AL-JAZEERA: The UNRWA Commissioner-General warned:

The agency may collapse due to Israeli Knesset legislation targeting its operations and funding.

The collapse of UNRWA would create a dangerous vacuum in service delivery and threaten regional stability.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s Channel 13 reported:

The negotiation delegation, headed by the Coordinator for Prisoner and Missing Persons Affairs, departed for Cairo with a partial mandate.

The Israeli delegation will only discuss the continuation of the first phase of the deal, without addressing the second phase.

EGYPTIAN MEDIA: Cairo hosted Egyptian-UN discussions on Monday regarding preparations for the international conference on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Egypt plans to organize the conference in collaboration with the United Nations, the international community, and international financial institutions.

SAUDI PRESS AGENCY (SPA): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any arrangements in the Gaza Strip must “contribute to regional security” during his meeting in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the U.S. State Department.

Saudi Arabia to Host 5-Nation Meeting on Gaza Reconstruction

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Hamas still possesses thousands of armed fighters and hundreds of commanders, along with a tunnel network that has yet to be fully uncovered. The report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Israeli forces in dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and military presence in the region.

Israeli Drone Strike Kills Hamas Official in Sidon on Eve of Withdrawal Deadline

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli newspaper Maariv published a letter written by retired Major General Matan Vilnai, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Israeli Occupation Army, addressed to the government and the Israeli public on behalf of over 550 former senior military officers.

The letter rejects the resumption of war in the Gaza Strip and includes the following key points:

The government must avoid endangering soldiers and prisoners with empty slogans.

The current policy is leading to a bloody occupation of the Gaza Strip and exacerbating the security nightmare in the West Bank.

The most dangerous front Israel faces is the internal front, due to national division and attacks on the security establishment.

The government must prioritize the release of prisoners as a precondition for any future action.

The Netanyahu government’s support for the idea of displacement jeopardizes peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, as well as the Abraham Accords.

The letter reflects growing discontent among former military leaders with the government’s approach to Gaza and its broader security and political implications.

Israel Fails to Meet Ceasefire Pledges, Restricts Aid, Essential Supplies for Gaza

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation forces stormed villages and towns in the West Bank:

Tel village, southwest of Nablus.

Asira al-Qibliya village, south of Nablus.

Tulkarm city, where Israeli occupation forces detained young men and abused them in the city.

Rammun town, east of Ramallah.

Annexation at Work: Israel is Quietly Taking Over the West Bank

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Clashes broke out between Palestinian youths and Israeli occupation forces during a raid on the town of Urif, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: A Palestinian boy, Diaa Ahmad Sabaaneh, succumbed to injuries sustained two weeks ago in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Qabatiya in the northern West Bank.

US STATE DEPARTMENT: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the importance of preparing arrangements for Gaza that contribute to regional security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Gaza ceasefire and releasing all Israeli captives.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced the formation of a special Israeli body to assist Gaza residents in “voluntary migration”.

PALESTINIAN RED CRESCENT: The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Israeli occupation forces assaulted a medical team in the Jenin refugee camp after coordinating with the Red Cross to reach a medical case.

Israeli Assault on Jenin Enters 28th Day

Israeli occupation forces continue their offensive in Jenin for the 28th consecutive day.

Palestinian Red Crescent: Israeli forces attacked a medical team in the Jenin refugee camp, despite prior coordination with the Red Cross… pic.twitter.com/nWliaRHCol

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 17, 2025

ISRAELI CHANNEL 12 POLL: 68% of Israelis prefer recovering captives even if it means Hamas remains in power in Gaza. Additionally, 68% of Israelis support US President Donald Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians.

US STATE DEPARTMENT: Us Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the importance of preparing arrangements for Gaza that contribute to regional security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Gaza ceasefire and releasing all Israeli captives.

Saudi Arabia to Host 5-Nation Meeting on Gaza Reconstruction

ISRAELI GOVERNMENT OFFICE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate implementation of the law banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). On October 28, 2024, the Knesset approved laws prohibiting UNRWA from operating in Israel and revoking its privileges.

WALLA: An Israeli official stated that the Israeli negotiation delegation will head to Egypt tomorrow, Tuesday, to discuss the entry of mobile homes into the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Delegation Heads to Cairo, Netanyahu to Address Phase II of Negotiations

ISRAELI RADIO: Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar stated in recent days that he is no longer part of the negotiation team for the prisoner exchange deal. The former deputy head of Shin Bet is currently leading the negotiations. Bar may join the delegation of senior officials if progress is made in the second phase.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Resistance fighters targeted Israeli occupation forces with explosive devices during their raid on the town of Yabad, southwest of Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank.

HAMAS PRISONERS’ MEDIA OFFICE: Hamas expressed deep concern over the brutal crimes committed by the Zionist occupation against Palestinian prisoners, as evidenced by the dire condition of those released

AL-JAZEERA (citing Palestinian sources): An explosion was heard in the city of Tulkarm in the northern occupied West Bank. Al-Aqsa TV reported that the Israeli army is demolishing several homes in the Tulkarm refugee camp.

ISRAELI CHANNEL 12: Israeli police set up checkpoints around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence as protesters advanced, demanding the completion of a prisoner exchange deal.

Israeli police have set up checkpoints around Netanyahu’s residence as protesters march through Jerusalem, demanding a prisoner exchange deal and opposing the continuation of the war.

Demonstrations are reportedly advancing toward his house. #Israel #Gaza #PrisonerSwap

… pic.twitter.com/NiKatdNYTv

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 17, 2025

TASNIM NEWS AGENCY: The Deputy Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that “Operation True Promise 3 against Israel will be executed at the appropriate time.”

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Israel is demanding the release of 6 live captives instead of 3 this Saturday in exchange for allowing hundreds of mobile homes into Gaza.

KAN: Israel is preparing to receive the bodies of 5 captives this Thursday with the intervention of mediators. The Gaza Division has been instructed to prepare for the possible receipt of several captives’ bodies. Hamas will provide a list of captives who died in captivity on Thursday morning. Families will be notified after the bodies are identified. A prisoner exchange is expected on Saturday, involving the release of 3 live Israeli captives.

GAZA ELECTRICITY COMPANY: The Gaza Electricity Company emphasized the urgent need for maintenance supplies to restore power to vital facilities in the Strip. They called on the international community to intervene and provide immediate support for the electricity sector to aid relief efforts.

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli occupation forces raided the town of Al-Issawiya in occupied Jerusalem and stormed a house.

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Israeli Army Radio reported that Netanyahu’s court session tomorrow has been canceled “at his request to monitor political and security developments.”

AL JAZEERA: An explosion was heard in the northeastern areas of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Knesset witnessed verbal clashes between members and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a session discussing a no-confidence motion against the government. Smotrich stated that Israel must continue fighting in Gaza and will work to bring back all captives.

CHANNEL 12: Hundreds of protesters gathered near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem, demanding the completion of a prisoner exchange deal.

NOW: Protesters rally near the White House against Benjamin Netanyahu's visit and demand for his arrest. pic.twitter.com/R0k5QokGfQ

— Parwiz Hamidi _ (@Palestine001_) February 5, 2025

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed a decision to seize 320 million shekels from Palestinian tax funds.

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli army announced its readiness to remain for an extended period in five points in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah activity south of the Litani River ceases. Lebanese civilians will be allowed to return to villages they evacuated, including Kfar Kila, Adaisseh, Houla, and Meiss El Jabal.

SMOTRICH: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that he will propose during the cabinet meeting that Hamas release all captives, or Israel will swiftly occupy, displace, and annex parts of Gaza. He emphasized that Israel has reached a crossroads, where either Hamas surrenders or the state does.

AL-QASSAM BRIGADES: The Al-Qassam Brigades mourned the martyrdom of their commander, Mohammad Ibrahim Shahin, in a “treacherous Zionist airstrike” on Sidon, Lebanon.

Israeli Drone Strike Kills Hamas Official in Sidon on Eve of Withdrawal Deadline

ISRAEL HAYOM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the cancellation of his scheduled court session tomorrow due to political and security developments.

WALLA: Benny Gantz, leader of the National State Camp party and former war cabinet minister, stated that over the past 500 days, Israel has lost the lives of more than 30 captives, and this is the last opportunity to determine the fate of the remaining ones.

ISRAELI CHANNEL 7: Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded a halt to aid to Gaza as a condition for his return to the government. He criticized Netanyahu’s security policy during a Knesset meeting, expressing frustration with his approach.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Itamar Ben-Gvir is demanding a halt to aid for Gaza as a condition for rejoining the government. Speaking at a Knesset meeting, he lashed out at Netanyahu’s security policy, signaling deeper divisions within the Israeli leadership. pic.twitter.com/qCxx5MMGBT

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 17, 2025

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: A boy was injured after being assaulted by Israeli occupation forces during a raid on his family’s home in the village of Abu Shukheidim, north of Ramallah in the West Bank.

NETANYAHU: Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to President Donald Trump’s plan to create a different Gaza, stating that there will be no Hamas or Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war.

GOVERNMENT OF LEBANON: The Lebanese Prime Minister discussed coordination with UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army for implementing Resolution 1701.

PRESIDENCY OF LEBANON: The Lebanese President expressed concerns over the incomplete Israeli withdrawal expected tomorrow, emphasizing the importance of full withdrawal and stating that Hezbollah’s weaponry should be addressed in an agreement among Lebanese factions. The Lebanese Army is prepared to deploy in areas from which Israel will pull back.

LEBANESE SECURITY SOURCE (to Al-Jazeera): A Lebanese security source told Al-Jazeera that the target of the Israeli airstrike in Sidon was Mohammad Shahin, a Hamas operative.

LEBANESE SECURITY SOURCE (to Reuters, Al-Jazeera): the Israeli strike on a vehicle in Sidon targeted a senior Hamas official. Tests are being conducted to verify the identity of the targeted individual.

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO (citing a security source): The Israeli airstrike in Sidon targeted a Hamas official in Lebanon.

KAN: Netanyahu left his court session to approve the assassination operation.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The target was a key figure in Hamas’s infrastructure in Lebanon.

HAMAS STATEMENT: Hamas praised the African Union Summit’s final statement condemning Israel’s war on Gaza. The group called Africa’s position a natural extension of its anti-colonial struggle and urged African nations to translate their stance into political and legal action against Israel.

AL-JAZEERA: An Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle in Sidon, southern Lebanon. Israeli Military Radio reported that the strike targeted a high-profile figure.

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: During his 10th corruption trial hearing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ordered by the judge to sit and was not allowed to speak. The session began with shouting matches, and his defense lawyers protested the lengthy proceedings, arguing that Netanyahu needed shorter sessions due to security concerns amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at a Tel Aviv courtroom for the tenth session of his corruption trial.

AL-JAZEERA: Two Palestinians succumbed to wounds sustained two days ago in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in Rafah and Khan Yunis.

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property in the villages of Duma, Jurish, and Lifjim, south of Nablus.

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property in the villages of Duma, Jurish, and Lifjim, south of Nablus. pic.twitter.com/DJVBQflaIg

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 17, 2025

ISRAELI MEDIA: Families of Israeli captives in Gaza held protests in Tel Aviv, demanding a single deal to bring all captives home. They also announced a 500-minute hunger strike as part of their demonstration. Protests also took place in Jerusalem, Rosh HaAyin, and Ofakim.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Resigned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Netanyahu’s government, saying it opted for “surrender instead of decisive victory.”

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: The US is pressuring Netanyahu to negotiate the second phase of a deal. The Israeli security cabinet is meeting today to discuss Washington’s demands for progress.

Who is Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State and Top AIPAC Recipient- PROFILE

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH; Families of Israeli captives in Gaza launched a 500-minute hunger strike, marking 500 days since the war began. Protests demanding their release were held in Tel Aviv.

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: Three Israelis from Kfar Aza were mistakenly killed by Israeli forces on October 7, according to an investigation.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel’s security cabinet is meeting today, and negotiators are heading to Cairo for discussions on a ceasefire deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reaffirming their stance against “common enemies.”