Israel kills 30 Palestinians across Gaza, 5 in al-Mawasi ‘safe zone’
Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed at least 30 Palestinians across Gaza, including five in al-Mawasi, an area designated a “humanitarian zone.” The UN warned Israel’s expanded push into Gaza City marks a “new and dangerous phase” of the war, Al Jazeera reported.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged annexing Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm. Israel also acknowledged killing two Lebanese soldiers near Ras an-Naqoura, citing a drone malfunction.
According to Al Jazeera, the war has so far killed nearly 63,000 people in Gaza and left more than 159,000 wounded.
Germany tells nationals to leave Iran, fearing retaliation over sanctions
Germany has advised its nationals to leave Iran and avoid travel there, warning of possible retaliatory actions from Tehran. The alert follows Berlin’s decision, along with Britain and France, to trigger a 30-day process to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program, according to Reuters.
The German Foreign Ministry said Iranian officials have threatened consequences, raising risks for German citizens and interests in the country. It also noted that the German Embassy in Tehran is operating with limited capacity to provide consular support.
Powerful US senators arrives in Taiwan to discuss security
US Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer arrived in Taipei on Friday to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Taiwan amid growing Chinese military pressure. Wicker, chair of the Armed Services Committee, said the visit highlights the long-standing security partnership and praised Taiwan’s determination to remain free, according to Reuters.
The senators will meet President Lai Ching-te later in the day, ahead of a US Senate debate on the $1trn defense bill that includes new provisions on Taiwan.
Beijing condemned the visit, reiterating its claim over the island as it prepares a major military parade attended by Russian and North Korean leaders, Reuters reported.
India export ban turns Bangladesh land ports 'unprofitable and inactive', to be shut
Bangladesh will close three land ports—Chilahati in Nilphamari, Daulatganj in Chuadanga, and Tegamukh in Rangamati—and suspend operations at Balla in Habiganj after a government committee found them inactive and unprofitable due to low trade, Firstpost reported.
Chief Adviser Yunus said many ports were approved for political reasons but saw little activity, imposing unnecessary costs on taxpayers. The committee also noted that Balla’s lack of infrastructure and poor road connectivity on the Indian side made cross-border trade impractical.
According to Firstpost, the decision follows India’s suspension of a transshipment facility that previously allowed Bangladeshi exports via Indian land routes.
