Overview
On Thursday, Hamas publicly displayed four coffins containing the bodies of hostages. Among them were three members of the Bibas family: Shiri Bibas (32 years old at the time of her death), her two young children—Ariel (4 years old at the time of abduction) and Kfir (9 months old at the time of abduction). Kfir was the youngest hostage taken. The fourth body was Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old Israeli abducted by Hamas.
Upon inspection by Israeli authorities, it was determined that Hamas had exchanged the body Instead of Shiri Bibas' body, Hamas handed over the body of an unidentified Palestinian woman, thus violating the agreement. Additionally, Hamas had deliberately locked the coffins and provided mismatched keys, to preventing immediate verification.
Hamas acknowledged their deception (claiming it was a mistake caused by Israel’s aerial attacks) and within 24 hours, retuned the actual deceased an desecrated body of Shiri Bibas.
In response to the tragic deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who held dual Israeli-Argentine citizenship, Argentine President Javier Milei declared two days of national mourning.
, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lead negotiations for of the second phase of the hostage/ceasefire deal and ceasefire, replacing the heads of the Shin Bet and Mossad.
On Thursday evening, three explosive devices detonated in Bat Yam in the Tel Aviv metro area. By sheer luck, the explosions occurred while the buses were empty. The police launched an extensive search operation and discovered a fourth explosive device near Wolfson Hospital, weighing 5 kilograms, with an inscription in Arabic reading "Revenge from Tulkarem." Hamas took responsibility for the attacks.
Gaza
The Bibas Family
On Thursday, Hamas publicly displayed four coffins containing the bodies of hostages. Among them were supposed to be three members of the Bibas family: Shiri Bibas (32 years old at the time of her death), her two young children—Ariel (4 years old at the time of abduction) and Kfir (9 months old at the time of abduction). Kfir was the youngest hostage taken. The fourth body was Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old Israeli abducted by Hamas.
In a the latest cynical display, Hamas hung a banner depicting Netanyahu as a vampire, playing into anti-Semitic medieval stereotypes, and blamed the deaths of the Bibas family on him. The banner was written in both Hebrew and poorly translated English.
As the coffins were handed over, a crowd of Gazan locals cheered and brought their children to witness and celebrate the deaths of the Bibas family members.
After the coffins arrived in Israel and forensic examinations were conducted at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, it was confirmed that Hamas had indeed handed over the bodies of Oded Lifshitz and the two Bibas children. However, instead of Shiri Bibas' body, Hamas handed over the body of an unidentified Palestinian woman, thus violating the agreement. Additionally, Hamas had deliberately locked the coffins and provided mismatched keys, preventing immediate verification.
The forensic examination determined that Kfir and Ariel Bibas were murdered by Hamas terrorists in November 2023, likely by strangulation. Their bodies were mutilated to obscure evidence, attempting to create the false impression that they had died in an Israeli airstrike. Hamas and its supporters have promoted this narrative, falsely claiming that Shiri and her children were killed by the Israeli Air Force to shift the blame. And unfortunately, prominent Israeli journalists and politicians who are known for being very critical of the government, have continued to insist that Bibas family was killed as a result of Netanyahu, (both before and after the conclusion by the IDF’s forensic examination) highlighting the highly emotional and political manner in which hostage families are being used political means.
Despite Hamas’ serious breach of the agreement, Israel chose to proceed with the release of the remaining six hostages as part of the first phase of the deal. Ultimately, Hamas delivered the body of Shiri Bibas to Israel on Friday night.
The murder of the Bibas family, who had become symbols of the hostage crisis and Hamas’ atrocities, caused deep national mourning in Israel. The cold-blooded murder of children revived historical traumas for the Jewish people, reminiscent of the Holocaust and the Kishinev Pogrom of 1903. The international media covered the story extensively, exposing Hamas’ brutality. Israel also shared intelligence and forensic evidence regarding the Bibas children's bodies with its allies to ensure that the world sees Hamas’ atrocities and does would not doubt the evidence.
Despite Hamas’ serious breach of the agreement, Israel chose to proceed with the release of the remaining six hostages as part of the first phase of the deal. Ultimately, Hamas delivered the body of Shiri Bibas to Israel the following evening.
Notable Responses
In a recent interview with Fox News Radio, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed profound horror at Hamas's handling of the remains of the Bibas family. He described the scene as "unbelievable" and "barbaric," condemning the apparent celebratory display during the transfer of the children's bodies. Trump emphasized the brutality of the act, stating, "It was a horrific, brutal scene—hard to believe this is happening in the modern era”. His voice seemed to be cracking as he got emotional speaking on the matter.
In response to the tragic deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who held dual Israeli-Argentine citizenship, Argentine President Javier Milei declared two days of national mourning. The official statement from the president's office expressed deep condolences to the Bibas family and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
In solidarity, Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri ordered several city landmarks to be illuminated in orange, reflecting the hair color of the Bibas children
Hostage Release on Saturday
The hostage release on Saturday included six captives.
In the background of the release, Hamas displayed banners in poor Hebrew and English stating, "The land distinguishes its people from the dual nationality foreiginers". The intended message was that Israelis holding foreign citizenship are not truly native to Israel but rather "colonial settlers" from their countries of origin. Hamas aims to portray its struggle as one that will eventually expel all "foreigners" from Israel.
During a humiliating propaganda eventstunt designed to humiliate the hostages, one of the hostages, Omer Shem Tov, was forced to kiss the heads of two Hamas terrorists while Hamas media personnel used sophisticated filming equipment, including tripods and drones, to document the moment for propaganda purposes.
Two of the released hostages had been held captive by Hamas for nearly a decade:
Avera Mengistu, an Israeli citizen of Ethiopian descent who suffers from schizophrenia, crossed the border apparently accidentally into Gaza in 2014.
Hisham al-Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin citizen, crossed into Gaza in 2015, likely due to mental health issues.
However, Hamas chose not to release al-Sayed in a humiliating propaganda ceremony because he is an Arab Muslim. Instead, they transferred him directly to the Red Cross. Hamas’ statement claiming they wanted to "preserve his dignity" was likely motivated by the fact that his physical condition was extremely poor, and he needed assistance to walk—a reality that would have damaged Hamas' image in global public opinion.
In a propaganda video released by Hamas, it showed two hostages Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa Dalal in a Hamas vehicles watching the release of the 3 of the hostages in the Hamas ceremony. In the sadistic video, the two hostages are [likely coerced] to beg from the Israeli government ‘to release them’ in the next stagesstage of the hostage agreement, as they only ‘dream’ to be on the “Hamas stageplatform” and then return go back home.
Following the Saturday’s release, the number of remaining hostages in Gaza was reduced to 63, including 36 confirmed dead. In exchange for the hostages, Israel was expected to release 602 security prisoners, including 455 Gazans captured during IDF operations.
Meanwhile, UNRWA reported that over the past 10 days, 1,500 water distribution points were established in Gaza. Additionally, approximately 2,500 tents were distributed in Gaza City and Jabalia, and two girls' schools were reopened in those areas. Nasser Hospital also resumed operations. Footage circulating online showed trucks carrying supplies and caravan equipment entering Gaza.
Hostage Deal Negotiations of the Second- Phase Two
During the cabinet discussion onPrior to the above discussed hostage releases, the cabinet had decided on Monday evening, it was decided not to begin talks on the second phase of the ceasefire, . Thebut did cabinet approved the entry of caravans and engineering equipment into the Gaza Strip, and . Iin return, Hamas was would supposed to release four bodies of hostages on Thursday and six live hostages on Saturday as was reported above.
On Tuesday, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was appointed by Netanyahu to lead negotiations for the second phase of the hostage deal and ceasefire, replacing the heads of the Shin Bet and Mossad. Dermer will coordinate directly with Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Negotiations are set to begin after the Saturday hostage release.
Dermer has been one of Netanyahu's closest confidants for over 20 years and is among his most trusted advisors. His strong ties to U.S. officials, stemming from his tenure as Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., are expected to strengthen Israel’s position in negotiations.
Netanyahu justified the change in leadership by stating that there had been no real negotiations so far, only "giving and giving," implicitly criticizing the current negotiation team.
On the same day, a senior Hamas official told the French news agency that Hamas is willing to release all hostages in a single phase during the second stage of negotiations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that talks are expected to begin this week.
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP that Hamas is willing to release all remaining hostages in one phase during the second stage of the deal, unlike the gradual release strategy of the first phase.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem reaffirmed that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire as outlined in the Biden administration's proposal.
Hamas' Government Media Office in Gaza, led by Salama Maarouf, accused Israel of: Delaying the evacuation of sick and wounded Gazans via the Rafah crossing, violating its commitment to allow the entry of caravans and heavy equipment into Gaza., Ssabotaging the ceasefire agreement and humanitarian protocol.
Operational
On Sunday, the IDF attacked several locations across the StripGaza where civilians approached its forces. In the morning, an airstrike in Rafah killed three Hamas policemen who got threatened too close to Israeli troops by approaching them, testing Israeli resolve to enforce its own security guidelines.
An airstrike was also carried out against several vehicles attempting to move northward without going through a checkpoint, forcing them to retreat.
The 162nd Division has completed its operations in the StripGaza and the surrounding area after 15 months of combat (having lost 265 soldiers during the war). The 252nd Reserve Division will replace it in the defensive mission in northern Gaza, while the 162nd prepares for its next missions.
In various locations throughout Gaza, warning shots were fired at civilians who approached Israeli forces. In at least one case, an IDF aircraft fired warning shots at vehicles who had bypassed the checkpoint and were anyway, attempting to move northward via Salah al-Din Road without passing through a checkpoint.
In southern Gaza, a drone flying from the Negev toward Rafah was intercepted. The drone was reportedly carrying explosives intended for use in Rafah.
Hamas Internal Structure
Hamas leadership elections have been postponed due to the ongoing war and ceasefire negotiations. Since the assassination of Yahya Sinwar on September 16, 2024, the position of Political Bureau Chief has remained vacant. Muhammad Darwish, the head of the Shura Council, will continue to lead Hamas until conditions stabilize. Khalil al-Hayya is temporarily filling the role of Political Bureau Chief. Hamas is also reorganizing its Al-Qassam Brigades and appointing new commanders following the deaths of senior officials.
Hamas faces challenges governing Gaza due to:
Loss of key government personnel.
Breakdown of law enforcement and price control mechanisms.
Surging crime rates and loss of public trust.
Some former Hamas supporters are turning against the organization, blaming it for the October 7 attack and the subsequent war.
According to a Sky News report on February 6, Hamas requested that Fatah take responsibility for the Gaza Strip. In the ongoing talks in Cairo, Egypt pressured Hamas to transfer control to thwart Trump’s plan. The fact that Arab states are pressuring Hamas and seeking an alternative plan for Gaza, instead of Trump's plan, shows that the U.S. president has shifted the Overton wWindow of acceptable discourse. This has accelerated discussions among Arab states on to find a finding a solution for Gaza—a dramatic development, as previously Israel faced pressure and presumed responsibility from the US and other international actors for presenting a credible plan for the Day After in Gaza. n Now it seems clear that Israel, the victim of the massacre that originated in Gaza is not responsible for Gaza’s rehabilitation. unprecedented development, as Israel had previously faced the issue alone. Current talks include investments of billions of dollars from Gulf states in to rebuild Gaza, suggesting that Trump’s threats have indeed pressured Arab states into offering financial contributions and responsibility for Gaza’s reconstruction instead of leaving the burden solely on the U.S.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement rejecting the Palestinian Authority's control over Gaza after the war. At the same time, Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to establish a special directorate within the Ministry of Defense to facilitate the voluntary emigration of Gaza residents.
Israel-US
On February 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to achieving all war objectives and stated that Israel alone would decide when to "open the gates of hell" if the hostages were not released. He credited the fight against Hezbollah and the weakening of Iran’s "resistance axis" as factors enabling Assad’s downfall. He reiterated Israel’s determination to prevent any threats from Syria, to continue dismantling Hezbollah with Lebanon’s military, and called on Trump to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court, while also ensuring that Iran does not acquire nuclear capabilities.
Rubio stated that Trump’s stance on Gaza’s future is clear: Hamas will not remain in control. They discussed the deportation plan to prevent repeating past mistakes. Rubio emphasized that while Assad’s fall would be beneficial, it must not lead to another destabilizing force (such as Turkey) gaining control. He stressed the need for a strong Lebanese state to dismantle Hezbollah and reaffirmed that Iran is the primary source of regional instability and must never acquire nuclear weapons.
During a subsequent government meeting, Netanyahu claimed Israel is in full coordination with the Trump administration and shares a common strategy, including before Trump's plan for Gaza was revealed. He reiterated Israel’s war objectives and the "president’s plan". Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the second phase of the plan would be more complex, requiring Hamas’s removal vacating from Gaza and the release of 19 soldiers (not all alive), several civilians, and multiple deceased bodies.
On Sunday, Netanyahu approved sending a delegation to Cairo for discussions on the second phase.
On February 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with a multiple delegations of U.S. Congressmen members from AIPAC and a bipartisan delegation led by Republican Congressman Darrell Issa. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu and told them congressional members that he maintains a "close relationship" with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the U.S.-Israel alliance "has never been stronger." He stated that this alliance "helps us jointly achieve all war objectives."
Judea and Samaria
Undercover Border Police officers eliminated three terrorists in the Far’a refugee camp who were involved in arms trafficking. Two additional wanted terrorists were arrested.
On Thursday evening, February 20, three explosive devices detonated in Bbuses near the central bus station in in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam. One device was neutralized before detonation. Several buses were completely destroyed by fire, but by sheer luckthe apparent carelessness of the terrorists, the explosions were intended to detonate at 9:00am Friday morning during the morning pre-Shabbat rush that would have resulted in mass casualty events, instead detonated at 9:00pm Thursday eveningoccurred while the buses were empty. The intended attack was scheduled for Friday morning to cause mass casualties. Intelligence suggests that the explosives originated from the Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria. The police launched an extensive search operation and discovered a fourth explosive device near Wolfson Hospital, weighing 5 kilograms, with an inscription in Arabic reading "Revenge from Tulkarm."
Hamas hinted at responsibility, and Netanyahu convened an emergency security assessment. Authorities ordered all buses and trains nationwide to stop temporarily and search for suspicious objects.
Hamas’ Tulkarem military wing later issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, citing IDF operations in Tulkarem:"The revenge of the martyrs will not be forgotten as long as the occupier remains on our land."
Hamas-affiliated channels published posts glorifying the attack, including:
Images of the burned buses alongside pictures of Yahya Ayyash ("The Engineer"), who orchestrated bus bombings in the 1990s.
Calls for further terror attacks using explosives:
Hamas propaganda channels claim that Israel is "weak" and its "deterrence is collapsing." These incitement materials could are designed to encourage additional attacks, particularly in the espciellayespecially now during the hostage deal negotiations and the ceasefire, where Israel has showed demonstrated a willingness to tolerate a lot of violations by Palestinians, but a fear to respond in a manner that might jeopardize the imminent to release the hostages. The attack comes weeks before Ramadan, a time when terror groups often intensify attacks, calling for the month to be a "month of victory" against Israel.
Bus bombings have not occurred in Israel since the Second Intifada. This attack is likely linked to the release of terrorists from the Second Intifada in previous prisoner exchange deals. Many of these individuals possess the technical knowledge to carry out such large-scale bombings.
In response, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered an escalation of military operations in northern Samaria. 3 Three additional battalions were deployed to the region and along the seam line of Judea & Samariasettlements. Even Netanyahu conducted a security assessment at the Tul-Kkarem base in response to the attack.
Over the past week, 90 wanted individuals were arrested, and 15 weapons were seized. Since the ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, the Judea and Samaria front has become the primary focus of security operations and will likely remain a central area of military activity post-war.
Lebanon
Operational
In the village of Houla, the IDF arrested at least five civilians who infiltrated a restricted area. Since the ceasefire took effect, five Hezbollah reconnaissance drones have been intercepted.
Discussions are underway regarding a permanent IDF presence at five key locations beyond February 28.
Extensive preparations are being made in Lebanon for Nasrallah’s funeral on February 23, where Hezbollah hopes for a large turnout to demonstrate political strength, particularly againstand counter Lebanon’s other sects (Sunnis, Christians, Druze, and Shiites) that are outside of Hezbollah’s coalitionamp). The country is currently experiencing significant an internal power struggles.
The IDF began its planned withdrawal from Lebanon on February 18. After four months and 17 days of operations in Lebanon, it is leaving most of the country’s south. On the final day, the IDF withdrew from at least 11 villages, including Maroun al-Ras, Mais al-Jabal, and Muhaybib, which were handed over to the Lebanese Army. Shiite civilians will be allowed to fully return to their homes, while the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL will clear unexploded ordnance and reopen transport routes.
However, the IDF will maintain a permanent presence at five strategic locations, establishing company-level outposts overlooking both Lebanon and Israel:
Tel Hamamis: Overlooking Al-Khiam prison and Shebaa, protecting Metula and the Hula Valley.
Ridge of Colors: Overlooking Wadi Saluki and the villages of Adaisseh and Mais al-Jabal, preventing Lebanese observation of Kiryat Shmona and the Hula Valley.
Shaked Ridge: The highest point in southern Lebanon, overseeing Bint Jbeil and Maroun al-Ras.
Jabal Balat: Overlooking Upper Galilee settlements.
Labouna: A high point overseeing Al-Naqoura and Tyre, protecting Western Galilee settlements.
The goal is to remain in these positions until the Lebanese Army dismantles Hezbollah’s presence south of the Litani River. The IDF is preparing to establish additional outposts for each northern settlement, tripling its overall troop deployment in Galilee to encourage residents to return. The military claims that the area 5-8 km inside Lebanon has been fully cleared of weapons and terror infrastructure.
Since November 27, Hezbollah has violated the ceasefire 230 times, with most incidents being handled by the Lebanese Army. The day before the IDF withdrawal, the Israeli Air Force struck targets in southern Lebanon, including a Hezbollah underground tunnel route near Mount Dov, which was discovered weeks earlier.
Syria
Diplomacy
HTS leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they confirmed indirect contacts with Iran. At the Munich Security Conference (February 14-16), Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called on countries to lift sanctions on Syria and begin its reconstruction while also demanding that Israel withdraw to the 1974 borders.
Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Oman’s Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General, praising Arab opposition to Trump’s Gaza relocation plan.
Iran criticized Lebanon’s ban on Iranian flights, suspecting accusing Lebanon of succumbing to U.S. pressure behind the decision.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Air Force Commander, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, vowed that Iran would "strike Israel at the right time."
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met with Islamic Jihad leaders, celebrating the "resistance's victory" in Gaza.
International
February 18: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia-U.S. talks would not affect Moscow’s relations with Tehran.
China: Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN Security Council that Gaza and the West Bank belong to the Palestinian people and should not be bargaining chips in political negotiations.
Fiji announced the opening of its embassy in Jerusalem.
Senator Lindsey Graham said he supports voluntary Palestinian relocation from Gaza but opposes forced removal.
Global Jihad
Austria: A 14-year-old boy was arrested for planning a terrorist attack at Vienna’s Westbahnhof train station. Authorities found knives and ISIS-related materials in his possession.
Turkey: Authorities arrested an Uzbek ISIS member in Istanbul who was planning attacks on Jewish institutions.
Germany: A 19-year-old Syrian refugee stabbed a person at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin.
Germany: Authorities arrested an 18-year-old Chechen in Berlin, suspected of plotting an Islamist attack just days before the country’s general elections.
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