US President Donald Trump shared a generative AI video on Truth Social, envisioning Gaza as a Gulf state-like resort with a golden statue of himself and notable figures like Elon Musk. The video promotes transforming Gaza into a U.S.-owned “Riviera” by expelling 2.1 million Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority condemned the proposal as a “serious violation of international law,” recalling past displacements during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The video contrasts Gaza’s current state with a future of prosperity under Trump’s vision. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 3:30 pm
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, addressed a national dialogue conference, highlighting a “historic” chance to rebuild post-Assad. He emphasized integrating armed groups into the military and state control over weapons. The conference, with 600 delegates, aims to provide recommendations on transitional justice, the economy, and a new constitution. Criticism arose over the exclusion of the Kurdish-led militia alliance. Sharaa, appointed after Assad fled to Russia, promised a constitutional declaration following the dialogue. Six working groups will propose non-binding recommendations for the transitional government. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 3:30 pm
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 130 Ukrainian drones in a significant long-range strike, with 85 over Krasnodar Krai and 30 over Crimea. The drones targeted the Black Sea port of Tuapse, a key logistics hub for Russia’s military and energy sectors. Damage was reported in Krasnodar Krai. Ukraine’s air force reported 177 Russian drones fired into Ukraine, with 110 intercepted. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 3:30 pm
China’s military established a “live-fire training” zone 46 miles off Taiwan’s coast, which Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned as provocative and a threat to navigation. This follows Taiwan detaining a Chinese-crewed ship suspected of cutting an undersea cable. Taiwan detected 32 Chinese military aircraft in the Taiwan Strait, with 22 conducting patrols near the island. China did not comment on the incident, while Taiwan criticized the unilateral drill zone designation. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased pressure on the island under Xi Jinping. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 3:30 pm
The UK has accelerated its decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% by 2027, influenced by President Trump’s actions on Ukraine. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced reallocating aid funds for this purpose, despite opposition from charities. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of “hard power.” Former defence chief Sir David Richards supported the move, crediting Trump for its acceleration. Concerns arise over the Labour government’s shift from its manifesto pledge on international development funding. The decision aligns with Trump’s call for increased European defence contributions. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a new prisoner exchange, mediated by Egypt, to maintain a fragile ceasefire. Israel will release 620 Palestinian prisoners, including 23 children and one woman, in exchange for the remains of four hostages. The delay in the initial release was due to Israel’s protest over Hamas’s treatment of hostages. Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce, complicating future negotiations. The ceasefire, set to expire soon, hinges on this exchange, with ongoing concerns about detainee treatment and the fate of remaining hostages. Ava Sinclair 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk as the initial 42-day phase nears expiration. Key issues include Hamas’s disarmament and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu faces pressure from his coalition to annihilate Hamas, while Hamas resists disarmament, viewing it as essential to their mission. Recent tensions arose over hostage release disputes. Despite some willingness to negotiate, both sides face internal and external pressures, complicating the path to a lasting peace agreement. A resumption of conflict looms if no consensus is reached. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
A massive blackout in Chile affected 14 of 16 regions, including Santiago, due to a disruption in a high-voltage transmission line. Millions were left without power, impacting traffic lights, businesses, and public transport. Hospitals and essential services switched to backup generators. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá urged calm and promised swift restoration efforts. Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz advised staying home as most traffic lights and public transport were non-operational. Mobile services were also disrupted. Emergency measures were considered if power wasn’t restored by sunset. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
The Israeli military struck military targets in southern Syria, citing threats to Israeli citizens. This follows Israel’s new policy, announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu, to ensure a demilitarized southern Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned against any military presence in Israel’s designated “security zone.” Syria’s new government, led by interim President Ahmed al-Shara, condemned the attacks and called for international intervention, accusing Israel of violating sovereignty and agreements. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
A 40-year-old man from Pereira, Colombia, was arrested at Cartagena airport while attempting to board a flight to Amsterdam with over 220 grams of cocaine hidden under his wig. The Anti-Narcotics Police discovered 19 cocaine capsules during security checks. The drugs, valued at over $10,000, were confirmed through testing. The suspect, with prior drug trafficking charges, was handed over to the Attorney General’s Office. Cartagena’s police commander highlighted ongoing efforts against drug trafficking, noting over 450 arrests this year. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
