Indonesia’s Prabowo, Turkey’s Erdogan agree to bolster ties

The seventh hostage-prisoner exchange under a fragile Gaza ceasefire proceeded despite Israel's grief and anger after Hamas returned the remains of two child hostages without their mother. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas as "monsters" for the killings of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, promising retribution. Hamas admitted to a possible mix-up of bodies but affirmed commitment to the ceasefire, with more prisoners and bodies to be exchanged, as the Bibas family and Israel mourn the...

For 16 months, the Bibas family's abduction to Gaza faded from Israeli consciousness until their disturbing deaths were revealed, casting doubt on the fragile cease-fire. Israeli military announced Ms. Bibas's body was not hers, and an autopsy showed her sons were killed in Gaza. Hamas denied responsibility, leading to renewed tensions and calls for vengeance or calm as the truce with Gaza hangs in the balance. Full Article

Argentina declared two days of national mourning after Hamas handed over the bodies of two Israeli Argentine children who had been taken hostage; three members of the Bibas family were confirmed dead, with the mother missing. Israel's National Center of Forensic Medicine determined that the children were brutally murdered by Hamas in November 2023. Argentine President Javier Milei condemned Hamas and called for the immediate release of all hostages, expressing condolences to the Bibas family...

Three buses exploded in Tel Aviv area parking lots, prompting suspicions of a coordinated terrorist attack, leading to the halt of all buses and trains nationwide; no injuries were reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a military operation in the West Bank and increased security measures in Israeli cities to prevent further attacks. Unclaimed bus explosions followed the repatriation of hostages' remains from a Hamas-led attack, potentially complicating truce negotiations with Hamas and intensifying Israeli...

The Pentagon authorized B-52 strategic bombers over the Middle East for the second time in two days, aiming to pressure Iran into negotiating on its nuclear enrichment program. The US is seeking to halt Iran's uranium enrichment through diplomatic means, with all options on the table. Israeli officials are pushing for stronger US military and diplomatic commitments in the region to counter Iran's strategic proxies in Lebanon and Syria. Full Article

Dubai International (DXB) is expecting over 2.5 million guests from 20 to 28 February, with daily averages of 280,000 and a peak of over 295,000 on 22 February due to global events and school holidays. Travelers are encouraged to use the Dubai Metro and alternative transport options as the Arrivals bus stop at Terminal 1 will be out of service from 21 February. The oneDXB community is working together to ensure smooth operations and seamless...