News from February 24, 2025 at 2 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indefinitely delayed the release of what would have been the largest group of Palestinian prisoners so far, part of the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 600 prisoners were due to be freed in exchange for the release of the last six Israeli hostages. Netanyahu demanded that Hamas stop using hostages for propaganda, while Hamas accused Israel of deliberately disrupting the ceasefire. Previous issues included Israel delaying access to northern Gaza due to a female hostage not being released and a recent incident where a body handed over by Hamas was not the missing Israeli as claimed. The fragility of the ceasefire process is evident, with the second phase of talks yet to commence. Hamas has offered to release all remaining hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza and ends the war, but Israel demands complete disarmament of Hamas.

On February 23, Hamas condemned Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, claiming that Israel's assertion that the hostage handover ceremonies are 'humiliating' is false and a pretext to evade its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision deliberately disrupts the agreement, clearly violates its terms, and demonstrates the occupation's unreliability in fulfilling its obligations. Earlier, Israel said it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners planned for the previous day until Hamas met its conditions, highlighting the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire accord. Netanyahu's office issued a statement in the early hours of February 23, stating that Israel was waiting to release 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees 'until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies'. El Rashq argued that the ceremonies do not insult the hostages but rather reflect humane and dignified treatment, adding that the 'real insult' is what Palestinian prisoners endure during the release process, such as being tied, blindfolded, and threatened not to celebrate their release. Israel's announcement, which also accused Hamas of repeatedly violating the month-old ceasefire, came after the Palestinian militant group handed over six hostages from Gaza on February 22 as part of an exchange arranged under the truce.

On February 22, 2025, Pope Francis was in critical condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, suffering from a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis due to pneumonia and a complex lung infection. The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains conscious, is receiving high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions due to low platelet counts. The Vatican stated that the pope is still in danger but remains alert despite increased pain. Doctors warn of the risk of sepsis, though no signs are currently present. Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted on February 14 after a worsening bout of bronchitis. He was diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia, requiring rest and medication. The Vatican has denied rumors of the pope's resignation, emphasizing focus on his health.

The Vatican issued a statement on March 23rd stating that 88-year-old Pope Francis, who is being treated for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, experienced a respiratory crisis on the 22nd and remains in critical condition. Francis was hospitalized on March 14th due to breathing difficulties, and doctors have warned of the risk of sepsis, though no signs of the condition have been detected yet. Having previously had part of his right lung removed, this marks his third hospitalization this year. The Vatican has refuted speculations about his possible resignation, emphasizing the focus on the Pope's health. Francis has missed the Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week.

President Donald Trump's adviser Elon Musk demanded federal employees list their accomplishments from the past week or face termination. Multiple U.S. agencies, including the FBI and State Department, instructed staff not to comply. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the FBI oversees all review processes. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has laid off over 20,000 workers and offered buyouts to another 75,000, sparking widespread criticism and prompting the rehiring of some critical staff. Federal employees received an email on Saturday to report their work by Monday, but the email did not include Musk's termination threat.

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.

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 23, a public funeral for Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine was held on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon. Tens of thousands of mourners in black attire, some carrying portraits of Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, attended the ceremony. Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli strike on Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold in September, delaying the funeral for security reasons. Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon occurred, targeting rocket launchers posing threats to Israeli civilians. Since a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah took effect on November 27, Israel has conducted multiple strikes in Lebanon. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended the funeral, vowing that the path of resistance would continue. Hezbollah supporters from across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley, converged in Beirut. The funeral began at 1pm, with Nasrallah to be buried near the airport and Safieddine in his hometown on February 24.

On February 23, 2025, the Trump administration announced the elimination of 2,000 positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and placed most global staff on administrative leave, following U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols' rejection of employee lawsuits. The move comes after the closure of USAID's headquarters and the shutdown of thousands of U.S. aid and development programs worldwide. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk argue that such work is wasteful and promotes a liberal agenda. Overseas personnel will retain access to Agency systems and diplomatic resources, and are expected to receive voluntary return travel and other benefits. Another judge has temporarily blocked the freeze on foreign assistance.