Overview
After Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting, Trump presented his vision for Gaza: The entire population of Gaza (an estimated 1.8 million people) would be relocated while Gaza would be rebuilt. Gaza would be administered by the U.S. indefinitely. Gaza would be razed and rebuilt to fulfill its potential as an economic and real estate hub ("Riviera of the Middle East").
Hamas released 3 hostages. The released hostages appeared in much worse condition than those freed in previous rounds. They were emaciated, gaunt, and mentally broken. Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar, President Herzog, and US President Trump compared their shape to holocaust survivors.
Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) landed in Israel and met with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and the IDF General Staff to continue security coordination and regional operations in the Middle East.
Trump ordered the implementation of maximum pressure and revoked exemptions that allowed countries like Iraq and Turkey to import Iranian gas.
General Eyal Zamir was named as the next Chief of Staff of the IDF and will take over control of the IDF on March 6.
Gaza
Hostage Deal
Hamas violated the cease-fire agreement again, by providing the names of the three hostages who were released on Saturday, February 8, late. Hamas did eventually release Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, and Eli Sharabi. Eli Sharabi was kidnapped along with his brother Yossi, who was murdered in captivity by Hamas. Yossi's two daughters and wife were also murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. During Hamas’s cynical parade spectacle when they transfer the hostages to the Red Cross, asked Eli what he is most excited to see when he returns to Israel. He naturally replied that he is looking forward to seeing his wife and daughter. He clearly had not known that Hamas murdered his family on October 7th, but that did not stop Hamas terrorists from cruelly taunting him about his family’s fate in front of jeering crowds.
Hamas justified delaying the release of the names by claiming that Israel was delaying humanitarian aid deliveries. The list of released hostages was provided around 7:00 PM on Friday evening. Israel released 183 terrorists who had been convicted of crimes, including:
111 Gazans who were captured during the October 7th maneuver and will return to Gaza
20 who will be deported to Gaza
3 who will be released to East Jerusalem
7 who will be deported abroad
42 who will return to the Judea and Samaria
As has become the norm, Hamas orchestrated a grand spectacle surrounding the hostages’ release, with messages in Hebrew and English. For example, Hamas mocked Netanyahu’s slogan of "absolute victory" by displaying a poster on stage featuring Netanyahu’s face alongside the upside-down red triangle symbol, which in Hamas propaganda indicates their next targets—implying that Netanyahu himself is their next target.
The phrase "absolute victory" was also accompanied by images of destroyed Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers, meant to convey that Israel had actually lost, while Hamas claimed an alleged victory.
The released hostages appeared in much worse condition than those freed in previous rounds. They were emaciated, gaunt, and mentally broken. It seems that Hamas initially released hostages in relatively good condition to create the illusion of humane treatment, most likely feeding them supplements before releasing them to improve their appearance. However, as global media attention wanes, Hamas is now releasing hostages in worse condition to pressure Israel into continuing the deal, as Israelis are left the sense that the remaining hostages are in dire physical and mental states and if are not released shortly will likely perish in captivity.
Hamas-supporting Palestinian media outlets are circulating Israeli news images of released hostages, juxtaposed with Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida’s past statements from the start of the war: "This is what Israel has done to its prisoners held by Hamas, while using starvation as a weapon against Gaza’s residents." Abu Obeida previously declared: "Your prisoners will live as Gazans do, under the hunger imposed upon them. They will eat what Gazans eat and drink when they drink." Ironically, none of the Hamas supporters in the crowd jeering and tormenting the Israeli hostages appeared emaciated, or did not appear to have recently missed a meal.
Hamas ensured that the hostage handover was captured using advanced cameras, with drones and other high-end recording equipment. Many Gazans filmed the event using iPhones and other equipment which appears to contradict the dire conditions they claim to be living under.
Hamas devised another propaganda event, the funeral for slain military leader, Marwan Issa, deputy of Mohammad Deif, who was eliminated by the IDF over a year ago. The funeral was used to demonstrate, resilience, force and as a media spectacle.
wife after 16 months of captivity| Source: IDF Spokesperson
Hamas’ Strategy During the Ceasefire
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem accused Israel of delaying the implementation of the humanitarian aid and reconstruction plan outlined in the ceasefire agreement. A senior Hamas source claimed the organization is willing to "facilitate" negotiations for the second phase of the agreement to avoid a resumption of fighting in Gaza. According to him, Hamas' position stems from strength and a desire to protect Gaza’s residents, emphasizing that Hamas still holds Israeli hostages as leverage.
Hamas is showing signs that it plans to violate the terms of the deal in the first phase by using the hostages as leverage to get more concessions from Israel. Hamas senior official Osama Hamdan stated that mediators, including the U.S., have begun discussions on negotiating the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. According to him, Hamas is monitoring the first phase’s implementation and recording Israel’s “delays.” Hamas has communicated its stance to mediators and warned it will take action if Israel does not comply.
Meanwhile, Hamas leadership sources denied reports that the 88 Palestinian prisoners released to Egypt under the ceasefire deal are restricted from leaving their hotel or that Egyptian authorities have limited their movement or visitors.
Released Palestinian Terrorists
As part of the deal, some of the most notorious arch terrorists are to be released in other countries. There have been difficulties in agreeing on the number of terrorists released to each country.
Turkey has agreed to accept some released terrorists who were supposed to be released to the Eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
Qatar will receive the largest number of deported individuals.
Palestinian Prisoners' Club spokesman Amjad Najjar confirmed that Turkey and Qatar each accepted 15 released terrorists.
Some Arab countries, including Tunisia, have refused to accept any released terrorists.
Some released terrorists will remain in Egypt.
Algeria is in discussions to accept a portion of the released terrorists.
However, the final distribution of released terrorists to each country has not been decided, and Jordan and some European countries have refused to accept Palestinian released terrorists who hold their citizenships.
Doha Meeting
Between Saturday and Sunday, an Israeli delegation was in Doha for hostage deal negotiations. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister instructed them not to discuss the second phase of the deal but only the first, aiming to secure the release of more hostages in fewer phases. During a press conference, Trump stated that they were moving to the second phase of the deal and that if the hostages were not released, the U.S. would take more violent measures.
An Israeli official estimated that the negotiation team traveling to Doha at the end of the week would focus on Phase 1 to ensure proper implementation, amid concerns that Hamas might attempt a “trick” before the next round of negotiations.
The official added that Phase 2 of the deal will only be discussed once Israel’s Security Cabinet approves its stance. "We see eye to eye with the U.S. that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza."
Operational
As part of the ceasefire implementation, the Gaza Division, the 99th Division, and the 162nd Division have been deployed at several points around the Gaza envelope to protect Israeli communities and receive the hostages.
According to geo-location data, around 50 armed Hamas militants conducted a show of force in the ruins of the Zaytoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City. Terror factions are attempting to rebuild their strength under the cover of the ceasefire and are preparing for the next round of fighting.
On Sunday, February 2, an aircraft attacked a vehicle traveling north in the Gaza Strip on an unauthorized route (not via Salah al-Din Road). Gazans reported that a drone dropped a grenade east of Khan Yunis, likely to prevent an infiltration into the buffer zone. On Monday evening, it was reported that in multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers opened fire on Palestinians attempting to approach them. The IDF is remaining resolute in enforcing the ceasefire.
In the security perimeter in the northern Gaza Strip, near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, commanded by the 188th Brigade, a crane that was being used in the construction of defensive infrastructure collapsed due to strong winds, leading to a fatal accident in which two soldiers from the battalion were killed and seven others sustained injuries.
Rafah Crossing
As previously reported, the IDF withdrew from the Rafah border crossing (with Egypt) to fortified positions nearby as part of an agreement allowing the exit of 200 Gazans per day. The images of the Rafah border crossing suggest that a European Union security force (from Italy), is operating the crossing, alongside Palestinian Authority inspectors. The head of COGAT’s operations department, accompanied by IDF soldiers, entered the site to assess its activities.
Satellite images from Sunday show that the Egyptian army deployed 20 tanks and armored personnel carriers about 3 km west of the Rafah crossing along the El-Arish road. On Sunday, in the Har Harif region along the Egypt-Israel border, IDF forces identified and intercepted a drone carrying 60 kg of drugs, which were transferred to the police.
US-Israel Relations
The Trump Administration has imposed sanctions on the ICC:
Freezing assets in the U.S. belonging to ICC members.
Banning entry to the U.S. for ICC members and their families.
Prohibiting donations from American citizens to the ICC.
The US and Israel have pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council citing anti-Americanism and antisemitism imbued in the organization.
Trump signed an executive order ending funding to UNRWA.
On Wednesday, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) landed in Israel and met with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and the IDF General Staff to continue security coordination and regional operations in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut financial assistance to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land confiscation policy and its lawfare case of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice against Israel.
Trump’s Gaza Plan
After Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting, Trump presented his vision for Gaza:
The entire population of Gaza (1.8 million people) would be relocated while Gaza would be rebuilt.
Gaza would be administered under the U.S. indefinitely.
Gaza would be razed and rebuilt to fulfill its potential as an economic and real estate hub ("Riviera of the Middle East").
The ceasefire would continue into phases 2 and 3, leading to the end of Palestinian rule in Gaza.
Following domestic criticism in the U.S., particularly over the implication that American soldiers would be deployed in Gaza to clear unexploded ordnance, Trump clarified his intentions via a post on Truth Social.
All 1.8 million Gaza residents would leave the strip—which he called a “cursed death zone” and a “demolition site”. Palestinians were forced to stay in Gaza because they had nowhere else to go.
When asked if Palestinians would be allowed to return, Trump stated that his vision is for “people of all nations” to live in Gaza.
The US would not send “boots on the ground” to Gaza and regional actors would pay for Gaza’s reconstruction, not the US.
Reactions to Trump’s Plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump’s plan as "thinking outside the box." When asked about a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu confidently stated:"It's not just possible, it will happen."
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blunt message about Hamas:"Not all hostages will be released? We will be more violent."
On February 6, a senior Egyptian official told AP News that Trump’s plan poses a threat to Egypt’s national security and endangers the 1979 peace treaty. The plan would likely require continued fighting to complete the eradication of Hamas and the evacuation of the population.
Arab news outlets reacted with shock, referring to the Netanyahu-Trump meeting as a “new Balfour Declaration” and stating: "The Balfour Declaration was reissued today, with ethnic cleansing aimed at expelling 2 million Palestinians from Gaza."
Hamas released an official statement in response to Trump's comments:
"We call on the American administration and President Trump to retract these reckless statements, which contradict international law and the natural rights of our Palestinian people to their homeland."
"We urge the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations to convene urgently in response to these dangerous statements and to take a firm and historic stance that safeguards the national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of their Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."
The Saudi Foreign Ministry released an official response was hastily released at around 4 am local time: "We will not establish relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state."
China: "We oppose the forced removal of Gaza’s population and support Palestinian governance in Palestine."
France: "The expulsion of Gazans is a dangerous violation of international law. Gaza’s future must be under an independent state, under the authority of the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to oppose illegal settlements and the annexation of Judea and Samaria."
United Kingdom: "We must ensure the future of Palestinians in their homeland."
Spain: "We reject Trump’s proposal to resettle Gazans elsewhere and transform Gaza into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East.’"
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the military to prepare plans for the departure of Gaza residents as part of Trump's plan for any country willing to take them in. The departure would be via sea, air, and land. Katz suggested that Spain, Ireland, and Norway—countries that condemned Israel throughout the war and supported the establishment of a Palestinian state —should accept the refugees themselves. Some of the countries like Ireland, Spain, Belgium and Slovenia alleged that is Israel is committing genocide which would supposedly justify accepting refugees for a safe haven. These countries refused.
Netanyahu’s Visit to the US
Netanyahu conducted a series of meeting with US officials including new US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth with other Pentagon officials, Senators and House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a joint statement, Johnson praised Netanyahu for his commitment to making the Middle East and the world safer. Netanyahu invited Johnson to Israel and emphasized his two main goals for the visit: preventing a nuclear Iran and eliminating Hamas in Gaza.
During his meeting with Netanyahu in Washington, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated:
"Israel lives under an existential threat. I have great respect for your response and for the destruction of the military capabilities of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis."
Hegseth also pledged:
"We will provide Israel with weaponry it has not yet received—weaponry necessary to eliminate its enemies."
In a media interview, the Prime Minister condemned Qatar for supporting Al Jazeera and inciting the Arab world. He stated that while Israel needed Qatar’s mediation services for the hostage deal, in the new Middle East, Qatar would have to choose a side.
Between February 13–18, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel to advance the deportation plan. On February 6, an Egyptian official told AP that Trump's plan threatens Egypt’s national security and the 1979 peace agreement.
The U.S. approved a $7.41 billion arms deal for Israel, including:
3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles ($660 million)
2,166 GBU-39 bombs
13,000 JDAM guidance kits
17,475 FMU-152A/B fuzes
Deliveries start in 2025, with Hellfire missiles arriving in 2028.
Domestic Israel
In an anti-terror operation conducted by the Police’s Northern District Central Unit, three Arab Israelis were arrested. In their vehicle, security forces found: 34 handguns, 2 M-16 rifles, 2 Kalashnikov rifles. It is unclear whether this smuggling operation was intended for criminal activity or terrorism.
Border Police forces arrested 432 illegal aliens and 55 suspects involved in smuggling or employing them.
General Eyal Zamir was named as the next Chief of Staff of the IDF and will take over control of the IDF on March 6. Zamir currently serves as the director general for Israel’s Defense Ministry. He is highly regarded by his colleagues and was a consensus appointment by the IDF brass, government and the opposition. He would be the first Chief of Staff coming from the armored corps which could affect the IDF’s buildup strategy in the upcoming years.
Judea and Samaria
In the past week, approximately 60 wanted individuals were arrested in Jude and Samaria. Dozens of weapons were confiscated, including M-16 rifles, handguns, and homemade "Carlo" submachine guns. Additionally, dozens of explosive devices and materials for manufacturing them were seized, along with terror funds, inciting materials, and even a statue of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in the Bethlehem area.
In a joint IDF-Shin Bet operation during November and December, several Fatah and Hamas terrorists were arrested in the Ramallah area. The investigation revealed that they had prepared an explosive device intended for a suicide attack on a bus in Jerusalem. The plan was to smuggle the device into Jerusalem, where a terrorist would wear it and board a bus.
Further details have emerged about the attack in Tayasir in which eight soldiers were injured, and two were killed. The pillbox near the checkpoint did not provide broad visibility over the entire area, and only allowed the soldiers to see those already close to the checkpoint.
The Palestinian Authority has established a civil committee consisting of Fatah and Hamas technocrats to manage Gaza in the post-war period.
In the past month, 55 terrorists have been eliminated in Judea and Samaria, and a total of 380 suspects, including wanted individuals, terrorists, and others, have been arrested in three different areas.
During a press conference, Trump stated that over the next four weeks, discussions would take place regarding the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Judea and Samaria.
Border Police forces arrested three individuals for waving Hamas flags during celebrations for the release of security prisoners, bringing the total number of arrests at these celebrations to ten.
“Iron Wall” counter-terrorism operation
On February 2, a summary of the military operation in northern Samaria was published:
50 terrorists have been eliminated (15 in airstrikes).
100 wanted individuals have been arrested.
The operation expanded to the village of Tamoun in the Homesh area on since February 2nd.
The operation is now being conducted in three main locations: Jenin, Tulkarem, and the northern Jordan Valley.
Dozens of weapons have been confiscated, hundreds of explosive devices have been destroyed, and in Tulkarem, the Haruv Reconnaissance Unit demolished at least one explosives laboratory.
For the first time, the IDF is using "Eitan" armored personnel carriers (APCs) in Judea and Samaria. The Bislach Task Force, which is operating in Tamoun and Tubas in the northern Jordan Valley, is using them for logistical supply deliveries, medical evacuations, and general operational activity.
Diplomatic
On February 3, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met in Ramallah with Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis.
The two discussed recent developments in the Palestinian territories amid Israeli “aggression” in Judea and Samaria.
Mustafa updated the Greek Foreign Minister on the PA’s emergency aid efforts for Gaza residents.
Mustafa thanked Greece for its humanitarian aid and its contributions to UNRWA.
Lebanon
Diplomatic
U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus arrived in Lebanon where she met with Lebanese President and former Army Commander, Joseph Aoun. Ortagus is a known convert to Judaism and a staunch supporter of Israel. In a photo with the Lebanese president, she was seen wearing a Star of David ring.
In a press statement after meeting Aoun, she declared that Hezbollah had been militarily defeated over the past year and thanked Israel for this. She also stated that, from the U.S. administration’s perspective, any appointment of Hezbollah members to the new Lebanese government would be a "red line”.
Following statements made by Ortagus, there were demonstrations next to the Beirut airport by Hezbollah and Amal supporters.
On February 4, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, visited Lebanon and stated: "Doha will continue to support Lebanon and its army." He called for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Operational
According to Lebanese media, the IDF is operating in several villages, including Houla, Kila, Mais al-Jabal, Shouba, Hammam, and Bint Jbeil, conducting infrastructure demolitions in these areas. The Lebanese army has reopened access for civilians to return to the village of Taybeh.
In the village of Tayr Harfa, where the IDF previously operated during the maneuver and ceasefire, a senior Hezbollah commander was handling an explosive device when it detonated. He and three of his children were killed.
Between Thursday night and Friday morning, the Israeli Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence struck multiple targets in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and the Awali River region. The strikes destroyed Hezbollah’s weapons depots and military sites as the group attempted to smuggle weapons into Lebanon and build new terror infrastructure. According to Lebanese media, at least five targets near Baalbek, close to the Syrian border, were hit.
The IDF carried out an airstrike near the city of Sidon.
Syria
Military Activity
A patrol of Syria’s new border guard unit (actually fighters from Tahrir al-Sham) encountered Shiite drug smugglers from the Zeiter family, who were part of Assad and Hezbollah’s Captagon smuggling network. A gunfight broke out, resulting in the capture of three Sunni fighters.
The Syrian army sent reinforcements to the area, leading to further clashes, including rocket fire into Lebanon. In response, 18 Lebanese individuals from Hezbollah-affiliated Shiite villages in Syria were taken hostage. Other Shiite smuggling families joined the fighting. Both sides reached a prisoner exchange agreement at the Jousiyah border crossing. Syria’s de facto President, Tahrir al-Sham’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, and Lebanese President Aoun spoke by phone to de-escalate tensions.
According to an NBC News report, Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare a full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria and end support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF holds 8,000 ISIS prisoners, and without U.S. support, it would be vulnerable to a Turkish invasion, which could lead to the escape of many prisoners and a resurgence of ISIS.
Over the past two days, Turkish airstrikes have again targeted northern Rojava (from Manbij to Tel Tamr). Yesterday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated threats against the Kurds, demanding that the Syrian government (led by al-Julani) eliminate or expel all PKK members.
Diplomacy
Syrian official Al Julani visited Saudi Arabia, marking his first foreign trip since the war began. He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss energy, technology, education, and healthcare cooperation. The goal of the visit was to enhance regional stability and restore Syria’s role in Arab and international affairs.
In Turkey, al-Julani met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He praised Turkey’s support for the Syrian revolution and called for a strategic partnership. Both leaders discussed joint defense agreements, including establishing two Turkish airbases in central Syria. They discussed the need to exert international pressure on Israel to withdraw its forces from the buffer zone. Al-Julani also stressed Syria's commitment to the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stressed that Israel should withdraw from the territories it occupied after the fall of the Assad regime. When asked whether Syria would normalize relations with Israel if Saudi Arabia did so, al-Julani replied that they were interested in peace with all parties, but as long as Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights, any agreement would be premature. He stressed that public opinion would also need to be prepared before moving forward with normalization with Israel.
Iran
During a speech on Friday in Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected new nuclear negotiations with the U.S., calling them "unwise, unintelligent, and dishonorable." He insisted that no one should engage in talks with the U.S.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, met with a Hamas delegation in Tehran. Khamenei, Hamas’ key patron, told the group: "You have defeated America and the Zionist entity, preventing them from achieving their goals." He further stated:"Defending Palestine and supporting its people is not a question in the minds of the Iranian people. The Palestinian issue is fundamental to us, and Palestine's victory is inevitable."
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Trump’s "maximum pressure" policy was destined to fail. He reiterated that Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and does not seek nuclear weapons, in line with Khamenei’s fatwa. However, he also expressed willingness to negotiate a new deal with the U.S.
Friday prayers across Iran, led by the religious leadership, echoed this anti-negotiation stance. This contradicts statements from Iranian officials, including the foreign minister, who had previously expressed openness to talks. The divide between Khamenei’s hardline stance and the Iranian president’s preference for a nuclear deal highlights internal fractures within the Iranian regime.
Trump ordered the implementation of maximum pressure and revoked exemptions that allowed countries like Iraq and Turkey to import Iranian gas (87% of Iran’s gas exports go to these two countries). His administration is working with the UK, France, and Germany to activate the SnapBack mechanism, reimposing full sanctions on Iran for violating the Vienna Agreement. Trump announced new maximum pressure sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, which will further damage Iran’s economy and the IRGC's revenues. His goal is to force Iran to the negotiating table for a new nuclear deal and prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced new economic sanctions on Iran, targeting its global oil transfer network to China, which funds Tehran’s military activities. The sanctions target a network responsible for transferring millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China, worth millions of dollars.
Iran has made new appointments to its air defense system and has conducted multiple exercises in recent weeks with new air defense and radar systems, anticipating a potential large-scale Israeli-American strike.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Iran is secretly seeking to develop a nuclear warhead with a range of 3,000 km to target Europe.
Khamenei appointed Naim Qassem as his special envoy to Lebanon, and Iran’s Foreign Minister spoke with the UN’s special envoy to Lebanon to pressure Israel into withdrawing from the country.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated at a conference in Tehran: "The enemies of the resistance have not achieved any significant success in the war. The Zionist regime is more isolated internationally than ever before."
Iraq
Israeli Russian Hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov
Iraqi Shiite Coordination Committee officials stated that Israeli Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, kidnapped by Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq in March 2023, is not an Israeli Mossad spy as initially suspected. Iranian intelligence officers investigated her for months and concluded she is innocent. She is allegedly being treated “respectfully.”
On February 5, Trump’s special envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler, warned Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani and stated:” Iraq's Prime Minister has consistently given false promises to the previous U.S. administration about Tsurkov’s release, but now Trump is handling it." He added, "If Tsurkov is not released now, it means either Iraq's Prime Minister is unable to free her or he is complicit in holding her."
International
On February 6, 2025, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy would cease its collaboration with UNRWA concerning aid in the Gaza Strip. He stated, "We don't want to work with UNRWA and we condemn the use of UNRWA offices as a prison for Israeli hostages."
As part of the war on terror, Australia has launched financial sanctions on several terrorist elements, including Naim Qassem. There is a large Lebanese community in Australia, many of them are Shiite and Hezbollah supporters.
Fallen Soldiers
Sergeant major (res.) Avraham Tzvi Tzivka Friedman z"l
Sergeant major (res.) Ofer Yung z"l
Staff sergeant Nachman Refael Ben Ami z"l
Sergeant first class (res.) Nadav Cohen z"l
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