Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that Israel will begin negotiations on the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal, while the Qatari Foreign Minister confirmed that the negotiations have not started yet.
Meanwhile, Israel intensified attacks in the occupied West Bank, demolishing a village near Hebron and storming a school in Jerusalem.
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Occupation Forces Storm Villages and Towns in the West Bank
Israeli occupation forces have stormed several villages and towns in the West Bank. They include:
The village of Kafr Qalil, southeast of Nablus.
The Dhannaba neighborhood, east of Tulkarm.
The village of Tuqu’, east of Bethlehem.
The village of Husan, west of Bethlehem.
مصادر محلية: قوات الاحتلال تقتحم بلدة تقوع شرق بيت لحم. pic.twitter.com/9L9T8GhDCb
— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) February 19, 2025
Clashes Between Resistance Fighters and PA Forces in Jenin
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian news outlets reported that clashes broke out between resistance fighters and Palestinian Authority security forces in the eastern neighborhood of Jenin, located in the northern West Bank.
Oxfam: Israel Destroyed Most of Gaza's Water and Sanitation Network
OXFAM:
Israel has destroyed 1,025 miles of water and sewage networks, leaving less than 7% of the water capacity in Rafah and northern Gaza.
We are only beginning to grasp the scale of the massive destruction inflicted on Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure.
Most of Gaza’s vital water and sewage networks have been destroyed, leading to catastrophic health and medical conditions.
Approval to Establish 6 Illegal Settlement Areas in the West Bank
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Channel 7 revealed that six new settlement areas in the West Bank were approved last week, covering a total area of approximately 3,000 dunams, allowing for the advancement of construction of over 6,000 housing units.
PA Security Forces Arrest Individuals Pursued by Occupation in the West Bank
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian media sources reported that the Palestinian Authority’s security forces have arrested individuals pursued by Israeli occupation forces in Tubas, north of the West Bank.
Channel 12: Israel and the US to Decide on Sending Delegation to Qatar
ISRAELI MEDIA:
Israeli Channel 12 reported: Netanyahu has instructed ministers not to leak any information to avoid jeopardizing efforts to recover detainees.
Netanyahu is committed to disarming Gaza in the second phase and has rejected a plan to transfer control from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority.
Israel and the US will decide within 48 hours on sending a delegation to Qatar.
Preparations are underway to resume fighting due to the difficulty in assessing the chances of success in the second phase.
Associated Press: Israel Used AI in Targeted Killings
AL-JAZEERA: An investigation by the Associated Press revealed:
American tech companies enabled Israel to kill a larger number of suspects in Gaza and Lebanon.
Israel has significantly increased its use of Microsoft and OpenAI services to track suspects. Combining AI systems with human intelligence has led to accidental deaths.
An Israeli intelligence officer told AP: We’ve seen targeting errors related to AI due to inaccurate translations.
The AI system identified high school students as potential militants. Young officers are under pressure to find targets quickly, leading to mistakes.
Israeli Shelling Targets Airport Area East of Rafah
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation forces shelled the airport area east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip with artillery.
Lebanon Recovers 23 Bodies From Southern Towns
LEBANESE CIVIL DEFENSE: Lebanon’s Civil Defense announced the recovery of 23 bodies from southern towns following the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Israeli Media: Phase Two Talks to Begin Soon
KAN: Phase two talks with Hamas will begin upon the arrival of U.S. envoy Stephen Wittkoff. Prime Minister Netanyahu has officially decided to start the talks and informed the mini-cabinet.
Israeli Soldiers Rescued From Arrest in Amsterdam
KAN: Two Israeli soldiers were rescued from arrest in Amsterdam after organizations sought warrants against them.
Israeli Media: Shin Bet Chief Won't Return to Negotiation Team
ISRAEL HAYOM: The Shin Bet chief will not return to the negotiation team, and the Mossad chief is also unlikely to return. Phase two talks will be led by Minister Dermer in coordination with Netanyahu.
Clashes With Israeli Army South of Nablus
AL JAZEERA: Palestinian sources reported clashes between youths and Israeli forces in the town of Qasra, south of Nablus in the West Bank.
Israeli Channel: Dermer to Lead Second-Phase Negotiations
CHANNEL 12: Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will take over the management of second-phase negotiations, replacing the Mossad chief.
Family of Detainee Nael Barghouti Speaks About His Release Date
BARGHOUTI FAMILY: The family of detainee Nael Barghouti stated that he contacted his wife and informed her that he would be released next week and deported outside the homeland. Prisoner institutions noted that Barghouti has spent 45 years in Israeli prisons, the longest detention period in the history of the prisoners’ movement.
Chinese Foreign Minister Comments on Post-War Gaza Governance
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER AT UN SECURITY COUNCIL: The Chinese Foreign Minister stated that Palestinian governance of Palestine is a general principle that must be followed in post-war Gaza. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the two-state solution and pushing for a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Iranian Supreme Leader: Foolish Plans for Gaza Will Yield No Results
IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER: The Iranian Supreme Leader stated that the foolish plans proposed by the U.S. or others regarding Gaza will yield no results. He congratulated the resistance on its victory in Gaza and praised the unity of the Palestinian people in confronting the enemy.
Israeli Media: Netanyahu Holds Security Consultations
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding consultations with several ministers and security officials.
Hamas: Decision to Hand Over 6 Israeli Captives Next Saturday
KHALIL AL-HAYYA: Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya announced that the movement has decided to hand over 6 Israeli captives next Saturday and 4 bodies of captives next Thursday.
Fires Break Out in Homes in Tulkarm
AL JAZEERA: Fires broke out in several homes in Tulkarm refugee camp amid the widespread demolition operations carried out by the occupation in the West Bank.
Hamas Condemns Dismissal of Qadura Fares
HAMAS: Hamas condemned the Palestinian Authority’s decision to retire Qadura Fares, head of the Prisoners’ Affairs Commission, for criticizing the PA’s decision regarding prisoners’ and martyrs’ allowances. The movement described the silencing of national voices and punishment of those supporting prisoners as reflective of the PA’s repressive and exclusionary approach. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decision to retire Fares and appoint Raed Abu Al-Hums as his successor.
Death Toll in Gaza Rises
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the number of victims of the Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, has risen to 48,291 dead and 111,722 injured. This follows the arrival of 7 martyrs to hospitals, 6 of whose bodies were recovered, and one new martyr from Israeli gunfire, along with 13 new injuries in the past 24 hours.
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the number of victims of the Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, has risen to 48,291 dead and 111,722 injured. This follows the arrival of 7 martyrs to hospitals, 6 of whose bodies were recovered, and one new… pic.twitter.com/6t6godV5ds
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Jenin Camp Media Committee Reveals Losses from Occupation Operation
JENIN CAMP MEDIA COMMITTEE: The Jenin Camp Media Committee reported that the ongoing Israeli aggression for the 29th consecutive day has resulted in 26 martyrs and over 150 detainees. The occupation has deliberately burned homes, destroyed streets, and created new roads at the expense of citizens’ properties. More than 3,000 Palestinian families in Jenin and its camp have lost their homes and belongings. The committee called on residents of the West Bank to strengthen social solidarity and assist displaced families from the camp.
Jenin Camp Media Committee Update:
The Israeli aggression on Jenin has entered its 29th consecutive day, resulting in 26 killed and over 150 detainees. Israeli forces have deliberately burned homes, destroyed streets, and created new roads at the expense of citizens’… pic.twitter.com/tqg7QIC2w3
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Hamas: Escalating Resistance is the Only Way to Curb Occupation Crimes
HAMAS: Hamas stated that the crimes of demolition and displacement committed by the occupation in Tulkarm, its camp, and the Nur Shams camp in the West Bank will not deter the Palestinian people from resistance. The movement emphasized that escalating resistance and confronting the occupation is the only way to curb its crimes and aggression against the Palestinian people.
Egypt Postpones Arab Summit on Palestinian Developments
EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that the emergency Arab summit on developments in the Palestinian issue, originally scheduled for February 27, will now be held on March 4. The new date was set to allow for further logistical and substantive preparations, in coordination with Bahrain, the current chair of the Arab League Summit, and in consultation with Arab states.
Departure of the 16th Group of Gaza Wounded via Rafah Crossing
AL-JAZEERA: The 16th group of wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza has departed through the Rafah crossing into Egypt to begin their treatment journey.
Qatar: Second-Phase Negotiations Have Not Officially Started Yet
QATARI FM: Qatar is committed to supporting efforts to begin negotiations, which they hope will lead to the second phase. He clarified that the second-phase negotiations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement have not officially started yet and declined to comment on coordination regarding the prisoner and hostage exchange scheduled for next week.
Israeli Foreign Minister: We Will Begin Negotiations on the Second Phase
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER GIDEON SA’AR: Sa’ar called for the complete disarmament of Gaza, stating that Israel will begin negotiations on the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal. He described Hamas’ rule in Gaza as “not a successful experiment for Israel” and emphasized that Israel will not allow another Hezbollah-like model in Gaza. Sa’ar added that Tel Aviv will not support any plan transferring civilian control of Gaza from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority.
Gaza Government Office Confirms Need for Heavy Equipment
GAZA GOVERNMENT MEDIA OFFICE: The Gaza Government Media Office confirmed in a press conference that no heavy equipment has entered Gaza, highlighting the need for 500 pieces of equipment to remove rubble and recover the bodies of martyrs from under the debris.
Israeli Forces Raid UNRWA School and Institute in Jerusalem
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation forces raided an UNRWA school in the Wadi Al-Joz neighborhood of Jerusalem, evacuating students and closing its doors. They also stormed the Qalandia Vocational Training Institute, affiliated with UNRWA, in the Qalandia refugee camp north of Jerusalem.
They also stormed the Qalandia Vocational Training Institute in Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem.
Targeting UNRWA institutions continues… pic.twitter.com/KL9aggIgF6
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Maariv: Release of Women and Children from Gaza in Exchange for Bodies of Detainees
MAARIV: The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the handover of four detainees’ bodies on Thursday will be more complex than previous exchanges. Israel will release women and children detained from Gaza since the start of the war in exchange for the four bodies. Hamas is expected to repeat the process of releasing four more bodies of Israeli captives next Thursday.
Israeli Forces Raid Umm Al-Khair Village in Hebron
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces raided the village of Umm Al-Khair in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Delegation Instructed to Extend First Phase
ISRAELI CHANNEL 12: The cabinet did not make any decisions regarding the second phase of the deal during its meeting on Sunday, meaning the delegation sent to Cairo does not have a broad mandate. The instructions focus on releasing six detainees on Saturday and attempting to extend the first phase of the deal.
Netanyahu Rejected Linking Captives’ Release to Ending War
ISRAEL HAYOM :
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom quoted informed sources stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ demand to link the release of remaining captives to ending the war during the cabinet meeting.
The sources added that Israel may agree, under US pressure, to enter negotiations for the second phase of the deal, with the cabinet insisting on adhering to war goals and eliminating Hamas.
250,000 Students in Gaza Join Distance Learning Programs
UN SPOKESPERSON STÉPHANE DUJARIC: The United Nations announced that over 250,000 students in Gaza have joined distance learning programs, as 95% of schools in the Strip have been damaged by Israel’s genocidal war. Students are currently studying in temporary tents in open areas under harsh winter conditions.
Boy Injured by Occupation Gunfire in Mithloun
PALESTINIAN RED CRESCENT: A boy was injured after Israeli occupation forces fired an incendiary projectile at a house in the town of Meithaloun, in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli attacks on Palestinian homes continue—this time with firebombs. pic.twitter.com/imjFdpMiFy
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Ben-Gvir Advises Netanyahu to Show "More Courage"
ISRAELI RADIO: Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that he will return to the government when he sees Israel seizing opportunities and taking action on the ground. He advised Netanyahu to show more courage to move forward with Trump’s displacement plan and dismiss the government’s legal advisor.
Israeli Raids Mithloun in Jenin, Injures Youth
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces raided the town of Mithloun, southeast of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, and injured a youth during the assault.
Ben-Gvir: Israel Should Not Allow Mobile Homes into Gaza
ITAMAR BEN-GVIR: Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that those who want to encourage displacement and eliminate Hamas should not allow mobile homes and aid trucks into Gaza, following reports of Israel permitting mobile homes in exchange for the release of detainees’ bodies.
Lapid Criticizes Israeli Government
ISRAELI OPPOSITION LEADER YAIR LAPID: Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for the government’s dismissal, stating that it has no answers or solutions to any pressing issues in the country, amid delays in starting second-phase negotiations for the Gaza agreement.
” ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER GIDEON SA’AR: Sa’ar called for the complete disarmament of Gaza ” …
” to conquer a nation, one must first disarm its citizens by re-inventing their collective memory of the past ” – propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.