United News of Bangladesh

The death toll in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 60,000 Palestinians, according to figures released Tuesday by Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry, operating under the Hamas-run administration, reported that 60,034 people have been killed and another 145,870 wounded since the war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. While the ministry did not break down how many of the dead were civilians or combatants, it has previously stated that women and children account for roughly half of the fatalities. The ministry is staffed by medical professionals, and its casualty data is widely considered credible by the United Nations and other international observers. Gaza Faces Worsening Humanitarian CatastropheIsrael’s military campaign has devastated large parts of Gaza, displacing around 90% of the population and pushing the territory toward what humanitarian organizations are calling a worst-case famine scenario. In the last 24 hours alone, at least 77 Palestinians have been killed, many while attempting to access humanitarian aid, according to local hospitals. Among the dead were 33 people shot near an aid convoy in southern Gaza on Monday, raising the toll from that incident to 58 fatalities. Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on the shootings. The Israeli military maintains it targets only Hamas militants and blames civilian casualties on the group's presence in populated areas. The army said recent strikes focused on rocket launchers, weapons depots, and underground tunnels. Another 14 people were killed near a humanitarian aid distribution point supported by the U.S. and Israel, local sources reported. Both the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) and Israeli military declined to comment. The IDF has previously claimed to only fire warning shots if troops feel threatened, while GHF insists its contractors do not engage civilians. Separately, an Israeli airstrike on displacement tents in Nuseirat killed 30 people, including 12 children and 14 women, according to Al-Awda hospital. Israeli Official Rejects Accusations of "Starvation Policy"Responding to growing international criticism, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied allegations that Israel is using starvation as a war tactic, calling such claims “distorted” and part of a pressure campaign that undermines ceasefire efforts. “This narrative is only hardening Hamas’s position and making peace talks more difficult,” Saar said. Peace negotiations have stalled in recent days, with both the U.S. and Israel withdrawing their delegations. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during their October 7 assault and took 251 hostages. Roughly 50 remain in captivity, with about 20 believed to be alive. The conflict escalated further in early March when Israel sealed off Gaza for over two months, cutting off all aid and launching new military offensives to pressure Hamas. Since then, at least 8,867 Palestinians have died. Though Israel eased the blockade in May, UN agencies report severe obstacles to delivering aid, citing ongoing restrictions and lawlessness on the ground. An alternative aid route backed by Israel and operated by a U.S. contractor has also faced violence and logistical challenges. Health System Collapsing, Hunger Crisis DeepensGaza’s already fragile health system has been pushed to the brink, with numerous hospitals either shut down or barely functional. Constant airstrikes have hit schools, hospitals, shelters, and residential areas, often resulting in mass casualties. While Israel says militants often hide among civilians, it has occasionally acknowledged operational errors. The hunger crisis is worsening. According to the World Health Organization, more than 60 people died from malnutrition-related causes this month alone, including 24 children under the age of five. Overall, 88 children and 58 adults have died due to malnutrition since the war began. Experts warn that many of these deaths result not only from starvation, but from weakened immune systems unable to withstand illness or injury. The Gaza Health Ministry notes that hunger-related fatalities are not included in the official death toll.  

A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appeared to hold on Tuesday, even as tensions simmered following recent deadly clashes along the border. The truce, brokered under U.S. pressure, was aimed at stopping violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands. The agreement, reached in Malaysia, officially began at midnight, but was immediately challenged by accusations. The Thai military claimed Cambodia launched new attacks early Tuesday, while Cambodian officials denied any violations. Later, Thai military spokespeople confirmed hostilities had ceased after commanders from both sides held talks. They agreed to freeze troop movements, prevent escalation, and create coordination teams ahead of a joint border meeting on August 4 in Cambodia. Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha acknowledged some “incidents” during the ceasefire’s rollout but emphasized that Cambodian forces had respected the deal. He said Cambodia would invite international observers, including diplomats and military attachés, to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, Thailand formally protested Cambodia’s alleged violations to Malaysia, the U.S., and China. Despite the tension, calm has returned to parts of the border, with many of the 260,000 people displaced by the conflict starting to go back home. The ceasefire followed a meeting on Monday between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, during which they agreed to end fighting unconditionally. The meeting, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN chair, was hailed as a key step toward peace. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the truce, stating that both nations must fully commit to ending the violence. Hun Manet said former President Donald Trump called to express support and promised U.S. involvement in monitoring the ceasefire alongside Malaysia. Trump also called Phumtham upon his return to Bangkok, offering to advance trade negotiations with Thailand. The ceasefire comes just days before the U.S. is expected to announce new tariff decisions. Both Cambodia and Thailand have been heavily affected by tariffs stemming from Trump’s trade policies, with 36% duties on exports set to begin Friday. Trump previously warned that trade talks would be halted if fighting continued, adding pressure on both governments to agree to peace. Border Residents Still Anxious Though the ceasefire has brought temporary calm, those living along the long-disputed 800-kilometer (500-mile) border remain cautious. Fighting broke out last Thursday after a landmine wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been escalating since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in an earlier incident. In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchay province, resident Soklang Slay expressed concern about future violence, blaming Thailand for initiating conflict and accusing them of trying to seize ancient border temples. His family had built a bunker but fled after intense shelling. In Thailand’s Surin province, village chief Kritsada Jindasri reported hearing heavy gunfire before the ceasefire took effect. “We’re still on edge. It’s too early to trust that it will hold,” he said. His brother, who recently returned home, echoed the sentiment: “I don’t feel safe yet. If the fighting resumes, I’ll leave again.” Experts Warn Peace Is Fragile Analysts say the ceasefire is delicate and heavily influenced by geopolitical and economic pressures. Cambodian political researcher Kokthay Eng credited Trump’s use of trade leverage for helping de-escalate the crisis but warned that long-term peace depends on broader reforms, including U.S. tariff relief. Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asian political expert, added that while the truce offers a break in violence, the core issues remain unresolved. She stressed the need for an official border demarcation process to prevent future conflict. “It’s just a pause,” she said. “Unless the underlying tensions are addressed, peace won’t last.”

A major trade agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has helped avoid a deeper conflict by setting a 15% tariff on most European imports, instead of the 30% Trump had threatened if no agreement was reached by August 1. While the deal prevents a trade war, it will still increase costs for U.S. consumers and reduce profits for European exporters due to higher import taxes. Key Takeaways From the Agreement: Major Uncertainties Remain The announcement, made during Trump’s visit to Scotland, lacks specifics. A 15% tariff will apply to most EU imports into the U.S., including vehicles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. This is lower than the previously proposed rates of 20%, 30%, or even 50%. Both sides agreed to remove tariffs entirely on certain "strategic" items — like aircraft parts, specific chemicals, semiconductor machinery, select farm goods, and raw materials — though exact items weren’t named. Von der Leyen said more products may be added in future talks. US and EU reach an ‘across the board’ agreement on tariffs Additionally, the EU will buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy, including gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, to reduce dependence on Russia. European investments in the U.S. are also expected to increase by $600 billion, although details on funding sources were unclear. Some Tariffs Stay, and New Ones May Follow Trump confirmed the 50% tariff on imported steel remains, though talks will continue on reducing tariffs, combating steel oversupply, and setting import limits. Pharmaceuticals were excluded from the current deal, with discussions on that topic set aside. Von der Leyen noted that not all agricultural tariffs could be reduced but didn’t specify which products were protected. Tariffs Still Higher Than Normal Although the deal lowers the threat of a 30% tariff, the new 15% rate is well above pre-Trump trade levels, which averaged around 1%. Businesses now face the challenge of either passing on those extra costs to consumers or absorbing them through lower profit margins. The higher tariffs are expected to hurt European export earnings and slow economic growth. In fact, the EU had already cut its 2024 growth forecast from 1.3% to 0.9% due to earlier 10% tariffs during negotiations. Von der Leyen called the agreement the best outcome possible, providing much-needed stability and continued access to the U.S. market. Mixed Reactions in Europe German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the agreement for avoiding further conflict but said he had hoped for more tariff relief. The Federation of German Industries was more critical, warning that even a 15% tariff would have severe consequences for Germany’s export-heavy economy. ING Bank economist Carsten Brzeski pointed out that the lack of a formal written deal remains a major caveat. Still, he noted the agreement eased a significant risk to the global economy. Automakers Brace for Impact Asked whether European car manufacturers could manage under the new 15% rate, von der Leyen said it's a relief compared to the current 27.5% rate, which combines a 25% Trump-era tariff with a 2.5% existing duty. Despite that, carmakers are expected to take a hit. Volkswagen, for example, reported a €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) drop in profits in the first half of the year due to higher tariffs. Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. are holding 2025 model prices steady for now but expect significant price hikes in the future. The brand assembles 35% of its U.S. vehicles in Alabama, offering limited tariff protection. A Longstanding Trade Imbalance Before Trump’s presidency, the U.S. and EU had one of the world’s most stable trade relationships, with tariffs averaging under 1.5%. However, Trump has long criticized the EU’s €198 billion trade surplus with the U.S., claiming European markets are unfairly closed to American vehicles. Despite the goods trade gap, U.S. firms outperform in services — like tech, legal, and financial sectors — and many European imports come from American-owned subsidiaries, helping to balance the broader trade relationship.

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies have declared the formation of a separate government in territories they control, primarily in the Darfur region—an area already under scrutiny for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The announcement, made Saturday, is expected to intensify the country's ongoing conflict, which erupted in 2023 when tensions between Sudan’s military and the RSF broke out into full-scale fighting in Khartoum and across the country. The new administration, formed by the RSF-led Tasis Alliance, has appointed RSF leader Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as head of a 15-member sovereign council, effectively making him the leader of the breakaway state. The RSF evolved from the Janjaweed militias, which were mobilized in the early 2000s by then-President Omar al-Bashir to suppress ethnic groups in Darfur. These militias were accused of committing mass atrocities including killings and sexual violence. In the current conflict, the RSF has been blamed for widespread abuses. The U.S. government has sanctioned Dagalo, accusing the RSF and its affiliates of carrying out acts of genocide—allegations the RSF denies. The announcement came via a video statement from Nyala, a city in Darfur under RSF control, delivered by alliance spokesperson Alaa al-Din Naqd. In the newly declared government, Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi—a former member of Sudan’s post-2019 transitional council—is named prime minister. Rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu, who heads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), was appointed as Dagalo’s deputy. The SPLM-N is active in the southern Kordofan region and split from the ruling party of South Sudan. This development follows the February signing of a charter in Nairobi, Kenya, by the RSF and its allies, outlining their intent to establish a parallel government in areas under their control. That move was widely condemned by the international community, including the United States, which rejected the RSF’s so-called “transitional constitution.” Sudan’s internationally recognized government in Khartoum denounced the RSF announcement, calling it a “fake government” and urging global actors not to recognize or engage with the RSF-led administration. Political figures, including rebel leader Yasir Arman, warned that the creation of rival governments could further fragment Sudan, drawing parallels to the division in neighboring Libya.

On Sunday, the Israeli military implemented daily 10-hour pauses in military activity across three heavily populated areas in Gaza—Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi—to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, as famine concerns intensify and criticism of Israel’s handling of the war increases. The "tactical pause," in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., is intended to improve the flow of aid into the region, according to the Israeli military. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher welcomed the move, calling it a step toward a broader week-long increase in aid access. However, he emphasized the need for continued and large-scale efforts. “Whichever path we choose, we must continue allowing at least minimal humanitarian supplies,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel begins limited pause in Gaza fighting amid mounting hunger crisis Photos of severely malnourished children have sparked international condemnation, including from allies urging an end to the war. Israel has restricted aid over concerns—without public evidence—that Hamas diverts it to maintain power. With more than 2 million people in increasingly confined spaces, much of Gaza's population depends on humanitarian assistance. Despite the pauses, Israeli military operations continued in other areas. Health officials in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 41 people between Saturday night and Sunday, including 26 individuals who were seeking aid. Unequal Access to AidPalestinian resident Sabreen Hassona said she struggled to find food for her children and was only able to get a small amount of rice. Others, like Samira Yahya in central Gaza, saw planes overhead but received no aid. Some feared that airdropped packages could injure their children. The Israeli military said it airdropped 28 aid packages and was working with the UN and other agencies to establish safe delivery routes. The UN World Food Program noted it had food supplies sufficient for nearly three months for the entire Gaza population but said almost half a million people face famine-like conditions. WFP director Antoine Renard confirmed that 80 WFP trucks had entered Gaza, with over 130 more arriving through Jordan, Ashdod, and Egypt. Yet, he stressed that this aid remains insufficient to address current hunger levels. The World Health Organization reported 63 hunger-related deaths in July, including 24 children under five. Dr. Muneer al-Boursh from Gaza’s Health Ministry urged for immediate and massive deliveries of medical supplies for malnourished children. “Unless this truce becomes a real chance to save lives, it’s meaningless,” he said. “Every delay equals another funeral.” Ceasefire Talks in JeopardyEfforts toward a ceasefire appeared to stall as both Israel and the U.S. withdrew negotiators from Qatar last week, blaming Hamas. Israel has said it will end the war only if Hamas agrees to disarm, surrender, and go into exile—demands the group has rejected. Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the group had shown "maximum flexibility." Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawi accused Israel of only shifting its approach to ease international criticism, not to save Palestinian lives. Ongoing Challenges with Aid DeliveryAfter a March ceasefire ended, Israel halted most aid to Gaza for over two months to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, though more than half are presumed dead. In May, Israel eased the blockade slightly, allowing an average of 69 trucks per day—far below the 500–600 daily trucks the UN says are needed. UN agencies say aid trucks are often overwhelmed by desperate crowds and gangs. To bypass UN control, Israel has supported a U.S.-registered group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which opened four aid distribution centers in May. The UN reports that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed trying to reach food near these sites since then. Israel accuses the UN of allowing Hamas to steal aid—a claim the UN strongly denies. “Gaza isn’t an isolated island,” said Kate Phillips-Barrasso of Mercy Corps. “The infrastructure exists to prevent starvation—we just need secure, ongoing access.” Fatalities in Aid QueuesAwda Hospital in Nuseirat reported that Israeli troops killed at least 13 people, including four children and a woman, and injured over 100 as they tried to reach a GHF aid site. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots to deter a “gathering of suspects” near the area before distribution hours. Elsewhere, 13 people were killed while seeking aid, including in northwestern Gaza City and near the Zikim crossing, where dozens more were injured, according to local health workers. Two Israeli soldiers were also killed in recent fighting, bringing Israel’s military death toll to 898 since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Israel's counter-offensive has killed more than 59,700 Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry says, noting that over half the casualties are women and children. Though the ministry is under Hamas control, international bodies regard it as the most accurate source for casualty figures. On Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump described images of starving Gaza children as “terrible.”

Syria will hold parliamentary elections in September, the head of a body tasked with organizing the election process told state media Sunday. Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, told state news agency SANA that elections will take place between Sept. 15 and 20. They will be the first to take place under the country’s new authorities after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December. One third of the 210 seats will the appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, with the rest to be elected. In a recent interview with the Erem News site, another member of the elections committee, Hassan al-Daghim, said an electoral college will be set up in each of Syria’s provinces to vote for the elected seats. A temporary constitution signed by al-Sharaa in March called for a People’s Committee to be set up to serve as an interim parliament until a permanent constitution is adopted and general elections held, a process that could take years. The announcement of impending elections comes at a time when the country is increasingly divided in its views of the new authorities in Damascus after sectarian violence broke out in the southern province of Sweida earlier this month. The fighting killed hundreds of people and threatened to unravel Syria’s fragile postwar transition. The violent clashes, which broke out two weeks ago, were sparked by tit-for-tat kidnappings between armed Bedouin clans and fighters from the Druze religious minority. Syrian government forces intervened, ostensibly to end the fighting, but effectively sided with the clans. Some government fighters reportedly executed Druze civilians and burned and looted houses. Israel intervened, launching airstrikes on government forces and on the Defense Ministry headquarters. Israel said it was acting to defend the Druze minority.

The United States and the European Union reached a tariff deal Sunday after a brief meeting between President Donald Trump and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. A White House deadline was days away for imposing punishing import taxes on the 27-member EU, which is America’s leading global trading partner. “It was a very interesting negotiation. I think it’s going to be great for both parties,” Trump said. The make-or-break talks were meant to head off trade penalties — and promised retaliation from Europe — that could have sent shock waves through economies around the globe. Trump and von der Leyen held private talks at one of Trump’s golf courses in Scotland, then emerged a short time later saying they had reached an “across the board” agreement. In remarks before the session, Trump pledged to change what he characterized as “a very one-sided transaction, very unfair to the United States.” “I think the main sticking point is fairness,” he said while also noting, “We’ve had a hard time with trade with Europe, a very hard time.” Von der Leyen had said the U.S. and EU combined have the world’s largest trade volume, encompassing hundreds of millions of people and trillions of dollars. Trump said the stakes involved meant of making a deal, “We should give it a shot.” Von der Leyen said Trump was “known as a tough negotiator and dealmaker” which caused the president to interject with ”but fair.” She said that, if they are successful, “I think it would be the biggest deal each of us has ever struck.” For months, Trump has threatened most of the world with large tariffs in hopes of shrinking major U.S. trade deficits with many key trading partners. More recently, he had hinted that any deal with the EU would have to “buy down” the currently scheduled tariff rate of 30%. The Republican president pointed to a recent U.S. agreement with Japan that set tariff rates for many goods at 15% and suggested the EU could agree to something similar. Asked if he would be willing to accept tariff rates lower than that, Trump said “no.” As for the threat of retaliation from the Europeans, he said: “They’ll do what they have to do.” Their meeting came after Trump played golfed for the second straight day at his Turnberry course, this time with a group that included sons Eric and Donald Jr. The president’s five-day visit to Scotland is built around golf and promoting properties bearing his name. A small group of demonstrators at the course waved American flags and raised a sign criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who plans his own Turnberry meeting with Trump on Monday. Other voices could be heard cheering and chanting “Trump! Trump!” as he played nearby. On Tuesday, Trump will be in Aberdeen, in northeastern Scotland, where his family has another golf course and is opening a third next month. The president and his sons plan to help cut the ribbon on the new course. Joining von der Leyen were Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s chief trade negotiator; Björn Seibert, the head of von der Leyen’s Cabinet; Sabine Weyand, the commission’s directorate-general for trade, and Tomas Baert, head of the trade and agriculture at the EU’s delegation to the U.S. The deadline for the Trump administration to begin imposing tariffs has shifted in recent weeks but was now firm, the administration insisted. “No extensions, no more grace periods. Aug. 1, the tariffs are set, they’ll go into place, Customs will start collecting the money and off we go,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told “Fox News Sunday.” He added, however, that even after that “people can still talk to President Trump. I mean, he’s always willing to listen.” Without an agreement, the EU said it was prepared to retaliate with tariffs on hundreds of American products, ranging from beef and auto parts to beer and Boeing airplanes. If Trump eventually made good on his threat of tariffs against Europe, it could meant that everything from French cheese and Italian leather goods to German electronics and Spanish pharmaceuticals would be more expensive in the United States. The U.S. and Britain, meanwhile, announced a trade framework in May and a larger agreement last month during the Group of Seven meeting in Canada. Trump says that deal is concluded and that he and Starmer will discuss other matters — though the White House has suggested it still needs some polishing.

A deadly attack by Islamic State-affiliated rebels on a church compound in eastern Congo early Sunday has left at least 21 people dead, according to a local civil society representative. The assault, carried out by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) around 1 a.m., took place on the grounds of a Catholic church in the town of Komanda. In addition to the killings, several homes and shops were set on fire. "Over 21 people were shot dead both inside and outside the premises, and we’ve also found at least three burned bodies and numerous homes destroyed," said Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society coordinator, speaking to The Associated Press. He added that search efforts are still ongoing. The Congolese military spokesperson in Ituri province, where Komanda is located, confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in the incident.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee as violent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continued for a third day on Saturday, pushing the death toll to 32 and sparking concerns of a prolonged conflict. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency closed-door session Friday night in New York, while Malaysia — which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — urged both sides to halt hostilities and offered to mediate. Although no formal statement was issued, a diplomat familiar with the meeting said all 15 Security Council members urged restraint and called for a peaceful resolution. The Council also supported ASEAN’s role in helping end the border violence. Cambodia’s U.N. Ambassador Chhea Keo told reporters that his government was seeking an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and emphasized peaceful negotiations. In response to claims that Cambodia initiated the attacks, he questioned how a small country without an air force could possibly attack a larger and more powerful military like Thailand’s. UN Calls for Calm as Casualties MountKeo said the Security Council encouraged both nations to exercise maximum restraint, aligning with Cambodia’s own stance. Thailand’s U.N. representative did not speak to reporters after the meeting. According to Thailand’s Health Ministry, over 58,000 people have fled to emergency shelters in four border provinces. Cambodian authorities reported evacuating more than 23,000 people from affected areas on their side. Thailand has reported 19 deaths, mostly civilians, while Cambodia raised its own toll to 13 on Saturday. Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of war crimes, citing civilian casualties and damage to a hospital. He insisted that Thailand had shown “extreme restraint” in response to provocations. Land Mine Blast Sparks Fresh FightingThe recent escalation began Wednesday when a land mine explosion injured five Thai soldiers along the disputed border. By early Friday, fighting erupted in several locations, including near the contested Ta Muen Thom temple. The Thai military said Cambodian forces fired heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rockets. Thailand responded with what it called proportionate defensive fire. The Thai army reported six soldiers and 13 civilians killed, with dozens more wounded. Cambodia said seven civilians and five soldiers were also killed in the recent clashes. Cambodia’s Education Ministry said two Thai rockets hit a school in Oddar Meanchey province Friday, though no injuries were reported. All schools in the province were closed as a precaution. Thailand denied targeting civilian areas and accused Cambodia of placing weapons near populated zones to use civilians as shields. Civilians Flee as Violence SpreadsWith hostilities intensifying, residents on both sides of the border have been evacuating in large numbers. In Surin, Thailand, about 600 evacuees gathered in a university gymnasium, resting on mats and waiting for food and water. Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai, who fled with her cats, described hearing sudden explosions while doing laundry near the border. Another evacuee, Rattana Meeying, said the violence was worse than the 2011 border clashes. “I never imagined it would be this violent,” she said. In nearby provinces, windows were shattered at hospitals and injured soldiers arrived by truck. Thousands more residents packed belongings onto motorbikes and trucks as evacuation orders were issued. Across the border in Cambodia, villages near Oddar Meanchey stood empty, with many residents building makeshift bunkers or sheltering at remote temples. Some families fled in homemade tractors, while others, especially older men, refused to leave. At one temple-turned-shelter, villagers rested in hammocks or under plastic tents, surrounded by rice fields. “I want both governments to negotiate,” said 74-year-old farmer Veng Chin. “I want to go back to my home and my farm.” ASEAN Urges Ceasefire, Offers MediationThough ASEAN members rarely engage in direct armed conflict, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have flared intermittently, and Thailand has had previous skirmishes with neighboring Myanmar. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said both governments had agreed in principle to a ceasefire and troop withdrawal but requested more time to implement it. He said he had spoken with both Thai and Cambodian leaders and offered Malaysia’s support for mediation. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also appealed for restraint and emphasized resolving the dispute through diplomacy. Longstanding Border Dispute ReignitesThe 800-kilometer (500-mile) border between Thailand and Cambodia has long been disputed, but past confrontations have typically been short-lived. The last major flare-up in 2011 left 20 people dead. The current conflict began in May when a Cambodian soldier died during a confrontation, worsening diplomatic tensions. After a land mine injured Thai troops earlier this week, Thailand shut the border and expelled Cambodia’s ambassador, sparking renewed violence along the frontier.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that his government is exploring "alternative options" to the ongoing ceasefire discussions with Hamas. This comes after both Israel and the U.S. withdrew their negotiation teams, increasing doubts about the talks’ future. Netanyahu’s comments followed statements by a Hamas official who claimed talks would resume next week, suggesting that the delegations’ withdrawal was merely a tactic to increase pressure. Egypt and Qatar, the main mediators along with the U.S., also stated the pause was temporary but gave no date for when discussions would continue. On Thursday, the delegations exited Qatar as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas' latest response as lacking genuine commitment to a truce. He indicated the U.S. was also reviewing "alternative options," without specifying details. Echoing Witkoff’s remarks, Netanyahu accused Hamas of blocking a hostage deal and stated, “Together with our American partners, we’re considering alternative strategies to bring the hostages home, end Hamas’s rule of terror, and secure lasting peace for Israel and the region.” The Israeli government has not confirmed if talks will resume next week. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Talks Stall Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Experts warn the region is nearing famine after Israel’s months-long blockade, allowing only limited food supplies. Reports this month show a surge in deaths linked to malnutrition. Over two dozen Western-aligned nations and more than 100 humanitarian organizations have demanded an end to the conflict, criticizing Israel's blockade and a new system for aid delivery. Some groups say their own workers are struggling to access enough food. French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that France will recognize Palestine as a state, urging an immediate halt to the conflict to save civilian lives. Meanwhile, Jordan has sought permission to air-drop essential supplies into Gaza, including food and baby formula. Israeli and Jordanian officials said the Israeli military is coordinating the planned drops, which are expected soon. In Gaza City, desperate residents queued at a charity kitchen for watery lentil soup—one of the few remaining sources of food. The number of meals provided by such kitchens has dropped drastically from over a million daily in April to just 160,000, according to the U.N. “We haven’t had bread in three months,” said Riham Dwas, a woman waiting in line. “We survive on lentils from the charity kitchens, and sometimes we don’t even have that.” When there’s no food, she takes her children to the hospital for IV drips. Airstrike Kills Civilians at Shelter School An Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Friday, killing at least five people, including an 11-year-old boy, hospital officials reported. Mourners later carried the victims’ bodies from Shifa Hospital as grieving women cried and shouted. Taraji Adwan, who lost both her son and grandson in the attack, screamed in anguish, “Enough! End this war! Our children are dying from hunger, strikes, fear, and destruction. Enough, Hamas! Enough, Israel! Enough, world!” The Gaza Health Ministry stated that about 80 people have been killed since Thursday night, mostly in airstrikes, with nine deaths occurring during aid distribution. Core Disagreements Continue to Stall Talks Hamas official Bassem Naim said the Israeli team had left for consultations and was expected back next week to continue negotiations. He claimed progress had been made, noting that many issues—such as the sequencing of a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery—were nearly resolved. Egypt and Qatar also released a joint statement acknowledging progress and noting that it was common to pause negotiations for consultations. Despite weeks of talks in Qatar, breakthroughs have been elusive. A key point of contention is whether Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza after a truce is reached. The proposed agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 10 hostages alive and return the bodies of 18 others in stages. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and allow more aid into Gaza. Discussions on a permanent truce would follow. However, deep divisions remain: Hamas insists it will only release all hostages if Israel agrees to end the war and withdraw fully. Israel, in turn, demands that Hamas relinquish power and disarm—something Hamas refuses, though it has said it is willing to give up governance. Hamas is believed to be holding the remaining hostages in scattered locations, including tunnels. The group has reportedly ordered their guards to kill the hostages if Israeli forces attempt a rescue. Roughly 50 hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are believed to be alive. Their families are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress. “I had hope when I heard the Israeli negotiation team went to Doha,” said Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the hostages. “But now they’re back. I just wonder—when will this nightmare finally end?”