United News of Bangladesh

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.

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched his top deputy to California to oversee the handover of a truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida last week. Sending his newly appointed lieutenant governor, Jay Collins, underscores Republicans' push to crack down on illegal immigration. It also revs up a political rivalry between DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, both of whom aspire to higher office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Monday that truck driver Harjinder Singh, a native of India, was in the country illegally. “Three lives lost because of Gavin Newsom. Because of California’s failed policies," Collins said Thursday at a press conference near an airport in Stockton, California. "We’re done with that," Collins added, using an expletive. A spokesperson for Newsom described Collins' trip to California as a “photo op” and criticized Florida officials for letting a “murder suspect walk.” Collins did not elaborate on why Singh was able to fly to California after the Aug. 12 crash on Florida's Turnpike. U.S. Marshals arrested him Saturday in Stockton. Singh made the illegal turn on the highway about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer and slammed into it, killing the minivan's driver and two passengers. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured. Florida authorities said Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. According to Homeland Security, Singh obtained a commercial driver’s license in California, which is one of 19 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that issue licenses regardless of immigration status, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Collins said Thursday that Singh never should have been issued a driver's license, calling the move “unacceptable.” Collins said Singh lacks basic English proficiency and did not know the road signs. Newsom’s press office responded on the X platform that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin disputed that, saying the federal government denied him a permit during Trump’s first term in September 2020 and granted him one in June 2021, under President Joe Biden. Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after his criminal case is complete. A public defender assigned to Singh's case did not respond to a request for comment.  

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 2023 riots, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said. The unrest erupted after Khan was briefly arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a land-related bribery case, widely known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Authorities say PTI supporters attacked key state buildings, damaged vehicles, and ransacked military facilities during the riots. Nearly 2,000 people were detained and at least eight were killed, prompting the government to deploy the army to restore order. Khan faces charges including inciting violence, which he denies. “Supreme Court has granted bail to Imran Khan for May 9th cases,” the PTI said in a text message to media. “Now bail is needed in just one more case (Al-Qadir case) for Mr.Khan to come out of jail.” In January, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in the Al-Qadir Trust case, while his wife Bushra Bibi received seven years. Prosecutors allege the couple received land from a real estate developer during Khan’s 2018-2022 premiership in exchange for illegal favors. Khan and Bibi pleaded not guilty, insisting the land was intended for a spiritual and educational institution, not personal gain. Khan has been in prison since August 2023, following a three-year sentence for illegally selling state gifts while in office, a verdict that barred him from contesting the 2024 general elections. Khan and PTI maintain that all cases against him are politically motivated. Source: Arab News  

NATO defense chiefs held a “candid discussion” Wednesday on possible security guarantees for Ukraine to support a peace deal that could end Russia’s three-year war, a senior alliance official said. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATO’s Military Committee, said 32 defense chiefs joined a video conference amid a U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the conflict. “I thanked everyone for their always proactive participation…we are united, and that unity was truly tangible today,” he wrote on X, without giving further details. Key issues include assurances that Ukraine will not face future invasions, as Kyiv seeks Western support for weapons and training. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized talks without Moscow, saying such efforts “will not work” and vowing to protect Russia’s interests. U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe, and U.S. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participated in the talks. Military chiefs are also exploring how a 30-nation coalition force could backstop any peace deal, though Russia opposes NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. Germany invites Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO, EU leaders to a virtual meeting before Trump-Putin summit Overnight Russian strikes injured 15 people and hit ports, fuel, and energy infrastructure, prompting Zelenskyy to call for increased pressure on Moscow through sanctions and tariffs. Plans are underway for a potential Putin-Zelenskyy summit in Europe, possibly Geneva, with Switzerland offering to host. Arrangements are complicated by Putin’s ICC warrant, and Swiss authorities plan to seek exemptions to allow his travel.   Source: Agency

Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island judge celebrated worldwide for his compassionate rulings and viral courtroom videos, has died at the age of 88. According to a statement on his official social media pages, Caprio passed away peacefully after a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Caprio, who presided over the Providence Municipal Court and hosted the popular show Caught in Providence, gained a global following for his empathetic and often humorous courtroom style. His show featured real-life minor infractions—like traffic tickets or noise complaints—handled with kindness, empathy, and occasional levity. It amassed over a billion views across social media platforms. Unlike many hard-nosed TV judges, Caprio was known for his gentle demeanor and willingness to listen. In one memorable clip, he invited children to help him rule on cases involving their parents. In another, he compassionately dismissed $400 in fines for a grieving mother whose son had been killed. Last week, Caprio had shared a personal message on Facebook, revealing he had returned to the hospital and asked for prayers. Caprio also used his platform to spotlight broader issues, including the challenges low-income Americans face when navigating the legal system. In one video, he remarked that nearly 90% of poor Americans must handle legal issues—like healthcare disputes or evictions—without legal assistance. Born and raised in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio came from modest beginnings as the second of three brothers. He served nearly 40 years on the municipal bench before retiring in 2023. His legacy extended well beyond Rhode Island, with fans in countries as far as China praising his fairness and compassion. In one viral clip, Caprio dismissed a red-light violation for a bartender making $3.84 an hour—then used the moment to call out diners who skip out on their bills, urging viewers to show respect to hardworking service staff. Caprio’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions,” they said. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee praised Caprio as more than just a public servant. “He was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what justice can look like when it's delivered with humanity,” McKee said. Close friend and business partner Robert Leonard described him as selfless and irreplaceable. “There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help others,” he said. Reflecting on his judicial philosophy in 2017, Caprio said: “Government institutions can work best when guided by kindness, fairness, and compassion. In our divisive world, I hope people see that justice doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective.”

In one of the largest aerial assaults on Ukraine this year, Russia launched a barrage of 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Thursday. The attack focused primarily on western regions, resulting in at least one death and 15 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that among the targets was a major U.S.-owned electronics manufacturer in the west of the country, though he did not provide further details. The western regions, distant from the front lines in the east and south, serve as key routes for Western military aid moving into Ukraine. Officials say this was the third largest drone attack and the eighth-largest missile strike in 2025 so far. The strikes occurred amid renewed U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace after more than three years of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, criticizing Moscow’s apparent disregard for diplomatic efforts. He urged the international community to respond with increased sanctions and pressure. Zelenskyy noted that one of the cruise missiles struck a U.S. business producing household appliances like coffee machines, calling the attack on a civilian facility "very telling" of Russia’s intentions. Amid escalating violence, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is intensifying consultations with allies regarding potential security guarantees. He mentioned that, following positive signs from the U.S., Ukraine could be ready for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin within 10 days. A potential trilateral meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin is under discussion, with possible venues including Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey. Zelenskyy explained that the aim is to finalize a framework for long-term security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5. While over 30 countries have pledged in principle to support Ukraine’s security, progress has stalled due to the U.S. previously withholding a clear stance. Recent signals from Trump indicating support for "Article 5-style" guarantees have reignited momentum. Zelenskyy stated that some countries previously uninvolved in the talks are now showing interest, and that Turkey has offered to help ensure security in the Black Sea region. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any effort to craft security arrangements excluding Russia would be futile. Speaking to Russian media, he insisted Moscow would protect its national interests “firmly and harshly.” Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's willingness to hold direct talks with Putin but emphasized the need for a strong U.S. response if Russia refuses to engage. Reflecting on his recent Oval Office meeting with Trump and European leaders, Zelenskyy said he tried to counter Moscow’s portrayal of the war. He pointed out inaccuracies in U.S. maps that overestimated Russian territorial control and highlighted the strategic importance of regions like Donbas and Dnipropetrovsk. He stressed that any withdrawal from the east would open pathways to key cities like Kharkiv, making it impossible for Ukraine to pull back without severe consequences. “I believe President Trump understood the reality on the ground,” Zelenskyy concluded.