Israeli and Hamas officials reached an agreement to exchange the bodies of dead hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, maintaining their fragile ceasefire. Israel had delayed releasing 600 prisoners, protesting Hamas’s treatment of hostages. The deadlock threatened the ceasefire’s collapse, but a breakthrough was achieved during a Hamas delegation’s visit to Cairo. The agreement allows for the simultaneous release of prisoners and the return of Israeli bodies, potentially starting Wednesday. Israeli media reports suggest the exchange will occur without public ceremonies. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
Pope Francis is in critical condition with double pneumonia but is sitting upright and receiving therapy. The Vatican awaits CT scan results to assess his lung infection. Despite no further respiratory crises since Saturday, he remains in danger. A prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square is led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. In Rome, Argentines held a special Mass for his recovery, expressing their support and prayers for the pope. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 12:00 pm
Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, secretly planned to increase Britain’s defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, surprising even the US. This move aims to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to self-defense and supporting Ukraine, especially as Donald Trump, back in power, criticizes allies for insufficient military spending and aligns with Russia in Ukraine peace talks. Starmer’s diplomatic mission to Washington seeks to reassure Trump of the UK’s dedication to defense, hoping to maintain strong transatlantic ties. Ava Sinclair 26/02/2025 8:30 am
China accused Taiwan of political manipulation after Taiwan detained a China-linked ship suspected of severing an undersea cable. Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has faced “grey zone” tactics from China, including cable damage and patrols near its islands. Taiwan likens these incidents to Baltic Sea cable damages post-Ukraine invasion. China calls the cable damage a common accident and denies wrongdoing, while Taiwan views Chinese patrols as harassment, affecting regional stability. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 8:30 am
China conducted “shooting training” near Taiwan’s southwest coast, which Taiwan labeled as provocative and dangerous. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 32 Chinese military aircraft and warships in a joint drill in the Taiwan Strait. The exercises, held without prior warning, threaten international flights and shipping, and are seen as a provocation to regional peace. Taiwan dispatched its forces to monitor the situation. China views Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control, criticizing Taiwan’s leadership and U.S. support. Ava Sinclair 26/02/2025 8:30 am
An unidentified illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed over 50 people since mid-January, according to WHO. The outbreak began in Boloko, traced to three children who died after eating a bat. Symptoms include fever, headache, and severe vomiting. By February 15, 431 cases and 53 deaths were reported in Boloko and nearby areas, with a case-fatality rate of over 12%. The exposure method remains unknown. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 5:01 am
Europe could develop critical defense capabilities to deter or defeat Russia without U.S. support within five years, if political will and investment are present, according to experts. Currently, European countries depend on U.S. support within NATO for essential capabilities like command and control, satellite intelligence, and long-range strike. Without these, Europe could still confront Russia, but it would be more costly and result in higher casualties. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing this dependency to ensure operational readiness. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 5:00 am
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, urged unity and rebuilding during a two-day “national dialogue” in Damascus, aimed at creating an inclusive government after decades of dictatorship. The conference gathered various religious and sectarian groups, though the Kurdish-led militia controlling Syria’s northeast was absent. Arab and Western leaders have called for a representative government to restore ties with Syria. Al-Shara’s coalition overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, promising this dialogue to discuss forming an inclusive government. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 5:00 am
A 40-year-old man from Pereira was caught by Colombian police attempting to smuggle cocaine under a wig while boarding a flight from Cartagena to Amsterdam. Security scanners detected the drugs, leading to his arrest. The police revealed the bust on social media, showing baggies of cocaine hidden under the wig. This arrest prevented the sale of over 400 doses of cocaine. The suspect has two prior drug trafficking charges. Despite President Gustavo Petro’s controversial comments comparing cocaine to whiskey, Colombian authorities remain vigilant against drug smuggling. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 5:00 am
Israel and Hamas have agreed to exchange the bodies of dead hostages for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, maintaining their fragile ceasefire. Israel had delayed releasing 600 prisoners, protesting Hamas’s treatment of hostages. The deadlock risked collapsing the ceasefire, but an agreement was reached during a Hamas delegation’s visit to Cairo. The exchange, possibly occurring Wednesday, involves returning four Israeli bodies and releasing more Palestinian prisoners. Israeli media reports suggest the bodies will be handed over to Egyptian authorities without public ceremony. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 5:00 am
