The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, effective this morning, aims to end 14 months of conflict. Brokered by the U.S. and France, it calls for a two-month pause, with both sides withdrawing to their borders.
An international panel, led by the United States, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire to ensure both sides adhere to the terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that any violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah would trigger a strong military response. He announced plans to bring the ceasefire agreement to his full cabinet for approval, after its endorsement by the security cabinet, making it clear that Israel retains full military freedom of action in cooperation with the United States.
Netanyahu also warned that any attempts by Hezbollah to rearm would result in immediate strikes.
Although Hezbollah did not directly participate in the ceasefire talks, Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri acted as a mediator on its behalf.
In Lebanon, the reaction from residents was mixed. Some expressed relief at the ceasefire but emphasized the importance of upholding the legitimacy of the agreements and ensuring that the Lebanese state plays a stronger role in maintaining peace.
In Israel, citizens showed a mix of optimism and concern, with some hopeful for peace, while others remained doubtful about the long-term effectiveness of the agreement.
In response to the ceasefire, Türkiye welcomed the deal and expressed its support for maintaining peace in the region. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement, calling on all parties, especially Israel, to fully uphold their responsibilities in ensuring stability on the ground. Türkiye reiterated its readiness to contribute to ending the violence in Gaza and to supporting efforts for a lasting ceasefire.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
Three bombs exploded on empty buses near Tel Aviv in a major attempted attack, while two other devices were disabled. Israeli authorities are investigating, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infants, in a highly publicised handover. The move comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a deadly 16-month-long war.
As Israel maintains control over key positions in southern Lebanon, the government in Beirut is calling for international pressure to ensure the full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire and increased support for Lebanese security institutions.
Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, along with their mother Shiri Bibas and hostage Oded Lifschitz, on Thursday under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Red Cross vehicles carried the four black coffins, each bearing a photo of the hostages.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Hamas has handed over the bodies of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, deepening national mourning in Israel. Their fate had remained uncertain for months after their abduction during the October 7, 2023 attack.
The Asian Development Bank approved a $125 million loan to support Uzbekistan in modernizing water management, improving water security, and increasing access to safe and reliable water in the country.
Afghanistan’s Taliban leaders dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction over the country, labeling their predecessors' 2003 decision to join the Hague-based court’s founding treaty as "unlawful."
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
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