News from February 23, 2025 at 2 AM

Hamas announced it will investigate Israel's claims that the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas was not among the four returned by militants from Gaza on February 20. On its Telegram channel, Hamas stated it would take the situation seriously and inform mediators of the investigation results, also calling for the return of a Palestinian woman's remains. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of releasing an 'anonymous' body, violating the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hamas had claimed to hand over the bodies of three Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz to the Red Cross, but the Israeli army said the fourth body remained unidentified. On January 15, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with Hamas to release 33 hostages in the first phase.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis on Saturday, the Vatican stated. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is more unwell than the previous day, has received blood transfusions and is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Despite being alert and in his armchair, he requires high-flow oxygen, and his prognosis remains guarded. The Vatican has started issuing daily health updates, with the latest being the most stark and detailed yet. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties and has a history of lung issues. Catholics worldwide are closely monitoring his condition, as he has missed public appearances for two consecutive weeks.

US President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown and the replacement of five other senior US military officials, nominating retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine to take over. Brown was on an inspection at the US-Mexico border when he was sacked. Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Brown. Additionally, Trump replaced the Navy commander, Air Force vice chief, and other top officials, and plans to cut 5% to 8% of the Defense Department's civilian workforce to enhance efficiency and combat readiness.

On February 22, 2025, a knife attack in the eastern French city of Mulhouse resulted in one death and three police officers injured. A 37-year-old Algerian man was arrested at the scene, and a terrorist inquiry was initiated by the prosecutor as the suspect reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar', or 'God is great'. The man seriously injured two police officers, one in the neck and one in the chest, and a 69-year-old Portuguese man who attempted to intervene was stabbed to death. The suspect was subject to a deportation order due to his presence on a terrorism watch list. French President Emmanuel Macron stated unequivocally that it was an Islamist terrorist attack. Macron expressed condolences to the victim's family and reiterated the government's determination to eradicate terrorism. The incident occurred during a demonstration in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the police officers were on patrol. Mulhouse Mayor Michele Lutz posted on Facebook that 'horror has seized our city'. French Prime Minister François Bayrou posted on X that 'fanaticism has struck again and we are in mourning'. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to visit the scene on Saturday evening.

President Donald Trump's plan, announced on February 4, to take control of Gaza and resettle its Palestinians has sparked outrage among Palestinians and Arab states. Arab countries are scrambling to devise a diplomatic response, aiming to present a unified plan at an emergency Arab League meeting on March 4. Egypt has proposed up to $20 billion in funding over three years, but details and commitments remain unclear. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan met in Riyadh to discuss countermeasures. Disagreements persist over Gaza's governance and Hamas's future role, with further discussions expected at the Cairo summit.

On February 21, 2025, a Chinese naval exercise in the Tasman Sea led to flight diversions between Australia and New Zealand. The presence of three Chinese naval ships has put both countries on alert, with Australia describing it as 'unusual'. Qantas and other airlines have temporarily adjusted their routes. China stated that the exercise, conducted in international waters, complies with international law. The ships are currently 340 nautical miles east of the New South Wales coast. Australia and New Zealand have been closely monitoring the Chinese fleet since last week and have dispatched their own ships to observe. New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins noted that China did not inform them in advance. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles said the event is unusual but not unprecedented. China's foreign ministry confirmed the naval training, emphasizing it was conducted safely and legally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Chinese fleet issued an alert about possible live-fire exercises but did not directly notify Australian officials.

On February 21, the roof of a food court at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, northern Peru, collapsed, resulting in at least three deaths and around 20 injuries. The deceased include two men and a woman, and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over a hundred firefighters and police officers searching through the debris. Local government health official Mr Anibal Morillo stated that a child is trapped under the metal structures. According to the Regional Emergency Operations Center, the collapse occurred at 8:41 pm but was reported only about half an hour later.

Jean-David E, a resident of Toulouse, France, had his credit card stolen and subsequently used by two thieves to purchase a jackpot-winning scratch card worth €500,000. He has offered to split the prize with the thieves to avoid seizure by authorities. After discovering the theft, Jean-David froze his card and found that €52.50 had been spent at a nearby shop. The cashier reported that two seemingly homeless men used the card to buy cigarettes and scratch cards, claiming a big win. Jean-David alerted the police and the lottery operator, Française des Jeux, who may seize the winnings. His lawyer proposed an amnesty for the thieves, and Jean-David hopes to use his share of €250,000 to pay off his mortgage.

On the evening of the 20th local time, a collision occurred between a bus and a truck on a highway in the Ribeirão Preto region of São Paulo state, Brazil, resulting in 12 deaths and 11 injuries. At the time of the incident, the bus was carrying 29 passengers, most of whom were university students. Following the accident, local fire and police departments promptly initiated rescue operations. The bus was severely damaged, and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Sinn Féin has announced a boycott of the upcoming St Patrick's Day events at the White House in protest against US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The party's First Minister at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill, will not travel to Washington DC for the annual event. This follows the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) clarifying that it will not participate in the celebrations if invited. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald expressed shock at Trump's comments on Gaza, calling them a breach of international law. She urged Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to reflect the Irish people's support for Palestine during the celebrations. Earlier this month, Trump suggested the US could 'take over' Gaza and resettle its population. O'Neill stated that Trump's comments cannot be ignored and vowed to continue engaging with US officials for peace and economic growth.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday declined to allow Donald Trump to immediately fire the head of a federal watchdog agency, following a temporary injunction by a judge that blocked the Republican president's move. The court postponed action on the Justice Department's request to lift the judge's February 12 order, which temporarily barred Trump from removing Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel. This case marks the first legal battle involving Trump's actions since he returned to the presidency in January. The court postponed its decision until February 26, when a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson is set to expire. Dellinger sued after receiving a February 7 email firing him, arguing Trump exceeded his presidential powers, violating federal law. Appointed by former President Joe Biden, Dellinger's term was set to end in 2029. The Office of Special Counsel protects government whistleblowers, investigates retaliation complaints, and enforces the Hatch Act limiting federal employees' political activities.

On February 22, US billionaire Elon Musk stated on his X social network account that Ukraine has gone too far in its conflict with Russia. He believes that endless death in trenches is wrong and anyone who continues to push for it lacks both empathy and a brain. Previously, Musk criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for banning presidential elections in the country, claiming that Ukrainians despise him. Musk pointed out that if Zelensky were truly loved by the Ukrainian people, he would hold an election. In reality, he is despised by the people of Ukraine, which is why he has refused to hold an election. Musk also mentioned that Trump correctly decided to ignore Zelensky and achieve peace, regardless of the disgusting huge corruption machine that feeds on the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers.