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Since the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, violence has persisted with Israeli forces killing over 580 Palestinians and Hamas militants attacking Israeli troops. Recent clashes include Israeli strikes on Hamas commanders and militants emerging from tunnels near Rafah. Indonesia is preparing up to 8,000 troops for a potential peacekeeping mission in Gaza, while the Rafah crossing with Egypt has reopened, allowing limited civilian movement.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has missed recent matches at Al-Nassr amid dissatisfaction with club management and transfer activity. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal heightens league rivalry. The transfer window closed with ongoing disputes over squad strengthening and club funding, highlighting tensions within Saudi football's top clubs.
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Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain diplomatically strained since December, with Bahrain mediating efforts to bridge the gap. Egypt is also involved, seeking to contain regional conflicts over Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. The situation highlights ongoing Gulf rivalries and regional instability as of February 15, 2026.
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As of February 2026, a new Human Rights Watch report reveals a global decline in democracy, with 72% of the world’s population living under autocratic regimes. Sudan’s civil war has intensified gender-based violence and famine, while Uganda faces systematic sexual violence and political repression. The US, China, and Russia are criticized for eroding human rights and weakening international institutions.
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Since the October 2025 US-brokered ceasefire, Gaza remains volatile with over 570 Palestinians killed amid ongoing Israeli strikes and militant attacks. A US-led peace plan aims to demilitarize Hamas and establish technocratic governance, but progress stalls as Israel restricts Gaza access and Hamas resists disarmament. The Rafah crossing partially reopened, yet reconstruction and security remain unresolved.
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Israel's first-ever Olympic bobsleigh team finished last but celebrated their participation, representing Israel amid geopolitical tensions and theft setbacks. The team aims to inspire future athletes despite regional conflicts and protests, with some members making history in their sports.
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Israel is advancing new transportation projects, including a pilot bus service on Shabbat in Tel Aviv and a new international airport in Ziklag. These initiatives aim to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and boost regional development amid ongoing political debates.
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Lebanese authorities are progressing with plans to extend state control over arms, with recent developments including the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River. The government aims to expand this effort northward amid ongoing regional tensions, Israeli strikes, and international pressure, while clashes and political debates continue to shape the security landscape.
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On February 19, 2026, the inaugural Board of Peace meeting chaired by former US President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., with delegations from over 20 countries including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting aimed to raise billions for Gaza's reconstruction and discuss deploying an international stabilization force amid ongoing ceasefire violations and political tensions.
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Israel's December 2025 recognition of Somaliland has heightened regional tensions, drawing criticism from the African Union and Somalia. Somaliland seeks broader recognition, while Somalia vows to oppose any Israeli military presence. The move impacts regional stability and international diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
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On February 16, 2026, Israel approved restarting land registration in Area C of the West Bank for the first time since 1967, enabling state registration of land and easing Jewish land purchases. The move, led by far-right ministers, is widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab states, and international bodies as de facto annexation and a violation of international law, intensifying tensions and threatening the two-state solution.
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A Cessna Citation struck multiple deer during takeoff from North Palm Beach, Florida, prompting an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport. No injuries reported. The pilot declared an emergency after hitting four or five deer on the nose gear and wings, an incident described as extremely rare.
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Two Israeli hostages, Yehoud and Cunio, were released after nearly two years in captivity by Palestinian groups. Yehoud described her ordeal, including daily abuse and suicide attempts, and her emotional release. Cunio recounted his isolation and the letters exchanged during captivity. Their release follows ongoing conflict and protests demanding their return.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has signed orders to revoke the citizenship of two Palestinians convicted of attacks, under a 2023 law allowing citizenship revocation for those receiving Palestinian Authority payments. This marks the law's first implementation, raising concerns over discrimination and potential wider expulsions.
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Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, faces calls to resign from France, Germany, and others after remarks criticizing Israel. Supporters, including artists, defend her, while critics accuse her of antisemitism amid ongoing Gaza conflict. The controversy highlights tensions over human rights reporting and political bias.
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Iran faces ongoing unrest with over 7,000 deaths reported, while the US increases military presence and supports protesters with satellite internet. Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program remain uncertain, amid internal protests and international pressure.
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On February 12, 2026, Israeli authorities charged a reservist and a civilian with serious security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice for allegedly placing bets on Polymarket using classified military information. The bets reportedly related to Israel's June 2025 military operations against Iran. Authorities confirmed no operational damage occurred but condemned the ethical breach.
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Last year's 12-day Israel-Iran war weakened Iran's military but did not neutralize its capabilities. As tensions escalate again, the risk of broader conflict increases, with Iran potentially targeting US bases, oil infrastructure, and shipping lanes. The US and Israel maintain military superiority, but regional retaliation remains a concern.
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The US government has revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, affecting around 2,300 beneficiaries. The move, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, cites improved conditions in Yemen, but critics argue the country remains unstable. Yemenis in the US face deportation or voluntary departure within 60 days.
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The Berlinale is embroiled in controversy over its stance on Gaza, with jury president Wim Wenders and other artists making political statements. Several prominent filmmakers, including Arundhati Roy, withdrew in protest, criticizing the festival's silence and alleged censorship regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The festival defends its focus on artistic freedom.
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Lebanese politicians, including Saad Hariri, reaffirm plans for May 10 parliamentary elections despite calls for delay over security issues. Hariri's supporters gathered in Beirut, while authorities emphasize the election's scheduled date amid regional tensions and Hezbollah's weakened position after recent conflicts.
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Youssouf highlights Palestinian suffering amid ongoing Gaza siege and conflicts across Africa at the AU summit. The event emphasizes water issues, climate change, and regional instability, with calls for humanitarian aid and peace efforts amid escalating violence and resource disputes.
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MSF suspended non-critical operations at Nasser Hospital in Gaza due to reports of armed men and security threats. The hospital and authorities dispute allegations, with concerns over hospital neutrality amid ongoing conflict and Israeli restrictions. The situation highlights risks to medical neutrality in Gaza.
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Israeli forces have intensified cross-border operations in southern Syria, including raids, abductions, and detention of civilians. Recent incursions in Quneitra and Daraa have resulted in multiple arrests, with some detainees transferred into Israel. Negotiations with Syria focus on Israeli troop withdrawals, excluding the Golan Heights, amid ongoing tensions.
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After nearly two years of closure, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to leave for medical treatment and family reunification. The process remains tightly controlled, with slow progress and ongoing Israeli restrictions, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Israel is preparing to execute hundreds of Palestinian prisoners convicted of attacks against Israelis, amid ongoing debates over the legality and morality of such measures. The draft law, which has passed initial parliamentary stages, proposes executions within 90 days of court rulings, primarily targeting Hamas members and West Bank attackers. Rights groups and Palestinian families express alarm over potential abuses and violations of international law.
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Indonesia's military has finalized plans for a humanitarian troop deployment to Gaza, with about 8,000 personnel prepared for possible dispatch. The government has yet to give formal approval, and deployment depends on political and international decisions. The mission focuses on civilian aid, not combat.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced a new international peace body, the 'Board of Peace,' aiming to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and global crises. Indonesia commits up to 8,000 troops for Gaza, with pledges exceeding $5 billion. The initiative faces skepticism from allies and questions over disarmament and international cooperation.
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Recent reports highlight Israel's rapid Haredi population growth, projected to reach nearly 25% by 2050. This demographic shift raises concerns over societal integration, military service exemptions, and economic impacts, amid recent clashes and political debates about the community's future role in Israeli society.
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Iran and the US are engaging in indirect negotiations in Geneva to revive their nuclear deal, with Iran emphasizing its refusal to accept zero uranium enrichment and US deploying military assets to the region. Tensions remain high, with Iran conducting military drills and warning of regional war.
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On Sunday, Israeli TV producer Dana Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in Athens while filming the fourth season of the Apple TV series "Tehran." Greek police treat the death as a suicide, with no signs of foul play. Eden's production company denied rumors of criminal or politically motivated causes.
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At the 2026 NBA All-Star game, players and celebrities expressed political support for Israel and Palestine through wardrobe choices. Deni Avdija represented Israel, while Kyrie Irving and Spike Lee displayed pro-Palestinian symbols. The event highlighted ongoing tensions amid the Gaza conflict, with no disruptions reported.
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Ahead of a February 19 international conference in Washington, global pledges for Gaza's $70 billion rebuilding effort have surpassed $5 billion, with key donors including the US and UAE. The US aims to disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza, but challenges remain amid ongoing conflict and political disagreements.
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Recent negotiations highlight ongoing efforts to manage Gaza's postwar transition, with discussions on ceasefire violations, aid, and Hamas's disarmament. The international board, led by Nickolay Mladenov, aims to facilitate governance and reconstruction amid continued tensions and Israeli military responses.
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Iran has temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, amid escalating tensions with the US. The move follows military drills and missile tests by Iran, while indirect talks mediated by Oman aim to prevent further conflict. The closure impacts global energy markets and regional stability.
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During the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Swiss commentator Stefan Reina criticized Israeli athlete AJ Edelman for social media posts supporting Israel's Gaza military campaign. RTS removed the segment, prompting responses from Edelman and Israeli officials, raising questions about neutrality and political expression at the Games.
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Gaza marks Ramadan during ongoing conflict, with over 72,000 Palestinians killed, widespread destruction, and displacement. Despite efforts to bring some festive spirit, residents face severe hardship, cold, and loss, with many mourning loved ones and enduring displacement amid continued violence.
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Lebanese authorities report progress in disarming Hezbollah, with the army completing the first phase of a plan to restrict weapons north of the Litani River. The government grants four months for the second phase, amid Hezbollah's rejection and Israeli concerns over security threats.
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On February 24, 2026, Israel's recent approval of land registration in the West Bank's Area C, allowing reclassification of Palestinian land as Israeli state property and facilitating settler purchases, has drawn widespread international condemnation. Over 80 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and European powers, denounce these moves as de facto annexation violating international law and threatening the two-state solution.
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The UK House of Lords is under renewed scrutiny after Lord Mandelson's resignation amid scandal. Critics call the chamber outdated and undemocratic, while supporters defend its review role. The government plans legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage and reform the Lords, amid ongoing debates about its future.
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Israeli plans to build nearly 2,800 housing units near Jerusalem's northeast boundary aim to expand the city into the West Bank, sparking Palestinian condemnation and accusations of de facto annexation. The project, for ultra-Orthodox Jews, signals increased settlement activity and territorial claims, amid ongoing tensions and violence.
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President Trump delivered a speech amid ongoing military tensions, highlighting recent foreign policy wins like Gaza ceasefire and Maduro's capture, while addressing concerns over Iran, Ukraine, and the economy. The speech aims to bolster his foreign policy record and influence upcoming elections.
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Iran is close to finalizing a deal with China to purchase CM-302 missiles, which have a range of about 290 km and are designed to evade ship defenses by flying low and fast. The deployment would significantly boost Iran's strike capabilities and threaten U.S. naval forces in the region, with negotiations accelerating after Iran's recent conflict with Israel. No delivery date has been set.
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Hezbollah warns it will intervene if attacked directly, while Lebanon urges restraint amid fears of Israeli strikes targeting infrastructure. US military buildup and diplomatic efforts highlight the risk of wider regional conflict today, February 25, 2026.
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Israel plans to ban 37 aid organizations by March 1, citing security concerns and new registration rules. The NGOs warn the move will cause a humanitarian crisis, as many rely on these groups for essential services. The aid groups have appealed for a court halt, arguing the rules violate international law and threaten aid delivery.
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In a significant development, Syria and Druze factions exchanged prisoners in Suweida, amid ongoing sectarian tensions and recent clashes. The swap, facilitated by the ICRC and mediated by US and local actors, aims to ease humanitarian concerns and pave the way for further dialogue in a fragile region.
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Israel backed a UN resolution supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, breaking from the US which abstained. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace. Meanwhile, the US emphasizes support for Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and recent votes reflecting shifting alliances.
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On February 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an 81-page lawsuit against UCLA, accusing the university of fostering a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli employees amid pro-Palestinian protests following the October 2023 Hamas attack. The suit alleges UCLA tolerated antisemitic acts, failed to discipline offenders, and violated civil rights laws, demanding damages and policy enforcement.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel for the second time, strengthening security, economic, and technological cooperation amid regional tensions. The visit highlights a shift in India’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with Israel’s model of governance and security strategies, while also reflecting India’s evolving stance on Palestine and regional conflicts.
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In 2025, a record 129 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide, with Israel responsible for over two-thirds of these deaths. Most victims were Palestinians in Gaza, with additional fatalities in Yemen, Sudan, and Mexico. The CPJ reports a concerning rise in targeted killings and impunity.