STATEMENT: The Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank stated that 40,000 displaced Palestinian refugees in the West Bank are facing difficult humanitarian conditions.

West Bank Turns into Battlefield: UNRWA Chief Calls for End to Israeli Aggression

STATEMEMENT: The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas):

We call on our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the occupied interior to journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque, remain steadfast, and observe I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) there during Ramadan.

We call on our people around the world to take active steps during Ramadan by participating in solidarity activities with our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

Israel Set to Pass Bill to Annex Illegal West Bank Settlements near Jerusalem

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: UN Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestine, Francesca Albanese, shared details of her recent experience in Germany during an exclusive interview with the Palestine Chronicle’s FloodGate Podcast on Thursday:

On February 18, German police surrounded an event in Berlin featuring Albanese.

The event faced intense political and legal pressure, forcing organizers to relocate twice to increasingly smaller venues.

Originally scheduled at Freie Universität Berlin, the event was first moved under pressure and then relocated again after additional pushback.

Albanese described the situation as part of a broader crackdown on free speech in Germany, particularly concerning Palestine.

She revealed that she faced threats of arrest, harassment, and intimidation from German authorities.

These actions were reportedly in response to her speaking about Israeli genocide and settler colonialism.

‘Mafia-Style Tactics’ – Francesca Albanese Recounts German ‘Intimidation, Harassment’

PENTAGO (Statement cited in Al-Jazeera):

Approval of potential military sales to Israel worth approximately $295 million.

Weapons are expected to begin arriving in Israel by early 2027.

The Secretary of State has determined that an emergency exists, requiring the immediate sale of these weapons to Israel.

It is vital for US interests to enhance Israel’s capability and readiness to defend itself and maintain it.

The potential sales to Israel include ammunition and guidance kits.

No need to send US personnel to Israel to integrate these weapons into its military arsenal.

Israeli Army Admits ‘Complete Failure’ on Oct 7, Netanyahu Rejects Accountability

PENTAGON: The US State Department approved the sale of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers and related equipment to Israel for approximately $295 million.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation forces closed the road connecting the towns of Kafr ad-Dik, west of Salfit, and Deir Ghassana, northwest of Ramallah.

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the ceasefire agreement and the release of detainees in Gaza “must hold” as the first phase of the deal concludes and talks resume in Cairo for the second phase. Guterres urged both parties to spare no effort to prevent the collapse of the agreement.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, congratulated the Islamic world on the arrival of Ramadan and called on Palestinians to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, disregarding Israeli-imposed restrictions. He praised the resilience of the Palestinian people and warned of escalating Israeli measures against Muslim worshippers.

KAN: An informed source stated that it is not too late to rescue more captives, but Israel must make decisive decisions to achieve this. Qatar and Egypt are working to bridge gaps in negotiations. Mediators warned Israel that failing to begin the second phase of talks would prevent any extension of the ceasefire.

CHANNEL 13: Israeli officials stated that the Cairo talks were unsuccessful, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will consider resuming the war.

CHANNEL 12: An Israeli source stated that the delegation returned from Cairo due to Hamas’ refusal to extend the first phase of the agreement.

AXIOS: A senior Israeli official revealed that Netanyahu will hold exceptional consultations tonight on prisoner swap negotiations, involving senior officials. Netanyahu will discuss military options tonight as the ceasefire ends.

UN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to maintain the ceasefire, avoid Israeli military presence in Gaza, and ensure Gaza remains part of an independent Palestinian state. He called for an end to unilateral actions in the West Bank and stressed the importance of a unified political solution.

Hamas: Israel Has No Choice But to Start Second Phase of Negotiations

THE TIMES: Cambridge University failed in a legal bid to prevent protests on its campus regarding the Israeli war on Gaza.

AL-JAZEERA: Israeli forces stormed the city of Dura, south of Hebron, in the West Bank.

HAMAS: Hamas urged mass gatherings at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, intensifying presence and breaking occupation restrictions.

AL-JAZEERA: Qatar submitted a memo to the International Court of Justice, stressing Israel must allow UN and international organizations to operate in Palestine. Qatar expressed confidence the court’s advisory opinion will clarify legal obligations to secure Palestinian livelihoods and self-determination.

REUTERS(Citing Israeli officials): Efforts are underway to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with Hamas releasing 3 captives weekly in exchange for Palestinian detainees.

Intensive Negotiations in Cairo: Israel Pursues Extended Phase I of Ceasefire

HAARETZ: Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation will approve a bill on Sunday to annex settlements in the Jerusalem area.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:  Columns of smoke rising from Nur Shams camp in Tulkarm, which has faced extensive aggression for over a month.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:  Israeli occupation forces stormed the popular housing area east of Nablus.

AL-JAZEERA: A Palestinian was killed in an Israeli drone strike in central Rafah, southern Gaza.

ISRALEI ARMY: The Israeli army announced targeting the Hermel area, eliminating Mohammad Mahdi Shahin, a Hezbollah member coordinating weapon purchases on the Syrian-Lebanese border.

MAARIV (citing informed sources): the new Israeli Chief of Staff will appoint an external team to investigate the October 7 attack, as his predecessor intended.

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‘Anything That Moved’: Israel Admits Air Force Applied Hannibal Directive on Oct 7

AL-JAZEERA: Palestinian fishermen injured by Israeli naval gunfire off the coast of Sudaniya, northwest Gaza.

CHANNEL 14: 55% of Israelis believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is not doing enough to implement the Gaza displacement plan, while 25% think he is.

THE PALESTINIAN CHRONICLE: In one of her most revealing interviews, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, offers a stark analysis of the ongoing crisis in Gaza and its implications for international law and justice.

Albanese tackles critical questions: Has international law failed in Gaza? What does American complicity mean for Palestinians enduring the Israeli siege? And is the United Nations truly powerless in the face of genocide? This in-depth conversation highlights the systemic failures of the global order and the urgent need for accountability.

LEBANESE MEDIA: Israeli forces fired heavily toward the outskirts of Aitaroun, southern Lebanon.

EURO-MED MONITOR: Palestinian prisoners suffered severe violations, including amputations and torture, with reports of dozens killed in Israeli prisons.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli forces raided the village of Issawiya, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.