An Israeli military investigation found that Hamas executed the deadliest attack in Israeli history on October 7, 2023, due to Israel’s misjudgment of Hamas’ intentions and capabilities. The findings may pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu to initiate a broader inquiry into the political decisions leading up to the attack. Many Israelis blame Netanyahu for a failed deterrence strategy, including allowing Qatari cash into Gaza. Despite public pressure, Netanyahu has resisted calls for an inquiry, stating he will address questions post-war. The military’s report highlights a misconception that Hamas prioritized governance over conflict. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
President Donald Trump is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House for a visit that includes a joint news conference. Starmer, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, aims to persuade Trump not to abandon Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Trump on Friday. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s team is reportedly dismantling U.S. agencies and accessing sensitive payment systems. Trump’s Cabinet includes confirmed picks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (P.K.K.), urged the group to disband and lay down arms, potentially ending 40 years of conflict with Turkey. The P.K.K. is deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey and others. Ocalan’s statement, read by pro-Kurdish party members, emphasized the group’s obsolescence and called for a congress to formalize disbandment. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
The Kremlin dismissed Donald Trump’s claim that Vladimir Putin supports European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, highlighting Moscow’s reluctance to align with Trump’s quick peace efforts. Despite Trump’s assertion of Putin’s approval, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s stance against such a move, as previously stated by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This divergence challenges Trump’s push for a swift peace deal and exposes Washington’s limited influence over Putin. European leaders face uncertainty in advancing peacekeeping plans without Moscow’s acceptance. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
Russian and U.S. teams held six-hour talks in Turkey to restore embassy functions, testing their ability to reset relations. Trump’s outreach to Moscow, including a call to Putin and a meeting in Saudi Arabia, has alarmed European allies and Ukraine, fearing a sidelined peace deal. Putin expressed cautious optimism about U.S. relations, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust. The talks concluded without press statements, and Trump aims for a ceasefire to end the war, while Putin tempers expectations for a quick resolution. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
Hamas handed over four dead hostages to the Red Cross in exchange for Israel’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, ahead of the Gaza ceasefire’s end. Israeli officials confirmed the bodies’ identification. Concurrently, a Red Cross convoy transported released Palestinian prisoners from Israel’s Ofer prison, greeted by cheering crowds. Hamas expressed readiness to negotiate the ceasefire’s next phase, emphasizing negotiations as the sole path for further hostage releases. Israel had delayed prisoner releases, citing hostages’ mistreatment, but an agreement was reached to resolve the dispute. The release occurred without ceremonies, deemed humiliating by Israel and international officials. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 4:00 pm
North Korea has reportedly sent up to 3,000 additional troops to Russia, despite heavy casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to South Korea’s spy agency. Previously, 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk region. After a brief withdrawal due to high casualties, North Korean soldiers have returned to the front lines. Analysts suggest North Korea gains combat experience, while South Korea worries about North Korea receiving resources and technology from Russia in exchange for military support. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 4:00 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched a delegation to Cairo to discuss extending a ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages. Led by Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch and an anonymous Shin Bet officer, the team aims to negotiate the continuation of a deal where three hostages are released weekly in return for humanitarian aid and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials express willingness to maintain the current agreement, while Hamas insists on a ceasefire for further hostage releases. The decision followed a security consultation involving key Israeli ministers. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 4:00 pm
President Donald Trump will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Thursday, following Trump’s controversial policy shifts on Ukraine, the Middle East, and global trade. This meeting follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, highlighting differences over Russia’s war with Ukraine. Trump has surprised Europe by aligning more with Moscow, criticizing Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, and demanding compensation for U.S. support to Kyiv. Zelenskiy is set to visit Washington on Friday to sign a rare earth minerals agreement, contingent on further U.S. aid. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 4:00 pm
Andrew and Tristan Tate, controversial influencers facing charges of rape, trafficking minors, and money laundering in Romania, have traveled to the US after their travel ban was lifted. The brothers, dual US-UK citizens, deny all charges. Known for their offensive statements about women, they have been linked to the radicalization of young men in the UK. Despite leaving Romania, investigations into their alleged crimes continue. They departed from Bucharest to Florida on a private jet, raising questions about their legal future. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 4:00 pm
