Hamas released two hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel, involving the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire aims to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over six weeks. The agreement also allows wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza for treatment in Egypt.
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Istanbul streets flooded after Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. Imamoglu, a key opposition figure, faces charges of corruption, fraud, and links to the PKK. Large crowds protested his arrest, calling it politically motivated. Authorities imposed a four-day ban on demonstrations. The arrest occurred amid a crackdown on opposition figures before Turkey's next elections.
US Border Czar Tom Homan responded strongly to Pope Francis' criticism of Trump's deportation policies by accusing him of hypocrisy. Homan defended the US's strict immigration measures while pointing out the Vatican's own security practices, urging the Pope to address internal Church issues.
Billionaire Elon Musk faces legal action after pledging $1 million to influence Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, supporting Republican Brad Schimel. Wisconsin’s Attorney General is taking steps to counter Musk's offer, which aims at influencing critical rulings on abortion and voting. Musk’s involvement highlights his growing political influence and aligns with Trump's support for shifting the court to a conservative majority.
​Though the Commonwealth comprises historically British colonies, the grouping aims to work for democracy, human rights, on cultural and economic ties. The most four countries that joined the Common wealth -- Mozambique, Rwanda, Togo and Gabon -- do not have any association with the Crown. The United States has never been a part of the Commonwealth.
Newly appointed US envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized the need for Lebanon’s new government to exclude Hezbollah, setting a firm stance against the group’s influence. Amid stalled government formation, Lebanon navigates a fragile ceasefire with Israel, extended to February 18. Tensions persist as Israel accuses Lebanon of slow troop deployment, while Beirut cites Israeli ceasefire violations, including recent airstrikes in Sidon.
Donald Trump Jr shared a collage of photos of Alex Soros with Democratic leaders including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Barack Obama and said he did not vote for Soros ever. But the difference is, Donald Trump Jr said, Trump was elected in a landslide with full transparency that Elon Musk would be doing exactly what he is doing.
Israel struck military sites in southern Syria, hitting command centres and weapons facilities. At least two people died in these airstrikes. The action follows Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for the demilitarisation of southern Syria and the defense against HTS and the new Syrian army. Syrian condemnation and international appeals against Israeli aggression ensued.
Ilhan Omar's daughter Isra Hisri shared the link to the fundraiser on her Instagram story Tuesday -- days after Khalil's arrest when the fundraiser already collected $115,000, according to reports. Hisri posted another story questioning the silence of the faculty members. "..if you are wondering where our esteemed faculty are...shameful behavior," she wrote.
Elon Musk has announced plans to cut $1 trillion from the $6.7 trillion budget under Donald Trump's administration, potentially leading to large-scale layoffs and program disruptions. Trump's commitment not to touch health and retirement benefits remains unchanged, but Musk's directive faces resistance from some federal agencies.
Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, has delegated Holy Week's major liturgical services to cardinals. Despite his absence from the Holy Thursday Mass, reports suggest a possible private visit to a Rome prison, a tradition he values. Improving after a hospital stay, Francis recently met with his medical team, expressing gratitude.