News from February 24, 2025 at 2 PM

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that Israel is ready to resume intense fighting with Hamas at any time, with battle plans in place. Hamas accused Israel of endangering the ceasefire by delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners. Since the ceasefire on January 19, Hamas has released 25 hostages, but Netanyahu suspended the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners due to a 'humiliating ceremony' during the handover. The US supports Israel's decision. The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire is set to expire, with no agreement on the next steps. Israel deployed tanks in the West Bank, with the defense minister instructing troops to prepare for long-term presence to combat Palestinian armed groups, sparking strong reactions from the Palestinian side.

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 the 24th local time, an explosion occurred in the area of the Russian Consulate in Marseille, France, with initial reports indicating no casualties. Unidentified individuals threw two cans containing flammable mixtures into the consulate's garden, and a stolen vehicle was found nearby. The exact circumstances remain unclear. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the incident has all the characteristics of a terrorist attack, and Russia demands that France thoroughly investigate and enhance security measures for Russian diplomatic missions.

According to Xinhua News Agency in Paris, at around 8 a.m. local time on February 24, two incendiary devices were thrown into the Russian Consulate in Marseille, France. Fortunately, there are no reports of casualties at this time. French authorities have initiated an investigation, but the identity and motive of the assailant remain unclear. This incident has drawn international attention, and security measures are being enhanced accordingly.

On February 23, 2025, Trump adviser Elon Musk requested US government employees to report their accomplishments from the past week via email. Responses from various departments were mixed, with some agencies encouraging compliance while the FBI and State Department asked staff to pause their responses. The Office of Personnel Management confirmed the authenticity of the email but did not clarify if non-compliance would affect employment status. Approximately three million federal employees may be affected, and the largest federal employee union criticized the move as 'cruel and disrespectful,' vowing to challenge any unlawful terminations. President Trump praised Musk's efforts, and most Republican Congress members supported him, though some criticized his methods.

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 23, 2025, Israeli tanks entered the occupied West Bank for the first time in decades, which Palestinian authorities termed a 'dangerous escalation.' Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that troops will remain in parts of the territory for a year, preventing tens of thousands of Palestinians from returning. The offensive began on January 21, two days after the Gaza ceasefire, and has expanded to nearby areas. Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an intensification of anti-terrorism activities. The United Nations confirmed that about 40,000 Palestinians have fled. The Palestinian foreign ministry called for international intervention. Over 800 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023.

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 24, 2025, US President Donald Trump appointed podcaster and commentator Dan Bongino as the deputy director of the FBI. Trump announced on social media that Bongino, a man of immense love and passion for the country, would serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel. Bongino, 50, has previously worked for the New York Police Department and the Secret Service, and was part of the protection detail for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. His appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation, means neither of the top two officials at the FBI has prior FBI experience. In his daily podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, he praised Patel and sought to allay Democratic fears that the agency would be used to target Trump's enemies. Trump stated that Bongino would give up his podcast to help restore fairness, justice, law, and order.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has initiated large-scale job cuts at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to a statement on the USAID website, all direct hire personnel, except those responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally starting February 24. The Reduction-in-Force will affect approximately 1,600 USAID personnel based in the United States. Earlier media reports indicated that the USAID staff would be downsized from around 10,000-13,000 people to 294.

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.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) reported on February 23 that by 2024, South Korea has fallen behind China in several key semiconductor technology areas. In high integration and resistive memory technology, South Korea scored 90.9%, lower than China's 94.1%; in high-performance, low-power AI semiconductor technology, South Korea scored 84.1%, below China's 88.3%. Additionally, South Korea lags behind in power semiconductors and next-generation high-performance sensor technology. The report highlights South Korea's落后 in technology research, originality, and design, leading only in some areas. Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC) successfully mass-produced 294-layer NAND flash, marking significant technological progress. The report emphasizes that issues like core talent loss pose severe challenges to South Korea's semiconductor industry.