The United States has welcomed the interim government’s measures to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. “We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That’s what we’re watching. That’s what we expect. And that will be what continues,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a regular press briefing in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. 

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza on Wednesday published a new death toll from the war with Israel, showing an additional 970 deaths in 48 hours, after Israel intensified deadly strikes on the territory. The death toll from the war in the Gaza recorded by the ministry at midday on Monday (1000 GMT) stood at 48,577. By midday on Wednesday, the figure had risen to 49,547, it said, reports AFP.

The administration of President Donald Trump was consulted on Monday (17 March) by Israel on its deadly strikes in Gaza, a White House spokesperson told Fox News` "Hannity" show. "The Trump administration and the White House were consulted by the Israelis on their attacks in Gaza tonight," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview.

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 330 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials. The surprise bombardment threatened to wreck the ceasefire in place since January and fully reignite the 17-month-old war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel`s actions.