United News of Bangladesh

A United Nations armored personnel carrier in the Central African Republic crashed and rolled into a river outside the capital of Bangui, killing five U.N. police officers, a spokesperson for the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission said Wednesday. The vehicle that was part of a five-car MINUSCA convoy plunged into the Ombella M’poko River before crossing a bridge, according to MINUSCA spokesperson Florence Marshall. The convoy was returning to another town after gathering supplies in Bangui. All five officers killed in Tuesday’s crash were from the Republic of the Congo. A search and rescue operation is now underway to recover the bodies. The Central African Republic remains one of the world’s poorest countries despite its vast mineral wealth, including gold and diamonds. Rebel groups have often operated with impunity, thwarting mining exploration by foreign companies. The country is one of the first in which Russia-backed Wagner Group mercenaries established operations with the pledge of fighting rebel groups and restoring peace. Wagner forces have served as personal bodyguards for President Faustin Archange Touadera, helping him win a constitutional referendum in July 2023 that could extend his power indefinitely. United Nations peacekeeping forces and Russian mercenaries have previously been accused of carrying out human rights violations in the Central African Republic.

European officials warned Iran on Wednesday that it has yet to take the necessary steps to prevent the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program. The warning followed a call between Iran and representatives of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “The window for finding a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear issue is closing really fast,” Kallas said in a statement. “Iran must take credible steps to meet the demands of France, the U.K. and Germany. That means full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and allowing immediate inspections at all nuclear sites.” Germany’s Foreign Ministry echoed the concern on X, writing that Iran “has yet to take the reasonable and precise actions” needed to avert the return of U.N. sanctions. Iran did not issue an immediate response, though it acknowledged earlier that the call would take place. Previously, Tehran and the IAEA had reached a deal mediated by Egypt to allow access to all Iranian nuclear sites and to provide a full account of its nuclear material. When that report will be delivered remains uncertain. Sanctions could be reimposed through the “snapback” mechanism in Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, which is veto-proof at the U.N. Security Council. Unless blocked, it will take effect by the end of September, freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms sales, and penalizing ballistic missile development. The move is expected to further strain relations between Iran and the West, already heightened by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and Israel’s offensive in Gaza City.

The European Union unveiled its strongest plan yet on Wednesday to pressure Israel to end the Gaza war, as Palestinians fled advancing Israeli tanks, drones, and troops in the coastal enclave devastated by 23 months of conflict. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged the 27-member bloc to increase tariffs on certain Israeli goods and impose sanctions on 10 Hamas leaders, Israeli settlers, and two ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “These measures are not meant to punish Israel or its people, but to pressure the Israeli government to change course, end human suffering in Gaza, and release all hostages,” Kallas said. The sanctions would freeze the individuals’ European assets and ban their travel within the EU. As Israel’s largest trading partner, the EU’s tariffs could significantly impact its economy, already strained by the prolonged conflict. About €32 million ($37.5 million) in EU funds would be immediately suspended, including support to the Palestinian Authority. Israel denies claims of starvation in Gaza, saying it allows sufficient humanitarian aid. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar opposed the measures, insisting in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that sanctions would not work. The EU remains divided over Israel, with unclear support for the sanctions and trade measures. Protests have erupted across Europe, criticizing Brussels’ perceived inaction. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza’s health officials report nearly 65,000 Palestinian deaths. If approved, the plan would apply tariffs worth about €230 million ($166 million) on 37% of Israeli goods imported to the EU. The move revokes zero-tariff preferences under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing Israel’s human rights violations. Arms exports to the EU would remain unaffected.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly criticized the U.S. government on Tuesday after it placed Colombia on a list of countries deemed uncooperative in the fight against drugs for the first time in three decades. In posts on his X account, the leftist leader accused the United States of trying to interfere in Colombian politics and seeking a “puppet president” ahead of next year’s presidential elections. “The Colombian people will decide if they want a puppet president…or a free and sovereign nation,” Petro wrote, adding that he would not allow his country to “kneel” to U.S. interests or let coca farmers be mistreated. The Trump administration’s decision on Monday cited Colombia’s failure to meet international commitments to combat drug trafficking and highlighted slow progress against the cocaine trade. Despite the decertification, Washington issued a waiver to avoid major cuts in U.S. aid. U.S. embassy chargé d’affaires in Bogota, John McNamara, assured that consular services, humanitarian programs, and defense cooperation would continue. “We are going to do everything we can to fight with the Colombian people against the global threat of drugs,” he said. Colombia’s decertification comes amid a surge in cocaine production, with coca cultivation nearly tripling over the past decade to a record 253,000 hectares in 2023, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. Petro, a former rebel, has also angered U.S. officials by rejecting extradition requests and criticizing Washington’s drug policies in Latin America, including its approach toward Venezuela. He has controversially claimed that whisky kills more people than cocaine and argued that rich nations target Latin American drug production for political reasons. Analysts say decertification is unlikely to hinder Colombia’s counter-narcotics operations, as military cooperation with the U.S. is expected to continue. However, tensions between Bogota and Washington may rise, with Petro likely to use the issue to fuel anti-American sentiment and galvanize support ahead of elections. The Trump administration’s report blamed Petro’s leadership for the rise in cocaine production, describing his negotiations with “narco-terrorist groups” as ineffective. While Colombia’s security forces were praised for their efforts, the report said the political leadership failed to meet drug control obligations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the criticism, noting Colombia has historically been a strong partner, but under its current president, cooperation on tackling drug cartels has weakened.  

A United Nations Human Rights Council-appointed commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, urging the international community to intervene and hold those responsible accountable. In a report released Tuesday, the three-member panel said Israel had carried out four of the five genocidal acts defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention, including mass killings, inflicting serious harm, blocking humanitarian aid that caused starvation, and destroying Gaza’s health system. Arab-Islamic Summit yields limited action following Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha “The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” said commission chair Navi Pillay, a former U.N. rights chief and judge on the Rwanda tribunal. She added that responsibility lies with Israeli leaders “at the highest levels,” including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The inquiry, set up four years ago, has previously documented alleged human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank since Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. Although the body cannot directly impose penalties, its findings could support cases at the International Criminal Court or International Court of Justice, where South Africa has already filed a genocide lawsuit against Israel. Rubio visits Israel amid escalating strikes in Gaza Israel dismissed the report as “distorted and false,” accusing the commission of bias and antisemitism. Its Foreign Ministry said the document was the work of “Hamas proxies” and rejected the genocide allegations as a “blood libel.” The report also urged states to suspend arms transfers to Israel and block actions that might contribute to the genocide, warning that inaction would amount to complicity. More than 64,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the commission. Source: Agency   

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for a state visit that blends high-stakes diplomacy with royal pageantry, as London hopes to secure major technology and trade deals despite ongoing tensions over Ukraine, the Middle East and the Western alliance. The two-day trip features horse-drawn carriages, military guards of honor and a grand banquet at Windsor Castle, where King Charles III will host the president. Trump will also hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British leader’s countryside retreat. Starmer’s office said the visit underscores that “the U.K.-U.S. relationship is the strongest in the world, built on 250 years of history,” while the White House described it as an opportunity to deepen ties and mark the upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary. “This trip to the U.K. is going to be incredible,” Trump told reporters before departing, praising Windsor Castle as “amazing.” Trump becomes the first U.S. president to be accorded a second state visit to Britain, a gesture that reflects both his fondness for royal ceremony and foreign governments’ recognition of his taste for grandeur. Starmer has already sought to cultivate goodwill with Trump, praising his Oval Office décor and even visiting Trump’s golf courses in Scotland earlier this year. But the Labour leader faces unease within his party, as Trump remains deeply unpopular across Europe. The president will avoid Parliament — which is in recess — as well as mass protests planned in London, with most events scheduled at Windsor and Chequers. Analysts say the visit is crucial for Starmer’s image as a statesman, though politically risky. The trip comes at a turbulent moment for Starmer’s government. He recently dismissed Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over past ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, and his deputy prime minister resigned over a tax issue. Trump, however, has publicly described Starmer as “a friend,” despite their political differences. Both leaders are expected to announce a major technology partnership involving U.S. investment in nuclear energy, life sciences and AI data centers. Business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI chief Sam Altman, are part of the U.S. delegation. The May trade agreement easing U.S. tariffs on Britain’s auto and aerospace sectors is also set to be advanced, though disputes remain over steel, aluminum and pharmaceuticals. Starmer also hopes to reinforce U.S. support for Ukraine. While Trump has criticized Vladimir Putin, he has stopped short of imposing new sanctions. The two leaders are also divided on Gaza, with Starmer pledging to back recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN later this month. Despite disagreements, London views the visit as a chance to demonstrate stability in the transatlantic alliance while securing tangible economic gains.  

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday as Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across northern Gaza, destroying multiple buildings and killing at least 13 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Rubio’s visit follows Israel’s controversial strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week — a move that disrupted ceasefire negotiations and sparked diplomatic tensions. He said the purpose of his trip was to engage Israeli leadership on the future of Gaza and the broader regional conflict. His two-day visit is also seen as a signal of Washington’s continued support for Israel, which faces mounting international criticism ahead of a contentious U.N. General Assembly debate on the recognition of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood. Diplomatic Fallout Over Qatar Strike Despite tensions within the White House over Israel’s unannounced operation in Doha — which reportedly angered President Donald Trump — Rubio proceeded with the visit. On Sunday, he joined Netanyahu, their spouses, and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee for a tour of the Western Wall. “This visit is proof of the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance,” Netanyahu said during the visit. Rubio had met Qatar’s Prime Minister just days earlier to discuss the fallout from the Israeli airstrike, which killed at least six people. The meetings in both Doha and Jerusalem highlight the Trump administration’s delicate efforts to maintain relationships with both nations amid growing regional instability. Qatar's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, condemned Israel’s actions during a separate meeting of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers, describing the attack as “a blow to the principle of mediation.” Qatar, along with Egypt and the U.S., has played a key role in ongoing ceasefire talks. Escalation in Gaza On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes across Gaza, according to reports from local hospitals. One deadly strike in Deir al-Balah hit a tent sheltering a family of six, all of whom were killed — including three children, their parents, and an aunt. Israel’s military has not yet commented on the strikes but previously warned Gaza City residents to evacuate. Thousands were seen fleeing on the coastal highway, as smoke from fresh airstrikes billowed in the distance. “We have begun to wish for death,” said Ashraf Elwan, a displaced resident from Gaza City. “Our lives have become unbearable — our young men lose limbs, our women are widowed, our children orphaned.” Three high-rise buildings were destroyed on Sunday, including one linked to Gaza’s Islamic University. Israeli forces claimed Hamas had used the buildings for surveillance and military operations, though no evidence was provided. “This is part of a campaign to erase Gaza City,” said Abed Ismail, a local resident. “They want to force another Nakba.” The term Nakba refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Israel denies allegations of genocide and maintains that its military actions are aimed at eliminating Hamas. Rising Deaths from Starvation and Malnutrition Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that two more adults died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of such deaths to 277 adults since late June. An additional 145 children have died from similar causes since the war began in October 2023. While Israeli authorities say over 1,200 aid trucks entered Gaza in the past week, humanitarian organizations warn the aid is insufficient and often looted before reaching civilians. In a partial relief effort, Israel announced it had completed repairs to one of Gaza’s water pipelines, increasing daily water supply to 14,000 cubic meters. Still, residents struggle to access clean water, with families chasing trucks and carrying water in containers for several kilometers. Background of the War The ongoing war was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Since then, Israel’s military operations have killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths, but international bodies view its figures as the most reliable available.

A summit of Arab and Islamic nations convened in Doha on Monday in response to Israel’s recent airstrike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar. Despite heightened tensions and emotional appeals, the summit ended with minimal collective action as divisions among member states surfaced. The strike — part of Israel’s broader campaign against Hamas and its allies in Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” — has sparked widespread condemnation. Many regional governments, already outraged by the reported deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza, are questioning the strength of U.S. security commitments to Gulf states. Disagreements Undermine Unity While nations like Iran issued strong condemnations, countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel — including those under the Abraham Accords such as Bahrain and the UAE — hesitated to take harsher steps. Monday also marked five years since those accords were signed. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized the lack of decisive action. “Words will not end the violence. Declarations will not liberate Palestine. Concrete punitive measures must be enacted,” he said. Qatar's Emir Delivers Sharp Rebuke Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani launched a scathing critique of Israel, accusing it of deliberately undermining negotiations and rendering Gaza uninhabitable. “If Israel is intent on killing Hamas leaders, why engage in talks at all?” he asked. “If their goal is to free hostages, why are they targeting negotiators?” He denounced Israel’s conduct in Gaza as “genocide” — a claim echoed by others at the summit but strongly denied by Israel, which blames Hamas for prolonging the war by refusing to release hostages or surrender. Turkey, Iran Call for Economic and Diplomatic Pressure Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocated for increased economic pressure on Israel, arguing that previous sanctions had proven effective. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Arab and Muslim countries to isolate Israel. Pezeshkian did not mention Iran’s June missile strike on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base — a response to U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites — but warned that no country in the region is immune to future Israeli aggression. Muted Outcome and Modest Commitments Despite speculation that countries might close airspace to Israeli aircraft or downgrade diplomatic relations, the summit’s final communiqué only urged states to “pursue all legal and effective means to stop Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.” The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held a separate meeting, vowing to strengthen collective defense capabilities. No specifics were announced. Qatar’s Mediating Role in Focus Qatar has played a critical role as a mediator in Israel-Hamas talks and has hosted Hamas’ political office for years at Washington’s request. But its position is increasingly under pressure, particularly from Israeli hardliners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming the Gaza campaign, warned that any state harboring Hamas leaders could be targeted. His remarks followed last week’s Israeli strike on Doha and intensified rhetoric from within his coalition. U.S. Urges Restraint U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel on Monday, reiterated American support for ceasefire efforts and recognized Qatar’s mediating role. He was expected to travel to Doha on Tuesday to help calm tensions between the U.S.’s key regional allies. Rubio avoided commenting on Israel’s airstrike in Qatar but emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to end the war and secure the release of hostages. Netanyahu maintained that the decision to strike was made unilaterally by Israel. Background and Human Toll The war began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has led to more than 64,000 reported deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which states about half of the casualties are women and children. While Israel disputes the death toll, it has not released independent figures. The U.N. and other observers consider the Gaza ministry’s data the most reliable available.

One of Australia’s largest banks, ANZ, has agreed to pay a record 240 million Australian dollars ($160 million) in penalties for corporate misconduct affecting nearly 65,000 customers and the federal government. ANZ, also known as Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said they will ask a federal court to approve the fines, covering four separate prosecutions. If approved, the penalties would set a new record for a single entity under ASIC for corporate misconduct. The previous record was AU$113 million ($75 million) imposed on Westpac in 2022 for widespread compliance failures. “The penalties, including a record fine for unconscionable conduct, reflect the seriousness and number of law breaches, the vulnerable position ANZ put its customers in, and the repeated failure to fix critical issues,” said Joe Longo, ASIC chair. According to ASIC, ANZ failed to refund charges to thousands of deceased customers and ignored hundreds of customer hardship notices, in some cases for over two years. The bank also made false or misleading statements about savings interest rates and did not pay the promised rates to tens of thousands of customers. Additionally, ANZ acted unconscionably with the Australian government while managing AU$14 billion ($9.3 billion) in bonds over two years. ANZ CEO Nuno Matos, who joined the bank in May, said he expects “measurable improvements” to ensure better customer care. “The failings outlined are simply not good enough and they reinforce the case for change,” Matos said.

President Donald Trump said on his social media platform that a meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials went well and that a deal was reached involving “a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save.” Trump’s remark appeared to refer to TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media app that U.S. law has required to be sold or cease operations. The Republican president has repeatedly extended deadlines regarding TikTok’s future and remained noncommittal on any agreement when questioned by reporters Sunday evening. He also said he plans to speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday. China has not immediately confirmed the report. TikTok is one of over 100 apps developed by ByteDance, a technology company founded in 2012 by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming and headquartered in Beijing’s Haidian district. ByteDance launched Douyin, a short-form video platform, in China in 2016 and later introduced TikTok for international users. The company then acquired Musical.ly, a lip-syncing app popular among teens in the U.S. and Europe, merging it with TikTok while keeping it separate from Douyin. The app quickly gained popularity in the U.S. and other countries, becoming the first Chinese platform to make a significant impact in the West. Unlike other social media platforms focused on connecting users, TikTok tailored content to individual interests. Its often playful videos and music clips gave the platform a reputation as a fun, authentic space online, helping launch the careers of artists such as Lil Nas X. TikTok’s popularity surged during COVID-19 lockdowns, with viral short dances becoming a staple of the app. Competitors Instagram and YouTube later introduced their own short-form video tools, Reels and Shorts, to capture some of TikTok’s audience. Despite its success, TikTok has faced challenges. U.S. officials have raised concerns about its Chinese ownership, citing laws that require Chinese companies to provide data to the government. Another point of concern is TikTok’s proprietary algorithm that determines the content users see.