Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (February 18 – 25 , 2025)
Hamas transferred the bodies of four murdered Israeli hostages and six living hostages, including two who had been held in the Gaza Strip for more than a decade. Due to the release "ceremonies" and Hamas' failure to transfer the body of a female hostage at the agreed time, Israel delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement but claimed they were prepared to negotiate on the second phase; Hamas figure Musa Abu Marzouq claimed he would not have supported the October 7, 2023 attack [and massacre] had he known the extent of the damage that would be visited on the Gaza Strip. Hamas rushed to claim his remarks had been taken out of context; Reportedly, the Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza will include restrictions and oversight on the weapons of "the resistance."; A senior delegation of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) visited Iran and met with regime leaders; Three explosive devices blew up on empty buses in the central Israeli cities of Bat Yam and Holon. Two additional explosive devices were discovered before they could be detonated. There were no casualties. Israeli security forces continued extensive counter-terrorism operations in northern Samaria, including the use of tanks for the first time in 22 years; Reportedly, the American administration halted funding to the Palestinian Authority's security forces, significantly impacting their capabilities.
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