United News of Bangladesh

The once-warm camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be cooling, as a series of diplomatic and trade tensions cast a shadow over what was once hailed as a uniquely strong partnership between the two populist leaders. The relationship, previously marked by joint stadium appearances and mutual praise, has come under strain due to Trump’s recent remarks and policy decisions—most notably his imposition of new tariffs and criticism over India’s energy ties with Russia. Tensions escalated last week after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and hinted at additional penalties over India's continued purchase of Russian oil. In a social media post, Trump referred to India’s economy as “dead” and accused the country of profiting from reselling Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. India, Philippines Strengthen Defense, Maritime Cooperation with New Pact A White House official, speaking anonymously, said Trump’s remarks reflect his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of trade negotiations rather than any shift in Washington’s strategic position. Still, the comments have unsettled policymakers in New Delhi. Ashok Malik, a former adviser in India’s Foreign Ministry, called the moment a “testing time” for India-U.S. ties. He warned that “decades of bipartisan cooperation” risk being undermined by “fast and loose” statements and online rhetoric. Malik now leads the India office of The Asia Group, a U.S.-based advisory firm. Malik also said India’s current offer to the U.S. is the most ambitious trade proposal in its history, reportedly including access for American agricultural products—an area of domestic political sensitivity for Modi.   Strategic Worries Over Pakistan Beyond trade, concerns have also emerged over what New Delhi perceives as a renewed U.S. tilt toward Pakistan. Trump’s repeated claims of mediating the Kashmir dispute, as well as his praise for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, have fueled suspicion in India. In May, tensions between India and Pakistan flared into military skirmishes in Kashmir. While Trump has claimed he played a role in de-escalation, India maintains Kashmir is an internal matter and opposes third-party involvement. Trump’s announcement of a large oil exploration deal with Pakistan, shortly after criticizing India, further deepened unease in New Delhi. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia of the Jindal School of International Affairs said Trump’s remarks have “soured the mood in India” and warned that deeper U.S.-Pakistan cooperation could “dent the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”   Russian Oil at the Center of Friction India’s continued purchase of Russian oil remains a core issue. Despite pressure from the previous Biden administration to reduce imports following the invasion of Ukraine, India expanded its energy trade with Moscow. Trump has now taken a harder stance, saying India’s actions are helping finance Russia’s war. Stephen Miller, a senior White House official, echoed these sentiments, calling India’s trade with Russia “unacceptable.” Trump followed up with more social media criticism, accusing India of profiting at Ukraine’s expense. While some analysts believe Trump’s threats are negotiation tactics, the rhetoric has nonetheless stirred concern in New Delhi.   India Responds with Measured Tone Despite rising tensions, India’s response has so far been cautious. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that both sides are working toward a fair and balanced trade agreement. However, a late statement from the Ministry of External Affairs described Trump’s remarks as “unjustified and unreasonable.” India signals continued Russian oil imports despite Trump’s tariff threats The statement defended India's oil imports from Russia, citing global market constraints after European countries diverted their energy sources. It also pointed out that many Western nations criticizing India continue to trade with Russia themselves. “India will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interest and economic security,” the ministry said. As the world’s two largest democracies navigate these latest challenges, observers warn that the personal warmth once shared by their leaders may no longer be enough to hold the relationship together.   Source: Agency

NATO has begun coordinating regular shipments of major weapons packages to Ukraine, following a Dutch pledge of €500 million (approximately $578 million) in air defense systems, ammunition, and other military support. In a separate move, Sweden on Tuesday announced it will contribute $275 million to a joint Nordic initiative — alongside Denmark and Norway — to supply Ukraine with air defenses, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and spare parts, totaling around $500 million. Two major deliveries, largely consisting of equipment purchased from the United States, are expected this month. The Nordic contribution is set to arrive in September. NATO said the packages will be tailored to Ukraine’s battlefield priorities and delivered on a regular basis. “Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis,” the alliance said on Monday. Air defense systems remain Ukraine’s most urgent need, as Russia continues to strike urban areas behind the front line. The UN has reported over 12,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths as a result of these attacks. On the battlefield, Russia’s military is making slow but costly advances along the 1,000-kilometer front, focusing efforts on capturing the eastern city of Pokrovsk — a key logistical hub. European countries and Canada are primarily sourcing military equipment from the U.S., which maintains larger stockpiles and more advanced weaponry. The Trump administration has opted not to provide arms to Ukraine directly. These new commitments add to ongoing military support. According to the Kiel Institute, European nations had supplied around €72 billion ($83 billion) in military aid to Ukraine as of June, surpassing the $65 billion provided by the U.S. since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans highlighted the importance of U.S.-made air defense systems and munitions, calling Russia’s attacks “pure terror.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands, saying the aid will help protect both Ukraine and Europe amid increasing Russian strikes. Germany also announced it would deliver two additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, supported by assurances from the U.S. to restock German supplies. These systems are exclusively manufactured in the U.S. Although NATO as an organization provides only non-lethal support such as medical supplies, tents, and logistics, the alliance’s role has expanded since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. While the Trump administration urges Europe to take greater responsibility for regional security, it has made no formal commitment to supplying arms or financial aid to Ukraine. Speaking on July 28, Trump said, “We’re going to be sending now military equipment and other equipment to NATO, and they’ll be doing what they want, but I guess it’s for the most part working with Ukraine.”   Source: Agency

Sughra Ayaz, a frontline health worker in southeastern Pakistan, has spent the last decade knocking on doors to persuade parents to immunize their children against polio. Despite her efforts, she frequently encounters resistance—some families lack essentials like food and clean water, while others fear oral vaccines are designed to sterilize children. Ayaz, navigating rampant misinformation and high pressure to meet eradication targets, revealed that some officials have instructed workers to falsely record children as vaccinated. She also pointed out that the necessary cold storage for oral vaccines is often compromised. “In many places, our work is not done with honesty,” Ayaz said. Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell says The World Health Organization and its partners launched a global campaign in 1988 to eliminate polio—only smallpox has been eradicated so far. Cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan dropped to just five in 2021 but resurged, reaching 99 last year, despite multiple missed eradication deadlines. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where wild polio continues to circulate. Over the past decade, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has directed most of its resources into these two nations. Yet internal AP documents and interviews with workers and experts highlight persistent issues: falsified records, deployment of unqualified vaccinators, skipped campaigns, and continuing reliance on oral vaccine despite its rare risk of causing vaccine-derived outbreaks. Pakistani health workers' boycotting halts polio vaccination drive in southwest Ayaz described "fake finger marking"—placing the ink used to indicate vaccination on a child’s pinky without administering any dose. Local workers have repeatedly reported these problems to management, but according to insiders, their concerns remain largely unaddressed. Dr. Jamal Ahmed, the WHO’s polio director, acknowledged field difficulties but defended the progress achieved. He stated efforts have protected countless children over four decades and expressed confidence that polio transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan will end within 12–18 months, targeting 2029 for global eradication. Experts like Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta argue that sticking rigidly to outdated strategies and the oral vaccine is unlikely to succeed. Critics urge a major strategic overhaul, noting that alternative injectable vaccines are more costly and require extensive training, limiting their immediate use. Despite vaccinating billions and preventing paralysis in millions, the initiative faces mistrust and backlash. Rural communities report boycotts, citing failures to address basic needs like clean water or other illnesses such as measles or tuberculosis. Health workers continue to face life-threatening risks. More than 200 staff and security personnel have been killed in Pakistan since the 1990s. Misinformation, such as rumors that vaccines cause puberty delay or contain pig urine, fuels resistance, amplified by historical mistrust—especially after a CIA-backed fake health campaign in 2011 damaged vaccine credibility. A woman in southeastern Afghanistan voiced the dilemma faced by many households: “If I allow it, I will be beaten and thrown out,” illustrating how social and family pressures block polio efforts even when some parents support vaccination.   Source: Agency

Russia has announced that it will no longer abide by a self-imposed moratorium on deploying nuclear-capable intermediate-range missiles, citing increasing threats from the United States and its allies. In a statement issued Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the move was in response to Washington’s plans to deploy intermediate-range weapons, including Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles, in Germany starting next year. The ministry said such deployments create “destabilizing missile potentials” near Russian borders, posing a “direct threat” to national security and global stability. Trump orders nuclear subs moved after provocative comments by ex-Russian president Medvedev While no immediate deployment details were shared, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is no longer bound by any restrictions and reserves the right to act accordingly. “Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary,” Peskov told reporters. The Foreign Ministry added that any future decisions would be based on an interdepartmental review of U.S. and NATO deployments and the broader international security landscape. President Vladimir Putin had earlier announced plans to station Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles in Belarus later this year. The missile is reported to have a range covering all of Europe and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The development follows a recent statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered two U.S. nuclear submarines repositioned in response to remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev had warned against Western ultimatums and described Moscow’s decision to abandon the missile moratorium as a response to NATO’s anti-Russian stance. Intermediate-range missiles, typically capable of flying between 500 to 5,500 kilometers, were banned under the 1987 INF Treaty. However, both Washington and Moscow withdrew from the pact in 2019, accusing each other of violations. Russia had maintained a voluntary freeze on such deployments until now. Analysts warn that the latest move could revive Cold War-era tensions and trigger a new arms race, especially in Europe.   Source: Agency

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to be placed under house arrest, accusing him of orchestrating a failed coup attempt to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. The decision comes amid escalating political tensions and a trade conflict with the Trump-led U.S. administration. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, said Bolsonaro, 70, violated previous restrictions by spreading political content through his sons, all of whom are lawmakers. Bolsonaro's legal team announced plans to appeal, arguing that a brief message he delivered during a protest in Rio — broadcast from his son’s phone — did not breach any conditions. The message included, “Good afternoon, Copacabana, good afternoon my Brazil... this is for our freedom.” The case is attracting increased attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump, a strong Bolsonaro ally, linked new 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports to the legal action. Trump dismissed the charges against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt," prompting backlash from Brazilian leaders across the political spectrum, including current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Shortly after the court's decision, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs posted on X condemning Bolsonaro’s house arrest and warning that those involved would be held accountable. The agency also criticized restrictions on Bolsonaro’s ability to speak publicly. The Brazilian government has not officially commented. Coup Plot AllegationsProsecutors accuse Bolsonaro of leading a criminal group that sought to overturn the 2022 election results, including alleged plots to assassinate President Lula and Justice de Moraes. Following his narrow loss, Bolsonaro was previously ordered to wear an ankle monitor and follow a curfew. After the latest ruling, Brazilian federal police reportedly searched Bolsonaro’s residence in Brasília and confiscated mobile devices, following instructions from Justice de Moraes. Bolsonaro must now remain under house arrest in Brasília and is barred from traveling. Although he also owns a home in Rio, he cannot stay there. A former army captain and longtime congressman, Bolsonaro is now the fourth ex-president arrested since Brazil’s military dictatorship ended in 1985 — a regime he has openly supported. Disregard for Court OrdersThe arrest order came just a day after large pro-Bolsonaro rallies in São Paulo and Rio, where supporters demanded amnesty for those prosecuted over the January 8, 2023, riot in Brasília. During the Rio rally, Bolsonaro addressed the crowd via phone using one of his sons’ devices — an act Justice de Moraes deemed illegal. De Moraes noted that Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro removed the video from Instagram in an apparent effort to hide the violation. In response, Flávio claimed Brazil had "officially become a dictatorship," accusing de Moraes of relentless persecution. De Moraes wrote that Bolsonaro’s recent actions show a deliberate effort to defy court orders and to encourage attacks against the judiciary — with clear support for foreign intervention, alluding to Trump’s involvement. He added that Bolsonaro used his public message in Copacabana to rally his base against the court, calling it an attempt to “intimidate the judiciary.” Last week, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned de Moraes for allegedly suppressing free speech in relation to Bolsonaro’s trial. On Monday, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs echoed this criticism, calling de Moraes a “sanctioned human rights abuser” and accusing him of weaponizing institutions against dissent. De Moraes responded firmly: “Justice will not be mocked. Anyone who ignores court orders — especially repeatedly — must face consequences.” Political Fallout and Future ImplicationsPolitical analyst Creomar de Souza said the house arrest marks a turning point in Brazil’s political landscape. It could energize the right-wing opposition ahead of the 2026 election, while Lula’s government will need to assert its leadership amid growing polarization. According to de Souza, “The 2026 race now looks more turbulent. The opposition will push for amnesty and protest visibly, while Lula must prove the government is stable.” The latest court order also requires Bolsonaro to remain under ankle monitoring, limits his visitors to lawyers and close family, and enforces the seizure of all cell phones in his possession. This case echoes past events: Lula himself was imprisoned for 580 days before his conviction was annulled; Michel Temer, president after Rousseff’s impeachment, was detained briefly in 2019 but wasn’t convicted; and earlier this year, Fernando Collor, impeached in the 1990s, began serving an 8-year sentence for corruption. Right-wing politicians criticized the court’s decision, arguing that it is politically motivated. Lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira mocked the charges, saying Bolsonaro’s arrest was not over corruption, but “because his kids posted content.” Meanwhile, leftist lawmaker Duda Salabert praised the move, calling it a win for Brazilian democracy. “Those who tried to destroy it will soon face justice,” she said.

Scores of Palestinians were killed or injured on Monday as large crowds desperately rushed to reach food aid distributed by land and airdropped supplies in Gaza, according to eyewitnesses and health officials. Due to Israel’s ongoing blockade and military campaign, delivering humanitarian aid safely has become nearly impossible, pushing Gaza closer to famine nearly two years into the conflict with Hamas. Aid organizations say recent Israeli efforts to allow more aid in are insufficient. Families of hostages in Gaza are also worried about starvation but hold Hamas responsible. Since May, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire while approaching aid convoys and distribution centers, based on witness accounts, local officials, and the UN human rights office. The Israeli military claims it only uses warning shots and disputes the reported casualty numbers. In response to growing international concern, several nations have resorted to airdropping aid over Gaza. However, the UN and humanitarian groups say this method is risky and inefficient, delivering far less aid compared to trucks. Chaos Over Airdrops Many of the aid parcels dropped by air end up in the sea or in areas where residents have been told to evacuate, making retrieval dangerous. Still, desperate Palestinians risk their lives for flour and other essentials. On Monday, cheers erupted in Zuweida, central Gaza, as aid was parachuted in. Video from the Associated Press showed a chaotic scene as hundreds of people ran for the packages, with fistfights breaking out and some men using sticks. "I wish they would bring it through the crossings," said Rabah Rabah, waiting for an airdrop. "This is inhuman." One aid package reportedly fell on a tent, injuring a man who was taken to the hospital. Deadly Incidents at Aid Sites At least 16 people were killed late Sunday near the Israeli-controlled Zikim Crossing — the main entry for aid into northern Gaza — according to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which also reported over 130 wounded. The exact cause remains unclear, but the area has seen multiple shootings blamed on Israeli forces. The military has not commented. In another incident, 10 people were killed at the Morag Corridor between Khan Younis and Rafah as crowds awaited aid. Witness Mohammed al-Masri said Israeli troops fired when a group tried to move ahead, shooting many in the head and back. Israeli minister visits contested holy site amid Gaza aid deaths Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received the bodies of 10 people from Morag and five others from a separate aid site in southern Gaza operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-linked group backed by Israel. GHF denies any violence at its sites. It said a new UN aid route runs near two of its locations, drawing massive crowds. GHF claims its staff have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots a few times to manage crowd control since May. ‘Like a Death Trap’ Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza said it received eight bodies and 50 injured from near a GHF site in the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor. Witnesses and health officials again blamed Israeli fire. An AP photo showed a man carrying a body from the scene, while others carried bags of food. “It’s the same every day,” said Ayman Ruqab, a young man who has failed to reach aid for three days. “It’s a death trap.” The Israeli military said its forces fired warning shots at individuals approaching in a way that posed a threat but claimed no knowledge of casualties. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. About 50 remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive. In response, Israel’s offensive has killed over 60,900 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. While the ministry doesn’t separate civilians from fighters in its count, it says about half the dead are women and children. The UN and other experts consider these figures the most credible, although Israel disputes them and hasn’t released its own data.  

Dozens of Palestinians were killed or wounded on Monday as desperate crowds headed toward food distribution points and airdropped parcels in the Gaza Strip, according to witnesses and local health officials. Israel's blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver aid, contributing to the territory's slide toward famine nearly 22 months into the war with Hamas. Aid groups say Israel's week-old measures to allow more aid in are far from sufficient. Families of hostages in Gaza fear starvation affects them too, but blame Hamas. Several hundred Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since May while heading toward food distribution sites and aid convoys, according to witnesses, local health officials and the United Nations human rights office. The military says it has only fired warning shots and disputes the toll. As international alarm has mounted, several countries have airdropped aid over Gaza. The U.N. and aid groups call such drops costly and dangerous for residents, and say they deliver far less aid than trucks. AP video shows scramble for airdropped aid Many food parcels dropped by air have splashed into the Mediterranean Sea or landed in so-called red zones from which Israel's military has ordered people to evacuate. In either case, Palestinians risk their lives to get flour and other basic goods. On Monday, Palestinians cheered as pallets of aid were parachuted over Zuweida in central Gaza. Associated Press footage showed a desperate scramble when the parcels hit the ground, with hundreds of people racing toward them. Fistfights broke out and some men wielded batons. “I wish they would deliver it through the (land) crossings,” Rabah Rabah said earlier as he waited for the airdrop. “This is inhuman.” At least one parcel fell on a tent where displaced people had been sheltering, injuring a man who was taken to a hospital. His condition was not immediately known. Dozens killed seeking aid At least 16 people were killed late Sunday near the Israeli-controlled Zikim Crossing, the main entry point for aid to northern Gaza, according to records at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which showed that more than 130 people were wounded. The circumstances were not immediately clear, but the crossing has seen several shootings in recent days that witnesses and health officials blamed on Israeli forces. There was no immediate comment from the military. At least 10 people were killed as thousands waited for aid trucks in the Morag Corridor, which the Israeli military carved out between the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. Mohammed al-Masri, who was among the crowds, said Israeli forces opened fire when a group of young men tried to make their way to the front. "The occupation forces shot many people in the head and in the back,” he said, adding that he saw four wounded people, one motionless on the ground. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said it received 10 bodies from Morag and another five who were killed near an aid site in southern Gaza run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. GHF said there were no violent incidents at or near its sites. It said a new U.N. route runs near two of its sites in the south and has drawn large crowds of people who unload the convoys. GHF says its contractors have only used pepper spray or fired warning shots on a few occasions to prevent deadly crowding since it opened four sites in May. ‘It’s a death trap' Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza said it received the bodies of eight people killed near a GHF site in the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor, and that another 50 people were wounded. Witnesses and health officials said Israeli forces had fired toward the crowds. An Associated Press photo showed a man carrying a body away from the site, as others hauled bags of food. “It’s like yesterday, and the day before,” said Ayman Ruqab, a young Palestinian who said he had tried unsuccessfully to reach the site for the past three days. “It's a death trap." The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at people who approached “in a manner that posed a threat to the troops,” without elaborating. It said it was not aware of any casualties. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. They still hold 50 hostages, around 20 of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 60,900 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says around half the dead have been women and children, is staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and other independent experts view its figures as the most reliable casualty count. Israel has disputed the figures but hasn’t provided its own.

Thai and Cambodian officials met in Malaysia on Monday for the first round of cross-border committee talks since a tense ceasefire was brokered last week after five days of deadly armed border clashes that killed dozens and displaced over 260,000 people. The four-day General Border Committee meetings were initially due to be hosted by Cambodia, but both sides later agreed to a neutral venue in Malaysia, the annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which mediated the halt in hostilities last month. The July 28 ceasefire followed economic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had warned the warring nations that the U.S. would not conclude trade deals with them if the fighting persisted. Washington lowered tariffs on goods from the two countries from 36% to 19% on Aug. 1 following the truce. Monday's talks focused on ironing out details to avoid further clashes. Discussions of the decades-long competing territorial claims over the pockets of land near the shared border are not on the agenda. A history of hostility Thailand and Cambodia have been feuding neighbors for centuries, since both were mighty empires. In modern times, a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice awarding Cambodia the land on which the ancient Preah Vihear temple stands marked a new low point in relations, and other border territory remained claimed by both countries. Fighting erupted in 2011 at Preah Vihaer, after which the ICJ in 2013 reaffirmed its earlier ruling, rankling Thailand. Relations deteriorated again sharply in May this year, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in a brief fracas in one of the disputed border zones, setting off diplomatic and trade sanctions, one against the other. Soon after two incidents last month in which Thai soldiers were wounded by land mines in disputed territory — for which Thailand blamed Cambodia — the two sides downgraded diplomatic relations and fighting broke out, each side blaming the other for starting the armed clashes. The talks this week will include finalizing details and scope of reference for an ASEAN monitoring team, Malaysian Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Mohamad Nizam Jaffar said Monday. Despite some reports of attacks after the ceasefire came into effect, Nizam said such incidents were typical spillover violence and both sides showed strong commitment during Monday's talks to uphold the ceasefire. The main session of the General Border Committee on Thursday will be led by Thai Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanit and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seih, who also serves as deputy prime minister, and include observers from Malaysia, the United States and China, officials said. Despite the truce, tensions have persisted as both countries organized tours of the former battle areas for foreign diplomats and other observers to highlight damage allegedly caused by the other side. The two countries also continue to accuse each other of having violated international humanitarian laws with attacks on civilians and the use of illegal weapons. The battles are now fought on the propaganda front The propaganda war continues with accusations, denials, and cries of “fake news,” while supporters of each side also tangle on social media. Each side has blamed the other for starting the fighting and for indiscriminately targeting civilian sites with long-range weapons such as artillery and rockets, and using prohibited weapons. The hottest issue is Cambodia's allegations that Thailand has mistreated and tortured a squad of captured Cambodian soldiers. Two wounded members of the 20-man Cambodian group were repatriated on Friday. However, Thai officials said Monday that the soldiers “qualify as prisoners of war” and “will be released and repatriated only when the armed conflict ends,” which it considers a separate matter from last week’s ceasefire. Thai military spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri said at a news briefing Monday that Thailand has invited representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, and the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, OHCHR, “to visit the detained Cambodian soldiers on site.” Cambodia had called for such access. Neither the ICRC nor the OHCHR responded to a query from The Associated Press asking about any communications with the two governments. Cambodia's king formalizes former leader Hun Sen's military role A surprise statement on Monday night in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh announced that Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree authorizing the country’s influential former leader Hun Sen to work together with his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, in guiding military and national defense affairs. The king’s decree said he was acting because the nation "is suffering from serious violations and threats to its territorial integrity by the Thai soldiers, and in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of Cambodia.” King Sihamoni generally keeps a low profile and exercises no political power or influence, taking no initiative in any state or government work. The 72-year-old Hun Sen, who is very active on social media, maintained a high profile during the fighting, urging his country’s soldiers and hurling invective at Thailand and its leaders. He was once a guerrilla fighter with the Communist Khmer Rouge. It was not clear why Hun Sen would need or want authorization from King Sihamoni, since there has been no open dissent inside the country criticizing his actions during the conflict. The decree appeared to be a response to foreign news stories suggesting Hun Sen was usurping his son’s authority. Hun Sen seemed to confirm this, saying on Facebook that he was exercising his rights as a five-star general with experience “to fight the thieves who invaded my country," after noting criticism from Thai media.

At least 68 African migrants lost their lives and 74 others remain unaccounted for after a boat carrying them capsized off Yemen’s coast on Sunday, according to the United Nations migration agency. The incident adds to a growing number of deadly shipwrecks in the region, where migrants—mainly from Africa—risk dangerous sea journeys in hopes of reaching the oil-rich Gulf nations to escape conflict and poverty. The boat, carrying 154 Ethiopian nationals, sank in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen’s southern Abyan province early Sunday, said Abdusattor Esoev, the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Yemen. He confirmed that 54 bodies were recovered along the Khanfar district shoreline, while another 14 were taken to a hospital morgue in Zinjibar, Abyan’s provincial capital. Only 12 people are known to have survived the disaster. The remaining passengers are presumed dead. Abyan’s security authorities reported a large-scale search and rescue operation due to the high number of casualties. They noted that bodies were found scattered along a broad stretch of coastline. In recent months, hundreds of migrants have died or gone missing in similar tragedies near Yemen. In one March incident, four boats capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti, leaving at least two dead and 186 missing. The IOM reported that over 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024—a decrease from 97,200 in 2023—likely due to increased maritime patrols.

On Sunday, far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited and prayed at Jerusalem's most volatile religious site, prompting regional backlash and concerns that the visit could inflame an already tense situation. Meanwhile, Gaza hospitals reported that Israeli fire killed 33 Palestinians attempting to access food aid. As international criticism mounts over dire, famine-like conditions in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Ben-Gvir's appearance at the disputed Jerusalem compound further jeopardizes efforts by global mediators to end Israel’s nearly two-year-long military campaign. The site—known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary—is sacred to both religions. It houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, and is where ancient Jewish temples once stood. While Jews may visit the compound under police escort, religious prayer by non-Muslims is banned under a longstanding status quo. Ben-Gvir’s visit followed the release of distressing videos by Hamas showing emaciated Israeli hostages. These clips sparked outrage across Israel and increased pressure on the government to negotiate the release of the roughly 50 remaining hostages taken during Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, assault—an attack that ignited the current war. During his visit, Ben-Gvir repeated calls for Israel to annex Gaza and for the voluntary emigration of Palestinians—comments seen as inflammatory and disruptive to peace negotiations. His prior visits to the site have sparked violence and contributed to the 2021 war between Israel and Hamas. Sunday's visit was denounced by Palestinian leaders, Jordan (custodian of Al-Aqsa), Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. In Yemen, Houthi rebels claimed to have launched three drones toward Israel, although Israel's military said it intercepted one suspicious aerial object. Outrage Over Hostage Videos Hamas and Islamic Jihad released videos of hostages describing dire conditions, including lack of food. The footage sparked widespread protests in Tel Aviv, urging both Israel and the U.S. to push for a hostage deal. Israel's U.N. delegation called for an emergency Security Council session on the hostage issue, set for Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of using the footage to manipulate public opinion and said talks with the Red Cross were underway to ensure food and medical help for the hostages. The Red Cross condemned the videos and demanded access to the captives. Hamas indicated it would allow food deliveries to hostages if aid routes were reliably opened. Right-wing Israeli politicians argued the videos prove Hamas must be decisively defeated. Deadly Incidents Near Food Aid Sites The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that an employee died after Israeli shelling hit its office. Israel said it was investigating the claim. The Red Cross condemned the rising toll of aid workers killed during the war. Hospitals in Gaza said Israeli forces fatally shot at least 33 Palestinians trying to obtain food on Sunday. Witnesses described chaotic scenes with gunfire erupting as desperate crowds approached aid centers. One witness, Yousef Abed, said he couldn’t assist injured people due to the ongoing shooting. Two hospitals reported receiving bodies from routes leading to Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid points, including 11 fatalities in Teina near Khan Younis. Three eyewitnesses, including one who traveled through Teina, told AP that Israeli troops opened fire in areas designated as military zones. The Israeli army claimed no knowledge of casualties from its operations near aid sites, while GHF denied any gunfire occurred near its locations. According to the U.N., 859 people have died near GHF sites since late May, with many others killed on roads used by U.N.-coordinated food convoys. GHF said its contractors only use pepper spray or warning shots when needed to prevent deadly overcrowding. Israel’s military also denied using live fire, attributing deaths to other factors. Rising Starvation Deaths Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that six adults died of malnutrition in the past day, bringing the adult starvation death toll to 82 in just over a month. Since the war began, 93 children have died from hunger-related causes, according to the ministry. These figures are not counted among general war fatalities. Although Israel recently increased aid flow—allowing in 1,200 trucks and airdropping supplies—the U.N. says this is far from enough, noting that 500–600 trucks are needed daily to meet humanitarian needs. The war, sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251, has resulted in over 60,800 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, its figures are widely regarded as reliable by the U.N. and humanitarian organizations. Israel disputes the figures but has not released alternative data.