LIVE BLOG: Israel Seeks First Phase Extension | Hamas: ‘Resistance is Legitimate’ – Day 507

Massive destruction in the occupied West Bank. (Photo: via PalPost)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Hamas has suspended negotiations with Israel, demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners after Israel delayed the seventh batch of a prisoner exchange deal. 

Meanwhile, at least 120 homes have been completely destroyed in Jenin as Israel expands its operations in the occupied West Bank.

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Tue, Feb 25, 7:17 AM (Palestine Time)

New York College Expels Two Students Over Pro-Palestine Support

AL-JAZEERA: Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, has expelled two students due to protests in support of Palestinians.

The group that organized the protests stated that this decision marks the first official expulsion from the university related to Israel’s war on Gaza. Meanwhile, the educational institution justified the decision as a response to the disruption of an academic class.

Tue, Feb 25, 7:15 AM (Palestine Time)

Maariv: Netanyahu Refuses to Submit Medical Records to Court

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing to submit his medical records to the court as part of a lawsuit he filed against journalists over claims that he is not in good health.

The newspaper added that the court has threatened to issue judicial orders against Netanyahu within two and a half weeks if he does not hand over his medical file.

Tue, Feb 25, 2:15 AM (Palestine Time)

Gaza Hospital Reports Child Deaths from Cold

AL-MAYADEEN: Saeed Salah, Medical Director of the Friends of the Patient Hospital in Gaza: Three children have died due to the cold and dropping temperatures.

Tue, Feb 25, 1:08 AM (Palestine Time)

Israel Withdraws Damaged Bulldozer from Qabatiya

PALESTINIAN MEDIA (citing local sources): Israeli occupation forces withdrew a damaged bulldozer from Qabatiya, south of Jenin.

Tue, Feb 25, 1:08 AM (Palestine Time)

Yedioth Ahronoth: Mediators Continue Efforts to Save Prisoner Deal

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Mediators are continuing efforts to save the “hostage” deal, and no one wants to escalate matters to the point of collapse.

Tue, Feb 25, 1:08 AM (Palestine Time)

Hamas Responds to NYT Claims Attributed to Top Official

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas issued a statement asserting the following:

Hamas denied the accuracy of statements attributed to Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk in an interview published by The New York Times on Monday. They clarified that the interview, conducted several days ago, had its content taken out of context, misrepresenting the full scope of Abu Marzouk’s answers.

Dr. Abu Marzouk emphasized that the October 7th operation was a legitimate act of resistance, reflecting the Palestinian people’s right to oppose the siege, occupation, and settlement activities.

He reiterated that the Israeli occupation is responsible for committing war crimes and genocide against the people of Gaza, violating international law and shocking the global community.

Hamas reasserted its firm stance in favor of the Palestinian people’s right to resist in all forms, particularly through armed struggle, until the full liberation of Palestine is achieved.

Dr. Abu Marzouk stressed that the weapons of resistance belong to the Palestinian people, with the aim of protecting them and their holy sites. He underscored that these weapons cannot be relinquished or negotiated away as long as Palestine remains under occupation.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

Hamas: Resistance is a Legitimate Right Until Liberation and Return

HAMAS SPOKESPERSON HAZEM QASSEM:

We hold onto our resistance weapon as a legitimate right, and what was attributed to Musa Abu Marzouk does not represent the movement’s stance.

The occupation’s aggressive and destructive behavior is the cause of destruction in Gaza and continues its policy of destruction in the West Bank.

The October 7 epic marks a strategic turning point in the Palestinian national struggle.

Resistance in all its forms is a legitimate right for our people until liberation and return.

 

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

Warnings to Netanyahu Over Danger of Not Releasing Captives

CHANNEL 13: The Shin Bet chief and the army’s negotiation official warned Benjamin Netanyahu of the dangers of not releasing Palestinian prisoners.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

Government More Interested in Hamas Ceremonies Than Recovering Captives

WALLA (citing senior Israeli official):

Netanyahu’s government threw a stone into the well and is now trying to retrieve it.

Some in the government are more interested in Hamas’ ceremonies than recovering hostages’ bodies.

Netanyahu is focused on an agreement with Hamas to release more hostages without ending the war.

Hamas may agree to negotiations to extend the deal but will demand much and give little.

Israel is currently ready to pay a price to Hamas while the government refuses to declare an end to the war.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Media: Preparations to Begin Phase Two Negotiations

CHANNEL 12: Preparations are underway in Israel to begin discussions on Phase Two of the ceasefire agreement, which includes political arrangements in Gaza.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

Political Level Wants to Extend Gaza Ceasefire - KAN

KAN: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported, citing informed sources, that the political level wants to extend the Gaza ceasefire without discussing ending the war.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 PM (Palestine Time)

EU Commissioner: We Support Gaza Truce

EU FOREIGN POLICY COMMISSIONER:

We call on all parties, including Israel, to respect international humanitarian law.

We support the fragile truce that has held in Gaza.

The EU cannot hide its concern over the West Bank.

Palestinians must be able to live in Gaza.

Implementing a ceasefire in Gaza is essential to release captives.

Mon, Feb 24, 7:07 PM (Palestine Time)

Human Rights Watch Calls on Europe to Condemn Israel’s Crimes

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH:

European foreign ministers must condemn Israel’s horrific crimes during their meeting with Gideon Sa’ar.

Europe’s failure to condemn Israel’s horrific crimes has fueled them and raised justified accusations of double standards.

Mon, Feb 24, 7:07 PM (Palestine Time)

Poll: 70% of Americans Oppose US Control of Gaza

HARVARD-HARRIS POLL

54% of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the war in Gaza.

70% of Americans believe US control of Gaza is a bad idea.

Mon, Feb 24, 5:26 PM (Palestine Time)

Ben Gvir: Exchange Deal is Reckless

ISRAELI MEDIA: Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that the exchange deal is reckless, provides oxygen to “terrorism,” and results in rocket fire from Gaza and bus explosions.

Mon, Feb 24, 5:26 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Army: Rocket Fired from Gaza Detected

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli army stated that it detected the launch of one rocket from Gaza, but it fell inside the Strip, with details under investigation.

Mon, Feb 24, 5:26 PM (Palestine Time)

Smotrich: Army Preparing for Deadlier Operation in Gaza

SMOTRICH:

You will be amazed by the strength, precision, and lethality of the military operation to occupy Gaza when we decide the right time to resume it.

The army is preparing for a deadlier operation in Gaza under the leadership of incoming Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and with political support from US President Donald Trump.

Mon, Feb 24, 5:26 PM (Palestine Time)

Gantz: Combat Forces in West Bank Must Be Reinforced

Benny Gantz stated:

It is insane to link extending Phase One of the exchange deal to passing the budget to save the government.

More troops must be sent to fight and reinforce the defense of towns in the West Bank and on the borders.

Mon, Feb 24, 3:34 PM (Palestine Time)

Israeli Tanks Continue Incursion into Jenin

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli occupation tanks continue their incursion into Jenin, positioning themselves in the Jabriyat neighborhood adjacent to the camp.

Mon, Feb 24, 3:34 PM (Palestine Time)

Occupation Burns Home in Jenin Camp

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces burned a home in Jenin camp in the West Bank.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Israel Sets Conditions for Releasing Seventh Batch of Palestinian Prisoners

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Israel is ready to release the delayed Palestinian prisoners in exchange for recovering the bodies of four Israelis on Monday, provided no “humiliating ceremonies” are held, as happened previously.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Israel Detains 365 Palestinians Since Start of Aggression on Jenin, Tulkarm

PALESTINIAN PRISONERS’ CLUB: Israeli occupation forces have arrested 365 Palestinians from Jenin and Tulkarm since the start of the current aggression in the northern occupied West Bank.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Eisenkot Warns: Israel Cannot Ensure Existence Without Leadership Change

MAARIV: The Israeli newspaper Maariv quoted former War Council member Gadi Eisenkot warning that Israel cannot ensure its existence or achieve victory without a change in leadership.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Nur Shams Camp Committee: Occupation Forced Nearly 9,000 to Displace

NUR SHAMS CAMP COMMITTEE:

The Nur Shams Camp Committee in Tulkarm stated:

The occupation has demolished over 10 homes in the camp since the aggression began about a month ago.

The occupation has forced nearly 9,000 residents to flee Nur Shams Camp since the aggression began.

The occupation has completely destroyed the camp’s infrastructure.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Islamic Jihad: Israel’s Use of Tanks is a Tool of Oppression in West Bank

ISLAMIC JIHAD: The Islamic Jihad movement stated that the occupation’s use of tanks as a tool of oppression in the West Bank and the evacuation of three camps aim to entrench military dominance.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Peace Now: Plan to Build 1,170 Settlement Units in West Bank

PEACE NOW: The Supreme Planning Council will approve a plan on Wednesday to build 1,170 settlement units in the West Bank.

Mon, Feb 24, 2:16 PM (Palestine Time)

Herzog: All Captives Must Be Returned, It’s Our Duty

KAN: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted President Isaac Herzog stating, “All captives must be returned, and this is our moral and national duty.”

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Katz: Gaza War Won’t End without Return of All Captives

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that the government wants to continue the agreement to release hostages, emphasizing that the war in Gaza will not end without their return.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Fidan: Concerned About Netanyahu’s Attempt to Return to War in Gaza

TURKISH MEDIA:

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated:

We are concerned about Netanyahu’s attempt to return to war in Gaza and call on him to halt operations in the West Bank.

We completely reject any attempt to displace Gaza’s population.

Israel is trying to develop a project to weaken regional states, relying on its military power, which is pushing the region into the abyss.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Al-Quds Brigades: We Confronted Enemy Forces on Battlefronts in Jenin

AL-QUDS BRIGADES (Jenin Battalion):

We detonated an explosive device targeting a military patrol at the entrance to Silat al-Harithiya, causing confirmed casualties.

We confronted enemy forces on battlefronts in Silat al-Harithiya, causing confirmed casualties.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Spanish Foreign Minister: We Support Two-State Solution

SPANISH MEDIA: Spanish Foreign Minister José Albares stated that his country strongly supports the two-state solution, and there must be a viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Father of Captive Soldier: Anxiety and Tension over Government’s Stances

ISRAELI MEDIA:

The father of Israeli captive soldier Tamir Nimrodi stated:

We feel anxiety and tension, especially when we hear our government’s stances.

We have received no sign of his being alive since October 7, 2023.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Occupation Forces Open Fire on Palestinians in Gaza City

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces opened fire on Palestinians in the eastern areas of Gaza City.

Mon, Feb 24, 12:46 PM (Palestine Time)

Israel Targets Residential Buildings in Central Rafah

AL-JAZEERA: Fires broke out in residential buildings after Israeli tanks and drones opened fire near Al-Awda Square in central Rafah.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 AM (Palestine Time)

Jenin Municipality: Occupation Demolished 120 Homes Completely

JENIN MUNICIPALITY:

The occupation completely demolished 120 homes and partially destroyed dozens of homes and facilities inside Jenin camp.

The Israeli occupation continues widespread arrest campaigns in Jenin and surrounding villages.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 AM (Palestine Time)

Released Prisoner: I Survived Death by a Miracle

CHANNEL 12: Israeli Channel 12 quoted Eliya Cohen, who was released by Hamas, saying he miraculously survived after a tunnel he was held in collapsed following an Israeli airstrike.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 AM (Palestine Time)

Growing Disputes Between Security Chiefs and Netanyahu

ISRAELI MEDIA: Disputes are growing between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security chiefs over the failures of October 7, 2023, and prisoner exchange negotiations.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 AM (Palestine Time)

Gradual Return to Education in Gaza

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Since the start of Israel’s devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, school and university education has been completely disrupted, with students losing the 2023-2024 academic year and at risk of losing the next (2024-2025). The Ministry of Education announced on Sunday the gradual resumption of education in Gaza at dozens of educational points, despite widespread destruction of facilities and schools.

Mon, Feb 24, 9:45 AM (Palestine Time)

Witkoff: Rebuilding Gaza Will Take 15 Years

CBS: US Special Envoy to the Middle East Stephen Witkoff left the door open for Palestinians to return to Gaza, despite previous proposals by President Donald Trump to resettle them. “I’m not sure there’s a problem with people returning.” Witkoff stated that rebuilding devastated Gaza would take over 15 years, noting that previous assumptions of a 5-year timeline were flawed.

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