Hamas insists that further Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel depend on the release of Palestinian prisoners, as initially agreed. Israel delayed releasing over 600 prisoners, citing Hamas’s violations during hostage handovers. A senior Hamas official warned this jeopardizes the agreement, urging US mediation. The ceasefire’s first phase ends Saturday, with no second-phase talks yet. UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized avoiding renewed hostilities. Tensions rose after Hamas returned hostages’ bodies, including those of Shiri Bibas and her sons, amid disputes over their deaths’ circumstances. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 9:30 pm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, praising Ukraine’s “absolute heroism.” European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Kyiv to show support. Zelensky expressed gratitude to those defending Ukraine and honored those who sacrificed their lives. The anniversary comes amid uncertainty about Ukraine’s future, with concerns over US support. Roads in Kyiv were blocked for security as European leaders emphasized Ukraine’s integral role in Europe, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
Elon Musk publicly supported Germany’s far-right AfD party, congratulating co-chair Alice Weidel on X after the party secured 20% of the vote, finishing second. Musk echoed Hungarian President Viktor Orbán’s message, suggesting AfD could become the majority party by the next election. Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance won with around 30%, while the center-left SPD had a poor showing with 16%. The Greens, Left party, FDP, and others followed with lower percentages. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
An 18-year-old American tourist allegedly threw a newborn out of a hotel window in Paris, resulting in the infant’s death. The incident occurred on February 24 at an Ibis Styles hotel. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the baby’s death and is investigating the homicide. The mother, part of a traveling group, was hospitalized for surgery after delivery and taken into custody. Authorities are considering the possibility of pregnancy denial. Ava Sinclair 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
Cardinal Baldassare Reina announced the Italian Bishops’ support for Pope Francis, urging communal prayer for his recovery. The Gemelli University Hospital and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome are holding daily Eucharistic Adoration and Mass from February 24, with special prayers for the Pope. The schedule includes Adoration from noon to 1 p.m., Mass, and a 4:30 p.m. Rosary, followed by another Mass at 5 p.m. in the Hospital Hall. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
Ukraine holds significant leverage in negotiations with Russia, contingent on U.S. support and a strategic approach that challenges Moscow. Recent U.S. comments have cast doubt on this support, raising concerns in Ukraine and Europe. However, a favorable deal is possible if the U.S. prioritizes its interests and strategies effectively. The Trump administration should focus on securing Ukraine’s independence and defense capabilities. Failure to support Ukraine could empower Moscow, threatening U.S. global interests. The Biden administration prepared Ukraine for 2025 talks, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning. Penelope Kingsley 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
A high-ranking Cardinal noted that some traditional Catholics hope for Pope Francis’s death, highlighting disrespect for the papal office. Despite Christianity’s challenges, the Pope’s role remains significant. As Pope Francis’s health declines, speculation about his successor arises, though it’s wise to wait until his passing. The focus should be on what qualities the next pope needs, emphasizing stability over novelty. The College of Cardinals Report is a key resource for insights, but ultimately, the future leader’s identity remains uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
Hamas leaders initially defended the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel despite the severe Israeli retaliation that devastated Gaza. However, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, expressed regret, stating he wouldn’t have supported the attack had he known its catastrophic impact on Gaza, including massive displacement and shortages. He claimed he was unaware of the specific plans but had endorsed the general strategy. Abu Marzouk emphasized that if the consequences were anticipated, the attack wouldn’t have occurred. Ava Sinclair 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Donald Trump in Washington, marking their first one-on-one since Trump’s return to the White House. Macron plans to caution Trump against appearing weak to Russian President Putin, following recent US-Russia talks. He will also present European peace proposals for Ukraine, countering Trump’s criticism of inaction. Macron aims to align US-European interests, emphasizing the need for a negotiated peace involving Ukrainians and Europeans. His strategy appeals to Trump’s desire to appear strong, leveraging emotional rather than purely rational arguments. Ava Sinclair 24/02/2025 6:00 pm
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s President Xi Jinping reaffirmed a “no limits” partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing their alliance’s durability and independence from external influences. Despite U.S. efforts to mediate the Ukraine conflict, Xi and Putin highlighted their strategic partnership’s long-term nature and mutual geopolitical interests. This alliance, formed before Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, aims to challenge the U.S.-led global order, with both nations facing Western pressures. Xi and Putin have met over 40 times in the past decade, underscoring their close ties. Noah Prescott 24/02/2025 2:30 pm
