United News of Bangladesh

Supporters of the Global Sumud Flotilla took to the streets in several major cities including in Rome; Istanbul; Athens, Greece; and Buenos Aires, Argentina after reports emerged that multiple vessels attempting to break the Gaza blockade were intercepted. Demonstrators expressed outrage over the incident and called for the immediate release of detained activists and an end to Israel’s siege on Gaza. In the northern Italian city of Bologna, dozens of protesters and university students scuffled with police outside the city's central train station. Police in riot gear used batons to push back the protesters who were trying to occupy the train station and chanting “Free Palestine” and “Shame on you”. Italy’s largest union called for a one-day general strike on Friday. The flotilla, which started out with more than 40 boats and nearly 450 activists, was carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Its main goal, they said, remained "to break Israel’s illegal siege and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people." The organizers of the flotilla said at least 39 of their boats were intercepted or assumed intercepted in a nightlong Israeli operation. Israeli authorities later said only one boat remained “at a distance” and would be intercepted if it approached. The flotilla has streamed its voyage online via live cameras aboard different boats, though connections were lost as Israeli authorities began boarding them in international waters on Wednesday evening.  

Israeli naval forces have intercepted 39 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which activists say were attempting to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. The operation, which began Wednesday night, resulted in the detention of dozens of activists, including a number of European lawmakers, according to organizers. The move has drawn widespread international condemnation. Flotilla organizers reported that one boat managed to sail closer to Gaza’s coast early Thursday before losing contact. They believe the remaining 39 vessels were intercepted or are presumed to have been intercepted after communications were lost. The flotilla had been carrying aid and passengers in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, supporters of the flotilla took to the streets in several major cities late Wednesday, after news of the interception broke — including Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Athens and Buenos Aires — to decry Israeli actions and the ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. More protests were expected Thursday around the world. Italy’s largest union called for a one-day general strike on Friday. Unlike previous sea attempts, this flotilla was the largest yet to try and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The activists said they believed that with the sheer number of boats, it would be more difficult for Israeli authorities to intercept them all. The organizers remained in contact with two vessels, though one was expecting that Israeli troops would board it imminently. They also lost contact with one remaining boat whose last coordinates showed it to be only a few miles from Gaza's shores, inside territorial waters. The flotilla, which started out with more than 40 boats and 500 activists, was carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza. It had been streaming its voyage online via live cameras aboard different boats, though connections were lost as Israeli authorities began intercepting them in international waters on Wednesday evening. Activists and European lawmakers detained Israeli soldiers detained and removed dozens of activists — including Greta Thunberg, former mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau, European Parliament member Rima Hassan and others — from the flotilla. Israel's Foreign Ministry posted photos and videos of the activists, saying in a statement on X that they were “safe and in good health” and would be transferred to Israel for deportation procedures to Europe. Earlier, live broadcasts overnight from the activists, showed Israeli boats approaching their vessels, spraying them with water canons and flashing bright lights before soldiers boarded the flotilla. Anticipating the interceptions, activists wearing life jackets sat in circles and raised their hands in the air. Some managed to stream the moment live from their cellphones before tossing their devices into the sea. The nightlong operation that carried on as the sun rose appeared to be largely peaceful. Governments around the world decry flotilla's interception Turkey, Colombia, Pakistan, Malaysia and others condemned Israel's interception of the flotilla. Italy and France, which had warned their activist 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 and peacefully. Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Thursday slammed Italian unions for their decision to call a general strike on Friday in solidarity with the flotilla, accusing them of seeking to cause wide disruptions across the country. “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 an informal European Union 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 ministry said it was working to ensure the immediate release of Turkish citizens and other activists detained by Israeli forces. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro announced late Wednesday that his government will expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation in the South American country over the interception. Two Colombian citizens are taking part in the flotilla. Petro has repeatedly described Israel’s siege of Gaza as genocide and broke diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 over the Israel-Hamas war. The Colombian leader also announced he will terminate his country’s Free Trade Agreement with Israel over the flotilla’s interception, which he said was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “new international crime.” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday also condemned Israel’s interception, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to civilian lives. The detention of activists was part of Israel’s “ongoing aggression,” it said, adding that Israel's blockade of Gaza had caused “immense suffering” for more than 2 million Palestinians in the strip. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a strong supporter of Palestinians, said Israel's actions in blocking the flotilla from reaching Gaza show “utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”

A tragic boat accident on the Niger River in north-central Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 26 people, according to an official statement on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Ibaji area of Kogi State. Most of the victims were traders traveling to a market in nearby Edo State, said Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State's Commissioner for Information. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear. Fanwo described the event as a “heartbreaking loss” and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Ibaji community. He emphasized that the state government would collaborate with federal agencies to enhance waterway safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Boat accidents are frequent during Nigeria’s rainy season, particularly in remote regions. Many of these incidents are linked to overcrowded or poorly maintained boats, which often lack life jackets and operate without adequate safety measures. Just last month, at least 31 people died when an overloaded boat struck a tree trunk in the Borgu area of Niger State.

Moroccan authorities have detained more than 400 people after days of violent youth-led protests demanding reforms in the health and education sectors, the Interior Ministry said Thursday. The unrest, now in its fifth night, has spread across several cities, with the fourth night of demonstrations marked by heightened violence. Authorities reported that 263 security personnel and 23 civilians were injured as protesters torched vehicles, looted shops and ransacked businesses. According to the ministry, 409 people were taken into custody after clashes on Tuesday night. Young men armed with knives hurled stones and Molotov cocktails, while administrative buildings, banks and shops were attacked in cities including Ait Amira, Inezgane, Agadir, Tiznit and Oujda. Officials said 142 security force vehicles and 20 private cars were set ablaze. Videos verified by Al Jazeera showed damaged ATMs and a looted bank with shattered glass littering the ground. The demonstrations have been driven by an anonymous online youth collective calling itself GenZ 212, which has used TikTok, Instagram and Discord to mobilize supporters. The group says it rejects violence and insists its dispute is with the government, not the security forces. Protesters have highlighted government spending on preparations for the 2030 World Cup while schools and hospitals face chronic underfunding. Demonstrators were heard chanting: “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” The Interior Ministry said it would uphold the right to protest under legal frameworks but vowed to respond with “restraint and self-control, avoiding provocation.” The protests come as Morocco prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year and ahead of parliamentary elections in 2026. Analysts say the unrest reflects mounting frustration among youth over inequality, corruption, poor public services and lack of opportunities despite Morocco’s headline economic growth. The latest wave of demonstrations has been described as the most violent since protests in 2016–2017 in the Rif region, when clashes with security forces left a lasting mark on Morocco’s political landscape.  Source: Agency

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order committing to defend Qatar against external threats, including through possible military action, following Israel’s surprise strike on the Gulf nation. The order, posted on the White House website Wednesday but dated Monday, pledges to safeguard Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and critical infrastructure. It came amid efforts to reassure Doha after the Israeli attack, which killed six people, including a member of Qatar’s security forces, as Hamas leaders were reportedly weighing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza war. “The United States shall regard any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. peace and security,” the order states. It further authorizes “all lawful and appropriate measures — diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military” to defend both American and Qatari interests. US begins troop drawdown in Iraq under agreement with Baghdad The move followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit, during which Trump arranged a call between Netanyahu and Qatar’s leadership. Netanyahu conveyed his “deep regret” over the strike, the White House said. Later, Trump also spoke by phone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about Doha’s mediation in ceasefire talks. Qatar welcomed the U.S. pledge as a “significant step in strengthening defense ties,” while Al Jazeera described the order as a security guarantee. However, questions remain about its binding nature, as treaties typically require Senate approval. Analysts noted that Trump, like previous presidents, has at times pursued international commitments without Senate consent. The order has already stirred debate. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer posted on X: “I don’t want to die for Qatar. Do you?” The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board also criticized the decision, saying it came “without public debate.” Qatar hosts the U.S. Central Command’s forward base at Al Udeid Air Base and was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Joe Biden in 2022 for its role in aiding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Gulf state also maintains close ties with Trump, ranging from business projects to support for his presidential travel. Meanwhile, Israel’s strike has triggered broader regional repercussions. Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, reportedly extending Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella over the kingdom. Analysts suggest other Gulf states, facing uncertainty over Israel and renewed U.N. sanctions on Iran, may also seek formal guarantees from Washington. “The Gulf’s centrality to the Middle East and its strategic value to the United States demand clear guarantees beyond verbal assurances and ceremonial meetings,” wrote Bader al-Saif, a Gulf affairs expert at Kuwait University. Source: AP

Activists aboard a flotilla sailing toward Gaza said they were prepared for an Israeli naval intervention as they neared the besieged Palestinian territory on Wednesday, following a tense night in the Mediterranean Sea. The Global Sumud Flotilla, with Greta Thunberg aboard, consists of about 50 boats and 500 activists and is carrying a symbolic amount of aid. It has remained undeterred in its mission to break the Israeli blockade of the coastal strip and reach Palestinians. “Every minute we advance a little more,” Thiago Ávila, one of the flotilla leaders and spokespeople, told reporters Wednesday in an online news conference from aboard the Alma, one of the flotilla's motherships. The ships were sailing in international waters north of Egypt on Wednesday morning and had entered what activists call a “danger zone” — which Israeli authorities had warned them not to cross and where the Israeli navy had stopped attempts by other flotillas in the past. Overnight, the activists said two Israeli warships aggressively approached two of their boats, circling around them and jamming their communications, including the live cameras on board. “It was an intimidation act, they wanted us to see them,” said Lisi Proença, another activist who was on board the Sirius, a vessel that was targeted alongside the Alma. After the close encounter overnight, the military vessels eventually left and the flotilla continued on its journey, broadcasting live cameras from many of its boats. If undisturbed, it was to reach the shores of Gaza by Thursday morning, the group said. However, activists said that was unlikely and that they were expecting Israeli authorities to try to stop them at any moment, as they have done in past attempts. European governments, including Spain and Italy which had sent their navy ships to escort the flotilla during part of its journey, urged the activists to turn back and avoid confrontation. Italy has warned flotilla organizers that Israel would consider their incursion beyond the “danger zone” as a “hostile act.”  

Emergency crews in Indonesia worked through the night to reach students trapped beneath the ruins of a collapsed school building, delivering oxygen and water to survivors still buried under unstable debris. The collapse left at least one student dead, dozens injured, and around 65 others feared trapped. The disaster occurred at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo, East Java. Rescuers, along with police and military personnel, managed to pull out eight survivors over eight hours after the building came down. Some bodies were also spotted in the wreckage, suggesting the death toll could rise. Parents and relatives gathered in grief and fear near the school and hospitals, many in tears as they waited for updates. A notice board at the rescue command center listed 65 missing students, most of them boys between 12 and 17 years old. One distraught mother cried out after seeing her son’s name on the missing list: “Oh my God... my son is still buried, oh my God please help!” Other parents joined her in anguish. A father pleaded with a rescuer, “Please, sir, please find my child immediately.” Rescue efforts were slowed by large chunks of concrete and unstable debris, making it too dangerous to use heavy machinery. Nanang Sigit, the rescue operation leader, said oxygen and water were being passed to trapped students to keep them alive during the rescue. Although some bodies had been located, the focus remained on reaching survivors. Hundreds of rescue workers equipped with breathing devices, medical tools, and extraction gear continued the search. The collapse happened while students were performing afternoon prayers inside a building undergoing an unauthorized expansion. According to police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast, two additional stories were being added without proper permits, and the structure failed during the concrete pouring. While the boys were trapped in the collapsed area, female students praying elsewhere in the building managed to escape. A 13-year-old boy was confirmed dead, and 99 others were injured—some critically—and taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities are now investigating the collapse, which they believe occurred because the original two-story building's foundation couldn’t support the additional construction.

President Donald Trump, with backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has unveiled a 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages. The plan, which includes several conditions previously rejected by Hamas, represents what Trump and Netanyahu are calling a final opportunity for peace. Frustrated by the ongoing violence, Trump appears to be betting that Hamas is now too weakened to resist. Netanyahu, standing beside Trump at the White House, warned that if Hamas refuses the deal or acts in bad faith, Israel will take unilateral action to finish the conflict. The proposal, currently under review by Hamas through mediators from Qatar and Egypt, has received support from the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and several key regional powers, including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE. However, major sticking points remain — particularly the lack of a clear path to Palestinian statehood and a requirement for Hamas to disarm. Under the plan, a temporary governing body — chaired by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair — would oversee Gaza's transition. Civilian governance would be managed by Palestinian technocrats, with power eventually shifting to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Unlike earlier proposals, this one doesn’t call for the displacement of Gaza residents. It does, however, demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages within 72 hours of accepting the deal. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving life sentences. Trump believes peace is within reach, stating, “We’re not quite finished. We have to get Hamas.” While Hamas has previously expressed willingness to relinquish control of Gaza, it has refused to disarm — a key Israeli demand. Trump reassured Netanyahu of U.S. support should Hamas reject the plan, adding, “This is a different Hamas. Their leadership has been killed three times over.” Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar for Strike As part of his visit, Netanyahu also reached out to Qatar to apologize for a September 9 Israeli airstrike that accidentally killed a Qatari soldier during a strike on Hamas leaders in Doha. The incident drew rare U.S. criticism of Israel and strained relations with Qatar, a key regional mediator. In a phone call facilitated by Trump, Netanyahu expressed regret and pledged that Israel would not carry out similar attacks in Qatar again. The Qatari prime minister welcomed the apology and reiterated his country’s commitment to regional stability. Despite the apology, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the strike, calling it “important, just and ethical.” Delicate Timing for Netanyahu The talks come as Netanyahu’s coalition faces increasing internal strain and as Israel finds itself diplomatically isolated. The Trump proposal offers Hamas amnesty if its members disarm and agree to peaceful coexistence. Those who wish to leave Gaza would be guaranteed safe passage. Trump’s growing impatience with the conflict has also shown in recent actions — from his support during Israel’s brief war with Iran to criticism of Israeli policy, including a vow to block any annexation of the West Bank. Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 48 hostages, with about 20 still alive. The group has demanded Israel withdraw from Gaza in exchange for their release. Trump, who discussed the proposal with Arab leaders during the U.N. General Assembly, believes the plan could mark a turning point for peace in the region. “I challenge the Palestinians to take responsibility for their destiny,” Trump said, emphasizing that the deal provides them with that very opportunity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, amid rising international and domestic pressure to bring an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The meeting comes just days after Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations, rejecting global calls for a ceasefire. As Israel becomes increasingly isolated on the world stage and Netanyahu’s ruling coalition faces instability at home, all eyes are now on how Trump—long a vocal supporter of Netanyahu—will approach the discussion. In a social media post on Sunday, Trump hinted at a breakthrough, writing: “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” The two leaders are expected to hold talks in the Oval Office, followed by a joint press conference. Analysts say the meeting could prove pivotal. Professor Eytan Gilboa of Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities described it as one of the most critical moments in the Netanyahu–Trump relationship. “Netanyahu may soon have to choose between maintaining support from Trump or holding his fragile coalition together,” he said, noting that several coalition members oppose ending the war. Researcher Oded Ailam from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs said Trump is likely to press for a permanent ceasefire, potentially limiting Netanyahu's options. Netanyahu has consistently vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is eliminated. Should Trump apply pressure, Netanyahu may seek to establish “red lines” in any agreement—such as the dismantling of Hamas and the right to resume military operations if hostilities return. The Trump-Netanyahu alliance has endured through major events, including a brief military conflict with Iran earlier this year, in which U.S. bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites. Trump also backed Netanyahu during his ongoing corruption trial, calling it a “witch hunt.” However, tensions have grown. Trump was reportedly frustrated by Israel’s failed operation in Qatar to target Hamas leaders—Qatar being a key U.S. ally and a host of Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Recently, Trump voiced opposition to Israeli annexation of the West Bank, an idea promoted by hardliners in Netanyahu’s government. Michael Doran of the Hudson Institute argued that Trump’s remarks were strategic, allowing Netanyahu to push back against internal pressure while appearing cooperative with Arab allies. Last Friday, Trump told reporters that a Gaza deal was “very close,” though past statements have not always led to concrete outcomes. According to three Arab officials familiar with the U.S. proposal—who spoke anonymously—the plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 48 hours, and a phased Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal excludes the expulsion of Palestinians, an idea Trump seemed to support earlier this year. The 21-point plan reportedly calls for Hamas to be disarmed and removed from power. Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including many serving life sentences. An international security force would take over law enforcement in Gaza, while a technocratic Palestinian committee would manage civilian affairs. Eventually, authority would be handed to a restructured Palestinian Authority—though Netanyahu has publicly rejected any PA role in Gaza’s future. Hamas, informed of the plan by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, has not yet received an official proposal. The group has long refused to disarm, linking its weapons to the goal of achieving an independent Palestinian state. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu acknowledged the U.S. plan, saying Israel was “working with President Trump’s team ... and I hope we can make it a go.” During his UN speech, Netanyahu praised Trump as a key ally who “understands better than any other leader” the threats faced by both Israel and the United States. However, international support for Israel has plummeted. At a recent UN Security Council session, while many countries condemned Hamas's October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, they also criticized Israel’s response and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The Gaza Health Ministry, part of Hamas’s administration, says over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. The figure is considered credible by the UN and independent observers. Over 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and famine is spreading. Twenty-eight Western-aligned nations, once supportive of Israel, have recently urged it to halt military operations and lift aid restrictions. Ten countries—including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia—recognized Palestinian statehood last week, aiming to revive the stalled peace process. Some Arab states, previously aligned with Israel, have accused it of committing genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing genocide allegations filed by South Africa—claims Israel firmly denies. Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. adviser on Middle East affairs, said the road to peace remains long and uncertain. “The more confident the claims that peace is imminent, the more skeptical I become,” he said.

The Taliban on Sunday freed a U.S. citizen from an Afghan prison, weeks after they said they had reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on a prisoner exchange as part of an effort to normalize relations. The deputy spokesperson for the Taliban Foreign Ministry, Zia Ahmad Takal, identified the man as Amir Amiri. He did not say when Amiri was detained, why, or where. An official with knowledge of the release said Amiri had been detained in Afghanistan since December 2024 and was on his way back to the U.S. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details with the media. Qatar facilitated Amiri's release in the latest diplomatic achievement resulting from its security partnership with the U.S. that has secured the freedom of four other Americans from Taliban detention this year. Qatar, an energy-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula, also helped in releasing a British couple who were imprisoned for months. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amiri's release, saying it marked the administration’s determination, reinforced by the president’s recent executive order, to protect American nationals from wrongful detention abroad. “While this marks an important step forward, additional Americans remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will not rest until all our captive citizens are back home.” Ahmad Habibi, the brother of Mahmood Habibi, a U.S. citizen held by the Taliban for more than three years, said he and his family were grateful to hear the news about Amiri, and they remained hopeful that Mahmood would be brought home as well. Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American business owner, worked as a contractor for a Kabul-based telecommunications company and vanished in 2022. The FBI and his family have said they believe he was taken by the Taliban, who have denied holding him. “We are grateful that senior officials at the State Department and National Security Council have repeatedly assured us that any deal they do with the Taliban will be ‘all or nothing’ and they have explicitly assured us that they will not leave my brother behind,” Ahmad Habibi said.