Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to hospital officials. This escalation follows claims from Israel that militants fired upon its soldiers, critically wounding one. The strikes represent the latest surge in violence since a ceasefire was established on October 10, 2025. Since that date, over 530 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire, as documented by Gaza’s health ministry.
Clintons to Testify in Epstein Investigation
In Washington, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have reached an agreement to testify before House Republicans in a probe related to Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons will appear on February 26 and February 27, respectively, marking a historic moment as they become the first former president and first lady to be compelled to testify in a congressional investigation. This arrangement followed intense negotiations and the looming threat of a contempt of Congress vote against them.
In related developments, the last remaining nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia, known as the New START Treaty, is poised to expire this week. This marks the end of over fifty years of arms control agreements, raising concerns about a potential nuclear arms race. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to adhere to the treaty’s limits for another year if the U.S. does the same, President Donald Trump has yet to clarify his intentions regarding an extension.
International Relations and Domestic Issues
Amid these significant events, Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently held a video call with President Putin. Details of their discussions remain scarce, but they come as Xi engages with various Western leaders. European countries have urged China to reconsider its support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite these diplomatic pressures, China continues to strengthen its trade relations with Russia, mitigating some impacts of Western sanctions.
In Gaza, three women recently reported troubling experiences upon their return through the Rafah crossing. They described being blindfolded, handcuffed, and interrogated by Israeli troops after crossing into Gaza. The Israeli military has denied any knowledge of inappropriate conduct. The reopening of the crossing has faced criticism for confusion regarding luggage rules and stringent vetting, resulting in fewer crossings than anticipated.
In the United States, a federal judge is set to hear arguments concerning Donald Trump‘s attempts to overturn a hush money conviction. The hearing follows a directive from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ordered U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to reconsider keeping the case in state court. This legal maneuver could potentially allow Trump to argue for dismissal based on presidential immunity.
In Florida, federal prosecutors are advocating for a life sentence for Ryan Routh, who was convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump at a golf course in West Palm Beach. Routh aimed a rifle at Trump during a game in 2024. His sentencing had been postponed to allow for proper legal representation, as he initially represented himself.
Finally, President Trump has escalated a dispute with Harvard University, demanding a $1 billion payment to resolve ongoing tensions. This figure has doubled from his previous demand, and Trump insists that any agreement must include direct payment to the government—a condition Harvard opposes. This confrontation comes as both parties struggle to find common ground in their negotiations.
The rapidly evolving landscape of international relations, domestic legal battles, and humanitarian crises continues to shape global discourse as events unfold.