The Israel Defense Forces have mobilized 100,000 reservists for a war against Iran, in addition to the 50,000 servicemen already on active duty. Ground forces have been reinforced at the borders, and 20,000 reservists from the IDF Home Front Command have also been mobilized.
The United Nations is facing a financial crisis. The US has paid only about $160 million out of more than $4 billion in debt.
The IOC did not see a violation of the Olympic Charter in FIFA President Infantino's participation in Trump's Peace Council. His presence concerned humanitarian and sports initiatives in the Gaza Strip.
US President Donald Trump is considering limited military strikes on Iran to force Tehran to sign a new nuclear deal. This could lead to a new destabilizing conflict in the Middle East.
The International Olympic Committee is investigating Gianni Infantino's actions for violating the principle of political neutrality. He participated in Trump's "Peace Council" meeting, where an agreement was signed on investments in football in the Gaza Strip.
Donald Trump has appointed Jared Kushner as a special peace envoy, introducing him at his "Peace Council. " Kushner will focus on mediating new diplomatic agreements, including stabilizing Gaza and the war in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump opened the first meeting of the Peace Council, calling it his most important undertaking. He welcomed world leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia and Hungary.
After the truce with Israel, Hamas is regaining control of the Gaza Strip, despite losses. The group is expanding its control over security, taxes, and public services, persecuting "collaborators."
Today, February 18, Muslim communities in many countries around the world begin celebrating Ramadan. This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual self-improvement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands the elimination of all uranium enrichment equipment in Iran. He also proposed reducing US military aid to zero, transitioning to a partnership.
Indonesia has completed the formation of a contingent of 8,000 troops for a humanitarian mission in the Gaza Strip. The first group will arrive in April, and the main forces will be ready by June 2026.
Donald Trump announced the attraction of over $5 billion from the founding countries of the Peace Council for humanitarian needs and infrastructure restoration in Gaza. The funds will be finalized on February 19 in Washington.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has partially suspended its activities at Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip due to the presence of masked armed men. This decision was made following an increase in incidents involving armed individuals and intimidation of staff.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House. They discussed developments with Iran and the war in Gaza, but no final agreements were reached.
Israeli aircraft struck the Gaza Strip, killing 24 Palestinians, including two infants. This was in response to an attack by Hamas militants that wounded an Israeli soldier.
The Israel Defense Forces struck Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas 'Nukhba' platoon commander who participated in the October 2023 attack on Israel. He is allegedly involved in the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and the taking of hostages.
The UN Security Council will hold a special meeting on February 24, 2026, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Great Britain will increase pressure on Russia and accelerate support for Ukraine.
Palestinians have begun crossing the Rafah checkpoint after its reopening. The crossing will be supervised by the EU and local Palestinian staff, while Israel will conduct remote security checks.
Palestinians in Gaza are awaiting the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a vital link to the outside world. Israel says the crossing should reopen on Monday, but with restrictions.
Israel carried out its most powerful airstrikes on Gaza in weeks, killing 26 people. The attacks were a response to a ceasefire violation.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the return of the body of 24-year-old police officer Ran Gvili, who had been held in Gaza since October 2023. This event marks the completion of the first phase of the peace plan, developed with US mediation.
The European Union is stepping up its support for peace and humanitarian initiatives in crisis regions. In particular, the EU is preparing to resume missions in Gaza and is imposing sanctions against parties to the conflict in Sudan.
The US presented a strategy for the demilitarization of Gaza to the UN Security Council, which includes buying back weapons from militants. The plan aims to remove Hamas from power and destroy its military infrastructure under international supervision.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will not permit the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully disarmed and will maintain security control over the region. These statements were made amidst the return of the body of the deceased hostage Ran Gvili.
Israel is preparing the territory for the construction of a large camp in Rafah, equipped with facial recognition technology. The facility will serve as a checkpoint and temporary accommodation for Palestinians before their possible departure to Egypt.
The Israel Defense Forces have identified the remains of First Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last hostage from the Gaza Strip. His body was abducted by militants after his death on October 7, 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the White House permission for President Isaac Herzog to attend the launch ceremony of the Peace Council in Davos. Netanyahu did not attend the World Economic Forum due to an arrest warrant.
The EU's foreign policy service has expressed concern about US President Donald Trump's "broad powers" in the Peace Council. The Peace Council's statute "raises concerns about the EU's constitutional principles."
The Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, transferring primary responsibility to South Korea. This could lead to a reduction in American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for the Management of the Gaza Strip, announced that the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions. This means that Gaza is no longer closed to the future and peace.
