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.
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.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Qatar have joined Trump's "Peace Council. " Israel has also confirmed its participation, while Russia is considering the invitation.
Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for Gaza Governance, officially assumed his duties by signing the NCAG Mission Statement. The committee's activities are based on a UN resolution and Donald Trump's peace plan.
Clémence Guetté submitted a proposal for France to withdraw from NATO, citing US actions during Trump's presidency. She accuses the US of kidnapping the Venezuelan president, threatening Greenland, and supporting genocide in Palestine.
US Secretary of State Rubio announced the imposition of restrictions against two ICC judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. This decision was made under an executive order aimed at countering attempts by the court to prosecute citizens of states that are not members of the ICC.
The Rafah border crossing, to allow Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip to leave its territory, may be opened by Israel in the coming days.
Pope Leo will visit Lebanon, which is under pressure from Israeli airstrikes, to address the country with a call for peace. This will be the second stage of his first foreign trip, following a visit to Turkey.
The Palestinian Authority continues to pay money to imprisoned terrorists and their families, violating its commitments to Great Britain and the EU. Payments are made through a new social welfare program, which has caused concern for the European Commission.
Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I visited Iznik, Turkey, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. They prayed together for Christian unity at the site where the Nicene Creed was formulated.
The Swiss government has allocated nearly $150,000 for the construction of two football mini-pitches in the West Bank. This is part of the FIFA Arena initiative, which aims to install 1,000 mini-pitches by 2030.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan praised Pope Leo's approach to the Palestinian issue and his calls for peace in Ukraine. He expressed hope that the new Catholic leader's first foreign visit would contribute to world peace.
Hamas rejected demands for immediate disarmament and the creation of an international guardianship mechanism, undermining Trump's peace plan approved by the UN Security Council. This creates obstacles to stabilizing the region.
The Palestinian Resistance Committees (PRC), an allied group of Hamas, announced the killing of one of its local armed leaders, Wassim Abdel-Hadi, by Israeli undercover forces near the city of Deir al-Balah. The Israeli military, in response, stated that they eliminated a terrorist who crossed the yellow line and planted suspicious objects.
Kazakhstan will become a party to the Abraham Accords, which Washington views as a revival of the diplomatic process after the war between Israel and Hamas. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is in Washington, where an official announcement is expected.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Udine ahead of the World Cup qualifier between Italy and Israel, demanding Israel's ban from FIFA. The protest ended in clashes with police, despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called the peace agreement of American guarantor Donald Trump the "last chance" for peace in the region, affirming the Palestinians' right to an independent state. El-Sisi also awarded Trump the Order of the Nile, the country's highest civilian honor.
Donald Trump announced successful negotiations with Hamas regarding a settlement in the Gaza Strip. The first phase is expected to conclude next week, and technical teams will reconvene in Egypt on Monday.
Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons to a "Palestinian-Egyptian body under international supervision. " Talks on Trump's peace plan are scheduled for Monday in Egypt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed surprise at US President Donald Trump's statement about Hamas' readiness for peace and his call for Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip. The Israeli negotiating team, however, considered Hamas' response to be positive for a deal.
US President Donald Trump stated that Hamas is ready for lasting peace. He called on Israel to immediately cease bombing the Gaza Strip for the safe release of hostages.
The Hamas group has agreed to US President Donald Trump's plan to end military actions in the Gaza Strip. They will release prisoners and transfer control of the enclave to the Palestinian government.
Members of the Labour Party in the UK have voted to recognize the genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza. This increases pressure on the government, which refuses to acknowledge the genocide, citing the International Court of Justice.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will provide $90 million to the Palestinian Authority, as announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. This funding is part of the International Coalition to Support Palestine, founded by Riyadh.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara's efforts to achieve a just peace between Ukraine and Russia, planning to advance the Istanbul negotiation process. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue with France and the development of cooperation in trade, energy, and defense.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron openly expressed disagreements over the recognition of Palestinian statehood during a meeting at the UN General Assembly. Trump called the move a gift to Hamas, while Macron emphasized the need to resolve the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron was blocked by American police after speaking at the UN due to the passage of Donald Trump's motorcade. He called his American counterpart to resolve the situation, and then continued the conversation with him in the middle of the street.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Hamas will have no role in governing Palestine. He called for complete demilitarization and elections within a year after a ceasefire.
Belgium and Luxembourg recognized the independence of the State of Palestine, joining France, Britain, Monaco, Canada, and Australia. The Belgian Prime Minister noted that legal recognition is possible after the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas.
Prince Albert II of Monaco announced the formal recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN summit. This decision supports the existence of Israel and the recognition of Palestine within the framework of international law.
