United News of Bangladesh

The United Kingdom is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, moving forward despite opposition from the United States, after concluding that Israel has failed to meet the conditions it previously set regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Although largely symbolic, British officials hope the move will boost diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and help revive the possibility of a long-term peace settlement in the region. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who served as Foreign Secretary until earlier this month, confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the decision later in the day. “Recognizing a Palestinian state today does not mean it will come into existence immediately,” Lammy said in an interview with Sky News, emphasizing that the move is meant to keep hopes for a two-state solution alive. He also cautioned against equating the Palestinian people with Hamas. In July, amid growing pressure from within the ruling Labour Party, Starmer indicated that the UK would proceed with recognition if Israel failed to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid access via the UN, and take tangible steps toward a peaceful resolution. The UK's anticipated announcement comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly this week, where several other countries — including France, Australia, and Canada — are also preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood. The decision follows a recent state visit from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed clear disagreement with Prime Minister Starmer on the issue. “It’s one of the few things we don’t see eye to eye on,” Trump said. Critics of the UK’s move, including the Israeli government and the United States, argue that recognizing a Palestinian state now effectively rewards Hamas and terrorism. However, Starmer has made it clear that Hamas will have no role in governing a future Palestinian state and reiterated demands for the group to release Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks. To date, over 140 nations have recognized Palestine as a state. However, the decisions by the UK and France are especially significant due to their roles as G7 members and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Both nations have also played pivotal historical roles in shaping the modern Middle East. Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the UK assumed control of the region then known as Palestine. The 1917 Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government, supported the creation of a "national home for the Jewish people" — but also included a commitment to protect the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian population, a clause many believe has not been upheld. Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN this week, described that neglect as a “historic injustice” that remains unresolved. While the UK has long supported the vision of a two-state solution, its official position has been that recognition should occur within the framework of a comprehensive peace agreement. But growing concerns that this goal is slipping away — due to Gaza’s near-total devastation, the mass displacement of Palestinians, and Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank — have prompted a reassessment. Much of the international community regards the Israeli occupation of the West Bank as a violation of international law.

At least 34 people, including children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City overnight, according to health officials on Sunday, as Israel continues its military campaign in the famine-hit region. The escalation comes just ahead of a significant United Nations meeting, where several countries are expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Most of the casualties were brought to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where officials reported that a late-night airstrike Saturday hit a residential area in the city’s south, killing 14 people. Among the dead were a nurse from the hospital, his wife, and their three children. This latest offensive, launched earlier this week, marks a further intensification of the conflict. The Israeli military has stated its goal is to eliminate Hamas' military capabilities, though no clear timeline has been given for the operation — which analysts say could drag on for months. International Recognition of Palestine Gaining Momentum The attacks come as momentum builds among several Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood during the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, Malta, Belgium, and Luxembourg are expected to support the move. Portugal’s Foreign Ministry has already announced its recognition, effective Sunday. In Israel, over 60 peace and reconciliation groups — both Jewish and Arab — have welcomed the move. In a joint video message, the coalition, known as It's Time, urged an end to the war, the release of hostages, and the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. “We don’t want to live by the sword forever,” said the group. “This UN resolution presents a historic chance to break free from endless war and move toward security and freedom for both peoples.” Ceasefire Still Out of Reach Amid Escalating Crisis Despite growing calls for peace, a ceasefire remains unlikely. Nearly two years of Israeli bombardment have killed over 65,000 people in Gaza, devastated infrastructure, displaced around 90% of the population, and created a severe humanitarian crisis. Experts say Gaza City is now facing full-blown famine. In a statement on Sunday, the Israeli military claimed it had killed Majed Abu Selmiya, described as a Hamas sniper preparing for further attacks. No evidence was provided. The man’s brother, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, dismissed the claim as false, saying his brother — who suffered from multiple health conditions — was not involved with Hamas. As the conflict deepens, Israel has ordered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City and head south to designated “humanitarian zones.” A temporary corridor has been opened to facilitate this movement, but many residents are too weak, financially strained, or simply unwilling to leave their homes again. On the coastal road near Wadi Gaza, families were seen resting mid-journey, offering their children brief relief from the exhausting trek. Humanitarian agencies have warned that mass displacement will only worsen the already catastrophic conditions in Gaza. They continue to press for a ceasefire to allow urgent aid deliveries. Meanwhile, families of hostages still held by Hamas have also joined calls for an end to the war. They accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones by choosing continued military action over negotiation.

A British couple held in Afghanistan for more than seven months on undisclosed charges arrived in the U.K. on Saturday after being released by the Taliban. Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 76, respectively, who were freed on Friday, were pictured smiling and looking to be in good health as they arrived at Heathrow Airport. The couple had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and ran an education and training organization in the country’s central province of Bamiyan, choosing to remain in the country after the Taliban seized power. They had been held for nearly eight months following their arrest as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February. They had been held in a maximum security prison, and faced long periods of separation. Their plight underlined the concerns of the West over the actions of the Taliban since they overthrew the country’s U.S.-backed government in a 2021 lightning offensive. Analysts say the move by the Taliban, which was facilitated by Qatar, could be part of a broader effort to gain international recognition. Earlier this month, the Taliban said they had reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on a prisoner exchange as part of an effort to normalize relations. The meeting came after the Taliban in March released U.S. citizen George Glezmann, who was abducted while traveling through Afghanistan as a tourist. It remains unclear what, if anything, the Taliban had been promised for the Reynolds' release. However, Afghanistan’s list of needs is long. The Western aid money that flowed into it after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion has been severely cut as needs continue to mount, particularly after a magnitude 6 quake on Aug. 31. Its economy remains on shaky ground. But Western nations remain hesitant to provide money to the Taliban government, citing their restrictions on women and personal freedoms.

A right-wing demonstration in the Netherlands erupted into violence and chaos Saturday as rioters clashed with police and vandalized a political party's office, just weeks before the country holds a general election. Police used tear gas and a water cannon to disperse rioters who threw objects at officers and torched a police car. There was no immediate word on injuries or arrests. Dutch media showed rioters also attacking an office of a centrist political party, D66. “Scum. You keep your hands off political parties,” the party's leader Rob Jetten said in a message on X. “If you think you can intimidate us, tough luck. We will never let extremist rioters take our beautiful country away.” A smaller group of rioters headed for the Dutch parliament complex, which is currently fenced off as it undergoes a yearslong renovation. Police prevented them entering the largely deserted area. The violence erupted at a demonstration attended by hundreds of people, many of them wearing black and waving flags, that called for tougher asylum policies. “Shocking and bizarre images of shameless violence in The Hague, after a demonstration got out of hand,” caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X. He called the attacks on police and the D66 office “completely unacceptable” and expressed confidence that police and prosecutors would bring the rioters to justice. The unrest comes weeks before an Oct. 29 general election that was called after anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in a dispute over moves to rein in migration. In a statement, Wilders condemned the rioters for blocking a highway and attacking police, calling them “idiots” and “scum.”

Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack across Ukraine early Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens more, Ukrainian officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said strikes hit nine regions, targeting infrastructure and residential areas. In Dnipro, a missile with cluster munitions struck a high-rise, wounding around 30 people, according to local authorities. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 619 drones and missiles, of which 552 drones, two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles were intercepted. It credited Western-supplied F-16s for bolstering defenses. Meanwhile, Estonia accused Russia of an “unprecedentedly brazen” airspace violation after three MiG-31 jets allegedly crossed into its territory. Moscow denied the claim, insisting its planes stayed in neutral Baltic airspace. Ahead of next week’s UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy said he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump and push for long-term security guarantees, warning sanctions must remain if peace efforts stall.

A drone strike attributed to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit a mosque in El Fasher, North Darfur, during Friday prayers, killing at least 70 people, according to aid workers and the Sudanese military. The mosque was completely destroyed, and rescuers fear the death toll could rise as more victims may be trapped under the rubble, said a local aid worker with the Emergency Response Rooms, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal from the RSF. In a statement, the Sudanese army condemned the attack, calling it another example of the RSF’s ongoing targeting of civilians. “This rebel militia continues to strike civilians in full view of the world,” the army stated. Due to the security situation, especially in areas affected by the RSF-army conflict that began in April 2023, further information has been hard to confirm. Most international humanitarian groups have withdrawn from the region due to the escalating violence. According to the World Health Organization, the civil war has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, displaced up to 12 million people, and left many on the brink of famine. Video and Reports Confirm Mosque DevastationActivists from the Resistance Committees in El Fasher posted a video showing rubble and bodies where the mosque once stood. The Darfur Victims Support Organization reported the attack occurred at about 5 a.m. local time on Daraga al-Oula street. The incident is the latest in a string of violent RSF attacks in El Fasher over the past week. El Fasher Under Heavy AssaultThe Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University released satellite images confirming drone activity and explosive impacts in the El Fasher region earlier in the week. Structures at the Abu Shouk refugee camp, home to around 450,000 displaced people, showed visible damage. The RSF now reportedly controls the camp and the former army operations base nearby. Local activists said the RSF has targeted unarmed civilians, including women and elderly people, at shelters throughout the city. On Tuesday, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that 18 people were killed and 14 abducted, including three girls. UN: Thousands Dead, More At RiskThe UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said in a Friday report that 3,384 civilians, mostly in Darfur, were confirmed killed from January to June 2024 — about 80% of this year’s total civilian casualties. The actual number is likely far higher. Since early April, fighting for control of El Fasher and surrounding areas has intensified. Over 400 people have died in RSF attacks since April 10, many during a large assault that overtook the Zamzam displacement camp, which the RSF converted into a military base. According to the OHCHR, RSF offensives have included widespread violence, including rape, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on civilians in shelters or attempting to escape. El Fasher's Health System in CollapseHealthcare services are nearly nonexistent in El Fasher. Dr. Ezzeldin Asow of El Fasher South Hospital, the only surgical facility still functioning in the city, described a desperate situation in a message shared by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Patients are being transported on foot or by donkey cart, and medical staff are working under extreme conditions, often risking their lives. Li Fung, the UN Human Rights Office representative for Sudan, warned at a Geneva briefing that the humanitarian situation in El Fasher is rapidly deteriorating due to a crippling siege. “There’s no safe way out,” Fung said. “Civilians are forced to choose between staying and facing bombardment, starvation, and atrocities—or fleeing and risking execution, sexual violence, or abduction.”

A United Nations Security Council resolution aiming to prevent the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear activities failed on Friday, following several weeks of unsuccessful diplomatic efforts just before the annual UN General Assembly. The resolution, introduced by South Korea—the current president of the 15-member Security Council—did not receive the necessary support from nine members to stop the automatic return of sanctions outlined in the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and global powers. Only four nations—China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria—backed the resolution. Several of these countries criticized European leaders, accusing them of taking unjustified and illegal actions against Iran. Last month, France, Germany, and the UK initiated the "snapback" mechanism, which would automatically reinstate all previous UN sanctions that were lifted under the nuclear deal. These include an arms embargo, missile development restrictions, asset freezes, travel bans, and bans on nuclear-related technologies. Iran, already strained by a recent 12-day war with Israel and years of economic crisis, now faces further isolation. Reactivating the snapback mechanism is expected to escalate tensions between Iran and Western countries. It remains unclear how Iran will respond, although in the past, officials have warned they might withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, possibly following the path of North Korea, which left the treaty in 2003 and later developed nuclear weapons. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to defending its national interests through diplomatic means and warned it reserves the right to respond to any illegal actions. Ahead of the vote, Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, accused European countries of using the Security Council as a political tool to pressure Iran. China also criticized the move, saying it effectively ended eight years of diplomatic negotiations. Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, thanked the four nations that voted in favor of blocking sanctions and condemned what he called coercive tactics. “They chose the right side of history,” he said. The snapback mechanism is structured to go into effect unless the Security Council actively blocks it, which didn't happen. Still, the UK emphasized that the failed vote doesn't rule out further diplomatic attempts to halt the sanctions. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward said, “The United Kingdom remains committed to diplomacy and is ready for more talks in the coming days to resolve the issue.” Diplomatic talks between Iran and European countries have intensified recently, but no breakthrough has been achieved. Signs were already pointing to the likely return of sanctions. Asked Thursday in an Israeli TV interview whether the snapback was inevitable, French President Emmanuel Macron replied, “Yes, I think so,” citing a lack of serious engagement from Iran. Germany and the EU had warned Iran earlier in the week that it hadn’t taken the necessary steps to prevent the sanctions from being reimposed. “The window for a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear issue is closing fast,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She called on Iran to meet the demands of France, Germany, and the UK, including full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and immediate access to all nuclear sites. Europe warns Iran over failure to act as UN sanctions 'snapback' looms Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by rejecting the sanctions as having “no legal or logical basis.” He also referenced a new deal with the IAEA, brokered by Egypt, allowing inspections at all Iranian nuclear sites and full reporting on its nuclear materials. While the details of this agreement have not been made public, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said last week that the deal outlines procedures for inspection and reporting across all Iranian facilities. He stated it would allow for inspection access, though no timeline was provided. Nearly 2 million Afghans head home from Iran in 8 months The recent 12-day conflict launched by Israel against Iran, which included strikes by both Israeli and American forces on Iranian nuclear sites, has raised serious concerns about the status of Iran’s enriched uranium, which is believed to be close to weapons-grade levels.

Pakistan’s defense minister says his nation’s nuclear program “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the countries’ new defense pact, marking the first specific acknowledgment that Islamabad had put the kingdom under its nuclear umbrella. Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif’s comments underline the importance of the pact struck this week between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which have had military ties for decades. The move is seen by analysts as a signal to Israel, long believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear-armed nation. It comes after Israel’s attack targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar last week killed six people and sparked new concerns among Gulf Arab nations about their safety as the Israel-Hamas war devastated the Gaza Strip and set the region on edge. Minister's remarks touch on nuclear program Speaking to Geo TV in an interview late Thursday night, Asif made the comments while answering a question on whether “the deterrence that Pakistan gets from nuclear weapons” will be made available to Saudi Arabia. “Let me make one point clear about Pakistan’s nuclear capability: that capability was established long ago when we conducted tests. Since then, we have forces trained for the battlefield," Asif said. “What we have, and the capabilities we possess, will be made available to (Saudi Arabia) according to this agreement,” he added. The two countries signed a defense deal Wednesday declaring that an attack on one nation would be an attack on both. Neither country has responded to questions about the pact and what it meant with regard to possibly accessing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. The International Atomic Energy Agency, with which both nations have monitoring agreements, did not immediately respond to a request for comment over the Pakistani defense minister's remarks. Asif criticized Israel in the interview for not fully disclosing its suspected nuclear weapons program to the IAEA. Move comes after Israel's attack on Qatar Israel has not comment on the two nations' defense pact. Pakistan long has criticized Israel's treatment of the Palestinians, but has not been directly involved in any war against it. And while neither nation has diplomatic ties to Israel, American officials had sought to mediate a diplomatic recognition deal involving Saudi Arabia before Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war. “We have not named any country whose attack would automatically trigger a retaliatory response. Neither has Saudi Arabia named any country, nor have we," Asif said in the interview. "This is an umbrella arrangement offered to one another by both sides: if there is aggression against either party — from any side — it will be jointly defended, and the aggression will be met with a response.” The deal came a week after the attack in Doha as Gulf Arab countries weigh how to defend themselves. Israeli attacks since Oct. 7, 2023, have stretched across Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria and Yemen. Asked if others could join the pact, the minister added: “I can say the door is not closed to others.” Pakistan, Saudi Arabia have longstanding ties Saudi Arabia has long been linked to Pakistan's nuclear program. Retired Pakistani Brig. Gen. Feroz Hassan Khan has said Saudi Arabia provided “generous financial support to Pakistan that enabled the nuclear program to continue, especially when the country was under sanctions.” Pakistan faced U.S. sanctions for years over its pursuit of the bomb, and saw new ones imposed over its ballistic missile work at the end of the Biden administration. Pakistan developed its nuclear weapons program to counter India’s atomic bombs. The two neighbors have fought multiple wars against each other, and again came close to open warfare after an attack on tourists in April in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India is believed to have an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170, according to the U.S.-published Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Pakistan's Shaheen 3 ballistic missile, believed to be able to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, has a maximum range of 2,750 kilometers (1,700 miles) — making it capable of reaching Israel.

Poland is leveraging Ukraine’s expertise in drone warfare, with both countries announcing the establishment of joint military training programs and manufacturing initiatives. The move follows a recent incident when Russian drones entered Polish airspace, highlighting NATO's vulnerability to evolving uncrewed aerial technologies. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, drones—used for both defense and attack—have become pivotal in modern combat, reshaping the nature of warfare. Both Poland and Ukraine are eager to master this rapidly developing technology. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, signed a memorandum to form a joint working group focused on uncrewed systems. They will collaborate on testing new drone interception methods, sharing military knowledge related to drone warfare, and enhancing compatibility between their armed forces, Shmyhal shared on Telegram. The recent Russian drone breach into Polish airspace, which prompted NATO to deploy fighter jets to intercept the drones, has escalated tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly regarding Russia’s territorial ambitions. Despite U.S. efforts to mediate, including a summit in Alaska, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists. NATO has pledged to bolster its defensive measures on the eastern flank, bordering Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. In response, Russia demonstrated its military power in large-scale exercises with Belarus, raising concerns in the West about Moscow’s intentions. In addition to the drone collaboration, Ukrainian and Polish defense ministers signed an agreement to strengthen their security cooperation. Shmyhal emphasized that this partnership is a response to Russia's aggression, which threatens Ukraine and other European nations. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defenses successfully neutralized or disrupted 48 of the 75 Russian drones launched overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The drones targeted rail infrastructure, a common target in recent attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that these strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s supply lines and create social instability. Ukraine has been developing long-range drones and missiles to take the fight directly to Russia rather than solely focusing on defense. In a notable attack, two Ukrainian drones struck the Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery in Bashkortostan, Russia, causing a fire. Although there were no casualties, the attack highlighted Ukraine's ability to reach targets deep within Russian territory. Ukrainian officials confirmed their involvement in the operation. Targeting Russia’s oil refineries has become a key strategy for Ukraine, as Russia relies heavily on oil revenue to fund its war efforts. These strikes, along with seasonal demand increases, have contributed to fuel shortages in Russia.

The U.N. refugee agency said Wednesday that governments around the world, especially in the Global North, which includes the United States and countries in Europe, are increasingly undermining the global convention on refugees and asylum-seekers — even threatening its very existence. The stark warning by UNHCR came on the 75th anniversary of the U.N. Refugee Convention, a 1951 document that defines who refugees are and outlines the responsibilities of countries hosting them. Countries have moved to suspend applications for asylum — requests for international protection by those who say they face war or persecution for their religion, race, nationality, sexuality or for their political beliefs if they were to return home. “I am not exaggerating when I say that the institution of the asylum worldwide is under more threat now than it has ever been,” Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, assistant high commissioner for protection at UNHCR in Geneva, told reporters during an online briefing from the Swiss city. Historic agreements The U.S. under the Trump administration and some European nations have increasingly restricted asylum and sought bilateral deals with third countries, especially in Africa, to deport migrants and, in some cases, attempt to transfer asylum responsibilities altogether. “Some of those agreements are actually being concluded even as we speak," she said, without giving details. “Asylum is under threat, but it is more under threat in the countries that are more capable of bearing that responsibility than in the countries which are actually hosting the largest number of refugees.” Others, like Greece, which has seen a surge in refugees arriving to the island of Crete, including many Sudanese nationals, have temporarily suspended asylum processing. “Those two pieces of paper have saved millions of lives in the past and will save millions of lives in the future,” she said, referring to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees adopted in the wake of World War II and the ensuing 1967 Protocol, which expanded protections to refugees worldwide. Cash crisis A global funding crisis in the humanitarian sector has impacted more than 122 million people displaced from their homes, fleeing conflict or persecution, authorities say. A growing anti-asylum and anti-migration sentiment has added to their woes. And though the arrivals of refugees in the Global North “dominate the headlines,” Menikdiwela said, some "75% of the world’s 43 million plus refugees are actually being hosted in low-income and middle-income countries." She cited the example of Chad, an East African nation that hosts 1.5 million refugees, the vast majority of them Sudanese who fled an ongoing civil war. Menikdiwela, who recently visited a refugee camp in Chad, said that the agency's programs there are vastly underfunded and unable to support the urgent needs of the arriving refugees. “There are people — men, women and children — wandering around with bullet wounds and shrapnel wounds," she said. Women and girls in particular have been subjected to unprecedented levels of sexual violence, Menikdiwela said, highlighting the case of an 80-year-old woman who reported being raped multiple times. And yet, despite their dire situation, she said that the refugees who she met wouldn't be alive, if Chad hadn't respected the refugee convention and allowed them across its borders. Refugee movement Menikdiwela urged leaders to step up donations and support, saying that many of the refugees in Chad would continue to move north through Libya and eventually Europe if their needs weren't met in the East African nation. She did, however, acknowledge abuse in asylum applications by migrants who have moved for economic or other reasons, not because they were fleeing war or persecution. The U.N. refugee agency has supported the concept of return hubs, a euphemism for deportation centers, which are increasingly gaining support in the U.S. and Europe.