attacks by remnants of Assad's forces and attributed the widespread violence to “individual actions.” Retribution killings between Sunnis and Alawites The retaliatory killings, carried out on Friday by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the government against members of Assad’s Alawite minority, represent a severe setback for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the former government's overthrow. Alawites had long been a core part of Assad’s support base. Residents from Alawite villages and towns described to The Associated Press the brutal killings, in which gunmen shot Alawites—primarily men—on the streets or at their doorsteps. Homes belonging to Alawites were ransacked and set ablaze in various areas, according to two residents of Syria’s coastal region, who spoke to the AP from their hideouts. Fearing for their safety, they requested anonymity and added that thousands of people had fled to nearby mountains seeking refuge. Witnesses describe atrocities in Baniyas Residents of Baniyas, one of the hardest-hit towns, reported seeing bodies scattered on the streets and left unburied in homes and on rooftops, with no one able to retrieve them. One resident recounted how gunmen prevented people for hours from collecting the bodies of five neighbours who were killed at close range on Friday. Ali Sheha, a 57-year-old Baniyas resident who fled with his family and neighbours hours after the violence erupted, said that at least 20 of his neighbours and colleagues in one Alawite-populated area of the town were killed—some in their homes, others in their shops. Sheha described the attacks as “revenge killings” targeting the Alawite minority for atrocities committed by Assad's government. Other residents claimed that foreign fighters and militants from nearby villages and towns were among the attackers. “It was horrific. Bodies were lying on the streets,” Sheha said by phone from about 20 kilometres (12 miles) outside the city. He described how gunmen gathered less than 100 metres from his apartment, indiscriminately firing at homes and civilians. In at least one instance he witnessed, gunmen demanded residents’ identification to verify their religion and sect before executing them. He also said homes were set on fire, cars stolen, and properties looted. Charity kitchen offers hope to displaced Palestinians during Ramadan Death toll triples The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 428 Alawites were killed in retaliatory attacks, along with 120 pro-Assad fighters and 89 security personnel. Observatory head Rami Abdurrahman said the revenge killings ceased early on Saturday. “This was one of the largest massacres of the Syrian conflict,” Abdurrahman stated regarding the killing of Alawite civilians. Earlier, the group's estimate had exceeded 200 deaths. No official figures have been released. A funeral took place on Saturday afternoon for four Syrian security force members killed during the clashes along Syria's coast. Large crowds attended the ceremony in the northwestern village of Al-Janoudiya. Official reports: Government forces regaining control Syria’s state news agency quoted a Defence Ministry official saying government forces had regained control of most areas previously held by Assad loyalists. Authorities have reportedly closed all roads leading to the coastal region “to prevent further violations and gradually restore stability.” On Saturday morning, the bodies of 31 people killed in Friday's revenge attacks in the central village of Tuwaym were laid to rest in a mass grave, according to local residents. The victims included nine children and four women. Residents provided the AP with photographs showing bodies wrapped in white cloth, prepared for burial. Lebanese legislator Haidar Nasser, one of two Alawite representatives in Lebanon’s parliament, said many Syrians were fleeing to Lebanon for safety. However, he did not provide exact figures. Nasser added that many people were seeking refuge at the Russian air base in Hmeimim, Syria, and urged the international community to protect Alawite civilians, whom he described as loyal to their country. He also stated that since Assad’s removal, many Alawites had been dismissed from their jobs, and some former soldiers who had reconciled with the new authorities were killed. During Assad’s rule, Alawites held influential positions in the military and security apparatus. The new government has accused Assad loyalists of carrying out recent attacks on the country’s security forces. The latest clashes reportedly began when government forces attempted to detain a wanted individual near the coastal city of Jableh but were ambushed by Assad loyalists, according to the Observatory.

Gunmen ambushed a Syrian police patrol in a coastal town Thursday, leaving at least 13 security members dead and many others wounded, a monitoring group and a local official said. The attack came as tensions in Syria ’s coastal region between former President Bashar Assad’s minority Alawite sect and members of Islamic groups escalate. Assad was overthrown in early December in an offensive of insurgent groups led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the ambush in the town of Jableh, near the city of Latakia, killed at least 16. It added that security forces killed 28 Assad loyalists as well as three civilians. Rami Abdurrahman, head of the monitoring group, said the gunmen who ambushed the police force are Alawites. He added that on Thursday night, pro-Assad gunmen were in full control of the former president's hometown of Qardaha. “These are the worst clashes since the fall of the regime,” Abdurrahman said. A local official in Damascus told The Associated Press that 13 members of the General Security directorate were killed in the ambush. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release security information to the media. Conflicting casualties figures are not uncommon in the immediate aftermath of attacks in Syria’s 13-year conflict that has killed half a million people. The Observatory gave the death toll on both sides, while the official only gave the numbers of policement killed. Syria arrests 3 linked to Tadamon massacre executions The pan Arab Al-Jazeera TV broadcaster said its cameraman Riad al-Hussein was wounded while covering the clashes. State media reported that authorities imposed a 12-hour curfew in the nearby city of Tartus where people were urged to stay at home and avoid any gatherings in public places. The SANA state-news agency reported that large reinforcements were being sent to the coastal region to get the situation under control. The Syrian Observatory said helicopter gunships took part in attacking Alawite gunmen and Jableh and nearby areas. It added that fighters loyal to former Syrian army Gen. Suheil al-Hassan, also known as Tiger, took part in the attacks against security forces. Tensions have been on the rise in Syria with reports of attacks by Sunni militants against Alawites who had led the rule in Syria for more than five decades under the Assad family. These incidents have occurred despite the fact that officially the new authorities have said they are against collective punishment or sectarian vengeance. Sajed al-Deek, a security official, was quoted by local media as saying the situation is under control, adding that Alawites have nothing to do with the gunmen who attacked security forces earlier Thursday. “We call for abstaining from raising sectarian sentiments,” al-Deek said. On Thursday, the state-owned news agency reported that security forces arrested former senior intelligence official Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Hweiji, who was blamed for supervising the 1977 assassination of Lebanese Druze leader Kamal Joumblatt. 15 dead in northern Syria car bomb blast Joumblatt's son and successor, Walid, posted on X when the news broke out: “God is great.”

Inside a makeshift kitchen located in a city office building, volunteers coat chicken slabs with paprika, oil, and salt before arranging them on trays and placing them into an oven. Once cooked, the meat is divided into portions and packed into foam containers, accompanied by generous servings of yellow rice from large steel pots. The unpaid cooks at the Yasser Arafat Charity Kitchen in Tulkarem aim to bring a sense of relief to displaced Palestinians trying to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, reports AP. An Israeli military operation in the West Bank weeks ago has displaced over 40,000 people. Israel claims the raid was intended to combat militancy in the occupied region, which has seen rising violence since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. Hamas rejects Trump's threat, demands lasting truce for hostages The raid has been fatal and devastating, forcing several urban refugee camps—home to descendants of Palestinians who fled wars with Israel decades ago—to be abandoned. The displaced individuals have been informed they cannot return for at least a year. Meanwhile, many lack access to kitchens, are separated from their communities, and are struggling to break their Ramadan fast with what are usually elaborate meals. “The situation is difficult,” said Abdullah Kamil, governor of the Tulkarem area. He mentioned that some find solace in the charity kitchen, which has expanded its usual efforts to provide daily meals for as many as 700 refugees, aiming to “meet the needs of the people, especially during the month of Ramadan.” For Mansour Awfa, 60, the meals provide a bright spot in an otherwise grim time. He fled the Tulkarem refugee camp in early February and is uncertain when he will be able to return. “This is the house where I was raised, where I lived, and where I spent my life,” he reflected about the camp. “I’m not allowed to go there.” Awfa, along with his wife and four children, has been staying in a relative’s city apartment, sleeping on thin mattresses on the floor. Israel pushes alternative ceasefire plan as Gaza deal falters “Where do we go? Where is there to go?” he questioned. “But thanks to God, we are waiting to receive meals and aid from some warm-hearted people.”

Hamas dismissed President Donald Trump's latest threat on Thursday, reaffirming that it will only release the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, reports AP. The group accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to back out of the ceasefire agreement made in January. This agreement involves negotiations for a second phase, which includes releasing the hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Trump issues 'last warning' to Hamas to release all remaining hostages Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua stated that the "best path to free the remaining Israeli hostages" is through negotiations on this second phase, which were supposed to begin in February. However, only limited preparatory talks have occurred so far. On Wednesday, Trump issued what he called a "last warning" to Hamas following a meeting with eight former hostages. The White House confirmed that it had held direct talks with Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist group by Israel and Western nations. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” Both Israel and Hamas have a history of holding the remains of their enemies for potential exchange in hostage-prisoner deals. Hamas is believed to still hold 24 living hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war, including Israeli-American Edan Alexander. It is also holding the bodies of 34 others killed in the initial attack or in captivity, along with the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 war. In the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. That phase ended on Saturday. Israel has backed a new U.S. plan for the second phase, which would see Hamas release half of the remaining hostages immediately, with the rest released when a permanent ceasefire is negotiated. Hamas has rejected the proposal, insisting on sticking with the January agreement. Israel has cut off the supply of food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials to Gaza’s 2 million Palestinians to pressure Hamas into accepting the new terms, threatening “additional consequences” if Hamas does not resume releasing hostages. It remains unclear if the U.S.-Hamas talks made any progress. The Trump administration has expressed full support for Israel’s primary war objectives: the return of all hostages and the elimination of Hamas, which could be incompatible. The October 7 attack by Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took 251 hostages, most of whom have been released through ceasefire agreements or other arrangements. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages and recovered the bodies of dozens more. With the Gaza ceasefire in limbo, Israel tries to impose an alternative plan on Hamas Israel’s military offensive has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. However. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters, though without evidence. The ongoing offensive has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its population. Hundreds of thousands of people now live in tents, schools-turned-shelters, or war-damaged buildings, and rely on international aid.