United News of Bangladesh

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 33 Palestinians across Gaza on Saturday, including civilians seeking food or shelter, as famine deepens in Gaza City amid growing international pressure over Israel’s nearly two-year military offensive. Gaza City, now the epicenter of hunger and humanitarian collapse, may soon face a new large-scale Israeli ground assault, Israel's defense minister warned. Humanitarian agencies have long blamed the war — triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack — along with prolonged Israeli restrictions on aid, for pushing Gaza to the brink of starvation. Israel has dismissed recent famine warnings as “false,” while ceasefire talks remain stalled pending Israel’s next move. Women and Children Among the Dead in Tent Strikes At least 17 people, more than half of them women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes on tents sheltering displaced families in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, according to health officials and morgue records at Nasser Hospital. "Awad, why did you leave me?" cried a small boy over his brother's body, wrapped in plastic. Another grieving woman, Hekmat Foujo, tearfully called for a ceasefire, saying, “We want to rest. Show us some mercy.” In the north, at least five people were reportedly shot dead near the Zikim crossing — a key aid entry point — while trying to access food, according to medical staff at Sheikh Radwan field hospital. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said journalist Khaled al-Madhoun was killed while covering the incident and accused Israeli forces of targeting him. Palestine TV later confirmed his death. Eleven more fatalities were reported across various locations by hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent. Israel's military said it was unaware of any strike at the reported Khan Younis site and was reviewing the other incidents. Aid Lines Marred by Chaos and Danger AP journalists observed chaotic scenes along Gaza’s aid routes, with Israeli troops regularly firing near desperate civilians. The Israeli army claims it only fires warning shots when approached or threatened. Thousands gathered near the Zikim crossing seeking food, but many — like Mohamed Saada — left empty-handed, citing massive crowds, violence, and vehicles running over people. While some carried small sacks of food, others transported the wounded through rubble-strewn roads and stagnant water under sweltering heat exceeding 33°C (92°F). A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification on Friday warned that nearly 500,000 Gazans — a quarter of the population — are facing catastrophic hunger. The alert follows a months-long Israeli blockade, later eased slightly through U.S.-backed private aid efforts and airdrops. However, the UN says the aid is still insufficient. Israel claims it has facilitated enough aid, blaming Hamas for failing to care for the hostages it holds. Renewed Offensive in Gaza City Imminent With ground forces already on the city’s edge, Israel is preparing for another major operation in Gaza City, where it claims Hamas still maintains tunnels and strongholds. The offensive could begin within days, despite the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported a sharp rise in airstrikes and an influx of patients at clinics. Project coordinator Caroline Willemen said many residents are hesitant to flee again after repeated displacements, but fear staying could become deadly. Hostage Concerns Cloud Military Plans Families of Israeli hostages warned that any new ground invasion could jeopardize the lives of the 20 believed to still be alive. Another 30 are presumed dead. At a rally in Tel Aviv, Yotam Cohen, brother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, said: “Anyone serious about bringing hostages home does not launch a ground assault on Gaza.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said he had ordered officials to pursue hostage negotiations aligned with Israel’s terms. It remains unclear whether Israel will rejoin talks brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar after Hamas accepted a revised proposal from Arab mediators. Hamas has stated it will only release hostages in exchange for ending the war and the establishment of a Palestinian state — a condition Israel rejects. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Hamas’ position on Friday, arguing that military action may be the only way to rescue any remaining hostages. “In some ways, they’re safer if you just go in hard and fast,” he said. Rising Death Toll and Starvation Gaza’s Health Ministry said the overall Palestinian death toll has reached at least 62,622, including those previously listed as missing but now confirmed dead by a judicial panel. The number of deaths linked to malnutrition has risen to 281. Protests Against Israeli Minister Meanwhile, a small group of Israeli protesters confronted far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in Kfar Malal, north of Tel Aviv, demanding a resolution to the hostage crisis. “We don’t want him in our village. Our message is to bring back the hostages,” said protester Boaz Levinstein. Ben-Gvir, a key figure in Netanyahu’s coalition, strongly opposes any deal with Hamas — a stance many hostage families say blocks progress toward their loved ones' release.

A drone attack on a 16-truck U.N. convoy carrying desperately needed food to Sudan’s famine-hit North Darfur region destroyed three vehicles that had caught fire, the World Food Program said. All drivers and personnel were safe. "Our drivers survived, but 3 trucks carrying life-saving aid were DESTROYED. Attacks must stop. Safe, sustained access must be guaranteed,” said Cindy McCain, chief of the U.N. food agency, said in a post on X. U.N. associate spokesperson Daniela Gross had initially told reporters Thursday that all 16 trucks were set on fire and destroyed. Gross said it was not yet clear who was responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, the second in the past three months to prevent a U.N. convoy from delivering to North Dafur. In early June, a convoy from the World Food Program and UNICEF was attacked while awaiting clearance to proceed to North Darfur’s besieged capital, el-Fasher, killing five people and injuring several others. Sudan plunged into conflict in April 2023, when violence sparked by long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders erupted in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including western Darfur. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, U.N. agencies say. Nearly 25 million people are experiencing acute hunger, Gross said. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and their allies announced in late June that they had formed a parallel government in areas they control, mainly in the vast Darfur region where allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity are being investigated. The RSF has encircled el-Fasher, where the U.N. says people are facing starvation. It is the only capital the paramilitary forces don't hold in Darfur, which is comprised of five states. Over a year ago, famine was declared in the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur. The risk of famine has since spread to 17 areas in Darfur and the Kordofan region, which is adjacent to North Darfur and west of Khartoum, the U.N. says.  

A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet crashed overnight between Friday and Saturday, killing one pilot, the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement. The aircraft went down while approaching to land after a combat mission, according to the statement on Facebook. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The incident follows the loss of a Mirage-2000 fighter jet last month, when the pilot ejected safely.

More than 1.9 million Afghans have returned from Iran to Afghanistan since the beginning of 2025, the local media Tolonews reported on Saturday. According to the report, about 85 percent of the returnees, or over 1.6 million people, came back between March 20 and Aug. 20. The report also said that the daily return flow of Afghan migrants from Iran has seen a decline in recent weeks. Afghanistan has witnessed a continuous influx of returnees from neighboring countries. 

Iran said Friday its foreign minister spoke with counterparts from France, Germany and the UK in a bid to prevent the reimposition of UN sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program, just days before a European deadline. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s call came as the three European nations warned they could invoke the “snapback” clause of the 2015 nuclear deal by the end of the month. The provision allows sanctions to be restored if Iran is found in violation of the agreement, including blocking international inspections. Concerns have deepened since Iran halted cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the June Iran-Israel war, which damaged some of its atomic sites. Without IAEA access, the global community cannot verify the size of Iran’s stockpile, including uranium enriched up to 60% purity — close to weapons-grade. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, though the U.S. and the IAEA say Tehran had a weapons program until 2003. In a statement, Araghchi criticized the European stance but stressed Iran remains open to diplomacy. “Iran has never abandoned the path of diplomacy and is ready for any solution that guarantees the rights and interests of its people,” he said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the talks and said another round will take place next week, warning that “time is running out.” Similar concerns were echoed by Britain’s David Lammy, Germany’s Johann Wadephul and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The three countries had already warned Iran in an Aug. 8 letter that they would trigger “snapback” if a solution was not reached by Aug. 31. Restoring IAEA access remains a key demand. Meanwhile, IAEA officials held separate closed-door talks with Iranian representatives in Vienna, continuing discussions from an Aug. 11 visit by senior agency official Massimo Aparo. Araghchi downplayed the “snapback” threat, saying Iran would consult with its allies, likely China and Russia. The snapback mechanism, however, expires in October — after which any sanctions move could face vetoes from Beijing or Moscow.      

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on Friday evening after failing to gain support for sanctions against Israel in response to its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Veldkamp had announced plans to push for punitive measures over Israel’s planned offensive in Gaza City and other densely populated areas. However, he was unable to secure the backing of his coalition partners. The 61-year-old former ambassador to Israel said he felt he could no longer “carry out policy or steer the course I believe is necessary.” Following his resignation, all remaining Cabinet members from his center-right New Social Contract party also stepped down, deepening the ongoing political turmoil in the Netherlands. Party leader Eddy Van Hijum expressed frustration, saying, “We are finished. The Israeli government’s actions clearly violate international law.” The Dutch political crisis had already begun in June when far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his support from the four-party coalition over an immigration dispute, prompting the government’s collapse. A caretaker government remained in place, with new elections scheduled for October. Famine confirmed in Gaza City, threatens to spread without ceasefire and aid access Prime Minister Dick Schoof was expected to address Parliament Friday night regarding the latest developments. Earlier in the day, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine had taken hold in Gaza City, warning it could spread further without a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Dutch lawmakers had postponed a debate on possible sanctions against Israel several times, including a scheduled session on Thursday. The issue remained unresolved as Friday’s Cabinet meeting extended for hours. “There is famine, ethnic cleansing, and genocide occurring,” said Kati Piri of the Green Left/Labor alliance. “Yet our Cabinet spent hours hesitating over whether to respond. It's disgraceful.” Veldkamp had proposed a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as a response to the planned escalation. Some opposition members, citing frustration over the government's inaction, had already begun pushing for a no-confidence motion against him.  

The Gaza Strip's largest city is officially experiencing famine, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global authority on food crises. Without an immediate ceasefire and the removal of aid restrictions, the famine is expected to expand into southern areas like Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month. The IPC's report follows months of warnings from humanitarian organizations that Israel’s blockade and ongoing military actions are driving severe hunger, particularly among children. This is the first confirmed famine in the Middle East by IPC standards. Israel Dismisses the Famine ClaimIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the report, calling it “an outright lie.” The Israeli military and government agencies claimed that aid is flowing into Gaza in large volumes and that there is no intentional starvation policy. The U.S. also expressed skepticism, instead blaming Hamas and looters for disrupting aid delivery. However, UN officials and humanitarian workers say aid entering Gaza remains insufficient, especially after a complete blockade from March to May, which halted the entry of food and medicine. The Human CostThe IPC says over 500,000 people—a quarter of Gaza’s population—are facing life-threatening levels of hunger. The crisis stems from intense fighting, collapsed food systems, and mass displacement over the 22-month conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the famine as a “human-made disaster” and called for an immediate ceasefire. Humanitarian experts warn the true extent of hunger may be even worse than the current data shows. What Qualifies as Famine?A famine is declared when: At least 20% of households are experiencing extreme food shortages,At least 30% of children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition (or 15% by mid-upper arm circumference),At least two adults or four children per 10,000 people die each day from hunger or related diseases.The IPC says Gaza City has met these thresholds based on data from July 1 to August 15. Growing Concerns About the OffensiveIsrael plans to ramp up its military offensive in Gaza City, which experts say could worsen the humanitarian catastrophe, making it harder to evacuate civilians and deliver aid. According to witnesses and humanitarian groups, hundreds have died while trying to access aid, although Israeli officials claim those deaths are exaggerated or accidental. Stories From the GroundInside Gaza City, which once had a population of 700,000, entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Many residents who returned during a temporary ceasefire are now trapped with limited access to food or clean water. Medical professionals report growing numbers of malnourished patients, many suffering from waterborne diseases that are harder to treat when the body is weakened by hunger. Yousef Sbeteh, a father of two teens injured in an airstrike, said his children are wasting away in the hospital. His 15-year-old daughter Aya has lost nearly 20 kg, while her 17-year-old brother Ahmad has dropped 15 kg—about 30% and 25% of their body weight, respectively. Their recovery is hindered by the lack of protein and nutritional supplements. “Doctors say she needs meat and fish,” said Sbeteh. “But I can't afford any of that now.”

Israel’s defense minister issued a stark warning Friday, saying Gaza City could face the same devastation as other war-torn areas unless Hamas accepts Israel’s conditions for ending the conflict. This came as a top global food security organization reported severe famine in the city, driven by ongoing fighting and Israel's blockade. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Gaza City might soon resemble the ruins of Rafah and Beit Hanoun if Hamas does not agree to Israel’s demands — which include the full release of hostages and Hamas’ total disarmament. Posting on X, Katz declared: “The gates of hell will soon open on Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza — unless they accept Israel’s terms.” Hamas responded by labeling his statement as an admission of war crimes and accused Israel of pursuing ethnic cleansing. The group maintains it will release hostages only in exchange for an end to the war, but rejects disarmament without the creation of a Palestinian state. U.S. Voices Frustration Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Hamas for prolonging negotiations, saying they’re not motivated to release hostages with so few believed to be alive. He suggested a fast, forceful military operation might actually protect those still in captivity. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he had ordered officials to start immediate negotiations aimed at ending the war — but only on Israel’s terms. It's unclear whether this signals a return to the Egypt- and Qatar-mediated talks that Hamas recently said it accepted. New Offensive on Gaza City Could Start Soon With Israeli troops already operating nearby, a large-scale assault on Gaza City could begin within days. Israel claims the city remains a Hamas stronghold with active tunnel networks. It also houses essential infrastructure and a large civilian population, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times. A proposed ceasefire deal involving phased prisoner exchanges, troop withdrawals, and further negotiations could delay the offensive — but Israeli leaders have resisted similar plans before, partly due to pressure from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. There is growing concern in Israel that a new assault could endanger the remaining 50 hostages, about 20 of whom are thought to still be alive. Aid organizations also warn that further fighting could worsen the humanitarian disaster. Evacuating civilians, especially hospital patients, would be extremely difficult. Residents say fleeing is futile, as nowhere in Gaza is truly safe. Health workers also argue that moving patients is nearly impossible, with no proper facilities available in the south. Netanyahu insists that the offensive is necessary to both defeat Hamas and free the hostages, saying the two goals are inseparable. Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that left 1,200 people dead and over 250 taken hostage, only eight hostages have been rescued alive. Israel has recovered the bodies of 49 and believes 50 remain in Gaza. Famine Spreads in Gaza City A report released Friday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said Gaza City is now experiencing famine, and the crisis could expand further unless aid access improves and fighting ends. Nearly 500,000 people — about a quarter of Gaza’s population — are facing life-threatening hunger. Israel rejected the IPC’s findings as false, insisting it has permitted adequate aid. While it has relaxed some restrictions following global outrage over images of starving children, UN agencies report that the aid remains insufficient, especially after a full food import ban earlier this year. Airstrikes Resume Ahead of Gaza Offensive As Israel intensifies operations around Gaza City, airstrikes have already begun. Shifa Hospital reported that at least 17 Palestinians were killed Friday, including seven in a strike on a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, where displaced people were sheltering in tents. The military said it wasn’t aware of a strike there but confirmed activity in nearby areas. Amal Aboul Aas, a displaced woman now sheltering in Gaza City after fleeing multiple times, said constant airstrikes have left her trapped. “We have no money, nowhere to go,” she said. “I just hope for a quick death — we’re not going anywhere.” Regional Tensions Rise In a separate incident Friday, missile warning sirens sounded in central Israel after a projectile launched from Yemen appeared to break apart in mid-air, scattering debris. The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying the launch targeted Israel’s main airport in retaliation for the crisis in Gaza. Gaza Death Toll Climbs Gaza’s Health Ministry reported Friday that 62,263 Palestinians have died since the war began, with 273 deaths linked to malnutrition, including 112 children. The ministry, under Hamas’ administration, says about half of those killed are women and children. While Israel disputes these figures, it has not released its own verified casualty data. The UN and independent organizations continue to use the ministry's numbers as the most reliable available.

A tour bus carrying 54 people from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned on Interstate 90 in Pembroke, western New York, on Friday, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries, according to authorities. The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. when the bus veered onto the right shoulder and flipped. State Police Major Andre Ray said the driver, who survived, appeared to have been distracted, lost control, and overcorrected. The exact reason for the distraction is still under investigation. Passengers ranged in age from 1 to 74. Several individuals were ejected from the vehicle, and five adults died at the scene. Many others were trapped in the wreckage but later rescued. While dozens were hospitalized, none are believed to have life-threatening injuries. “This was a heartbreaking incident,” said Maj. Ray. “Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected.” Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, or Filipino descent, and translators were brought in to assist. Authorities ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment early on. No charges have been filed. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the accident. Mercy Flight and other medical helicopters transported several injured individuals. More than 40 people were treated for various injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. Two patients undergoing surgery in Buffalo are expected to recover. The bus belonged to M&Y Tour Inc., based in Staten Island. The company holds a “satisfactory” safety rating and has had no reported accidents or fatalities in the past two years, according to federal records. Their buses and drivers have been inspected 60 times in that period. State police noted that many passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. A 2023 New York law requires seat belt use on charter buses built after November 28, 2016, though the manufacturing date of this bus has not yet been disclosed. The crash closed a large section of the highway in both directions. Westbound lanes reopened later in the day, but drivers were initially advised to avoid the area. Witnesses described a distressing scene, with debris and personal items scattered across the road. “It was heartbreaking,” said Powell Stephens, a passerby. “People were hugging, some were clearly in shock.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the crash a tragedy and said her office is coordinating with local and state officials. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims,” she said in a statement.

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights on Friday said it was appalled by “brutal” attacks by Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, which killed at least 89 civilians, including 16 who were summarily executed, in a span of 10 days this month. The attacks occurred between Aug. 11-20 in the city of el-Fasher and the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp, Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for commissioner Volker Türk, said in a Geneva briefing. He said the death toll is likely higher. The dead include at least 57 who were killed in attacks on Aug. 11, he said. Another 32 were killed between Aug. 16-20, Laurence said. Among the dead were 16 civilians, mostly from the African Zaghawa tribe, who were summarily executed in the Abu Shouk camp, he said. Another one was killed in el-Fasher by RSF fighters when he said he belonged to the African Berti tribe, Laurence said. “This pattern of attacks on civilians and wilful killings, which are serious violations of international humanitarian law, deepens our concerns about ethnically motivated violence,” he said. El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, is the military’s last stronghold in the sprawling region of Darfur. The RSF has bombed the city for more than a year, and last month it imposed a total blockade around its hundreds of thousands of people. The RSF also repeatedly attacked Abu Shouk and another displacement camp, Zamzam, which was once Sudan’s largest with over 500,000 people. The two camps are located outside el-Fasher and were largely emptied after a major RSF attack in April. They have been hit by famine. The RSF, which has been at war with the Sudanese military, grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias, mobilized two decades ago by ex-Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir against populations that identify as Central or East African in Darfur in the early 2000s. The Janjaweed militias, who were accused of mass killings, rapes and other atrocities in the Darfur conflict, still aid the RSF in its ongoing war against the military. The current war started in April 2023 when simmering tensions between the leaders of the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and other cities across the sprawling northeastern African country. The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, forced more than 14 millions to flee their homes and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine swept parts of the country. It has been marked by gross atrocities including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the United Nations and rights groups. The International Criminal Court said it was investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.