Israeli forces have carried out new attacks in several areas of the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Local sources reported that Israeli troops shelled the eastern and southern parts of Khan Younis, with heavy gunfire coming from military vehicles positioned in those areas. Additional shelling was reported in the eastern section of the Al-Bureij refugee camp, causing panic among residents.

In Gaza City, Israeli warships reportedly fired shells toward the coastal area. The report did not mention any casualties or injuries resulting from these attacks. The incidents mark a continuation of Israeli military operations across multiple parts of Gaza.

As of now, no official statements or casualty figures have been released, leaving the full extent of the damage and impact unclear.

Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal European critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, a stance that has placed Madrid at odds with the United States and several of Washington’s allies. Alongside its criticism, Spain has renewed calls for the creation of a permanent European Union army, urging Europe to reduce its military dependence on the United States.

The situation has raised questions about the current state of relations between Washington and Madrid, as well as Spain’s position among U.S. allies. In an interview on Al Jazeera’s ‘UpFront’ program this week, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares discussed Spain’s foreign policy, its commitment to international law, and the present condition of its relationship with the United States.

The discussion highlights Spain’s effort to balance its foreign policy principles with its transatlantic partnerships amid growing divisions over the Gaza conflict.

At Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), efforts are underway to relax existing rules for promoting employees to officer positions, reportedly in violation of university regulations. Multiple sources confirmed that the issue may be discussed at the upcoming syndicate meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The agenda could include a proposal to remove conditions for employees who were previously promoted to officer roles and now seek further advancement to deputy registrar or equivalent positions.

According to syndicate records, a prior decision allowed upgraded officers to be promoted further through additional upgradations, increasing the limit from two to three. However, a condition required those with a third division in public exams to have one extra year of work experience. Some of the upgraded officers are now pressing to abolish that condition, allegedly with support from senior administrators. Teachers and long-serving officers have criticized the move, warning it could undermine administrative standards and fairness in promotions.

Syndicate member Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury stated that no decision outside university and government law is acceptable, while Vice-Chancellor Dr. A. M. Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury said he is reviewing the matter.

Venezuela has deported former industry minister and close associate of ousted president Nicolás Maduro, Alex Saab, to the United States for the second time. The country’s immigration authorities confirmed the move on Saturday, stating that Saab, a Colombian national, faces allegations of involvement in various criminal activities in the United States that have drawn international attention.

According to a statement from Venezuela’s immigration administration, the decision to expel Saab was based on these allegations. News agency AFP reported that Saab, born in Colombia, developed close ties with the Venezuelan government during the final years of Hugo Chávez’s rule and later managed a major import network under Maduro’s administration. He was accused of acting as an intermediary and money launderer to support Maduro’s government and was granted Venezuelan citizenship and a diplomatic passport for his services.

Saab was first arrested in Cape Verde in 2020 on charges of money laundering and corruption before being extradited to the United States.

British political biographer Anthony Seldon, who has chronicled at least eight prime ministers over the past decade, says the rapid turnover of leaders has made his work increasingly difficult. Once able to study long-serving premiers in depth, Seldon now finds himself racing to keep up with constant political upheaval. The latest turbulence surrounds Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose leadership is under threat after severe local election losses in England, Scotland, and Wales. Seldon fears the UK could see its sixth prime minister in seven years by August, when his biography of Rishi Sunak is due for release.

The instability reflects deeper national challenges. The UK has struggled to recover from the 2008 financial crisis, with stagnant wages, post-pandemic inflation, and Brexit-related economic decline. Political fragmentation has also eroded the traditional two-party dominance, as smaller parties gain ground across the nations. Analysts and academics cited in the report describe Starmer as principled but lacking charisma and a clear narrative, while some Labour MPs are rallying around Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential successor.

A by-election in Makerfield will test Labour’s strength and could determine whether the party stabilizes or faces deeper crisis.

US President Donald Trump is under growing political pressure over the ongoing war against Iran, as public support for the conflict has dropped below half. Multiple opinion polls show only 30 to 40 percent of Americans back the war, a level analysts compare to the final phase of the Vietnam War. Rising fuel prices across the country have further fueled public dissatisfaction, with gasoline now exceeding $4.50 per gallon in many areas.

In California, where most oil is imported, prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, intensifying economic strain on households. Analysts say the surge in energy costs is directly affecting daily expenses and creating significant political pressure on the Trump administration. Responding to reporters, Trump said his focus was on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons rather than on Americans’ financial concerns.

The comment, widely broadcast on US television, has drawn negative reactions from citizens facing financial hardship. Political analysts warn that the situation could pose serious challenges for Trump’s Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections, with the risk of losing control of both chambers of Congress.

OpenAI and the Government of Malta have announced a partnership that will provide every citizen and resident free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year. The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, marks OpenAI’s first collaboration with a national government. Access will be granted through a government-led AI literacy program, with participants required to complete a free online course titled “AI for All,” developed by the University of Malta. The first phase of the program is scheduled to launch in May, and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority will oversee the distribution of subscriptions.

According to the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, the course aims to help people understand what artificial intelligence is, its capabilities and limitations, and how to use it responsibly in daily life and work. Malta’s Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, said the initiative combines education with access to advanced digital tools to make AI practical for families, students, and workers. George Osborne, head of OpenAI for Countries, described the partnership as a model for how nations can empower citizens to benefit from AI’s transformative potential.

The announcement places Malta among a growing number of governments exploring ways to integrate AI into public education and services, following similar initiatives in Iceland, Greece, and the United Kingdom.

Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has warned that the United States and Israel appear to be repeating their past mistakes. His comment came on Saturday in response to a New York Times report claiming that Washington and Tel Aviv are preparing for renewed military strikes against Iran.

In a post on social media platform X, Ulyanov said that if the report is accurate, it shows both countries have failed to learn from their previous strategic errors. The New York Times report noted that US President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision but has been presented with several options. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last week that the United States has plans ready to escalate the situation if necessary.

The statements highlight growing tensions surrounding potential military action against Iran, with Russia publicly cautioning against what it views as a repeat of earlier missteps.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to resign amid severe political instability in the United Kingdom. According to a report by the Daily Mail citing multiple close sources, Starmer intends to step down on his own terms and will soon announce a specific timetable for his departure. A cabinet member told the outlet that Starmer believes the current chaotic situation cannot continue and wishes to leave with dignity at a time of his choosing.

The Labour Party government is facing mounting public dissatisfaction, driven by controversies including the appointment of Peter Mandelson and his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the party’s poor performance in local elections. These issues have intensified calls for Starmer’s resignation.

The latest blow came with the resignation of former Health Minister Wes Streeting, who announced that he would challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership, signaling his intention to enter the race to become the next prime minister. Streeting has also urged Starmer to set a clear timetable for his exit.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Karina Kaiser, daughter of renowned footballer Kaiser Hamid and a popular content creator and social media influencer. The minister conveyed his condolences in a message issued on Sunday, praying for the departed soul and extending sympathy to her bereaved family members.

According to the report, Karina Kaiser had been suffering from liver complications and other health issues. She passed away on Friday while undergoing advanced medical treatment in Chennai, India. Her death has drawn attention due to her prominence as both a digital content creator and the daughter of a well-known sports figure.

The minister’s message highlighted official recognition of her passing, reflecting the impact of her work and public presence in Bangladesh’s online community.

Tunisia and Turkey have officially announced the date for Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals. Both countries stated that the celebration will take place on May 27, following the start of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah on May 18. According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Gulf News reported that Tunisia became the first country in the world to formally declare the date of Eid al-Adha this year. Turkey, meanwhile, determined the date based on astronomical calculations rather than moon sighting, continuing its long-standing practice of using scientific methods to set Islamic months and religious observances.

Separately, the International Astronomy Center in Abu Dhabi indicated that the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah might be visible on May 17 in parts of East Asia, South Africa, and South America, suggesting that most countries could also celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam will attend the funeral prayer of recently deceased July activist Karina Kaiser at the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday night at 10 p.m. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and other senior leaders are also expected to join, according to the party’s central election committee media secretary Yasir Arafat.

Nasiruddin Patwari stated on his verified Facebook account that Karina Kaiser, described as a fellow July activist, has passed away. He announced three funeral prayers: after Maghrib at Banani DOHS field, after Esha at Banani Darbar Sharif, and at 10 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar. He urged all supporters, especially July activists and anti-fascist political groups, to attend the final prayer at Shaheed Minar.

Karina Kaiser, a content creator and actress, died in India while undergoing treatment for liver complications. Her body is being brought back to Bangladesh today, and she will be buried in Munshiganj on Monday after the funeral prayers.

Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has died in Chennai, India, after suffering from liver complications and other health issues. Her body was flown to Dhaka on Friday afternoon via a US-Bangla Airlines flight. According to family sources, three funeral prayers were scheduled in the capital: the first after Maghrib at Banani DOHS Jame Mosque, the second at 8 p.m. at Banani Darbar Sharif Mosque, and the third at 10 p.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, where fans and colleagues could pay their respects.

A fourth funeral prayer will be held on Monday morning in Abdullahpur, Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj, followed by burial at the family graveyard. Karina gained wide popularity among young audiences through her lively social media presence and realistic content. She also worked in OTT productions and television dramas, earning recognition as both an actress and screenwriter. Her notable works include the web series “Internship” and the film “36-24-36.”

Her untimely death has cast a shadow over the cultural community, with colleagues, directors, and fans expressing grief and condolences online.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld the bail of former Narayanganj mayor Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy in murder cases. On Sunday, the chamber court, led by Justice Md. Rezaul Haque, issued a 'no order' on the state’s petition seeking to suspend the High Court’s bail orders in two separate murder cases filed with Siddhirganj Police Station.

As a result, Ivy’s bail remains valid in all 12 cases filed against her. According to her lawyers, there are now no legal barriers to her release from custody. Senior lawyers Motahar Hossain Saju and S.M. Siddiqur Rahman represented Ivy in court, while Deputy Attorney General Syeda Sazia Sharmin appeared for the state.

Ivy’s legal team stated that the process of sending the court’s bail confirmation and related documents to prison authorities is underway. They expect that, after completing formalities, she will be released from Kashimpur Central Jail within the current week.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam has accused the interim government of severely damaging the capital’s environmental and urban progress. Speaking on Sunday at a discussion titled “Integrated Environmental Management: Forest, Environment, River and Urbanization” organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the National Press Club, he said the city had been set back 18 years in just 18 months due to poor planning and lack of coordination.

Salam criticized the interim government’s environmental management, citing worsening traffic congestion, air pollution, and unplanned urbanization. He stressed that speeches alone would not solve environmental problems without effective implementation. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the city corporation, including a 15-day mosquito survey, a pilot project for underground utility lines in Dhanmondi, and plans to modernize waste management through foreign partnerships.

He urged citizens to take responsibility alongside the city authorities, emphasizing that half of Dhaka’s improvement depends on public awareness. Salam called for social resistance against theft of public property and collective efforts to transform Dhaka’s image.