The process of releasing Israeli hostages took an unexpected turn on Saturday, February 22. Omer Shem, who had been captured during the attack on October 7, 2023, surprised onlookers by kissing the foreheads of two Hamas members escorting him onto a stage in Nuseirat, in central Gaza.   Initially, the release followed the usual procedure before an unusual gesture disrupted its apparent...

European officials were uncertain about the Secretary of State’s measured assessment regarding Washington’s apparent shift toward Moscow. After meeting with Russian negotiators to discuss the future of the Ukraine conflict, Marco Rubio announced a significant reset in relations with the Kremlin, highlighting “the tremendous opportunities to collaborate with Russia.”...