Week 8, 2025 News Review

On February 22, Hamas released six hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. In return, Israel was scheduled to free at least 602 Palestinian prisoners. However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that due to Hamas's repeated violations, including humiliating ceremonies for Israeli hostages and cynical exploitation of hostages for propaganda, Israel has decided to postpone the prisoner release planned for February 22. Israel demands that Hamas abandon these humiliating ceremonies and ensure the release of the next batch of hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indefinitely delayed the release of what would have been the largest group of Palestinian prisoners so far, part of the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 600 prisoners were due to be freed in exchange for the release of the last six Israeli hostages. Netanyahu demanded that Hamas stop using hostages for propaganda, while Hamas accused Israel of deliberately disrupting the ceasefire. Previous issues included Israel delaying access to northern Gaza due to a female hostage not being released and a recent incident where a body handed over by Hamas was not the missing Israeli as claimed. The fragility of the ceasefire process is evident, with the second phase of talks yet to commence. Hamas has offered to release all remaining hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and ends the war, but Israel demands complete disarmament of Hamas.

On February 23, Hamas condemned Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, claiming that Israel's assertion that the hostage handover ceremonies are 'humiliating' is false and a pretext to evade its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision deliberately disrupts the agreement, clearly violates its terms, and demonstrates the occupation's unreliability in fulfilling its obligations. Earlier, Israel said it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners planned for the previous day until Hamas met its conditions, highlighting the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire accord. Netanyahu's office issued a statement in the early hours of February 23, stating that Israel was waiting to release 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees 'until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies'. El Rashq argued that the ceremonies do not insult the hostages but rather reflect humane and dignified treatment, adding that the 'real insult' is what Palestinian prisoners endure during the release process, such as being tied, blindfolded, and threatened not to celebrate their release. Israel's announcement, which also accused Hamas of repeatedly violating the month-old ceasefire, came after the Palestinian militant group handed over six hostages from Gaza on February 22 as part of an exchange arranged under the truce.

On February 23, 2025, tens of thousands gathered on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, for the public funeral of Hezbollah's former leaders, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes last year. Supporters, carrying pictures of Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, attended the ceremony at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Hezbollah-controlled southern Beirut. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, an Iraqi delegation, and a Yemeni Houthi delegation were expected to attend. The funeral aimed to demonstrate Hezbollah's strength after last year's war with Israel, which decimated its leadership and fighters. Hashem Safieddine briefly succeeded Nasrallah but was also killed in an Israeli strike. Nasrallah's official funeral was delayed to allow for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon under a U.S.-backed ceasefire.

On February 23, a public funeral for Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine was held on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Tens of thousands of mourners in black attire, some carrying portraits of Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, attended the ceremony. Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli strike on Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold in September, delaying the funeral for security reasons. Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon occurred, targeting rocket launchers posing threats to Israeli civilians. Since a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah took effect on November 27, Israel has conducted multiple strikes in Lebanon. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the funeral, vowing that the path of resistance would continue. Hezbollah supporters from across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley, converged in Beirut. The funeral began at 1pm, with Nasrallah to be buried near the airport and Safieddine in his hometown on February 24.

On September 23, Hezbollah in Lebanon held a funeral for the late leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Crowds gathered at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in southern Beirut. This marks the largest funeral in Lebanon in 20 years, scheduled for 1 PM local time. Lebanese officials, including representatives of the Speaker, President, and Prime Minister, will attend. Iran sent a high-level delegation of about 40 members, including the Parliament Speaker, Foreign Minister, and others. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27 last year. The event also honors Hashem Safieddine, seen as his successor, who died in another airstrike in October last year.

On February 11, 2025, the Trump administration sent emails to U.S. federal government employees, instructing them to report their work accomplishments from the previous week by Monday night or risk losing their jobs. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, posted on social media site X that non-response would be considered a resignation. This follows President Trump's call on Truth Social for DOGE to aggressively downsize the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce. Emails were sent to agencies including the SEC, NOAA, and CDC. The AFGE union vowed to challenge any unlawful terminations. Some agencies advised employees to delay responses to assess the validity of the emails.

On February 22, US President Donald Trump received a warm welcome at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbour, Maryland. Dressed in a blue suit, Trump addressed a crowd of supporters wearing 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) red hats for nearly 1½ hours, launching attacks on 'globalists' and 'a sinister group of radical left Marxists'. During the speech, some supporters shouted 'J-6' to thank Trump for pardoning those involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. Trump also mocked his 82-year-old Democrat predecessor, Joe Biden. Many retirees praised Trump as genuine and patriotic. Despite a somewhat reduced attendance this year, there was widespread excitement about Trump's return to the White House.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK plans to impose new sanctions on Russia on February 24. This will be the largest package of sanctions since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. February 24 marks the third anniversary of Russia's special military operation. The Daily Telegraph reported on February 22, citing a UK government source, that London was preparing to announce fresh curbs on Russia.

Swiss police in Zurich have arrested a 28-year-old Australian man suspected of stabbing and seriously injuring a 41-year-old man in a shop in central Zurich. The attack occurred on Saturday, and the motive is still under investigation. The Australian suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the victim was taken to the hospital. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the identities of the victim and the perpetrator, with prosecutors expected to provide more information on Monday. This incident adds to a series of recent stabbing attacks in Europe, including cases in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

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.

US President Donald Trump has fired the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles 'CQ' Brown, as part of a major shake-up of top military leadership. Trump thanked Brown for over 40 years of service on social media and announced the replacement of five other top officers. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously criticized Brown for his focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military. On Friday, Hegseth announced the firings of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Jim Slife. All three senior officers were appointed by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as the new chairman. Brown was visiting troops at the southern US border when he was fired, amid rumors of his impending removal.

On October 11, 2023, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III held a press conference on the third day of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco. President Donald Trump announced the termination of Gen. Charles 'CQ' Brown Jr., the highest-ranking military officer in the country, as part of his efforts to reshape the federal government. Trump expressed gratitude for Brown's over 40 years of service on Truth Social and wished him and his family well. Brown had held the position since October 2023, following his nomination by then-President Joe Biden. Trump intends to nominate Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan 'Razin' Caine as Brown's replacement, highlighting Caine's extensive experience as a pilot, national security expert, and warfighter.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment of double pneumonia. The Vatican announced that he would not lead his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims for a second consecutive week. While his medical team stated he is not currently in a life-threatening condition, his health remains complex. The Vatican reported on Saturday that the pope had rested well overnight but did not mention his activities. The Sunday Angelus prayer text will be published instead of read aloud, marking the first time he has missed two consecutive prayers due to health. Doctors warn of the risk of the infection spreading to his bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis. Pope Francis, who has faced several health issues in the past two years, is particularly susceptible to lung infections. Despite speculation about his possible resignation, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin dismissed such talk as unnecessary.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA state news agency that a second meeting between Russian and US representatives is planned within the next two weeks. The first talks, held in a third country on February 18, aimed to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine and restore relations. Ryabkov stated there is a 'principled agreement' on both sides to hold consultations to address all 'so-called irritants.' He added that a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control is possible only with visible improvements in US policy. The Kremlin noted that last week's initial meeting focused on Russian-US bilateral ties, a crucial step towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. This week, the Kremlin indicated a possible face-to-face meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump this month.

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.

US trans actress Hunter Schafer, known for the HBO show Euphoria, revealed that her passport gender marker was changed to male. In a TikTok video on February 20 and a follow-up video on February 21, Schafer blamed the Trump administration's policies for the modification, despite having identity documents marked as female for nearly a decade. She explained that despite filling out her passport application as female, the marker was changed to male. President Trump declared early in his tenure that the government would recognize only two genders and issued several orders targeting transgender individuals. The US State Department, under an executive order, stated it would stop issuing identification documents with an 'X' marker for non-binary people. Schafer believes that passport agencies are now required to cross-reference birth certificates, as her birth certificate gender has not been changed to female. She expressed shock at seeing the 'M' on her passport and posted about it to highlight the reality of the situation, defiantly stating that a letter in a passport cannot change her identity as a trans person.

On February 20, 2025, Hamas released two Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip as part of the initial phase of a prisoner-hostage swap agreement. The released hostages were Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 38. This release followed a controversial incident earlier in the week when Hamas mistakenly handed over the wrong body. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge for the mistake, while Hamas claimed it was an error. Later, the Bibas family confirmed the identity of the remains. Under the agreement, Israel is set to free over 600 Palestinian prisoners. Despite the moment of joy brought by the hostage release, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain.

On February 22, Hamas released two hostages from Gaza and was set to free four more in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. After Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas, Hamas freed five hostages and planned to release one more. Eliya Cohen, 27, Omer Shem Tov, 22, and Omer Wenkert, 23, seized from the Nova music festival in southern Israel during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, were handed over to the Red Cross. Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, were also transferred to the Red Cross in southern Gaza’s Rafah. Hisham Al-Sayed, 36, is expected to be released soon in central Gaza. These six hostages are the last surviving ones from a group of 33 due to be freed in the first stage of a ceasefire deal effective January 19. Hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to watch the release, while the United Nations criticized Hamas' public ceremonies. Hamas defended the ceremonies as a show of Palestinian unity. In return, Israel is expected to release 602 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

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.

On February 22, 2025, Pope Francis was in critical condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, suffering from a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis due to pneumonia and a complex lung infection. The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains conscious, is receiving high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions due to low platelet counts. The Vatican stated that the pope is still in danger but remains alert despite increased pain. Doctors warn of the risk of sepsis, though no signs are currently present. Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted on February 14 after a worsening bout of bronchitis. He was diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia, requiring rest and medication. The Vatican has denied rumors of the pope's resignation, emphasizing focus on his health.

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.

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.

According to the Holy See Press Service, Pope Francis' condition remains critical. As explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, requiring high-flow oxygen. Daily blood tests indicated thrombocytopenia associated with anemia, necessitating blood transfusions.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is not yet ready to sign a minerals deal with the United States, according to UK's Sky News, citing sources close to Zelensky. The agreement draft has several problematic issues, and in its current form, the president is unwilling to accept it. Fox News journalist Jacqui Heinrich noted that Ukraine has introduced amendments to the agreement and submitted them to the US. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that the deal could be signed as soon as Saturday, though it was not yet complete. Ukrainian lawmaker Alexey Goncharenko stated that the deal will be signed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On February 12, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent handed over a draft agreement during a visit to Kiev, which Zelensky did not sign. At the Munich Security Conference, the Ukrainian delegation presented a revised version with proposed amendments, which the Americans decided not to consider. Recently, tensions between the US and Ukraine have escalated, with Trump calling Zelensky a dictator and Zelensky suggesting Trump is a victim of Russian disinformation.

US President Donald Trump's recent continuous criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has caused a stir in Europe. Multiple European countries have been trying to reassure Zelensky and urging the US not to exclude Europe and Ukraine from the Russia-Ukraine conflict negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has had multiple phone calls with Zelensky, emphasized Europe's support for peace in Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre both criticized Trump's remarks. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Ukraine to show their support. Von der Leyen noted that Europe has invested €135 billion in Ukraine's defense and demands a role in the negotiations. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the importance of Europe's involvement in the negotiations. Slovenian Prime Minister's State Secretary Matej Tonin called for strengthening EU defense capabilities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius urged European unity to avoid being influenced by the US.

On February 20, Israeli specialists confirmed that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas was an unidentified woman, not the agreed-upon Shiri Bibas. On February 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would make Hamas pay for failing to release Shiri Bibas's body as agreed. He accused Hamas of cynically substituting the body of a Gaza woman for Shiri, who was kidnapped along with her two sons and husband during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas has not publicly commented on the Israeli accusation, which threatens to derail the fragile ceasefire agreement reached last month with US backing and the assistance of Qatari and Egyptian mediators. It is unclear whether this will delay the release of six hostages scheduled for February 22 or interrupt the upcoming second phase of ceasefire negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on the 21st that Israel will take action to retrieve the remains of detainee Bivas and hold Hamas accountable. The Israeli military said that among the four bodies handed over by Hamas on the 20th, one was not Bivas' remains, but the remains of Bivas' two sons were confirmed. Hamas has not responded. Palestinian sources said that Hamas handed over the bodies to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, which then transferred them to the Israeli military. The previous agreement included the remains of Bivas and her two sons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas for violating an agreement by handing over the body of an unknown Gazan woman instead of hostage Shiri Bibas. Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would pay the full price and promised to bring Shiri and other hostages home. Hamas claimed to have handed over the bodies of three Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz to the Red Cross on February 20. The Israeli army confirmed the identities of Lifshitz and the Bibas children, but the fourth body remained unidentified. On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on hostage release and ceasefire, implemented in three stages, with Hamas required to release at least 33 hostages in the first 42 days.

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, 2025, the European Commission in Helsinki, Finland, announced an action plan to enhance surveillance of undersea cables and establish an emergency repair fleet. Recent incidents of cable and pipeline damage have raised concerns, with EU Vice President Henna Virkkunen stating the aim is to prevent and respond to threats to critical infrastructure. Swedish police are investigating a suspected sabotage of an undersea telecoms cable in the Baltic Sea. NATO members have deployed ships and drones in the Baltic to protect infrastructure. The EU plans to use existing funds to support a data fusion surveillance mechanism and a drone program, and will set up a regional hub in the Baltic as a test for the new approach, proposing a reserve fleet for emergencies and enhancing cooperation with NATO.

European countries are considering forming a nearly 30,000-strong 'security force' to protect Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia, focusing on air power to deter Russia. Led by the UK and France, the force will be deployed outside the front lines in eastern Ukraine. The UK may station troops in key cities and infrastructure, and deploy Typhoon fighters for air patrol missions. The force is smaller than the 110,000 proposed by President Zelensky. Multiple militaries plan to use spy planes, satellites, and drones to monitor the Russia-Ukraine border. European nations emphasize the need for US support, hoping for American air cover. Macron and Sturgeon will visit the US to seek Trump's backing.

On March 16, 2024, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis, 88, showed improvement on his eighth day in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for pneumonia, remaining alert and doing some work. Admitted on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, Francis is now breathing independently without machine assistance. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the pope had a good night's sleep and ate breakfast. An unnamed Vatican official said Francis could move around his room, take phone calls, and handle some paperwork. Despite speculation about his possible resignation, Francis has previously ruled it out as a 'distant hypothesis'. The Vatican is expected to provide a further update on his condition Friday evening, with all public engagements cancelled through Sunday.

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.

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.

Lebanon's Hezbollah will hold a funeral for its former leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27. The mass funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs aims to demonstrate the group's political strength following last year's war. Nasrallah's death was a significant blow to Hezbollah, compounded by the subsequent killing of his successor, Hashem Safieddine, one week later. The funeral is seen as a launchpad for Hezbollah's next phase, with hundreds of thousands expected to attend. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and other leaders are set to attend. Nasrallah will be buried at a dedicated site nearby.

Hezbollah will hold a grand funeral for its former leader Nasrallah in the southern suburbs of Beirut on September 23rd. The funeral is seen as a demonstration of the group's continued presence. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Qarji is expected to attend. On September 27, 2024, the Israeli military conducted a targeted strike on Hezbollah's headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing Nasrallah and senior commander Ali Qarji among others. On the 28th, Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah's death. In January this year, Hezbollah officials revealed that Nasrallah was killed in the organization's operations room and was temporarily buried beside his son's grave.

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.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas has handed over the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The transfer was handled by Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, though Hamas has not yet commented on these reports. Simultaneously, Hamas posted on its Telegram channel denying responsibility for the death of the Bibas children, blaming the Israeli government. IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari refuted Hamas' claims that the Bibas babies were killed in an airstrike, stating they were murdered by terrorists. Hagari also confirmed that Hamas handed over an unidentified woman's body on February 20 instead of Shiri Bibas. The Israeli army confirmed the identities of three Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz, but the fourth body remained unidentified. In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached a three-stage agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to release hostages in Gaza and declare a ceasefire.

On February 21, Hamas released a body it claimed to be that of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, but Israeli medical authorities confirmed it was an unidentified woman. Previously, Hamas had handed over four bodies on February 20 under a ceasefire agreement, with three identified but the fourth misidentified, causing outrage in Israel. Hamas official Basem Naim attributed the mistake to Israeli bombing mixing bodies. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened retaliation and demanded Hamas return all hostages, both living and deceased. The UN Human Rights Office called for an effective investigation, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire agreement.

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.

The Associated Press filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. on February 16 against senior aides to President Donald Trump, alleging that the White House restricted its access to the president and other officials for continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico in its coverage. The lawsuit claims that barring AP reporters from the Oval Office and Air Force One violates the U.S. Constitution's protections for free speech. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, responding at the Conservative Political Action Conference, stated the White House believes it is in the right. Trump had signed an executive order last month to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, but the AP adhered to the original name. The move has been criticized by several press freedom groups and the White House Correspondents' Association, with Reuters issuing a statement in support of the AP.

On February 21, the Associated Press filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging violations of free speech. The defendants include White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The lawsuit, citing the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, seeks to prevent White House officials from blocking AP reporters from covering presidential activities. The AP refused to comply with President Trump's executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of the United States,' and as a result, its reporters have been barred from entering the White House Oval Office since February 11. On February 14, the White House announced an indefinite ban on AP reporters from entering the White House and Air Force One. The name Gulf of Mexico has been in use since the 16th century, and following the Mexican-American War, Mexico lost vast territories.

On the evening of February 21, a stabbing incident occurred at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin, Germany, leaving a man seriously injured. Berlin police subsequently arrested a suspect, but provided no details on his identity or motive. Police spokesperson Florian Nath stated that the victim was severely injured and taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, but his life was not in danger. An eyewitness told local broadcaster RBB24 that the two men approached each other before the stabbing occurred. The memorial, a sacred site in Berlin, commemorates the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The incident took place on the eve of a national election, which has been marred by a series of high-profile attacks.

On the evening of February 20th, during the final of the 'Four Nations Hockey Tournament' in Boston, the US team faced off against the Canadian team. Prior to the game, US President Donald Trump挑衅ed Canada on social media, suggesting it could become the 51st state of the US. After Canada won 3:2, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau反击ed Trump, stating, 'You cannot take our country, nor our sport.' Recently, Trump has repeatedly claimed the intention to annex Canada, sparking strong dissatisfaction among Canadian citizens. During a match five days earlier, players from both teams clashed, and Canadian fans booed during the US national anthem.

On the evening of local time 20th, during the 'Four Nations Hockey Tournament' final in Boston, the United States, the U.S. team faced off against Canada. Prior to the game, President Trump posted on social media that he would encourage the U.S. team to defeat Canada, suggesting Canada might become the '51st state.' White House Press Secretary Levitt echoed similar sentiments. Canadian singer Chantal altered the lyrics of the national anthem to emphasize Canadian sovereignty, sparking controversy. After Canada won 3-2, Prime Minister Trudeau responded to Trump on social media, asserting that Canada cannot be taken away. Trump's recent claims of annexing Canada have caused public outrage in Canada, further straining bilateral relations.

On Saturday, a Russian drone attack at a rail crossing outside Kyiv killed a rail worker. Drone fragments struck a building inside the capital, causing a fire and shattering windows in a multi-storey apartment building and an educational institution. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that fragments fell on private residences in the Solomyanskyi district in the west of the city, triggering a fire that was quickly extinguished and smashing windows in a nearby building, with no casualties. Air raid alerts were in effect in Kyiv for about three hours. In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces attacked the town of Huliaipole with a guided bomb, injuring three people, according to the regional governor. One person died in an attack on a village west of Huliaipole on Thursday.

On Thursday, billionaire Elon Musk received a chainsaw from Argentine President Javier Milei at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), with the phrase 'Long live liberty' inscribed on it. Musk waved the chainsaw, shouting it was for bureaucracy. Meanwhile, residents in Roswell, Georgia, expressed anger over Musk-inspired government cuts and layoffs. Polls show 54% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Musk. Congressional Republicans are beginning to oppose these drastic measures, and some layoffs have been reversed.

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.

The town of Buriticupu in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon is facing a public calamity due to massive sinkholes. Recently, these sinkholes, several meters deep, prompted the municipal government to declare a state of emergency, with about 1,200 people out of a 55,000 population at risk of losing their homes. Over the past few months, the sinkholes have rapidly expanded, approaching residential areas and destroying several buildings. This issue stems from 30 years of rain eroding sandy soils, exacerbated by poor construction and deforestation. Geographer Dr Marcelino Farias notes that the current rainy season worsens soil erosion. Resident Antonia dos Anjos fears more sinkholes will emerge. Public works secretary Mr Lucas Conceicao admits the municipality lacks the capacity to address the complex sinkhole situation.

US President Donald Trump will sign a memorandum on February 21 directing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to restrict Chinese investments in strategic areas. The memorandum aims to promote foreign investment while protecting US national security interests from threats posed by foreign adversaries like China. A White House official stated that China is exploiting US capital and innovation to fund and modernize its military, intelligence, and security operations, posing direct threats to US security. Under the directive, the US will establish new rules to curb the exploitation of its capital, technology, and knowledge by foreign adversaries such as China, ensuring that only investments serving American interests are allowed. The Trump administration will also consider new or expanded restrictions on US outbound investment to China in sensitive technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, aerospace, and more.

French weekly magazine Le Point earlier reported that US President Donald Trump might visit Moscow on May 9 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, on February 22, Trump told journalists that he would not go to Moscow to attend a parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Previously, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that during their phone conversation, the two leaders agreed to stay in touch and arrange an in-person meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the world would be informed once the meeting between the two presidents is confirmed.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the removal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley due to her mishandling of the January wildfires, which resulted in over two dozen deaths and the destruction or damage of more than 16,000 structures, affecting an area larger than Paris. Crowley sent home 1,000 firefighters on the day the fires erupted and refused to complete a required after-action report. Mayor Bass stated that new leadership is essential for the city. The mayor and the fire chief have publicly clashed since the fires began on January 7, with Crowley criticizing budget cuts. Bass denied cutting the budget and appointed Ronnie Villanueva as interim fire chief. Los Angeles is no longer in a state of emergency, and cleanup efforts are progressing ahead of schedule.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ousted Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on Friday due to disagreements over the handling of this year's deadly fires. Bass stated that firing Crowley was in the best interests of Los Angeles' public safety and the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department. She noted that 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty when the fires broke out were sent home under Crowley's watch. Additionally, Crowley failed to complete a required after-action report on the fires. Bass appointed former Deputy Chief Ronnie Villanueva as interim chief. Crowley, the first woman and LGBTQ chief of the department, had served for 22 years. The fires resulted in at least 29 deaths and destroyed over 23,448 acres of land and 6,837 structures.

The Democratic Republic of Congo released opposition leader and former presidential ally Jean-Marc Kabund on Friday, ending his imprisonment on charges including contempt of the head of state. Kabund, once the vice president of parliament and a lawmaker, fell out with President Felix Tshisekedi in 2022 and subsequently founded his own political party. He was arrested in August that year and sentenced to seven years in prison. His lawyer, Ghislain Mwanji, confirmed his release, and a presidential spokesperson stated Kabund received a pardon. The release comes amid mounting pressure on Kinshasa authorities due to a conflict in eastern provinces with Rwandan-backed rebels, who recently captured two major cities, fueling fears of a broader regional war. The crisis has sparked speculation about Tshisekedi's ability to control the security and political situation, with some opposition members predicting his presidency will not last. Kabund was instrumental in Tshisekedi's rise to power, and their fallout highlighted emerging divisions in the country's leadership. In 2022, Kabund claimed his case demonstrated the exploitation of Congolese institutions for political interests, a view echoed by Human Rights Watch as an example of growing intolerance for dissent.

On February 21, 2025, Apple announced the discontinuation of its highest level data security tool, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), in the UK, following the government's demand for access to user data. ADP ensures that only account holders can view online-stored items like photos or documents through end-to-end encryption. Earlier this month, the UK government requested access to this data, which even Apple cannot currently access. Apple has consistently opposed creating a 'backdoor' in its encryption service. From 1500 GMT on Friday, UK Apple users have been unable to activate ADP, and existing users' access will be disabled later. Experts argue this move weakens online security and privacy for UK users. US politicians warn it could threaten US national security.

On December 20, 2024, Tesla announced a voluntary recall of 376,241 vehicles in the U.S. to address issues with failing power-assisted steering systems. The recall includes Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured from February 28, 2023, to October 11, 2023. The problem stems from overstressed printed circuit boards in the steering systems, which can cause power-assist steering to fail. Tesla stated that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the issue and will offer an over-the-air software update as a fix. This recall follows an earlier related probe and voluntary recall in China. Additionally, President Donald Trump appointed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to lead a team reducing the federal workforce, impacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On February 21, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to sign a minerals agreement with the United States to end the Ukraine war. Previously, President Donald Trump claimed Kyiv has no cards to play. Zelensky's office said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, discussed bilateral relations with Waltz after Trump denounced Zelensky as a 'dictator' on February 20, warning him to quickly secure peace with Russia or risk losing his country. This sharp change in tone from the US, Ukraine's key backer, has alarmed European officials. Zelensky had rejected US demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth, stating the aid provided was far less. Yermak emphasized the importance of maintaining US-Ukraine cooperation. Waltz asserted Zelensky would soon sign the deal. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Zelensky agreed Ukraine must be included in peace talks. Polish President Andrzej Duda urged Zelensky to maintain constructive cooperation with Trump.

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.

US President Donald Trump continues to pressure Ukraine to end its war with Russia, calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator'. Zelensky counters that Trump is living in a 'false information space' created by Russia. EU countries rally behind Zelensky. A recent poll shows 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky. US Vice President Vence warns Zelensky against criticizing Trump. Multiple leaders emphasize support for Ukraine, with Macron and allies discussing the issue, stressing the need to protect Ukraine's rights and European security.

Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including members of the Bibas family (the youngest, Kfir, was nine months old at the time of their October 7, 2023 kidnapping, and his brother Ariel was four), and Oded Lifshitz, to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The bodies were transported from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to a location where Israeli forces are stationed. The Red Cross called for privacy and dignity during the handover, but Hamas and Islamic Jihad supporters set up a stage in Khan Younis. Upon arrival in Israel, forensic experts will examine the bodies to identify the deceased and determine the causes of their deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that the ICRC delivered the coffins containing the remains to the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip.

The Vatican reported a slight improvement in Pope Francis' blood tests and stable clinical conditions. On February 20, the Vatican stated that the Pope had a peaceful night in the hospital and had breakfast in his armchair. The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. On the evening of February 19, the Vatican updated that the Pope's blood tests showed a slight improvement and his condition was stable. He had enough energy to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a 20-minute visit, who described him as 'alert and responsive.' The Pope has faced several health issues in recent years, including colon and hernia surgery and difficulties walking. The Vatican has been issuing regular updates to counter widespread speculation about his health.

On February 20, 2025, Pope Francis, undergoing treatment for pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, marked his seventh day of hospitalization. The 88-year-old pontiff remains stable and was able to get out of bed to eat breakfast on Thursday morning. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the pope had a good night's sleep and showed slight improvement in recent blood test results. Francis is suffering from double pneumonia and had previously been diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection. An unnamed Vatican official noted that the pope is not on a ventilator, is breathing independently, and can move around his hospital room. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited on Wednesday, describing the pope as alert and responsive, and mentioned that he joked about people betting on his death.

A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crash-landed on Monday, skidding off the runway in flames and flipping over, but all 80 people on board survived. Delta offered $30,000 to each passenger, stating it does not affect their rights. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Crew and emergency responders were praised for their quick evacuation efforts. All but one hospitalized passenger had been released by Wednesday. Experts suggest harsh winter weather and rapid descent as possible causes. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized the overall safety of air travel.

Arab leaders are set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 21 to counter President Donald Trump's plan for US control of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of its population. The plan has united Arab states in opposition, but disagreements persist over governance and funding for the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. Dr Umer Karim, an expert on Saudi foreign policy, termed the summit as the 'most consequential' in decades for the Arab world and the Palestinian issue. Trump's proposal to 'take over the Gaza Strip' and relocate its 2.4 million people to neighboring Egypt and Jordan sparked global outrage. A Saudi government source told AFP that Arab leaders would discuss a reconstruction plan counter to Trump's. Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy outlined a three-phase reconstruction plan over three to five years, with the UN estimating the cost at over US$53 billion.

On February 20, the first batch of 200 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud were repatriated from Myanmar's Mawlamyine area via Thailand and arrived at Nanjing International Airport. This operation marks a significant achievement in the law enforcement cooperation between China, Myanmar, and Thailand, demonstrating their resolve to combat telecom fraud. Recently, the police forces of the three countries have jointly targeted telecom fraud in the Mawlamyine area, with Thailand implementing measures such as power cuts, and Myanmar conducting raids on fraud camps. Over 800 more suspects are expected to be repatriated. On February 15, 10 key suspects were successfully repatriated. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security is enhancing cooperation with Myanmar and Thailand to normalize the joint crackdown mechanism.

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Fla., that he is considering distributing 20% of the savings achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency advisory group to American citizens, with another 20% going towards paying down debt. This follows a post by Elon Musk on X, proposing to send tax refund checks to U.S. households funded by DOGE's cost-cutting efforts. James Fishback, CEO of Azoria investment firm, suggested that if DOGE meets its goal of cutting $2 trillion from the federal budget, 20% of that, or $400 billion, should be distributed to taxpayers, amounting to about $5,000 per household. While DOGE claims to have saved $55 billion, recent reports indicate the actual figure may be significantly lower. Despite facing legal challenges, a federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to halt DOGE's access to federal agencies' computer systems or its directives on government worker firings during ongoing litigation.

Last Saturday, the Greek-operated crude oil tanker Seajewel suffered an explosion while anchored off the port of Savona-Vado on Italy's north-western coast, causing a 70 x 120 centimeter breach below the waterline. Genoa's chief prosecutor, Nicola Piacente, said on Thursday that a terrorism investigation has been launched. In the past month, three oil tankers have been damaged by blasts in separate incidents in the Mediterranean, with the causes unknown. All three vessels had recently called at Russian ports. The anti-terrorism section of Genoa's Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating suspected 'shipwreck aggravated by terrorist intent.'

A British tourist died while trekking in the Himalayas in northern India. The two British men were hiking in difficult terrain near Thathri village in Dharamshala when one was critically injured. Rescuers stretchered him down the mountain, but he was declared dead nearly 24 hours later upon reaching the hospital. The Foreign Office is supporting the family and liaising with local authorities. The pair were on the 7km Triund trek and one fell during their descent, prompting his friend to seek help. Local rescuers, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force, received the call at 18:00 on Sunday and located the victims at 22:30 after a four-hour search. The challenging terrain slowed progress, and the man was finally taken to hospital at 17:08 on Monday but was declared dead on arrival. His friend was unharmed. A temporary ban on high-altitude trekking was in place, but the tourists were unaware of it.

A commission led by Niger's military junta has recommended a minimum five-year transition to democratic rule. Abdoulaye Seydou, one of the commission's vice presidents, stated that the transition period is set at 60 months, subject to change based on the security situation and other factors. Commission President Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey confirmed the timeline and announced the dissolution of existing political parties, with a new charter allowing for two to five political parties. Since seizing power in 2023, the Niger junta has expelled French and other European forces and turned to Russia for support in combating militant groups.

According to two FDA scientists with direct knowledge, some FDA scientists have been instructed to stop using words like 'woman,' 'disabled,' and 'elderly' in external communications. The list of prohibited words, which includes over two dozen terms, has been circulating in official work chats since last week, causing confusion within the agency. The White House spokesman stated that the FDA may have misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order. Similarly, the CDC removed certain health information and research papers due to similar directives. An FDA spokesman denied the existence of an official list of banned words, but the scientists claimed that these restrictions would hinder the review process for medical devices.

On February 9, 2025, Eurosceptic politician Nigel Farage announced at a regional conference in Trowbridge, southern Britain, that he has relinquished formal control of his right-wing Reform UK party. Since 2018, Farage had been the majority shareholder, but he and deputy leader Richard Tice gave up over 90% of their shareholding in Reform UK Party Limited, according to filings with Companies House. The party will now be controlled by a renamed entity, REFORM 2025 LTD, and managed by its more than 200,000 members. Party Chairman Zia Yusuf stated that Reform UK is now a non-profit organization with no shareholders. Earlier this month, Reform overtook the governing Labour Party to become the most popular political party in a major opinion poll for the first time. The party, led by Farage, advocates for tougher immigration policies, opposes Britain's climate targets, and seeks lower taxes. Despite having only five members of parliament, it came second in around 100 seats in the last election, benefiting from a growing anti-establishment sentiment across Europe.

Ibrahim Afyon, Chairman of the Central Union of Egg Producers in Turkey, stated on the 19th that Turkey has begun exporting approximately 15,000 tons of eggs to the US this month to alleviate the 'egg shortage' caused by the avian flu outbreak. About 700 containers of eggs have been shipped, and the exports will continue until July. This transaction is expected to generate around $26 million for Turkey. Chad Gregory, CEO of the United Egg Producers, supports the temporary import of egg products. The current avian flu outbreak in the US, which began in 2022, has led to the culling of about 162 million birds, causing egg prices to soar and supply to tighten.

New York City began imposing a congestion fee on vehicles in Manhattan's busiest areas on January 5, aimed at reducing traffic and funding public transit improvements. Less than two months later, the Trump Administration halted the fee, citing exceeding approval authority. Transportation Secretary Duffy criticized the policy for harming working-class and small businesses. Trump declared 'Congestion pricing is dead' on social media, while New York Governor Hochul vowed legal action. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has filed a lawsuit, claims the fee significantly improved traffic and was expected to generate $500 million in the first year.

According to the Financial Times, the US is opposing the labeling of Russia as an aggressor in a G7 statement marking the third anniversary of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's participation in the virtual G7 summit scheduled for February 24 has not yet been agreed upon. An official stated that the Americans insist on distinguishing between Russia and Ukraine but are still working towards an agreement. Additionally, Trump claimed Zelensky has a 4% approval rating and called for elections in Ukraine, to which Zelensky responded by suggesting Trump was influenced by Russian disinformation. On February 19, Trump reiterated his view, calling Zelensky a dictator and emphasizing his low approval rating.

Recently, the verbal spat between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified. On September 19, Trump posted on social media, calling Zelensky a 'moderately successful comedian' and a 'dictator,' urging him to take swift action to ensure peace. Zelensky responded by saying Trump lives in a 'false information space' created by Russia. Trump also accused Ukraine of spending $350 billion on an unwinnable war. US Vice President Pence warned Zelensky not to 'speak ill of Trump.' US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg visited Kyiv to discuss a mineral resources-for-aid agreement. Trump aims to show the American people that he is withdrawing aid to Ukraine.

Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages to Israel for the first time under a ceasefire agreement, including 33-year-old Hili Bibas and her two young sons, as well as 83-year-old Livshitz. The handover ceremony took place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The Israeli military confirmed the receipt of the remains. Hamas indicated its willingness to release all remaining hostages in one go during the second phase of the ceasefire. So far, 19 hostages have been released in the first phase in exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. Israel and Hamas reached an agreement this week to return the remains of eight hostages in batches and release six living hostages. The second phase of ceasefire negotiations is set to begin soon.

On February 20, multiple bus explosions occurred in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, Israel. Israeli media reported that three empty buses exploded in parking lots, while bombs on two other buses were discovered and disabled, with no casualties reported. The Israeli Transport minister instructed the Public Transit Authority to halt and inspect all buses, trains, and light-rail trains. Police are searching for suspects, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to conduct a security situation assessment.

On the evening of February 20th, three empty bus explosions occurred in the southern suburbs of Tel Aviv, Israel. Local police suspect a terrorist attack and have launched an investigation, with no casualties reported. Five explosive devices were found at the scene, three of which had detonated and two were dismantled by police. One unexploded device bore the message 'Revenge of Tul Karm'. Israeli Defense Minister Katz ordered the Israeli Defense Forces to intensify military operations in the West Bank in response to Palestinian terrorist organizations' attempted attacks in the Tel Aviv area.

On February 20th local time, the U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a vote of 51 in favor and 49 against. Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during President Trump's first term. On November 30th of last year, Trump announced via social media his nomination of Patel for the FBI director position. Patel has previously proposed significant reforms to the FBI.

On February 20, the Republican-controlled US Senate confirmed Kash Patel, a staunch loyalist of President Donald Trump, as the director of the FBI by a 51-49 vote, despite fierce opposition from Democrats. Patel faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories, defending pro-Trump rioters who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and vowing to root out members of a supposed 'deep state' opposing the president. Senator Dick Durbin made a last-ditch effort to derail Patel's nomination, warning he would be a 'political and national security disaster' as FBI chief. Patel, who held several high-level positions in Trump's first administration, replaces Christopher Wray as the head of the FBI.

On December 9, 2024, Kash Patel, a longtime loyalist to Donald Trump, was confirmed by the Senate as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel has previously expressed intentions to dramatically restructure the FBI, echoing Trump's claims of the 'weaponization' of the bureau's powers in its Capitol riot investigations. Despite opposition from Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, Patel secured support from other Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell. Patel's confirmation comes amid significant turmoil and turnover at the FBI, with several senior executives and field office heads being forced out since Trump took office a month ago. Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll clashed with Trump-appointed Justice Department officials over an order to fire agents involved in Jan. 6 cases, ultimately handing over the names of FBI employees involved. This crisis is seen as the largest facing the FBI since the Watergate era, partly stemming from investigations into Trump himself. Patel, who has previously worked on Capitol Hill and in the first Trump administration, was considered unfit for the FBI role by former Attorney General Bill Barr but was eventually nominated. During his confirmation hearing, Patel distanced himself from Trump's pardons of Capitol rioters and denied claims of a stolen 2020 election.

Canada's Public Safety Minister announced on Thursday the listing of seven transnational criminal organizations as terrorist entities, including Mara Salvatrucha, Cartel de Sinaloa, and Tren de Aragua. This follows the United States' designation of Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug cartels as global terrorist organizations. Minister David McGuinty told reporters in Ottawa that these groups spread fear through extreme violence and are involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal arms trafficking. The measures aim to keep fentanyl off the streets and out of the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, following the U.S. terror listings, said she will propose a constitutional reform to further protect Mexico's national sovereignty. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier announced on February 3 that Canada would list cartels as terrorists, alongside a 30-day reprieve from U.S. tariffs. Canada has also appointed a fentanyl czar, with public data showing that only 0.2% of all fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from the Canadian border, while the majority originates from the U.S.' southern border with Mexico.

On Thursday, a knife attack in a shopping centre in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, resulted in the deaths of two people. Police stated that they detained the suspected attacker shortly after the incident. Czech Television reported that the suspect is a 16-year-old Czech citizen. In a post on X, the police said that despite arriving on the scene within minutes of the report, both victims sustained injuries so severe that they could not be saved. Authorities are currently investigating the motive for the attack, which occurred 110 km (68 miles) east of Prague.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's trial for alleged coup plotting officially began on February 20, marking the first time a sitting president has appeared in court in South Korea. The Constitutional Court announced that the final debate will be held on February 25, with a ruling expected in March. During the brief 13-minute hearing, Yoon communicated his opinions through his lawyer. The defense requested three weeks to review the prosecution's evidence, with the next hearing set for March 24. The prosecution has prepared 70,000 pages of evidence and requested bi-weekly hearings. Later that day, Yoon attended the 10th debate of his impeachment trial but left before Prime Minister Han Duck-soo entered the courtroom. Key witness testimonies have been inconsistent, leading Yoon's team to demand the application of the Criminal Procedure Act. Supporters and opponents rallied near the court and in downtown Seoul, with police deploying significant forces to prevent clashes.

Republican US Senator Mitch McConnell announced on his 83rd birthday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, concluding a decades-long career in the Senate. Since joining the Senate in 1985, McConnell has been instrumental in shifting American politics to the right and securing a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court. In recent years, he has observed the Republican Party's shift from traditional conservatism to the populist style of President Donald Trump, whom he blamed for the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot but later voted to acquit in the impeachment trial and supported for reelection in 2024. Recently, McConnell has faced health issues, including falls and public speaking difficulties. His retirement will leave an open Senate seat in Kentucky for the 2026 election, with several Republicans, including US Representative Andy Barr and former attorney-general Daniel Cameron, expressing interest in succeeding him.

France announced on Thursday that it would retain 80 military personnel in Ivory Coast primarily for training purposes, as it handed over control of a military base in the commercial capital, Abidjan. During the ceremony, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized that France was 'not disappearing.' The 80 personnel will form the core of a joint detachment, with their roles reassessed based on evolving needs, particularly in training. French forces, deployed in Ivory Coast for decades, aided President Alassane Ouattara's accession in 2011 after his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to concede defeat in the 2010 election. In late November, sources revealed France's plan to reduce its military presence in West and Central African countries, including Ivory Coast, from around 2,200 to 600 troops, amid Russia's growing influence. Ouattara stated in December that French forces would withdraw from Ivory Coast. France began withdrawing its troops from Chad in December following the abrupt termination of their defense cooperation pact by the Chadian government. France had already withdrawn its soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to military coups and rising anti-French sentiment.

Amazon announced it will take creative control of the lucrative James Bond movie franchise from the Broccoli family. The films have long been produced by Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who inherited control from their father, Albert Broccoli. Amazon acquired MGM Studios for $8.45 billion in 2021, gaining distribution rights but not creative control. Under the new deal, Amazon's MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli formed a joint venture to co-own the Bond intellectual property rights. Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon's Prime Video and MGM Studios, stated they are honored to continue the legacy and look forward to the next phase of 007. Wilson and Broccoli will step back from producing to focus on other projects. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos hinted at the next Bond actor on X. The Bond franchise, spanning over 60 years, is one of the highest-grossing series in history, significantly benefiting Amazon's media and entertainment business.

On September 19, US President Trump announced that the government will audit the gold reserves at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to ensure accurate accounting. Previously, government efficiency chief Elon Musk questioned the authenticity of the gold reserves, suggesting an audit. Fort Knox holds over 147 million troy ounces of gold, which has not been comprehensively reviewed since the 1950s. There are speculations that the Treasury might re-evaluate its gold reserves, but Trump's economic advisors have not seriously considered this. The vault is off-limits to visitors, with only two exceptions in history.

On the 19th, US President Trump announced that the US government will audit the gold vault at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to ensure the accuracy of its gold reserves. Previously, Elon Musk, head of the Government Efficiency Department, questioned the authenticity of the gold reserves, suggesting an audit was needed. Fort Knox holds over 147 million troy ounces of gold, which has not been comprehensively reviewed since the 1950s. There are speculations that the Treasury might re-evaluate its gold reserves, but Trump's economic advisors have not seriously considered this approach. The vault is off-limits to visitors, with only two exceptions in history.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will audit the gold reserves at Fort Knox in Kentucky. This decision was spurred by recent comments from Elon Musk. Over the past decades, conspiracy theories have occasionally surfaced about the accuracy of the government's reported gold holdings due to the high security of the fort. The Treasury Department's website states that there are 147,341,858.382 troy ounces of gold stored at Fort Knox. John McCluskey, CEO of Alamos Gold, believes an audit would be beneficial for everyone. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the gold is audited annually and all gold is present and accounted for. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also verified the presence of gold at Fort Knox. Recent investor speculation suggests the government should audit and possibly revalue its gold reserves, which are currently priced at $42 per ounce, a rate set by law since 1973. Spot gold hit a new record high of $2,954.69 an ounce on Thursday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will miss the G20 foreign ministers and finance ministers meetings in South Africa, raising concerns about a potential US withdrawal from the G20. Since Trump's return to the White House, the US has exited multiple multilateral agreements and organizations. An Indian official noted that US absence would enhance the importance of groups like BRICS. Former US Treasury official Sobel deemed the absence a significant mistake. Mnuchin's inability to attend due to Washington duties will be covered by a senior official. Trump may meet Putin this month to discuss the Ukraine war. Rubio canceled his G20 foreign ministers meeting attendance, citing South Africa's land policy as one reason. The US froze aid to Africa, causing financial strains for African governments. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in South Africa to discuss relations with the US and issues like the Ukraine conflict.

A German court has ruled that Birkenstocks are not classified as works of art and thus do not qualify for copyright protection. The company had argued that its footwear should be considered art to prevent rivals from selling copycat versions. The judge stated that the shoes are practical design items. Birkenstocks have gained immense popularity in recent years, especially after actress Margot Robbie wore them in the Barbie movie. The company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023 with a valuation of approximately $8.6 billion. The lawsuit involved three manufacturers and retailers, and the final ruling by the Federal Court of Justice did not support Birkenstock's claim of its footwear being art.

In response to a severe dengue outbreak, Adiison Hills Village in Manila, Philippines, has launched a cash-for-mosquitoes initiative, offering 1 Philippine peso for every 5 mosquitoes submitted. The campaign, which began this week, will last for at least a month and accepts both live and dead mosquitoes, including larvae. So far, 21 individuals have claimed the reward, capturing approximately 700 mosquitoes. The village is a hotspot for dengue, with 44 recent infections and some fatalities reported.

The Vatican announced that 88-year-old Pope Francis has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, complicating his treatment. The Pope had been suffering from a respiratory infection for over a week and was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14. Having had part of his right lung removed at age 21, he is particularly susceptible to lung infections. On February 18, the Vatican stated that the Pope had multiple microbial infections requiring cortisone antibiotic therapy. A recent CT scan revealed double pneumonia, necessitating additional medication. Despite his severe condition, the Pope remains in good spirits, resting, praying, and reading scriptures. All public activities have been canceled until Sunday, February 23.

Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was charged on Tuesday with leading a coup plot to overturn his 2022 election loss. The charges follow a two-year police investigation that culminated in riots by his supporters in Brasilia in early 2023. Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of leading a 'criminal organization' aiming to establish a new order, including plans to poison President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A total of 34 people, including several military officials, were charged. Bolsonaro's lawyers denied the allegations, and analysts believe it is unlikely he will be arrested before trial. The case resembles the charges faced by former U.S. President Donald Trump over his 2020 election loss.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been charged by the country's chief prosecutor with attempting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The 69-year-old faces five charges, including attempting to prevent his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking office, and plotting to poison Lula and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing, claiming political persecution. The Supreme Court will review the prosecutor's recommendation, and if accepted, Bolsonaro and 33 others will face formal charges and trial. Bolsonaro was banned from running for office for eight years for claiming electronic ballots were vulnerable to fraud. On January 8, 2023, his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia, leading to 1,500 arrests. A federal police report three months ago accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating the coup attempt. The Supreme Court is expected to proceed with the trial later this year, with potential impacts on the next presidential election.

On February 19, 2025, a mass stranding of false killer whales occurred near Arthur River in the northwest of Tasmania, Australia. A total of 157 whales were stranded, with about 90 surviving. Due to complex environmental conditions and extreme stress, expert teams were unable to save them, leading to the decision to euthanize the surviving whales. Local resident Jocelyn Flint described the scene as horrific. Marine biologist Kris Carlyon noted the extreme difficulty in accessing the site and transporting rescue equipment. Tasmania has experienced frequent mass whale strandings in recent years, including the country's worst-ever incident in 2020.

The United Nations, World Bank, and European Union released a report on the 18th, stating that the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip requires over $50 billion, with $532 billion needed over the next decade and $200 billion in the first three years. The funds will primarily be used for repairing buildings and infrastructure, and mitigating social and economic losses. The recent round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulted in the destruction of 292,000 homes in the Gaza Strip, with 95% of hospitals ceasing operations and an 83% economic contraction. The report indicates that the Gaza Strip is not yet ready for large-scale reconstruction. Arab countries are discussing the 'Arab Plan,' aiming to complete reconstruction in three years with up to $200 billion. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid stated that Israel is waiting to assess the plan and will not accept any plan that allows Hamas to exist. Israel and Hamas are set to initiate the second phase of ceasefire negotiations this week.

Recently, US President Donald Trump's approval rating has slightly decreased from 45% in the Jan 24-26 poll to 44% in a poll ending on Feb 18. The percentage of Americans who disapprove of his presidency has risen to 51%. Despite enjoying a relatively high approval rate of 47% on his immigration policy, the share of those who think the economy is on the wrong track has increased from 43% to 53%, and approval of Trump's economic stewardship has fallen from 43% to 39%. The latest poll shows only 32% of respondents approve of Trump's performance on inflation. A US Labor Department report indicated that consumer prices rose by the most in nearly one and a half years in January. 54% of respondents oppose new tariffs on imported goods, while 41% are in favor.

Authorities in Barangay Addition Hills, a densely-populated area in central Manila, Philippines, have introduced a cash reward program for mosquitoes to combat the spread of dengue. Village chief Carlito Cernal announced a bounty of one peso for every five mosquitoes, following a recent spike in dengue cases, including two student deaths. The month-long program has already seen 21 people claim rewards for 700 mosquitoes and larvae. While the Philippines Department of Health appreciates the initiative, it advises consulting local health officers for evidence-based practices. Cernal emphasized the bounty as a supplement to existing anti-dengue measures.

US President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on his social media platform for refusing to hold presidential elections, calling him a 'dictator without elections' and warning that he needs to act fast or risk losing his country. Trump also stated that the US is 'successfully negotiating' with Russia, unlike Europe, which has 'failed to bring peace.' On February 12, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation discussing the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, bilateral relations, and other issues, agreeing to continue contacts and arrange a face-to-face meeting. On February 18, Russian and US delegations met in Riyadh for talks lasting about 4.5 hours, covering various issues including the rapprochement of Russian and US positions and contacts on Ukraine.

On October 18, US and Russian delegations met in Saudi Arabia without the presence of Ukrainian and European representatives. At a press conference in Florida, President Trump praised the talks and criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky for initiating the conflict, urging Ukraine to hold elections. Zelensky responded that the White House was 'pleasing Putin' and vowed not to sign any agreements. European leaders planned another emergency summit on October 19, while the EU preliminarily approved new sanctions against Russia. Major European Parliament groups issued a joint statement calling for increased efforts to defend Ukraine and Europe, emphasizing not relying solely on the US.

National security adviser Mike Waltz stated during a Fox News TV broadcast that the Ukrainian side is exhibiting 'bizarre pushback and escalation of rhetoric' regarding the proposed Washington agreement to use Ukrainian minerals in exchange for aid. US President Donald Trump does not intend to tolerate the escalation of rhetoric from Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Waltz emphasized that American taxpayers deserve to recoup much of their investment, and Ukraine needs to recognize this opportunity. However, instead, there has been escalating rhetoric and pushback, which President Trump will not tolerate.

Israeli officials on August 18 stated that Israel and Hamas will begin indirect negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. On August 19, Hamas issued a statement proposing a one-time exchange of detainees, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas rejected Israel's conditions for disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas is set to hand over four hostages' remains on August 20 and release six hostages on August 22. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office confirmed an agreement in Cairo, with another four hostages' remains to be transferred next week. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are mediating, with the second phase of negotiations yet to officially commence.

The Palestinian Hamas movement has announced its readiness to release all remaining Israeli hostages at once. The group published a statement outlining its stance during the second phase of negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, proposing to exchange all Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners in 'one go' to achieve a permanent truce and full Israeli withdrawal. On January 15, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that, thanks to the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages. The three-phase agreement came into effect on January 19, with Hamas set to release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody during the 42-day first phase.

Brazil's Prosecutor General's Office filed a lawsuit with the Federal Supreme Court on August 18, accusing former President Jair Bolsonaro and 33 allies of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 presidential election results. If the lawsuit is accepted, Bolsonaro will face criminal proceedings. The indictment alleges they conspired to prevent current President Lula from assuming office and were involved in an assassination plot. Bolsonaro denies the charges, claiming political persecution. On August 19, Bolsonaro met with allies to discuss amnesty for participants in the congressional riot. After the 2022 election, Bolsonaro supporters stormed national institutions, leading to nearly two years of police investigation.

This year's German election differs from previous ones, with intense campaigning and increased social divisions. The election, moved up to February 23, saw fierce debates among party candidates and campaign slogans随处可见 on the streets. Immigration became a key issue, with controversy over the coalition's collaboration with the AfD. Statements from some U.S. politicians added complexity. Polls indicate the CDU/CSU leading but likely needing a coalition. German politicians are actively using social media to attract young voters.

A group of migrants deported from the US to Panama last week were moved on the night of February 18 from a hotel in the capital to the Darien jungle region in the south of the country. Panamanian migration lawyer Susana Sabalza stated that the family she represents, along with other deported migrants, were transferred to Meteti, a town in the Darien. Local daily La Estrella de Panama reported that 170 of the 299 migrants initially housed in the hotel were relocated to the Darien. The Panamanian government did not respond to requests for comment. The migrants, including individuals from Afghanistan, China, and other nations, had been staying in a hotel in Panama City under local authority protection and financial support from the US through the International Organisation for Migration and the UN refugee agency. Human rights groups have criticized the process, fearing mistreatment and the safety of migrants if returned to violent or war-torn countries. Sabalza, who has been unable to see her clients, is seeking permission to visit them at their new location and said the family will seek asylum in Panama or any other country. Panama's security minister noted that over half of the recently deported migrants have accepted voluntary repatriation to their home countries.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on the 19th that over 150 false killer whales stranded on a beach in the northwest of Tasmania, including both adults and calves. They had been stranded for 24 to 48 hours when discovered. Due to the remote location and harsh sea conditions, rescue efforts were challenging. After assessment, the Tasmanian Government decided to euthanize 90 whales that were still alive but in severe pain. Marine biologist Chris, responsible for the rescue, stated that the situation was not optimistic and euthanasia might be the best option. The cause of the mass stranding remains unclear, but it is speculated to be related to their social behavior.

NASA released new calculations on February 18, indicating that asteroid '2024 YR4' has a 3.1% chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032, with enough power to flatten a city. The European Space Agency's head stated that while the event is rare, it does not constitute a crisis, posing a threat to at most one city. The asteroid, measuring 40 to 90 meters in width, could impact at speeds near 40,000 miles per hour, with an airburst equivalent to 8 million tons of TNT. If its size approaches the upper limit, it could create a massive crater on impact. The predicted impact areas include the eastern Pacific, northern South America, the Atlantic, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia. Experts advise against panic, noting ample time and existing scientific countermeasures.

On February 19, 2025, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Nahyan stated that the UAE opposes the U.S. proposal to relocate Palestinians from their land. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion to take over Gaza and resettle its Palestinian inhabitants in Jordan and Egypt, which has faced widespread opposition from Arab countries and Western allies. Nahyan emphasized the importance of linking Gaza's reconstruction to a path leading to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The UAE's stance is significant as it is one of the four Arab countries that normalized ties with Israel during the first Trump administration and has financed reconstruction efforts after previous conflicts. Arab diplomacy aims to develop an alternative to Trump's plan for Gaza, which lies in ruins after Israel's 15-month military campaign against Hamas, leaving nearly all of its 2.3 million inhabitants homeless. Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar are expected to discuss the plan in Riyadh this month before presenting it at an Arab League summit in Cairo in March.

On February 4, 2025, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced during a press conference at the presidential palace in San Jose that migrants deported from the U.S. could be held in Costa Rica for up to six weeks before being sent to their home countries. Costa Rica has agreed to receive 200 migrants from countries such as Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and India, starting on February 5, Chaves said. He stated that this move is to assist their powerful economic ally in the north, the U.S., to avoid tariffs on Costa Rica's export zones. Since taking office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on several regional countries, demanding cooperation on issues like migration and drug trafficking. Chaves noted that the U.S. will cover the costs of receiving the deportees, who will stay at a migrant shelter and be unable to leave until they are flown to their respective countries.

The Dutch embassy in Abuja announced on Wednesday that the Netherlands has agreed to return more than 100 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, becoming the latest European country to repatriate cultural artifacts to Africa. These bronzes were looted by British soldiers during a raid on the then-independent Kingdom of Benin, now located in southwestern Nigeria, in 1897. The Dutch embassy stated that the Netherlands will return 119 artifacts following an agreement signed between its education minister and the head of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The artifacts are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year. The collection includes 113 bronzes from the Dutch State Collection, while the remainder will be returned by the Municipality of Rotterdam. The embassy statement noted that the Netherlands is returning the Benin Bronzes unconditionally, acknowledging that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897 and should never have ended up in the Netherlands. Olugbile Holloway, director general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, said this would represent the single largest return of ancient antiquities.

The Netherlands has announced the return of over 100 Benin Bronzes looted by British troops from Nigeria in the late 19th century, which ended up in the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands. These culturally significant sculptures and carvings were stolen during the violent destruction of Benin City, in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, in 1897. The treasures were sold to private collectors and museums. Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), stated that the return of 119 artefacts is the 'largest repatriation of Benin antiquities'. The items, made between the 15th and 19th centuries, include figurines, tusks, sculptures of Benin's rulers, and an ivory mask. A transfer agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday, with Holloway hoping it sets a precedent for other countries. Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science Eppo Bruins said this return addresses a historical injustice still felt today.

Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani called on October 4 for the arrest of a group of Yemeni Houthi leaders planning to attend the funeral of Lebanese Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah, who was killed on September 27 amid increased Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, is scheduled to be buried on February 23. Eryani demanded that the Lebanese government arrest the Houthi leaders and hand them over to the internationally recognized rival government. The Houthis have not officially announced a delegation for the funeral, but Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported that a Yemeni delegation would participate. Eryani stated that the movement of these terrorist leaders is not merely to attend the funeral but to use it as a cover to gather Iranian-axis leaders and assess the situation after recent setbacks. The Houthis, who control northern Yemen, have conducted over 100 attacks on ships off Yemen's shores since November 2023, disrupting global shipping.

Donald Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, labeling him a 'dictator' and accusing him of corruption, suggesting Zelensky wants to continue receiving foreign aid. Previously, Trump appeared to blame Ukraine, not Russia, for starting the war. Following a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, Trump is now echoing Russia's talking points on the conflict. Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, praised the Trump administration's approach. Trump's latest comments reflect a significant shift in his stance on Ukraine, supported by his party. Although some Republican senators expressed dismay, it is unlikely to result in any tangible attempt to redirect Trump's foreign policy.

On February 20, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reported that Israel received from Hamas a list of four Israeli hostages killed in the Gaza Strip, with their bodies to be handed over on the same day. The list includes Shiri Bibas, 32, and her two sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 9 months, as well as Oded Lifshitz. Shiri's husband, Yarden Bibas, 34, was released on February 1. Hamas had previously announced the deaths of Shiri and her children on November 29, 2023, attributing it to an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip during a military operation. The Israel Defense Forces accused Hamas of 'cruel and inhumane' actions and held them fully responsible for the hostages' safety, but did not confirm or deny the deaths, stating they were verifying the information.

On February 19, 2024, the Vatican reported a slight improvement in Pope Francis' condition as he receives treatment for pneumonia. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited him, found the 88-year-old pope in good spirits. On his sixth day at Rome's Gemelli hospital, his clinical condition remained stable. The Vatican disclosed on February 18 that the pope had pneumonia in both lungs. Despite recent health issues, Pope Francis continues to engage in work activities. The Vatican has canceled a papal audience on February 22 and a mass on February 23.

On February 19, 2025, Egyptologists discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis near Luxor, marking the first pharaoh's tomb found since the uncovering of Tutankhamun's over a century ago. The British-Egyptian team located it in an area previously thought to be far from the 18th dynasty pharaohs' burial chambers. The tomb's blue-painted ceiling with yellow stars indicated it belonged to a king. Despite being deliberately emptied, fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with Thutmose II and Hatshepsut's names were found. This discovery concludes over 12 years of work and is a significant moment for Egyptology.

Forever 21 is in discussions with liquidators about its next steps, indicating its struggle to find a buyer and potential for a second bankruptcy filing. The company has been seeking a buyer for its U.S. leases and assets to avoid extinction. Forever 21's U.S. operations are primarily struggling, but its intellectual property, such as the brand name, is not for sale. The challenges in finding a buyer stem from intense competition from Chinese e-tailers Shein and Temu, higher tariffs, and a loss of brand appeal. The company has long faced profitability issues and difficulties in managing inventory and controlling costs. It is unclear if Forever 21 has hired a liquidator yet, but there is still a possibility of finding a buyer. Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019 and was later acquired by a consortium including Authentic Brands Group. Despite restructuring under Chapter 11, the company has failed to adapt to new competitive threats.

A Delta Air Lines CRJ900 flight operated by Endeavor Air crashed and overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, injuring 18 people, three of whom were seriously hurt, including a child. The plane had 76 passengers and four crew members. Passenger Nelson posted a video on Facebook showing firefighters extinguishing the flames, with the tarmac covered in snow. Passenger Kukov described being flipped sideways and hanging upside down in the cabin. The airport suspended all flights for two hours following the incident, having canceled some flights due to a snowstorm the previous day. The runway was dry and there was no crosswind at the time of the accident. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

On February 18, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crashed and flipped over while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. All 80 people on board, including 76 passengers and four crew members, survived, with 18 sustaining injuries, a few of them serious. Passenger John Nelson reported no signs of anything unusual before the crash. Passengers helped each other escape the overturned aircraft, assisted by airport staff. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and two runways will remain closed for several days, leading to expected flight delays.

On February 14, 2025, 88-year-old Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for a complex respiratory infection. As of February 18, the Pope had been in the hospital for five days, with his condition described as complex by doctors. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not participate in this weekend's Holy Year events, and a public papal audience scheduled for Saturday was cancelled. Sunday's papal Mass in St. Peter's Basilica will proceed, led by a senior Vatican official. The 2025 Catholic Holy Year is expected to draw 32 million tourists to Rome. Doctors have twice adjusted the Pope's medication regimen, and the type of infection remains unspecified. The Vatican stated that the Pope will remain in the hospital as necessary.

On February 18, the Vatican cancelled two of Pope Francis' weekend events as the 88-year-old continues to receive hospital treatment for bronchitis. On February 17, the Vatican indicated that the Pope would stay longer in the hospital due to a complex clinical condition. A statement on February 18 announced the cancellation of the Jubilee audience on February 22, with a senior Vatican clergyman delegated to celebrate a planned mass on February 23. Pope Francis, admitted to the hospital on February 14, has faced multiple health issues, including hernia and colon surgery since 2021. On February 17, the Vatican confirmed a polymicrobial respiratory infection requiring extended hospitalization. Despite his health challenges, the Pope remains active and regularly undertakes overseas trips.

Bolivian police reported that over 30 people were killed in a bus crash on a mountain road in the southwestern district of Yocalla. The vehicle plunged nearly 800 meters into a ravine, injuring 14 people, including four children, according to a local hospital official. The accident occurred between the cities of Potosí and Oruro. Preliminary investigations suggest speeding may have caused the driver to lose control of the bus, police colonel Victor Benavides told AFP. This is believed to be the deadliest road accident in Bolivia this year. Local news outlet Unitel reported that several injured were in serious condition. Deadly road accidents are common in Bolivia, with 19 killed in another bus accident near Potosí last month. Government data indicates that an average of 1,400 people die in road accidents annually in the country of about 12 million inhabitants.

A senior Russian official stated on Tuesday that Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian oil pipeline, which transports about 1% of global crude oil supply, potentially disrupting world market flows and harming U.S. companies. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) reported on Monday that the Kropotkinskaya station in the southern Krasnodar region was hit by several explosive-laden drones. The CPC did not identify the attackers but confirmed the station's shutdown and reduced flow rates in the Tengiz-Novorossiysk pipeline, bypassing the pumping station. Kropotkinskaya is the largest pumping station on the pipeline in Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned that the attack could halt oil pumping, destabilize markets, spike oil prices, and directly damage U.S. companies. An official from Ukraine's SBU confirmed the drone strike. Medvedev suggested the attack, targeting a pipeline partly owned by U.S. firms, was a blow against U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts for lower oil prices, with Trump's response yet to be seen. The CPC transports oil from the Tengiz field and Russian producers over 1,500 km to the Black Sea for global supply. Russia, KazMunayGas, Chevron, Lukoil, and Exxon Mobil hold stakes in the consortium, which exported 63.01 million metric tons of CPC blend oil in 2024.

On February 17, Elon Musk's AI company xAI unveiled the latest version of its chatbot, Grok 3, aiming to gain traction in the highly competitive AI sector. Musk touted Grok 3's powerful reasoning capabilities and 10 times the computational resources of its predecessor, along with self-correction mechanisms. Grok 3 will initially be available to Premium+ paid subscribers of X, formerly Twitter. The launch comes amid intensifying global AI competition, with Chinese startup DeepSeek and OpenAI's ChatGPT as key rivals. Meanwhile, Musk's role in US President Donald Trump's administration has raised conflict-of-interest concerns.

On Tuesday, Elon Musk's xAI unveiled its latest AI model, Grok 3, claiming it outperforms offerings from OpenAI and China's DeepSeek based on early testing. Grok 3 will be initially available to premium X subscribers in the United States and through separate subscriptions. Last week at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Musk described the model as 'scary smart,' surpassing all other existing models in xAI's internal tests. The xAI team stated that an early version of Grok 3 received higher ratings on Chatbot Arena than competitors. Musk emphasized that the model is still in beta and will be continuously improved. In September last year, OpenAI launched its advanced o1 model, while DeepSeek recently claimed its open-source model rivaled o1's performance.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fired approximately 20 employees over the weekend, including those reviewing Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink. These employees were primarily from the FDA's office of neurological and physical medicine devices, responsible for reviewing clinical-trial applications for brain-computer interface devices, including Neuralink. The sources stated that the employees were not specifically targeted for their work on Neuralink's applications, but the layoffs will hinder the agency's ability to process medical device applications quickly and safely. Former FDA official Victor Krauthamer expressed concerns about the oversight of Neuralink's trial and the protection of trial participants. The FDA, White House, and Musk have not yet commented. The cuts primarily affected probationary employees, despite their previously excellent performance. Neuralink is currently testing a device that allows paralyzed individuals to use digital devices through thought and is developing an implant aimed at restoring vision.

On September 24, 2024, Huawei launched its trifold smartphone, the Mate XT, in Hong Kong, aiming to make a comeback in international markets. The device starts at 3,499 euros (approximately $3,660) and is already available in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. First released in China last year, the Mate XT garnered global attention as the first-ever trifold phone. U.S. sanctions starting in 2019 severely impacted Huawei's market share, which now stands at just 0.3% outside China. However, its market share in China grew to 17% in 2024. Francisco Jeronimo, VP at IDC, noted that the Mate XT is likely targeted at wealthy individuals. Neil Shah from Counterpoint Research highlighted the lack of Google services as a significant hurdle in the international market.

On February 18, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Riyadh to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The US agreed to hold further talks with Russia, excluding Kyiv from the initial meeting. President Donald Trump expressed confidence in the negotiations and indicated a possible meeting with President Vladimir Putin by the end of the month. Ukraine stated it would not accept any deal imposed without its consent, echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's insistence that no decision should be made over Ukraine's head. Some European politicians criticized the US for concessions to Moscow last week. US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for a permanent end to the war, involving territory negotiations. Rubio noted Russia's willingness to engage in a serious peace process, but stressed the need for concessions from all sides.

A high-level US-Russia delegation met in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war and mending US-Russia relations. US Secretary of State Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Volz, and other US officials held a four-and-a-half-hour meeting with Russian representatives. Both sides agreed to appoint a high-level team to negotiate the end of the Ukraine war and establish a consultation mechanism to address bilateral issues. The US and Russia also explored post-conflict economic cooperation. Rubio emphasized that the war's end must be acceptable to all parties involved. Volz stated that negotiations would cover territorial and security guarantees. Lavrov described the talks as 'very useful' and confirmed both sides agreed to initiate peace negotiations. Ushakov noted progress in the talks but said the date for a summit was undecided. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the US for pandering to Moscow and expressed willingness to resign for peace.

Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, with his condition described as 'complex'. The 88-year-old had been suffering from a respiratory infection for over a week and was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday. A follow-up chest CT scan revealed the onset of pneumonia, necessitating additional drug therapy. Despite this, the Pope remains in good spirits, spending his day reading, resting, and praying, and expressed gratitude to well-wishers. Previously experiencing bronchitis symptoms, he has cancelled all public events through Sunday. Doctors have adjusted his medication twice during his hospital stay. Pope Francis, who had part of a lung removed at age 21 and developed pleurisy as an adult, is prone to lung infections. During his 12 years as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he has been hospitalized several times, including a three-night stay for bronchitis in March 2023.

On January 26, 2025, Pope Francis led Holy Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Communication at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, targeting young communication professionals. The Vatican stated on Tuesday that Pope Francis, suffering from pneumonia in both lungs, remains hospitalized in Rome, presenting a 'complex picture' of his health. A follow-up CT scan of the 88-year-old pontiff revealed bilateral pneumonia, necessitating additional medications. Despite this, Pope Francis remains in good spirits. On Monday, the Vatican announced that Francis was admitted to Italy's largest hospital, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, three days prior for bronchitis treatment, with initial tests indicating a respiratory tract infection and slight fever. Recent tests have depicted a 'complex clinical picture,' requiring an 'appropriate' hospital stay. The Vatican explained that the pope's polymicrobial infection, arising from bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, complicates his treatment with corticosteroids and antibiotics. His public audiences have been canceled, and he spends his time resting, praying, and reading, expressing gratitude for the support and requesting continued prayers.

Hamas announced it will hand over the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family members Shiri and her young children Kfir and Ariel, on February 20. Hamas claims the three were killed in Israeli bombardment, which Israel has not confirmed. Additionally, Hamas plans to release six living hostages on Saturday, in exchange for Israel freeing all women and those under 19 arrested since last October and allowing some rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza. The Bibas family stated they are aware of the reports but have not received official confirmation. Currently, 73 hostages are held in Gaza, including Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as Thai and Nepalese nationals. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel could extend the ceasefire if talks are productive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that under an agreement with Hamas, six living hostages will be released from Gaza captivity on February 22. On Thursday, four deceased hostages will be returned to Israel, with four more deceased hostages expected to be returned next week. In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached a three-phase deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to release hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire, which took effect on January 19. In the initial phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Currently, Hamas still holds 73 hostages in the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump stated on February 18 that auto tariffs will be around 25 per cent, with more details to be shared on April 2. Last week, Trump indicated that auto tariffs would take effect on April 2, following reports from his Cabinet on import duty options. Trump has consistently criticized unfair treatment of US automotive exports in foreign markets. For instance, the European Union imposes a 10 per cent tariff on vehicle imports, compared to the US's 2.5 per cent tariff on passenger cars, though the US levies a 25 per cent tariff on highly profitable imported pickup trucks. Trump also mentioned that sectoral tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips could start at 25 per cent in April, potentially increasing over a year. Since his inauguration, Trump has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all imports from China, and announced 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada, though these were later delayed by a month. He has set a March 12 start date for 25 per cent tariffs on all imported steel and aluminium and directed his economic team to devise reciprocal tariffs for countries taxing US imports.

Billionaire Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, launched the Grok-3 AI model on February 17, claiming it to be the 'world's smartest' AI chatbot. Grok-3 outperformed Google Gemini, DeepSeek V3, Anthropic Claude, and OpenAI GPT-4o in math, science, and coding benchmarks. Musk stated that Grok-3's computing power is over ten times that of its predecessor and has completed pre-training, aiming to understand the universe. xAI plans to release a voice-enabled chatbot and a new subscription service, SuperGrok. Grok-3 is already available to X platform Premium+ subscribers. Musk expects Grok-3 to be fully developed in a few months, intensifying competition with OpenAI. xAI is in talks to raise $10 billion, valuing the company at $75 billion.

The US State Department's office overseeing Afghan resettlement has been instructed to develop plans for closure by April, potentially denying new lives in America to an estimated 200,000 people. Affected groups include Afghan-American military families, children, relatives of admitted Afghans, and thousands who worked for the US government during the 20-year war. Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, called the move a 'national disgrace.' Established in August 2021, the CARE office has resettled about 118,000 individuals. Closure options include shutting processing centers in Qatar and Albania, affecting nearly 3,000 Afghans. The final decision will be made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others. The Trump administration has halted reviews of refugee and foreign aid programs.

On February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines CRJ900 flight from Minneapolis crashed and overturned while landing in Toronto, with all 80 people on board surviving. The plane skidded along the runway with visible flames and came to a halt upside down, with passengers hanging upside down in their seats and having to release themselves to escape. Eighteen people were injured, with a small number seriously hurt. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority praised the emergency response as 'textbook.' The US Federal Aviation Administration stated the flight was operated by Delta's subsidiary, Endeavor Air. The incident temporarily closed the airport, which later resumed operations, but some runways will remain closed for several days for investigation.

On February 18th, local time, U.S. President Trump announced plans to impose approximately 25% tariffs on imported automobiles. He intends to make further statements on this matter on April 2nd. Previously, on February 14th, Trump indicated that the tariffs could be implemented as early as April 2nd. This move has garnered market attention, with all parties closely monitoring further developments.

KFC announced the relocation of its U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. Approximately 100 KFC U.S. employees will be required to move over the next six months. This move is part of Yum Brands' plan to establish two corporate headquarters, with the other in Irvine, California. KFC and Pizza Hut's global teams are already based in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill's teams are in Irvine. Additionally, about 90 Yum Brands U.S. remote workers will be asked to relocate to their respective work campuses. However, Yum Brands and the KFC Foundation will maintain offices in Louisville and plan to build a new flagship restaurant in their former hometown. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies have reconsidered their headquarters locations, with Texas being a popular choice due to its business-friendly policies.

On February 16, 2024, the first anniversary of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison, at least 1,500 Russians braved freezing temperatures and the risk of reprisals to pay their respects at his grave in Moscow. Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, told AFP she is pushing for an investigation and hopes those responsible will be punished. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, living in exile, called on exiled Russians to protest on behalf of those unable to do so at home. The European Union and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concerns over Navalny's death. Russia has escalated its crackdown on dissent, with severe penalties for mentioning Navalny or his Anti-Corruption Foundation.

On February 16, 2025, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for ongoing treatment of bronchitis. The Vatican stated that the pontiff, who has been in hospital for four days, remains in stable condition and continues to receive treatment for a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old pope had a good night's sleep and ate breakfast on Monday. Due to his illness, Francis was unable to deliver his regular Sunday prayer and a special mass. Over the weekend, he maintained contact with members of a Catholic parish in Gaza via phone calls. The Vatican has canceled his scheduled visit to Rome's Cinecitta film studios on Monday.

At least 10 people have died in the southeastern US due to torrential rains over the weekend, causing widespread flooding. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared an emergency disaster, reporting nine deaths and over 1,000 rescues in his state. One death occurred in Georgia. Multiple states issued storm alerts, with hundreds of thousands of homes losing power. Parts of Kentucky received 15cm of rain, leading to extensive flooding. Beshear requested an emergency disaster declaration from the White House, which President Donald Trump approved. In Obion County, Tennessee, a levee breach caused rapid flooding, prompting mandatory evacuations. The same weather system is now bringing heavy snow to parts of Canada, while the central US braces for record-breaking cold this week.

In Wilmington, Delaware, a U.S. judge has scheduled a rare holiday court hearing for Monday to address a lawsuit filed by Democratic state attorneys general aiming to protect major federal agencies from Elon Musk's government cost-cutting team, known as DOGE. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, D.C., announced the hearing on Sunday. On Friday, 13 Democratic state attorneys general argued for a temporary restraining order to prevent DOGE from accessing information systems at agencies including the Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, and others. Since Donald Trump became president last month and tasked Musk with eliminating wasteful spending, DOGE has swept through federal agencies, resulting in thousands of job cuts on Friday. The attorneys general also sought to prevent Musk and his team from firing or placing government employees on leave, requesting the order to last 14 days to file for a more permanent solution. Chutkan did not rule on Friday. The states argue that Musk's power requires presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, and that DOGE lacks Congressional authorization. Approximately 20 lawsuits challenging Musk's authority have been filed, with mixed initial rulings.

A Russian court in Moscow has fined Alphabet's Google 3.8 million roubles ($41,530) for hosting content on YouTube that included videos instructing Russian soldiers on how to surrender, as reported by Russia's TASS news agency on Monday. For several years, Russia has ordered foreign technology platforms to remove content it deems illegal, such as what it calls 'fakes' about the war in Ukraine, issuing small but persistent fines for non-compliance. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Critics accuse Russian authorities of deliberately disrupting YouTube's download speeds to prevent Russians from viewing content critical of President Vladimir Putin and his government. Russia denies this, blaming Google's failure to upgrade equipment, a claim disputed by the company and technology experts. In December, Putin accused Google of being a tool used by the U.S. government for political gains.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expects to hold another round of talks with European leaders next week. On February 17, European leaders met in Paris for emergency discussions, calling for increased defense spending but remaining divided on deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine. The meeting was convened by French President Emmanuel Macron after US President Donald Trump arranged bilateral peace talks with Russia, excluding European allies and Ukraine. European officials were stunned by the Trump administration's recent moves on Ukraine, Russia, and European defense, facing the reality of reduced US protection. Starmer stated that a US security commitment is necessary for European countries to deploy troops. Meanwhile, Taiwan is considering a multi-billion dollar arms purchase from the US amid Chinese military pressure. Israel expressed support for a US proposal to take over Gaza and relocate its Palestinian residents. Hamas indicated a willingness to cease governing Gaza to extend the ceasefire. Pope Francis faces a complex medical condition, requiring an extended hospital stay.

Peace talks between the US and Russia have commenced in Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine excluded. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would consider deploying UK troops to Ukraine if a lasting peace deal is reached, contingent on US guarantees. Starmer is set to visit Washington next week to meet with President Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Ukraine will not recognize the outcome of the talks if not involved. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed reluctance towards the troop deployment idea. Meanwhile, internal UK divisions emerged as Deputy PM Angela Rayner visited Ethiopia.

On February 17, a Lebanese official stated that Israeli troops had begun withdrawing from some border villages, following Israel's military announcement to remain in five 'strategic points' hours before a ceasefire deadline. Lebanon's president expressed concern that Israel might miss the February 18 deadline under the ceasefire with Hezbollah and urged countries to pressure Israel to honor the agreement. An Israeli military spokesman said that small amounts of troops would be temporarily deployed in five strategic points along the Lebanese border. The Lebanese army is ready to deploy in areas from which Israelis withdraw and to protect the border. Since the ceasefire began, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on Lebanon, claiming to have killed a Hamas commander on February 17. The Lebanese government stated that the state should be the sole bearer of arms and vowed to liberate all Lebanese territory.

On February 17, a military source revealed that Israeli troops will withdraw from southern Lebanon but temporarily remain at five strategic sites, including Jabal Blat and Khamamis. These sites include the Hasullam mountain range, Hashaked mountain range, Hatzivoni mountain range, Jabal Blat, and Hamamis, overseeing Israeli settlements. IDF spokesman Nadav Shoshani stated that a small number of troops will stay temporarily to ensure the safety of Israeli population centers. Earlier, the Ynet news website reported that Israeli troops would withdraw from southern Lebanon within 24 hours, except for the five strategic sites. According to Kan radio, the IDF will stay at these locations indefinitely to prevent Hezbollah from resuming activities in southern Lebanon. The November 27 ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, stipulated that Lebanese forces would deploy along the southern border with UN peacekeeper support, while Hezbollah would retreat beyond the Litani River. Israel was given 60 days to withdraw, but on January 27, the White House announced an extension until February 18.

On July 17th, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis, USA, experienced an accident upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada. All flights at the airport were subsequently grounded, and 15 injured individuals were transported to the hospital. Video footage showed the plane upside down with thick smoke billowing. Preliminary reports suggest severe weather as the cause. The investigation will be led by Transport Canada. All 80 people on board the aircraft have been evacuated.

On February 17, a Delta Air Lines CRJ900 flight originating from Minneapolis flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport amid windy conditions, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, including three critically, one of whom was a child. The incident led to the airport's closure for over two hours, causing delays and diversions. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the US National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the cause. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which acquired the CRJ aircraft program from Bombardier in 2020, pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

On the afternoon of February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 regional jet crashed upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring at least 15 people. All 80 individuals on board, including 76 passengers and four crew members, were evacuated, with two critically injured individuals airlifted to a hospital. Flights at the airport were temporarily halted but resumed at 5 p.m. ET. Delta Air Lines announced the cancellation of the remainder of its flights to and from Toronto for the day and issued travel waivers to affected passengers. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy offering assistance. This incident follows a fatal midair collision at Washington D.C.'s Reagan International Airport weeks earlier.

Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital last Friday for treatment and tests for bronchitis. On Monday, the Vatican announced that the pontiff has a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract, necessitating a change in his treatment. Currently, the Pope is in stable condition without a fever and has been conducting some work in the hospital. He expressed gratitude for the numerous messages of support and specifically thanked other hospitalized patients for their affection and prayers. The weekly general audience scheduled for this Wednesday has been cancelled. This is not the first time the Pope has been hospitalized due to health issues.

At around 12 noon local time on the 17th, a bus in Bolivia was involved in a traffic accident on a road connecting the provinces of Potosí and Oruro, resulting in at least 31 deaths. The accident occurred at a sharp turn, where the bus plummeted into the mountains due to excessive speed. Initially, 11 deaths were reported, but as rescue operations progressed, the confirmed death toll continued to rise. Rescue teams are still conducting search and rescue efforts in the accident area.

On February 17, 2025, a bus crashed off a precipice in Yocalla, Bolivia, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and over a dozen injuries. Local police reported that the bus driver likely lost control, causing the vehicle to fall nearly 800 meters. A hospital official stated in a video that 10 adults and four children were hospitalized, with several in intensive care. The police noted that the mountainous route is winding, and the bus's speed might have contributed to the accident.

Argentine President Javier Milei is facing calls for impeachment and legal action accusing him of fraud over his promotion of cryptocurrency on social media. On Friday, Milei posted about the $LIBRA coin on X, formerly Twitter, claiming it would fund small businesses and start-ups, and shared a purchase link, causing its price to surge. However, within hours, he deleted the post, leading to a nosedive in the cryptocurrency's value and significant losses for investors. Some opposition members of Congress plan to initiate impeachment proceedings, while lawyers filed fraud complaints in Argentina's criminal court on Sunday. Milei is accused of a 'rug pull,' where cryptocurrency promoters attract buyers and then cease trading to abscond with the funds. The presidential office stated that the post was removed to avoid speculation and that Milei was not involved in the cryptocurrency's development, with the Anti-Corruption Office set to investigate any impropriety. Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner criticized Milei as a 'crypto scammer,' and the main opposition coalition vowed to file an impeachment request, calling it an 'unprecedented scandal.' Esteban Paulón, a member of the opposition Socialist Party, also pledged to seek the start of impeachment proceedings.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander urged Mayor Eric Adams to develop a detailed contingency plan following the resignation of four senior aides, or risk potential removal from office. The departures on February 17 created an unprecedented leadership vacuum at the highest levels of city government, impacting essential services, Mr. Lander said. He threatened to convene the Committee on Mayoral Inability if Adams failed to deliver a plan by February 21, which could initiate his removal. The US Justice Department's directive to drop bribery charges against Adams sparked criticism and led to the resignations of four deputy mayors, exacerbating turmoil at City Hall. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed serious concerns over alleged 'quid pro quo' between Adams and the Trump administration.

According to Ynet, Israel demands that Hamas release six hostages on Saturday instead of the three stipulated in the current agreement. Israel is also preparing to receive the bodies of several hostages who died in Hamas captivity, which will be brought to Israel two days before Saturday's handover for identification procedures. Kan radio station reported that Israel would receive the bodies of four to five hostages, with Hamas expected to announce their names on the morning of February 20. On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release hostages held in Gaza and declare a ceasefire in the enclave. The three-phase deal, which took effect on January 19, involves Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages in the initial 42-day phase in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel states that 73 people remain in Hamas captivity.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated at a campaign event in Kassel that it is premature to discuss German military involvement in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of ensuring peace without making decisions behind Ukraine's back and highlighted the need for a strong Ukrainian army. German government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann echoed that it is too early to consider sending German troops to Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated the UK's readiness to deploy troops to provide security guarantees for Kiev. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitriy Peskov warned of severe consequences if foreign military contingents enter Ukraine. EU leaders are scheduled to hold an informal meeting in Paris on February 17 to discuss the Ukrainian conflict and European security self-sufficiency, with Scholz attending, though Berlin does not expect concrete results.

Last night, Ukraine launched a drone attack on the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in Russia's Krasnodar region. The station is owned by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which is not subject to US sanctions and has a significant portion of its stock owned by American shareholders. This attack could be seen as a blow to US business interests and a personal insult to US President Donald Trump, who has been working to lower oil prices for the benefit of the United States and its people. The drone attack, along with other strikes on Russia's oil infrastructure, may help maintain or even increase oil prices by reducing supply. Speculation arises that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might be attempting to assert leverage over the US by threatening American business interests.

On February 17th, a senior U.S. government official stated that Boeing's Air Force One project may be delayed until 2029 or later due to supply chain issues and evolving requirements. Boeing has faced difficulties in obtaining parts, meaning President Donald Trump might not see the new aircraft delivered before the end of his second term. In 2015, the U.S. Air Force selected the Boeing 747-8 as the new presidential aircraft. Trump reduced the contract amount to $3.9 billion in 2018, with delivery originally set for 2024. Due to various issues, the delivery date has been postponed multiple times and is now potentially delayed until 2029.

On February 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump toured a 12-year-old Boeing 747-8 aircraft in West Palm Beach, Florida. A senior administration official stated that the Air Force One program may be further delayed until 2029 or later due to supply chain issues and changing requirements. Boeing had initially planned to deliver the first aircraft in December 2024 but has postponed it to at least 2027 or 2028. Trump has been deeply involved with the program since his 2016 presidential campaign, securing a promise from then-Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg to cap the program's cost at $4 billion. Current Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company is working with Elon Musk to expedite the plane's updates. Trump revisited the issue on Saturday by inspecting a 747-8 aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport to understand the configuration of the new presidential transport aircraft.

An indigenous community leader in Peru called for a state of emergency on Monday, accusing illegal miners of using children as 'human shields' in the Amazon. Teófilo Kukush, president of the Wampís community in the Amazonian regions bordering Ecuador, said that children aged 5 to 10 are placed in front of dredges during enforcement actions. Several clashes in the area have resulted in at least thirty deaths over the past two years. Last July, an indigenous land rights activist was found dead, and numerous community leaders have been murdered due to conflicts with miners, loggers, and drug traffickers. Local financial regulator data shows that customs reported $1.096 billion in operations linked to illegal mining from January to October last year. Peru produced 108 million grams of fine gold in 2024, with nearly half supplied by small-scale miners, but only 20% of these miners have formal permits.

On February 14, US Vice President JD Vance criticized the European Union's censorship, including social media blocking, at the Munich Conference. On February 16, Christoph Heusgen, the chair of the Munich Conference, described the forum's outcome as 'a nightmare for Europe,' highlighting the values gap between Europe and the United States. The same day, US billionaire Elon Musk mocked Heusgen for crying during his closing speech, calling him 'pathetic' on social media. Heusgen, a prominent German politician, previously served as Germany's envoy to the United Nations from 2017 to 2021 and chaired the Munich Security Conferences in 2022 and 2025.

On July 17, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium reported that one of its oil pump stations was damaged by a drone attack. Currently, the pipeline system has activated an alternative route bypassing the affected station, resulting in a decrease in oil transportation volume. Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that since the early hours of July 17, Russian air defense systems had downed 90 Ukrainian drones in areas including the Azov Sea, Krasnodar Krai, Crimea, the Black Sea, and Belgorod Oblast.

Approximately 20 employees in the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) office of neurological and physical medicine devices, including several reviewing Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink, were fired over the weekend. This layoffs will hinder the FDA's ability to quickly and safely process various medical device applications, including those from Neuralink. Former FDA official Victor Krauthamer noted that this poses a threat to FDA professionals overseeing Neuralink's trials. Neuralink is currently testing its brain-computer interface device in a small group of disabled patients and developing an implant to restore vision. The dismissal letters cited performance issues, despite the employees having received excellent evaluations recently.

The Kremlin confirmed that Russian and US officials will meet in Saudi Arabia on February 18 to discuss the Ukraine issue and US-Russia relations. The Russian delegation includes Foreign Minister Lavrov and Presidential Assistant Ushakov, while the US delegation includes Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Advisor Wolz, and Middle East Envoy Witkoff. Ukraine was not invited, but Rubio and Trump stated that Ukraine will have a place in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine must participate in relevant talks. Trump expressed belief that Putin wants to end the war, and Rubio noted that peace negotiations require the involvement of Ukraine and European countries. Lavrov stated that Russia will not compromise on territorial sovereignty.

On February 15, a stabbing attack in the southern Austrian city of Villach left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured, including two seriously. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner labeled it an Islamist attack with connections to the Islamic State. The suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, was reportedly radicalized online in a short period. Following the attack, a Syrian food deliverer, Alaaeddin Alhalabi, rammed his car into the attacker, subduing him. Local residents placed candles at the attack site, expressing fears for the future. Carinthia Governor Peter Kaiser called for the harshest consequences for this 'unbelievable atrocity,' while far-right leader Herbert Kickl demanded a rigorous clamp-down on asylum policies.

On February 16, 2025, a stabbing attack occurred in the town of Villach, Austria, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to five others. Authorities identified the suspect as a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker who was believed to have been radicalized online by the Islamic State (IS). Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that an IS flag was found in the suspect's apartment and that he had sworn allegiance to IS. The attack took place amid political tensions in Austria, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) using the incident to advocate for stricter deportations of illegal immigrants. This follows recent thwarted and successful terror attacks in Vienna and Munich, respectively.

On February 14, 2025, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advanced into the center of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, facing little resistance from government troops. The rebels have been aiming to seize Bukavu since taking Goma in late January. On Saturday evening, the Congolese presidency stated that Bukavu remained under government and allied control, but by early Sunday, rebels had entered the city center, according to residents and local officials. M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma confirmed the militia's presence and posted a photo on social media. The rapid advance of the rebels has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Bukavu residents reported seeing M23 troops in central districts without opposition. The United Nations warned that the humanitarian crisis in eastern provinces has worsened, leaving about 350,000 people displaced.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has accused neighboring Rwanda of seizing part of its territory, alleging that Rwanda plans to occupy and plunder their land, committing crimes and severe human rights violations. Following the seizure of Bukavu city by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, the government acknowledged the deteriorating security situation and urged residents to stay indoors. On the evening of February 14, M23 rebels entered Bukavu, taking control without resistance after government forces and militia withdrew. Bukavu has a population exceeding one million, with an additional million in displacement and refugee camps in its suburbs. In late January, M23 rebels captured Goma, the administrative center of North Kivu province. The conflict in the DRC has been ongoing for decades, with M23 rebels seizing several cities and over 100 villages in North Kivu province since January 2021.

On the evening of February 15, a stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station in India, resulting in 18 deaths, including five children, and over 25 injuries. The crowd had gathered to travel to Uttar Pradesh for the Kumbh Mela festival when a sudden change in train platform led to chaos. Previously, on January 29, a stampede following the Kumbh Mela bathing ritual killed at least 40 people. The Indian government has launched an investigation.

On February 16, a deadly stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station, India, resulting in at least 18 deaths and several injuries. The incident was triggered by overcrowding due to the delay of two trains and a third train bound for Prayagraj city for the Kumbh Mela festival waiting to depart. A passenger slipping and falling on the stairs caused the crush. Opposition leaders criticized the government for inadequate crowd management. An investigation has been launched, and compensation for victims announced. Eyewitnesses and families of victims blamed the station authorities and police for delayed response. A similar crush at Kumbh Mela last month killed 30 people.

The Trump administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce have reached the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with recently hired employees responsible for reviewing the safety of food ingredients, medical devices, and other products being fired. Probationary FDA employees received layoff notices on Saturday evening, though the exact number of positions eliminated was unclear, focusing on the agency's centers for food, medical devices, and tobacco products. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to fire 5,200 probationary employees across its agencies, including the NIH, FDA, and CDC. Nearly 1,300 layoffs were expected at the CDC, but only about 700 had received notices by Sunday, with no impact on young doctors and researchers in the Epidemic Intelligence Service. The FDA, headquartered in Maryland, employs nearly 20,000 people. New Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who has criticized the FDA, included staffers reviewing new food additives in the layoffs. Former FDA officials warn that cutting recent hires could backfire, affecting technical updates. The FDA has faced staffing shortages, particularly in its inspection force, in recent years.

On the 16th local time, the US Department of Energy announced that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) fired fewer than 50 probationary employees this week, mainly engaged in administrative and clerical work. Previously, on the 13th, the agency had issued termination letters to 325 employees, but later rescinded some of these terminations and expressed hope to reinstate these employees.

On February 14, sources revealed that approximately 325 workers at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), part of the Department of Energy responsible for securing nuclear materials globally, received layoff notices. Later that day, some of these layoffs were rescinded, causing confusion in NNSA offices. On February 16, a Department of Energy spokesperson stated that fewer than 50 employees were ultimately dismissed, all of whom were probationary administrative and clerical staff. The NNSA will continue its national security protection, atomic weapons management, and non-proliferation efforts. These cuts are part of a broader purge by President Trump and Elon Musk across federal agencies, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for bronchitis. On February 16, he followed the mass and his traditional Angelus prayer on television from the hospital. The Vatican stated that the pope is in stable condition, and doctors have prescribed absolute rest. Unable to attend the mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Francis sent a written address to artists and cultural figures, which was read by Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca. Massimo Angelelli, head of the health office for the Italian Bishops' Conference, emphasized the necessity for Francis to recover his strength for the busy schedule of the 2025 Jubilee Year.

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) have been announced, with 'Conclave' and 'The Brutalist' each winning four awards. Mikey Madison won Best Actress for 'Anora', and Adrien Brody took home Best Actor for 'The Brutalist'. Other winning films include 'Wicked', 'Emilia Pérez', and 'Dune: Part Two'. Warwick Davis received the BAFTA Fellowship.

The 2025 Bafta film awards ceremony took place in London. German director Edward Berger's 'Conclave' won four awards including best film and best British film, the first movie to claim both in the same year since 2019's '1917'. US filmmaker Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist' also secured four awards, with Corbet winning best director and Adrien Brody taking best actor for his portrayal of Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor László Tóth. Mikey Madison won best actress for 'Anora', while Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña received best supporting actor and actress respectively. The ceremony was hosted by David Tennant, with numerous stars in attendance.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her home in Seoul's Seongsu-dong district at the age of 24. Her body was discovered by a friend at around 16:55 (07:55 GMT) on Sunday. Police reported no signs of foul play and are investigating the cause of death. Kim began her career as a child actor and was considered one of South Korea's most promising young actresses. She gained prominence with her role in the 2009 film A Brand New Life, which led to her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She later starred in South Korea's highest grossing film of 2010, The Man from Nowhere, and the 2012 thriller The Neighbour, earning award recognition. Other notable roles include the 2014 film A Girl at My Door and the 2016 TV series Mirror of the Witch. Kim largely retreated from the public eye in 2022 following a drink driving incident, for which she was fined 20 million won (£11,000) in April 2023. Her last role was in Netflix's 2023 Korean drama Bloodhounds, with most of her scenes reportedly edited out due to the driving incident.

Muhsin Hendricks, South Africa's first openly gay imam, was shot dead near Cape Town at the age of 57. He ran a mosque that served as a safe haven for gay and marginalized Muslims. The attack occurred on Saturday morning when his vehicle was ambushed near Gqeberha. Two masked suspects fired multiple shots at the car. Julia Ehrt, executive director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), called for a thorough investigation, fearing it might be a hate crime. Hendricks dedicated his life to helping people reconcile their faith and sexuality, and his death has triggered an outpouring of global tributes. Despite South Africa's constitution protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation, the LGBTQ+ community still faces discrimination and violence.

According to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters, Musk announced on local time 15th via social platform X that his AI company xAI's chatbot Grok 3 will be launched at 8 PM Pacific Time on the 17th in the United States. Earlier this week, Musk stated that the development of Grok 3 was in its final stages and expected to be released within a week or two, highlighting its strong reasoning capabilities. In November 2023, Musk announced that xAI's AI model Grok can connect to social platform X in real-time.

Elon Musk's AI startup xAI will release the Grok 3 chatbot on February 18, with Musk describing it as the 'smartest AI on Earth.' The product will be demonstrated at 8pm Pacific time on February 17 (12pm on February 18, Singapore time), as announced by Musk in a post on X. During the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 13, Musk teased the launch, claiming Grok 3 would outperform all existing competing tools. The model, trained on synthetic data, can reflect on its mistakes to achieve logical consistency. Concurrently, Chinese startup DeepSeek, whose model rivals OpenAI's ChatGPT, is aggressively recruiting specialists, signaling its expanding ambitions. Musk and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman have been engaged in a long-standing feud over the company's direction.

The Australian Government announced a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes starting in April, aimed at curbing rising house prices and addressing election pressures. The policy is expected to provide about 1,800 additional properties annually for local buyers. Sydney house prices have risen nearly 70% over the past decade, with a median price of around AUD 1.2 million. The ban aims to respond to public pressure and demonstrate the government's efforts to alleviate the housing crisis. Data from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) shows that foreign buyers accounted for less than 1% of total residential property sales in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, indicating a limited impact of the ban.

On February 16, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine and Europe would be part of any 'real negotiations' to end Moscow's war, downplaying European concerns about being excluded from initial talks between Russia and the United States set to take place in Saudi Arabia. US officials have given European officials a questionnaire asking, among other things, about their troop contributions to enforcing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. President Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin last week, expressing his desire for peace. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia on the evening of February 16. Rubio emphasized that Ukrainians and other Europeans would be included in any meaningful negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron will host an emergency summit of European leaders on February 17 to discuss the Ukraine war.

US officials revealed that senior Trump administration officials will travel to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Russian and Ukrainian representatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he was not invited. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rubio agreed to maintain communication. The US has nearly excluded Europe from the talks, causing concern among European nations. French President Macron plans to convene an emergency meeting of European leaders. US Congressman McCaul said the talks aim to arrange a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. Ukraine is skeptical of the negotiations, seeing no substantial content. The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the US announcement, with Saudi Arabia viewed as a neutral venue for talks.

On the evening of February 14, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group seized Bukavu, the capital city of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the Okapi radio station, convoys of heavily armed soldiers entered Bukavu from the north, taking strategic positions in the city, leading to a tense situation with shops and pharmacies closed due to fear of lootings. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi confirmed that the city is under rebel control. The Congolese army withdrew without resistance, with some soldiers fleeing by boat. Bukavu has a population exceeding one million, with an additional million people in displacement and refugee camps in its suburbs. At the end of January, M23 rebels had already captured Goma, the administrative center of the neighboring North Kivu province.

Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has been arrested on money laundering charges by the state-run Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). FCC spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye stated that Jugnauth will be detained at the Moka detention centre in central Mauritius. The arrest followed searches by FCC detectives at various locations, including Jugnauth's residence, where they seized 114 million Mauritius Rupees ($2.4 million). Jugnauth's lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, said his client has been provisionally charged with money laundering but denies the charges. In November, Mauritius' new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced an audit of public finances after questioning the accuracy of some government data compiled by the previous administration. The country's former central bank governor was detained last month and released on bail, facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud. Mauritius, an Indian Ocean archipelago, is an offshore financial centre that positions itself as a link between Africa and Asia.

On February 15, a knife attack occurred in the center of Villach, a southern Austrian city, where a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker stabbed several passersby, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to four others. Police reported that the suspect has been arrested. Rainer Dionisio, a spokesperson for the police in the state of Carinthia, stated that it was unclear whether the attacker knew any of the victims, with the injured ranging in age from 14 to 32. Such attacks are extremely rare in Austria, with the last major incident being a shooting rampage in Vienna in 2020. Known for its carnival and as a summer tourist hotspot, Villach saw a Syrian food delivery driver heroically intervene by ramming the attacker with his car, preventing further harm. The attack comes amid political upheaval in Austria, with the far-right Freedom Party, which failed to form a coalition government, using the incident to advocate for stricter asylum policies. Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl called for a crackdown on asylum in response to the attack.

Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing chaotic scenes as the M23 rebel group continues its offensive in the region. On Saturday, sporadic gunfire and widespread looting were reported in the city, including at a World Food Programme depot, with residents sheltering in their homes. This follows the seizure of Kavumu airport north of Bukavu by M23 fighters. The UN and the European Union have expressed alarm over the escalating conflict. A threat by Uganda's army chief to attack a Congolese town has raised fears of a broader regional war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the avoidance of regional escalation at an African Union summit. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of sowing chaos for natural resources, a claim Rwanda denies. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced due to the rebel advance.

On the evening of February 15, 2025, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in at least 15 deaths and 10 injuries. Dr Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed the figures, noting that among the deceased were three children and ten women. Eyewitnesses reported a massive crowd at the station, with many people traveling to and from the Hindu religious festival, the Kumbh Mela. Police officials stated that the situation was out of control for about 10 to 15 minutes due to overcrowding. Initially, Indian Railways dismissed reports of a stampede as a rumor, but later confirmed that an undisclosed number of people were injured and hospitalized. This incident follows a similar crush at the Kumbh Mela festival in northern India weeks earlier, which also resulted in multiple fatalities.

On February 15, a car attack in Munich, Germany, resulted in the death of a 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter, who succumbed to their injuries on Saturday. At least 37 people were injured in the attack, which was carried out by a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, Farhad N, who was arrested at the scene and confessed to the crime, with apparent religious motivation. The incident has brought security issues to the forefront ahead of Germany's federal elections. The suspect arrived in Germany in 2016 and was allowed to stay despite his asylum application being rejected. Police stated he had no criminal record and no evidence linked him to jihadist groups. US Vice-President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims upon his arrival in Munich.

European leaders are set to convene an emergency summit in Paris next week to discuss the war in Ukraine, amid concerns that US-Russia peace talks will exclude Europe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a 'once-in-a-generation moment for our national security,' emphasizing Europe's need for a greater role in NATO. Previously, Donald Trump's special envoy indicated European leaders would be consulted but not participate in US-Russia talks. Senior White House officials are also scheduled to meet Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia. Special envoy Keith Kellogg attributed past negotiation failures to too many parties involved. Starmer plans to visit the White House to discuss European views and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after returning from Washington. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Macron called the summit. Zelensky urged the creation of an 'army of Europe' and rejected deals made without Ukraine's involvement.