Israel Receives Bodies of Four Hostages as New Handover Unfolds

Shiri Bibas

by Admin Feb 20, 2025 In a dramatic development, Israel has received the remains of four hostages who were taken alive by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 assault.  This marks the first instance since last month’s ceasefire that the militant group has returned captives in dead condition. According to Hamas, the coffins belong to members of the Bibas family a mother and her two young sons, whose fate has captivated the nation and to 84‑year‑old Oded Lifschitz, a veteran peace activist. Israeli authorities plan to confirm the identities after conducting forensic examinations.  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented, “The heart of the entire nation is torn,” adding that the country is confronting “monsters.” While six living hostages are scheduled for release on Saturday, the current handover was staged in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.  In a carefully orchestrated scene reminiscent of previous exchanges, four black coffins were displayed on a stage adorned with propaganda for a crowd of spectators. A Red Cross official was seen signing documents alongside armed Hamas fighters before the coffins were transported in Red Cross vehicles.  They were subsequently handed over to Israeli forces in Gaza and then brought into Israel, where the public lined the streets waving Israeli flags and symbolic yellow banners to bid farewell as a police convoy passed by.  The bodies have now been moved to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Jaffa for post-mortem examinations. Earlier, the International Red Cross had urged Hamas to conduct a dignified transfer amid widespread criticism of its recent methods of releasing hostages. The handover has reignited painful memories. Reports unconfirmed by the Israeli government suggest that Shiri Bibas, 33, and her two sons, aged five and two, may have died.  In November 2023, Hamas had claimed they were killed in an Israeli air strike, though no evidence was presented, and then‑official Benny Gantz noted that the claim lacked confirmation.  The Bibas family had been abducted along with the father, Yarden, from kibbutz Nir Oz when hundreds of Hamas gunmen invaded from the border, attacking communities, security installations, and even a music festival. In the initial assault, approximately 1,200 people mostly civilians lost their lives, and 251 individuals were taken back to Gaza as hostages.  Israel has since embarked on a large-scale military campaign against Hamas, a conflict that, according to the Hamas‑run health ministry, has already claimed the lives of at least 48,297 Palestinians, predominantly civilians.

Israel Receives Bodies of Four Hostages as New Handover Unfolds

Hamas Militias

by Admin Feb 20, 2025 In a dramatic development, Israel has received the remains of four hostages who were taken alive by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 assault.  This marks the first instance since last month’s ceasefire that the militant group has returned captives in dead condition. According to Hamas, the coffins belong to members of the Bibas family—a mother and her two young sons, whose fate has captivated the nation—and to 84‑year‑old Oded Lifschitz, a veteran peace activist. Israeli authorities plan to confirm the identities after conducting forensic examinations.  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented, “The heart of the entire nation is torn,” adding that the country is confronting “monsters.” While six living hostages are scheduled for release on Saturday, the current handover was staged in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.  In a carefully orchestrated scene reminiscent of previous exchanges, four black coffins were displayed on a stage adorned with propaganda for a crowd of spectators. A Red Cross official was seen signing documents alongside armed Hamas fighters before the coffins were transported in Red Cross vehicles.  They were subsequently handed over to Israeli forces in Gaza and then brought into Israel, where the public lined the streets waving Israeli flags and symbolic yellow banners to bid farewell as a police convoy passed by.  The bodies have now been moved to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Jaffa for post-mortem examinations. Earlier, the International Red Cross had urged Hamas to conduct a dignified transfer amid widespread criticism of its recent methods of releasing hostages. The handover has reignited painful memories. Reports—unconfirmed by the Israeli government—suggest that Shiri Bibas, 33, and her two sons, aged five and two, may have died.  In November 2023, Hamas had claimed they were killed in an Israeli air strike, though no evidence was presented, and then‑official Benny Gantz noted that the claim lacked confirmation.  The Bibas family had been abducted along with the father, Yarden, from kibbutz Nir Oz when hundreds of Hamas gunmen invaded from the border, attacking communities, security installations, and even a music festival. In the initial assault, approximately 1,200 people mostly civilians lost their lives, and 251 individuals were taken back to Gaza as hostages.  Israel has since embarked on a large-scale military campaign against Hamas, a conflict that, according to the Hamas‑run health ministry, has already claimed the lives of at least 48,297 Palestinians, predominantly civilians.

President Trump Claims Russia Holds Advantage in Ukraine Peace Talks, Calls Zelensky a “Dictator”

United States President Donald Trump

by Admin Feb 20, 2025 The United States President Donald Trump has stated that Russia holds the upper hand in any potential peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, citing Moscow’s territorial gains since the start of the conflict.  Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, President Trump expressed confidence that Russia is interested in ending the war, which it initiated with a full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. “I think the Russians want to see the war end, I do. I think they have the cards a little bit because they’ve taken a lot of territory. They have the cards,” Trump said. When asked if he believed Russia genuinely sought peace, he responded, “I do.” His remarks followed a speech at a Saudi-backed investment forum in Florida, where he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” for the second time in a day.  President Trump’s comments came in response to Zelensky’s criticism of the U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, from which Kyiv was excluded. The Ukrainian leader had accused Trump of “living in a disinformation space” controlled by Moscow. President Trump has repeatedly attacked Zelensky’s leadership, claiming the Ukrainian president has stifled democracy by postponing elections. “He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?” Trump said during his Florida speech. President Zelensky’s five-year term was set to expire in May 2024, but Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion, leading to the suspension of elections.  Despite President Trump’s claims about his unpopularity, Prodesq Verify reports that recent polling indicates 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky’s leadership. President Trump’s “dictator” remark quickly drew backlash from European leaders.  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the statement “simply wrong and dangerous,” while United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelensky in a phone call with the Ukrainian president. President Trump blames Ukraine for the war, saying, “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal.” In response, Zelensky dismissed the statement, accusing Russia of spreading falsehoods about the conflict. “With all due respect to President Donald Trump as a leader… he is living in this disinformation space,” Zelensky said. As tensions rise over Ukraine’s exclusion from key diplomatic talks, Trump’s comments add further complexity to the already strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

Russia and U.S. to Restore Embassy Staffing in Diplomatic Breakthrough

Flags of United States of America and Russia

by Admin Feb 19, 2025 In a significant diplomatic development, Russia and the United States have agreed to restore staffing levels at their embassies in Washington and Moscow.  The decision, announced after high-level talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, is part of broader efforts to ease tensions and advance negotiations aimed at resolving the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. The meeting in Riyadh was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. While Ukrainian officials were absent from the discussions, the conflict in Ukraine was a key topic.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has since reaffirmed that Kyiv will not accept any settlement that excludes its direct participation. European allies have also expressed concerns about being sidelined in the negotiations. Speaking with The Associated Press, Rubio confirmed that both nations had agreed to restore their diplomatic presence in each other’s capitals, reversing years of mutual expulsions that had strained bilateral relations.  The restoration of embassy staffing is expected to improve diplomatic communication and facilitate further negotiations. The talks in Saudi Arabia also laid the groundwork for a potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.  While discussions about a summit are ongoing, Russian foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that no date has been finalized. As the war in Ukraine continues, the renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow signals a potential shift in global relations.  The outcome of these discussions could shape future diplomatic strategies and international stability in the months ahead.

European Union Approves New Sanctions Package Targeting Russia’s Aluminum and Oil Sectors

European Union Flag

by Admin Feb 19, 2025 European Union member states have reached a new agreement on a new set of sanctions against Russia, reinforcing Brussels’ commitment to increasing pressure on Moscow and supporting Kyiv.  This move comes even as the United States-led diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The 16th sanctions package, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, focuses on restricting the country’s aluminum industry and tightening controls on its oil exports. According to Prodesq political analyst Temitope Oladeji, the sanctions are set to impact 13 additional Russian banks and 73 vessels from the so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport Russian crude oil.  He added that the package includes a gradual ban on European Union countries from purchasing specific Russian aluminum products. Sources confirmed that European Union ambassadors from all 27 member states endorsed the package on Wednesday morning.  The sanctions also extend to more individuals and businesses accused of aiding Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.

Pakistan Army Kills 30 Militants in South Waziristan Operation

Pakistan Soldier with an AK 47 rifle at the Pakistan Afghan border

by Admin Feb 18, 2025 Pakistan’s military announced on Tuesday that it had killed 30 Islamist militants in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, as part of an operation aimed at eliminating insurgents who operate across both countries. The tribal region, long considered a stronghold for militant groups, remains inaccessible to independent journalists and human rights organizations, making independent verification of such claims difficult. The militants, engaged in a prolonged insurgency against the Pakistani state, seek to overthrow the government and establish governance based on strict Sharia law.  However, the army’s statement did not specify the affiliations of those killed or provide details on their identities. The insurgents have intensified their attacks since unilaterally ending a ceasefire with the government in late 2022. Recent attacks have primarily targeted military installations and personnel, marking an escalation in the conflict. Pakistan has accused militants of operating from training camps inside Afghanistan, using them as a base to plan attacks on Pakistani soil—an allegation that the Afghan government has consistently denied.

Michigan Prosecutor to Decide Fate of Mother Accused of Abandoning Three Children in Squalor

The Apartment

by Admin Feb 18, 2025 The fate of a 34-year-old Michigan woman accused of abandoning her three children in deplorable conditions now rests with the county prosecutor, who will determine whether to press charges in what authorities describe as a “horrifying case” of neglect. The children—ages 12, 13, and 15—were discovered last Friday living in extreme squalor inside a Pontiac home.  According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the residence was covered in human waste, and garbage was piled up to four feet high.  Two children slept on pizza boxes, and their toenails were so overgrown that they struggled to walk. Authorities said the children survived on food delivered weekly by their mother or an unidentified individual.  The case was formally submitted to the county prosecutor’s office on Monday. According to law enforcement, the 15-year-old told investigators that he and his two younger sisters had been left alone in the home after their mother abandoned them in 2020 or 2021.  The police confirmed that the children had not attended school since that time. The Pontiac School District stated Monday that the siblings were not currently enrolled but declined to provide further details, citing the sensitivity of the case. “The Pontiac community has been shaken by the horrifying story of the three children who were discovered suffering from extreme neglect this past weekend,” said Pontiac School District Interim Superintendent Kimberly Leverette. “As a school district, we are working with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department to assist in any way we can. As educators, our hearts are breaking for these children and what they have endured over the past several years.” The mother, whose name has not been disclosed, was arrested on Friday and remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.  Prosecutors have yet to announce charges, and Jeff Wattrick, a spokesperson for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, said no comments will be made until the case has been fully reviewed. In the meantime, Child Protective Services has placed the children in the care of a relative.  The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is also collecting donations on their behalf, seeking new or gently used clothing and shoes for a 15-year-old boy and two girls, ages 12 and 13. The investigation began after a landlord reported that rent had not been paid since October and that he had not heard from the mother since December.  This prompted authorities to visit the home on the 600 block of Lydia Lane, a street lined with well-maintained townhomes underscoring the stark contrast between the children’s living conditions and their surrounding neighborhood.

Sweden Open to Sending Troops to Ukraine for Postwar Peacekeeping, Says Foreign Minister

Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard

by Admin Feb 17, 2025 Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, stated on Monday that the country is “not ruling out” deploying troops to Ukraine as part of a potential postwar peacekeeping mission. The foreign minister’s remarks follow a similar statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed readiness to send British troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping duties.  The British Prime Minister’s position aims to emphasize the role European nations should play in negotiating an end to the war and ensuring long-term stability in Europe. In an interview, the Swedish foreign minister underscored the importance of securing a peace agreement that upholds international law and protects Ukraine’s sovereignty. “We must first negotiate a just and sustainable peace that respects international law, that respects Ukraine, and most importantly prevents Russia from withdrawing, regrouping, and launching another attack in the coming years,” she said. Stenergard added that once a durable peace is established, Sweden’s government would consider all options to ensure its enforcement, including potential troop deployment.

UK Open to Deploying Troops to Ukraine for Postwar Peacekeeping, Says Starmer

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer

by Admin Feb 17, 2025 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has offered his readiness to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a postwar peacekeeping mission, emphasizing that European nations should not be excluded from discussions on ending the conflict. In a statement on Sunday, the Prime Minister acknowledged the consequence of deploying British servicemen and women into danger zones but also stressed that securing a lasting peace in Ukraine is crucial to deterring further aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The end of Russia’s war with Ukraine, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again,” Starmer said. His comments mark the first time he has explicitly stated that Britain is considering deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine.  Previously, he had expressed the UK’s willingness to contribute to a negotiated peace settlement. Meanwhile, the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that Ukraine and Europe would be integral to any “real negotiations” to end Moscow’s war.  His remarks came ahead of the United States-Russia talks this week, which he described as an opportunity to gauge Putin’s seriousness about peace. The Prime Minister further indicated that Britain would be prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, including the possibility of stationing troops on the ground if necessary.

Italian Police Arrest 130 in Major Crackdown on Sicilian Mafia

Italian Police Vehicle at the scene of arrest

by Admin Feb 15, 2025 Italian authorities detained 130 individuals on Feb. 11 as part of a large-scale operation targeting the Sicilian mafia in Palermo. The country’s top anti-mafia prosecutor indicated that high-security prison inmates were still issuing “criminal directives” to operatives outside. The Carabinieri, Italy’s national police force, reported that the operation resulted in restrictive measures against 183 individuals, including 36 who were already incarcerated. The Cosa Nostra, the notorious crime syndicate immortalized in films like The Godfather, held a brutal grip on Sicily for decades. At its peak in 1992, the organization assassinated two prominent anti-mafia prosecutors, Giovanni Falcone, and Paolo Borsellino, in retaliation for their efforts to dismantle the group using informants, known as pentiti. However, in recent years, the Sicilian mafia has been overshadowed by the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful criminal network based in Calabria. The Carabinieri stated that those arrested on Feb. 11 face charges including criminal association of a mafia nature, attempted murder, extortion using mafia intimidation, and drug trafficking conspiracy. Italy’s national anti-mafia prosecutor, Giovanni Melillo, said the investigation reflected a broader pattern seen in other regions, where high-security prisons remain under the influence of organized crime groups, enabling incarcerated mafia bosses to communicate and issue orders. Palermo’s chief prosecutor, Maurizio de Lucia, echoed these concerns, warning that mobile devices and video calls in prisons have blurred the line between incarceration and freedom, allowing mafia leaders to continue coordinating their operations. “Two key points emerge,” de Lucia explained. “First, the organization understands that to regain strength, it needs a central command structure, which it has struggled to achieve. Second, it has adapted by using technology to link its mandamenti [territories controlled by mafia families].” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, calling it a “very hard blow to Cosa Nostra.” Writing on the social media platform X, she emphasized that the arrests send a clear message: “The fight against the mafia has not stopped and will not stop.”