United News of Bangladesh

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of all hostages from Gaza “in the coming days” as indirect talks with Hamas continue in Egypt on Monday on a new U.S. plan to end the war. In a brief statement late Saturday, Netanyahu said he has sent a delegation to Egypt “to finalize technical details,” adding that “our goal is to contain these negotiations to a timeframe of a few days.” He spoke after Hamas said it had accepted some elements of the U.S. plan. President Donald Trump welcomed the Hamas statement but on Saturday warned that “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.” Earlier Saturday, a hospital official said Israeli bombing of Gaza City had “significantly subsided,” though at least five Palestinians were killed. Israel's army meanwhile said the country's leaders had instructed it to prepare for the first phase of the U.S. plan to end the war in Gaza. Israel has moved to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not actively strike, said an official who was not authorized to speak to the media on the record. The official said no forces have been removed from the territory. Still, Shifa Hospital director Mohamed Abu Selmiyah told the AP that Israeli strikes killed five Palestinians across Gaza City, while bombing had "significantly subsided.” The army statement came hours after President Donald Trump ordered Israel to stop bombing Gaza once Hamas said it had accepted some elements of his plan. Trump welcomed the Hamas statement but on Saturday warned that “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off.” He noted that Israel had “temporarily stopped the bombing.” Trump appears determined to deliver on pledges to end the war and return all hostages ahead of the second anniversary on Tuesday of the attack that sparked it. His proposal unveiled earlier this week has widespread international support. On Friday, Netanyahu's office said Israel was committed to ending the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to end the conflict. The official told the AP that Netanyahu put out the rare late-night statement on the Sabbath, saying that Israel has started to prepare for Trump's plan due to pressure from the U.S. The official also said a negotiating team was getting ready to travel. Egypt’s state-run broadcaster Al-Qahera News, which is close to security agencies, reported that indirect talks between Hamas and Israel will start Sunday. A senior Egyptian official said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Egypt to head the U.S. negotiating team in the talks to release the Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians in Israeli detention. The talks also will discuss maps showing the expected withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas in Gaza, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to brief the media. The official involved in the ceasefire negotiations also said Arab mediators are preparing for a comprehensive dialogue among Palestinians aimed at unifying their position toward Gaza's future. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful militant group in Gaza, said it accepted Hamas’ response to the Trump plan. The group had rejected the proposal days earlier. Progress, but uncertainty ahead Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive — within three days. It also would give up power and disarm. In return, Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction. Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. Its statement also didn't address the issue of Hamas demilitarizing, a key part of the deal. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general and chairman of Israel’s Defense and Security Forum, said while Israel can afford to stop firing for a few days in Gaza so the hostages can be released, it will resume its offensive if Hamas doesn't lay down its arms. Others said that while Hamas suggests a willingness to negotiate, its position fundamentally remains unchanged. This “yes, but" rhetoric "simply repackages old demands in softer language," said Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, who asserted that it serves more as a smoke screen than a signal of true movement toward resolution. Still, some Israelis expressed cautious hope. A group representing some families of hostages said the prospect of seeing loved ones return “has never been closer.” They appealed to Trump to keep pushing “with full force” and warned that “extremists on both sides” will try to sabotage the plan. Meanwhile, protests have erupted across Europe calling for the war's end. Unclear what it means for Palestinians Palestinians in Gaza tried to piece together what the plan means in real terms. “We want practical implementation. We want a truce on the ground,” said Sameer Qudeeh in Khan Younis. He worried that talks will break down again. “I hope Hamas ends the war, because we are truly tired,” said Mohammad Shaat in Khan Younis, as anxious Palestinians roamed the shattered streets. Israeli troops were still laying siege to Gaza City, the focus of its latest offensive. On Saturday, Israel's army warned Palestinians against trying to return to the city, calling it a “dangerous combat zone."

Today is Saturday, October 4, 2025, the 277th day of the year, with 88 days remaining. On this day in history: ·         1957: The Space Age began when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, into orbit. ·         1777: General George Washington’s forces attacked the British at Germantown, Pennsylvania, suffering heavy casualties and retreating. ·         1927: Sculptor Gutzon Borglum started work on what would become the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. ·         1965: Pope Paul VI became the first pope to visit the Western Hemisphere, addressing the U.N. General Assembly. ·         1970: Rock singer Janis Joplin was found dead in her Hollywood hotel room at age 27. ·         2001: A Russian airliner from Israel to Siberia was accidentally shot down by a Ukrainian missile over the Black Sea, killing all 78 aboard. ·         2002: John Walker Lindh, the “American Taliban,” was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading for forgiveness; he was released in May 2019. ·         2004: SpaceShipOne reached the edge of space for the second time in five days, winning the $10 million Ansari X Prize for commercial space travel. Notable birthdays today: Baseball Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa turns 81; actors Susan Sarandon 79, Armand Assante 76, Christoph Waltz 69, Liev Schreiber 58, Abraham Benrubi 56, Alicia Silverstone 49, Caitríona Balfe 46, Rachael Leigh Cook 46, and Dakota Johnson 36; singer Jon Secada 64; NBA star Derrick Rose 37; and actress Melissa Benoist 37.

Thousands took to the streets of Barcelona on Saturday as Spain, Italy and Portugal prepared for large-scale demonstrations denouncing Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Protests in Spain’s two largest cities, Barcelona and Madrid, had been planned weeks earlier, while similar demonstrations in Rome and Lisbon were prompted by anger over Israel’s interception of a humanitarian flotilla that departed from Barcelona in an attempt to break the Gaza blockade. In Italy, more than two million people joined rallies on Friday during a nationwide general strike in solidarity with Gaza’s residents. Support for Palestinians has surged across Spain in recent weeks, as its left-wing government intensifies diplomatic pressure against Israel’s far-right administration. Demonstrations targeting an Israeli-owned cycling team disrupted last month’s Spanish Vuelta race, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described the devastation in Gaza as “genocide,” calling for Israeli teams to be banned from international sporting events. The renewed protests in Southern Europe come as Hamas said it has accepted parts of a peace proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the two-year war that has devastated Gaza and triggered genocide allegations against Israel. In Barcelona, families and people of all ages joined the march, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards reading “Stop the Genocide,” “Gaza hurts me,” and “Hands off the flotilla.” While demonstrators acknowledged their actions may not influence Israel directly, many said they hoped to inspire broader movements and push European leaders to take a stronger stance. María Jesús Parra, 63, who traveled an hour to join the march, said she could not stay silent after witnessing what she called “a genocide broadcast live.” “How can we, as Europeans who lived through the 1940s, watch this happen again?” she said. “No one can claim ignorance now.” Rallies in Rome, Madrid and Lisbon were scheduled later on Saturday, alongside demonstrations in several other Spanish cities. The Gaza war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s ensuing military campaign has killed more than 67,000 people and injured nearly 170,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the U.N. and independent observers.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, paving the way for her to become the country's first female prime minister. Takaichi, known for her ultra-conservative views and strong stance against China, won the LDP leadership in a runoff vote on Saturday, defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. In a significant milestone for a nation that lags behind in gender equality, the 63-year-old becomes the first woman to lead Japan's long-dominant conservative party. A staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s political ideology, Takaichi is also a regular visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a move that could stir tensions with regional neighbors. Following her victory, Takaichi acknowledged the historic nature of her win but stressed the challenges ahead. “I made history for the LDP,” she said. “Instead of celebrating, I’m focused on the many obstacles we must overcome. I’ll need everyone’s support.” She vowed to revitalise the party and restore public confidence after a series of electoral defeats. “We must become a more dynamic and optimistic party to transform people’s concerns into hope,” she added. The LDP, despite recent setbacks, still holds a dominant position in the lower house of parliament, making Takaichi the likely next prime minister. A formal parliamentary vote is expected by mid-October. Takaichi replaces outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the party seeks to recover from political setbacks and restore voter trust. The leadership transition comes at a crucial time as Japan faces both domestic and international challenges, including sluggish economic growth, security concerns, and political scandals. Her appointment signals a shift towards more conservative policies, as the LDP looks to reclaim support from right-leaning voters who backed far-right parties like Sanseito in recent elections. Takaichi, however, presented herself as a “moderate conservative” during the campaign to appeal to broader audiences, including potential opposition allies. While she supports increased government spending, a stronger defense posture, and tighter controls on foreign labor and tourism, she avoided taking hardline positions on divisive social issues during her campaign. Experts noted that LDP candidates largely steered clear of discussing controversial topics such as same-sex marriage, historical disputes, and recent political finance scandals — a move analysts say may undermine public trust. The leadership race featured five candidates, including two sitting ministers and three former ones. While early polls identified Takaichi, Koizumi, and Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi as frontrunners, Koizumi would have become Japan’s youngest prime minister in over a century if elected. The new leader will soon face her first diplomatic challenge, with a possible summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on the horizon. The meeting, expected in late October during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, may include discussions on Japan’s defense spending — a key issue for both nations. Takaichi’s victory also raises the possibility of expanding the ruling coalition, which currently includes the centrist Komeito party. Analysts suggest the LDP may seek cooperation with other centrist opposition groups to push forward its legislative agenda.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect a new party leader on Saturday to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, aiming to recover from recent electoral setbacks and rebuild public trust. Following a series of defeats in parliamentary elections over the past year, which left the LDP in the minority in both chambers, the party hopes a new leader can quickly tackle domestic and international issues and work with opposition groups to push through its agenda. There are five contenders for the LDP presidency — two current ministers and three former ones. Since the LDP still holds the most seats in the lower house (which elects the prime minister) and the opposition remains fragmented, the new party leader is expected to become Japan’s next prime minister. The leadership race is an internal party election involving 295 LDP lawmakers and roughly one million party members, accounting for just 1% of Japan’s total population. Polls suggest the leading candidates include: Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who would become the youngest Japanese PM in over 100 years if elected; Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who could become Japan’s first female prime minister;Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, a seasoned moderate. The other two candidates — Trade Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Economic Minister Takayuki Kobayashi — are considered less likely to win. A clear majority is unlikely in the first round of voting, making a runoff between the top two candidates highly probable. The final decision will likely be shaped by powerful party insiders. A formal parliamentary vote on the new prime minister is expected by mid-October. With criticism mounting over the political vacuum caused by Ishiba’s resignation, the new leader will need to move fast — especially with a potentially high-stakes summit with U.S. President Donald Trump expected later this month. Trump is anticipated to press Japan to boost its defense budget. This meeting may coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, which begins on October 31. In addition to forming a new government, the LDP is also expected to seek broader political alliances. The party already governs in coalition with the centrist Komeito party and may approach other moderate opposition groups for support — a shift from its previous reluctance to cooperate across the aisle. All five leadership candidates are presenting themselves as “moderate conservatives” and have focused their campaigns on economic issues, including tackling inflation, increasing wages, enhancing national defense, and tightening foreign labor policies. However, they’ve largely avoided controversial social topics such as LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. They also steered clear of addressing the LDP’s recent political funding scandal — widely seen as the main cause of their electoral losses — and failed to propose clear anti-corruption reforms. Experts argue this avoidance has fueled skepticism about the party’s commitment to real change and may hinder its efforts to restore public confidence.

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed Israel to cease its airstrikes on Gaza following Hamas’s partial acceptance of his proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict and securing the release of remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack. Hamas announced its willingness to release hostages and transfer authority to other Palestinian factions, but said parts of the peace plan still need further internal consultation. Senior leaders indicated that significant disagreements remain and will require more negotiation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready to begin implementing the first phase of Trump’s proposal, apparently referring to the release of hostages. However, his office emphasized that Israel remains committed to its own conditions for ending the war, without addressing differences with Hamas. Trump responded positively to Hamas’s announcement, stating, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.” He urged Israel to stop the bombardment of Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages, saying, “It’s far too dangerous right now,” and noted that discussions on the plan’s finer points are ongoing. Hamas stressed that issues concerning Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights must be resolved collectively with other Palestinian groups and based on international law. Notably, the statement did not address disarmament — a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s plan. Broad Support for Ceasefire Initiative With the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack approaching, Trump appears eager to fulfill promises to end the war and secure the hostages' release. Key mediators Egypt and Qatar welcomed the latest developments. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari confirmed continued talks on the peace proposal. The U.N. also voiced support, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres urging all sides to seize this chance to end the war. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed optimism, stating a ceasefire and hostage release are “within reach.” An organization representing families of Israeli hostages backed Trump’s call to stop fighting, urging the Israeli government to launch swift negotiations to bring all hostages home. Trump’s Peace Plan Explained Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must accept the proposal by Sunday evening or face devastating military consequences, writing: “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL... will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.” The plan, unveiled by Trump earlier this week alongside Netanyahu, outlines that Hamas would release the 48 remaining hostages — about 20 believed to be alive — within three days, relinquish control of Gaza, and disarm. In exchange, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from much of Gaza, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction to flow in. Proposals to relocate Gazans abroad would be abandoned. Gaza, home to roughly 2 million Palestinians, would come under international administration, with Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it. The plan does not include provisions for reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank or the creation of a Palestinian state — a long-standing Palestinian demand. While many Palestinians are desperate for an end to the war, they see the proposal — like previous U.S. plans — as skewed in favor of Israel. Hamas Voices Concerns in Media Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that the plan cannot move forward without proper negotiations. He said Hamas was willing to return all hostages based on the plan’s proposed exchange formula, and reaffirmed its openness to handing governance over to an independent Palestinian body. However, he noted practical challenges in retrieving the remains of some hostages, possibly requiring weeks. Abu Marzouk said Hamas was open to surrendering its weapons to a future Palestinian authority, although this was not included in Hamas’s formal statement. Another senior Hamas figure, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby TV that Hamas firmly rejects any foreign control or administration of Gaza. Increased Pressure on Hamas Since ending a previous ceasefire in March, Israel has intensified pressure on Hamas — blocking food, medicine, and supplies, while devastating large areas of Gaza. Famine was declared in Gaza City before Israel launched its latest offensive there. Over 400,000 people have fled, and hundreds of thousands remain trapped. Olga Cherevko, a U.N. humanitarian spokesperson, described scenes of displaced families living in the parking lot of Shifa Hospital, unable to flee south due to poverty. She described vulnerable cases including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Although many of Hamas’s top leaders and fighters in Gaza have been killed, the group retains influence in areas outside Israeli control and continues launching sporadic attacks. Hamas maintains that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal — conditions Netanyahu has so far rejected, demanding Hamas disarm and surrender. Marking Two Years Since the October 7 Attack On October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas-led fighters infiltrated Israel, killing around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking 251 hostages. Many have since been released through ceasefires or other agreements. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. The U.N. and other independent observers regard its casualty figures as the most accurate available. The ministry reports that about half of the dead are women and children. The war has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, with many fleeing multiple times. Large portions of the territory have been left in ruins. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have provided strong support to Israel while also working to end the fighting and secure the hostages' return.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States that sending long-range missiles to Ukraine could severely harm Moscow-Washington relations but would not change the battlefield outcome, where Russian forces continue slow but steady advances. Speaking at a forum of foreign policy experts in Sochi, Putin said supplying U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv would mark a “new stage of escalation,” but Russian air defenses would quickly adapt, keeping the battlefield balance unchanged. On U.S. criticism, including former President Donald Trump calling Russia a “paper tiger,” Putin said Russia is fighting all NATO allies supporting Ukraine and continues to advance confidently. Putin also praised Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine, calling their August Alaska summit productive, and reaffirmed Russia’s offer to extend the New START nuclear arms treaty for one year beyond February. He strongly warned Western nations against interfering with Russian oil shipments, calling such moves piracy that could trigger a forceful response and destabilize global markets. Regarding drone incursions over Europe, Putin dismissed Western claims of Russian involvement as attempts to boost defense spending, while warning that Russia would act if Europe’s militarization threatened its security. Putin also commented on Charlie Kirk’s assassination, calling it a “heinous crime” and likening Kirk to Michael Gloss, an American who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, saying both defended similar traditional values. The Russian president repeatedly emphasized that Russia would respond firmly to perceived threats while defending its national interests and criticized Western narratives as distractions from domestic issues.

Fire crews were battling massive flames at a Chevron refinery just outside of Los Angeles on Thursday night. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed on the social platform X that the large fire had erupted at the company’s refinery in El Segundo. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The El Segundo police and fire departments declined to comment. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire or whether anyone had been injured. “Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety,” Newsom's office said. El Segundo, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, is a beachside city located about a mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Los Angeles International Airport. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote in a post on X that there was no known impact to the airport. “LAFD stands at the ready to assist with any mutual aid request,” she said. The refinery covers roughly 1.5 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) and has more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of pipelines, according to the company’s website. It can refine up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, including gasoline, jet and diesel fuels. It has been in operation since 1911, according to the company's website.

Italy and Spain are deploying navy patrol vessels to assist a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, following Israel’s recent interception of the convoy. Italy condemned the attack and activated a navy frigate to be on hand for possible rescue operations, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said. Crosetto said the frigate Fasan was heading to the area from its position north of Crete "for possible rescue operations.” Italy has informed Israel about the decision. “In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must also be protected when they are carried out in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence,” Crosetto said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain also will send a patrol vessel to assist the flotilla, or carry out a rescue. “The Spanish Government demands that international law be complied with and that the right of our citizens to navigate the Mediterranean safely be respected,” Sánchez said Wednesday in New York. Italy’s Foreign Ministry meanwhile said its computer systems had been overwhelmed by a “mail bombing” campaign in which thousands of what it said were fake emails flooded its servers after the attack on the flotilla. Earlier Wednesday, the Global Sumud Flotilla had sent out an urgent appeal to its supporters asking them to email the ministry demanding it take a firm position to condemn the attack on the flotilla and put diplomatic pressure on those responsible. The emails “had the effect of hindering the work” of the ministry's crisis unit, which has been the main point of contact for Italian citizens aboard the flotilla, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Italian officials have said 58 Italians were in the flotilla, including some lawmakers. The European Union also warned against the use of any force. “The freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld," said Eva Hrncirova, a European Commission spokesperson. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan called for an investigation.

Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, and several other countries have strongly condemned Israel's interception of an aid flotilla en route to Gaza. Italy, France, Poland and other European nations, which had warned the activists not to continue the journey and avoid confrontation with Israel, said they were working with Israeli diplomatic authorities to ensure their citizens were transferred to land and deported home swiftly. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, one of Israel's staunchest allies, on Thursday slammed Italian unions for their decision to call a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla. “I continue to believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people. On the other hand, I understand that it will bring a lot of problems to Italian citizens,” Meloni told reporters upon her arrival in Copenhagen for a summit. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry described the interceptions as an “act of terrorism” and a severe breach of international law in a statement late Wednesday. The detention of activists was part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression,” the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said, adding that Israel’s blockade of Gaza had caused “immense suffering” for more than 2 million Palestinians in the strip. Israel has argued its actions constitute a lawful naval blockade needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, while critics consider it collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. Whether the blockade is militarily justified is a point of contention. But the flotilla argues they are a civilian, unarmed group and that the passage of humanitarian aid is guaranteed under international law. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced late Wednesday that his government would expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation in the South American country and terminate a free trade agreement with Israel over the interception. Two Colombian citizens are taking part in the flotilla. Petro has repeatedly described Israel’s siege of Gaza as an act of genocide, something Israel vehemently denies.