Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza corridor, raising tensions with Hamas and Egypt

Published

12 months ago

February 28, 2025

The move could threaten the fragile ceasefire as negotiations for a second phase of hostage exchanges remain uncertain.

Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a strategic area along the Gaza-Egypt border, despite the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

The decision, confirmed by an Israeli official on Thursday, risks escalating tensions with Hamas and key mediator Egypt as negotiations for the next phase of the truce remain in limbo.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cited concerns over weapons smuggling and the presence of tunnels, contradicting Egypt’s assertion that it had already destroyed such infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, warning that continued military presence in the corridor could jeopardize future hostage negotiations.

This comes just after Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners—the final exchange planned under the ceasefire’s initial six-week phase.

With the truce set to expire this weekend, uncertainty looms over whether talks for a second phase will proceed.

The situation is further complicated by the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected to push for continued negotiations.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to two key objectives: bringing home all remaining hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military and governing control in Gaza.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the question remains—will diplomacy prevail, or is renewed conflict inevitable?

Jonathan Tobin the editor-in-chief of Jewish News Syndicate joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Man shot dead after breaching security at Mar a Lago

Man in 20s dies after breaching Mar-a-Lago, armed; Secret Service opened fire, citing no immediate danger inside.

Published

21 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Man in 20s dies after breaching Mar-a-Lago, armed; Secret Service opened fire, citing no immediate danger inside.

A man in his early 20s has been shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter at President Trump’s Mar a Lago residence in Florida, according to the Secret Service. Officials say the president and first lady Melania Trump were in Washington DC at the time of the incident.

Authorities report the man was armed with a shotgun and a petrol canister when he approached the north gate. He was confronted by a sheriff’s deputy and two Secret Service agents who ordered him to drop the items before the situation rapidly escalated.

After putting down the petrol can, the man allegedly pointed the shotgun at officers, who then opened fire. Law enforcement says there was no immediate danger to anyone inside the property.

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Iran signals nuclear concessions as U.S. talks intensify

Iran may concede on its nuclear program for US recognition and sanctions relief, considering uranium exports and oil sector investments.

Published

21 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran may concede on its nuclear program for US recognition and sanctions relief, considering uranium exports and oil sector investments.

Iran is signalling it’s prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in exchange for U.S. recognition and sanctions relief, as fresh talks between Iran and the United States reveal deep divisions but renewed diplomatic momentum.

Tehran is reportedly considering sending its highly enriched uranium abroad and even forming a regional enrichment consortium to keep negotiations alive and avoid military escalation. Officials say an interim agreement could still be within reach despite the sticking points.

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UK police seek former aides’ insights on Prince Andrew

UK police contact ex-protection officers of Prince Andrew amid misconduct investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein allegations

Published

3 days ago

February 21, 2026

Ahron Young

UK police contact ex-protection officers of Prince Andrew amid misconduct investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein allegations

In Short:
– Police seek former protection officers of Prince Andrew for info on alleged Epstein-related offences.
– Authorities consider removing Mountbatten-Windsor from royal succession after investigation conclusions.

British police are reaching out to former protection officers of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following his recent arrest related to allegations of misconduct in a public office.

The police have urged anyone with information about potential sex offences connected to Jeffrey Epstein to come forward.Authorities are considering legislative measures to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the royal succession line once the investigation concludes. Any changes would require consultation with other realms where King Charles is head of state.

The recent allegations stem from claims that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government documents with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy. The London Metropolitan Police is now identifying former officers who may assist in the ongoing investigation and has encouraged them to share any pertinent information.

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing in the Epstein matter.

In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse. Reports indicated he paid her approximately £12 million, a claim he denies.

Police Investigation

London authorities are reassessing previous decisions not to pursue criminal investigations related to Epstein’s activities.

Recent document releases from the U.S. government have prompted police to explore allegations of human trafficking involving Epstein at UK airports.

Police have been actively searching Mountbatten-Windsor’s residences as part of their investigation. His arrest marks an unprecedented event in modern royal history, raising significant public interest and concern in various countries.