The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been conducting secret drone operations over Mexico. According to CNN, MQ-9 Reaper drones are being used to monitor drug cartels and their hideouts, potentially as a precursor to targeted strikes. These drones have previously been deployed for attacks in Somalia, Iraq, and Syria. However, Mexico’s president has denied any violation of the country’s airspace, claiming the drones remained within U.S. international airspace. Meanwhile, the Mexican defense minister has suggested that these operations could involve espionage. Earlier, the U.S. president had directed the designation of several Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey could serve as an ideal venue for the planned peace talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine, expressing readiness to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the negotiations. He emphasized that Ankara unequivocally recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, Erdoğan mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the war aligns with Turkey’s policies over the past three years. In response, Zelensky expressed his gratitude.

Hamas has put forward a new proposal regarding the second phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The group has expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages at once, but with conditions—demanding a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

A Hamas spokesperson stated that, at the request of mediators, they have proposed doubling the number of hostages to be released. He dismissed Israel’s claim that Hamas will be removed from Gaza as “laughable” and a mere psychological tactic.

Meanwhile, internal pressure from Israeli hardliners has left Israel indecisive, causing the second-phase hostage release and ceasefire agreement to remain stalled.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has declared at the UN Security Council that Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people and should not be used as a bargaining tool for political negotiations. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution and underscored the necessity of ensuring Palestinian governance in Gaza post-war. As China holds the presidency of the UN Security Council this February, Wang Yi chaired the session. This statement from China also signals opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the special Arab League summit on the Gaza crisis, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed to March 4. The decision was made following consultations with member states. The summit was called in response to Donald Trump’s proposal advocating for the occupation of Gaza and the displacement of its residents. Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are expected to reinforce their cooperation and seek peaceful solutions. Analysts view the summit as a strong countermeasure against U.S. plans.

Despite a ceasefire agreement allowing the entry of reconstruction materials, Israel had initially blocked the supplies at the Rafah border. This sparked a wave of condemnation. In response, Hamas announced that it would backtrack on its commitment to release hostages. This raised concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire. Eventually, under mounting pressure, Israel allowed the entry of reconstruction materials into Gaza. According to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday, it is believed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took this step to expedite the transfer of six living hostages and others who are deceased.

Costa Rica has announced it will offer a temporary place for Indian immigrants being deported from the United States. Around 200 immigrants from the Middle East and India will be relocated there. Panama and Guatemala had previously taken similar steps. Costa Rica stated that they are willing to accommodate the illegal immigrants being deported by the U.S., with the country’s president’s office making the official announcement. Temporary camps will be set up for them, but it has not yet been confirmed when they will return to their home countries.

On Monday, an anti-settlement watchdog reported that Israel has issued tenders for the construction of approximately 1,000 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The organization stated that the new settlements will increase the population of the Efrat settlement by 40%, negatively impacting the development of nearby Bethlehem. Israel has occupied the West Bank, along with Gaza and East Jerusalem, since the 1967 Middle East War. Palestinians claim these areas for their future state and view settlement expansion as a major obstacle to peace.

Despite international criticism, the Trump administration previously expressed support for Israeli settlement construction.

Keith Kellogg, a special envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that no peace deal would be imposed on Kyiv. Speaking at a press conference at NATO headquarters, he said discussions about Washington’s commitment to European peacekeeping efforts would take place later.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia today to discuss the Ukraine war and bilateral relations. Kellogg also announced that he would visit Kyiv this week to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

European leaders are pushing for broader participation in Ukraine peace talks, but the U.S. envoy clarified that not all parties could be included.

On Saturday, a U.S. citizen in Florida shot and injured two Israeli tourists, mistakenly identifying them as Palestinians. The suspect, Mordechai Brafman, has been arrested, and a case was filed against him on Sunday.

According to police reports, Brafman admitted that while driving his truck in Miami Beach, he fired at the two men, believing them to be Palestinians and intending to kill them. However, they survived. Authorities later confirmed that the victims were Israeli tourists, not Palestinians.

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is committed to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to seize Gaza and displace Palestinians. During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu praised Trump’s proposal as a "bold vision." Human rights organizations have condemned the plan, calling it a violation of international law and an act of ethnic cleansing. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly decided to establish an office to facilitate the voluntary return of Palestinians.

As part of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas is set to return the bodies of five Israeli hostages on Thursday. Israel is making preparations for their reception. According to the agreement, the bodies were to be returned on the 33rd day of the ceasefire, which falls on Thursday. Israel’s Kan Public Broadcaster reported that, according to Hamas, most of the hostages were killed during Israeli attacks on Palestinians. Hamas has yet to disclose their identities. Once confirmed, Israel will hand over the bodies to their respective families.

A passenger plane overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 15 people, including three in critical condition. The BBC reported that the plane was carrying 80 passengers. Airport authorities have confirmed that all crew and passengers have been rescued. Heavy snowfall occurred before the accident, but the exact cause is still under investigation. Previously, another aircraft had crashed at the same airport. The incident follows a series of severe aviation accidents in the U.S.

Pope Francis, aged 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last Friday due to health complications. Despite five days of continuous treatment, his condition remains unchanged. The Vatican stated that the Pope is facing a "complex clinical picture" and may need to stay in the hospital for several more days. However, they reassured that he remains in good spirits. Previously, his health issues had forced others to read his speeches on his behalf. Due to his condition, the Vatican has canceled his weekly Wednesday audience.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Deputy Commander, General Ali Fadavi, has warned that Iran will deliver an appropriate response to Israeli aggression. In a statement, he mentioned that "True Promise-3" will be executed in due time. Previously, Iran had launched two missile and drone attacks against Israel in April and October 2024, known as "True Promise-1" and "True Promise-2." Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza, he claimed that Israel has admitted its defeat while acknowledging Hamas' victory. Notably, on October 26, Israel attacked Iranian facilities using Iraqi airspace controlled by the U.S., prompting Iran’s "True Promise-2" response.