During the high-level “AI Action Summit” held in Paris, world leaders discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), policy frameworks, and ethical use. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s commitment to AI development while ensuring environmental sustainability. While 60 countries, including India, signed the AI governance declaration, both the United States and the United Kingdom refused to sign, raising questions about their stance on AI regulations.

Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the two leaders agreed to initiate discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine. "It's time to end this ridiculous war," Trump posted. BBC reports that both sides have committed to negotiations, though specific terms remain undisclosed.

According to a U.S. intelligence report published by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday (February 12), Israel is considering striking Iran’s nuclear facilities this year. The report states that Israel is seeking U.S. support for such an operation, believing Trump might endorse it. Israeli officials have emphasized the need for American assistance, particularly in arms supply. However, the Israeli Prime Minister recently stated that he prefers a nuclear-free agreement with Iran over military conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Erdogan was welcomed by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, First Lady Asifa Bhutto, and other senior officials. During his visit, Erdogan and Sharif will engage in high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation. A joint declaration and several key agreements are expected to be signed.

During an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday (February 12), Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri stated that Hamas remains committed to the agreed hostage release schedule but will not release all Israeli hostages on Saturday. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that failure to release hostages by Saturday would result in severe consequences. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, stating, "If all hostages are not returned by Saturday noon, I believe it's time to call off the ceasefire deal."

Following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II reaffirmed their countries' unified stance on Gaza. They stressed that Palestinians must not be displaced from their homeland. Trump had earlier warned that if Egypt and Jordan refused to accept Palestinian refugees, U.S. aid to these nations could be cut. Arab News reports that Egypt and Jordan are leading a strong regional resistance against Trump's plan to relocate Gazan Palestinians to their territories.

In a Fox News interview, Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine may or may not reach a peace deal and could potentially become part of Russia in the future. He demanded that Ukraine repay the vast financial aid it received from the U.S., proposing that the country use its rich agricultural land and natural resources to settle the debt.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has stated that the former Awami League government employed systematic brutality to maintain power amid public opposition. A UN investigation into human rights violations during the July-August uprising in Bangladesh found credible evidence against security forces and the former ruling party. The report suggests that these acts could amount to international crimes and calls for further criminal investigations.

Iran has warned former U.S. President Donald Trump that any act of aggression will have severe consequences, describing his threats of force as reckless and provocative. According to Reuters, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has sent a letter to the UN Security Council, citing Trump's remarks about eliminating Iran's nuclear capability instead of conducting airstrikes. The letter emphasizes that Iran will firmly protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests against any hostile actions.

Malaysian authorities have detained 37 undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis, in an immigration crackdown. The arrests took place during a midnight raid in Selangor on February 11, according to the Director General of Malaysia’s Immigration Department. Out of 82 detainees, authorities arrested individuals aged 19 to 50 for various immigration offenses. The detained migrants are from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Myanmar, though the exact number of Bangladeshis among them has not been disclosed.

Tariq Abu Jabal and his family sought refuge in a school to escape Israeli airstrikes, but the attack still reached them—his wife was killed, and his child went missing. For a year, he had no knowledge of whether his son, Mohammed, was alive. Then, during a TV interview, Abu Jabal recognized his son’s face. It was later revealed that another family, also fleeing the bombing, had found the child alone and crying at the school and had taken him in. The reunion has given Abu Jabal a renewed will to live.

Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement but holds Israel responsible for any delays or complications. Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s renewed threats of war, Hamas released a statement accusing Israel of failing to uphold the terms of the ceasefire. Previously, Hamas warned that Israeli violations of the truce had reached a point where further negotiations were impossible. As a result, the militant group has indefinitely suspended the exchange of Israeli hostages. Hamas clarified that prisoner exchanges would resume only if Israel honors its commitments under the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume military operations in Gaza if hostages are not released by February 15. The warning comes after Hamas indefinitely suspended hostage exchanges, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would continue fighting until Hamas is completely defeated. The ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, was disrupted by Israel’s alleged violations, prompting Hamas to halt the exchange process. In response, Netanyahu issued an ultimatum, making it clear that military action will resume if no progress is made on hostage releases.

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, denouncing it as "ethnic cleansing." In an interview with CNN, Macron called for respecting Palestinians and their Arab neighbors. He stated, "You cannot simply tell two million people to relocate. This is not real estate; this is a political operation." He further expressed opposition to large-scale military actions against civilians.

According to a United Nations report on Wednesday, rebuilding war-torn Gaza and addressing the "humanitarian catastrophe" in the region will require an estimated $53 billion. The report, cited by Al Jazeera, states that $20 billion is needed in the first three years alone. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of restoring Gaza’s infrastructure, as nearly 85% of Palestinians in the enclave have been displaced, with 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The Israeli offensive has resulted in over 48,000 deaths, with more than 13,000 people missing.