News from February 23, 2025 at 2 PM

On February 22, Hamas released six hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. In return, Israel was scheduled to free at least 602 Palestinian prisoners. However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that due to Hamas's repeated violations, including humiliating ceremonies for Israeli hostages and cynical exploitation of hostages for propaganda, Israel has decided to postpone the prisoner release planned for February 22. Israel demands that Hamas abandon these humiliating ceremonies and ensure the release of the next batch of hostages.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis on Saturday, the Vatican stated. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is more unwell than the previous day, has received blood transfusions and is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Despite being alert and in his armchair, he requires high-flow oxygen, and his prognosis remains guarded. The Vatican has started issuing daily health updates, with the latest being the most stark and detailed yet. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties and has a history of lung issues. Catholics worldwide are closely monitoring his condition, as he has missed public appearances for two consecutive weeks.

On February 23, 2025, tens of thousands gathered on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, for the public funeral of Hezbollah's former leaders, Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes last year. Supporters, carrying pictures of Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, attended the ceremony at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Hezbollah-controlled southern Beirut. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, an Iraqi delegation, and a Yemeni Houthi delegation were expected to attend. The funeral aimed to demonstrate Hezbollah's strength after last year's war with Israel, which decimated its leadership and fighters. Hashem Safieddine briefly succeeded Nasrallah but was also killed in an Israeli strike. Nasrallah's official funeral was delayed to allow for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon under a U.S.-backed ceasefire.

On February 11, 2025, the Trump administration sent emails to U.S. federal government employees, instructing them to report their work accomplishments from the previous week by Monday night or risk losing their jobs. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, posted on social media site X that non-response would be considered a resignation. This follows President Trump's call on Truth Social for DOGE to aggressively downsize the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce. Emails were sent to agencies including the SEC, NOAA, and CDC. The AFGE union vowed to challenge any unlawful terminations. Some agencies advised employees to delay responses to assess the validity of the emails.

US President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown and the replacement of five other senior US military officials, nominating retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine to take over. Brown was on an inspection at the US-Mexico border when he was sacked. Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Brown. Additionally, Trump replaced the Navy commander, Air Force vice chief, and other top officials, and plans to cut 5% to 8% of the Defense Department's civilian workforce to enhance efficiency and combat readiness.

On February 21, the roof of a food court at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, northern Peru, collapsed, resulting in at least three deaths and around 20 injuries. The deceased include two men and a woman, and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over a hundred firefighters and police officers searching through the debris. Local government health official Mr Anibal Morillo stated that a child is trapped under the metal structures. According to the Regional Emergency Operations Center, the collapse occurred at 8:41 pm but was reported only about half an hour later.

On February 22, US President Donald Trump received a warm welcome at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbour, Maryland. Dressed in a blue suit, Trump addressed a crowd of supporters wearing 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) red hats for nearly 1½ hours, launching attacks on 'globalists' and 'a sinister group of radical left Marxists'. During the speech, some supporters shouted 'J-6' to thank Trump for pardoning those involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. Trump also mocked his 82-year-old Democrat predecessor, Joe Biden. Many retirees praised Trump as genuine and patriotic. Despite a somewhat reduced attendance this year, there was widespread excitement about Trump's return to the White House.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is not yet ready to sign a minerals deal with the United States, according to UK's Sky News, citing sources close to Zelensky. The agreement draft has several problematic issues, and in its current form, the president is unwilling to accept it. Fox News journalist Jacqui Heinrich noted that Ukraine has introduced amendments to the agreement and submitted them to the US. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that the deal could be signed as soon as Saturday, though it was not yet complete. Ukrainian lawmaker Alexey Goncharenko stated that the deal will be signed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On February 12, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent handed over a draft agreement during a visit to Kiev, which Zelensky did not sign. At the Munich Security Conference, the Ukrainian delegation presented a revised version with proposed amendments, which the Americans decided not to consider. Recently, tensions between the US and Ukraine have escalated, with Trump calling Zelensky a dictator and Zelensky suggesting Trump is a victim of Russian disinformation.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA state news agency that a second meeting between Russian and US representatives is planned within the next two weeks. The first talks, held in a third country on February 18, aimed to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine and restore relations. Ryabkov stated there is a 'principled agreement' on both sides to hold consultations to address all 'so-called irritants.' He added that a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control is possible only with visible improvements in US policy. The Kremlin noted that last week's initial meeting focused on Russian-US bilateral ties, a crucial step towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. This week, the Kremlin indicated a possible face-to-face meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump this month.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK plans to impose new sanctions on Russia on February 24. This will be the largest package of sanctions since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. February 24 marks the third anniversary of Russia's special military operation. The Daily Telegraph reported on February 22, citing a UK government source, that London was preparing to announce fresh curbs on Russia.

Swiss police in Zurich have arrested a 28-year-old Australian man suspected of stabbing and seriously injuring a 41-year-old man in a shop in central Zurich. The attack occurred on Saturday, and the motive is still under investigation. The Australian suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the victim was taken to the hospital. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the identities of the victim and the perpetrator, with prosecutors expected to provide more information on Monday. This incident adds to a series of recent stabbing attacks in Europe, including cases in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.