European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in India to deepen trade and security cooperation as the EU seeks to diversify partnerships amid global economic shifts. Talks on a long-delayed free trade agreement are set for March, with key issues including market access and intellectual property rights. India, the EU’s largest trading partner, also maintains strong ties with Russia while advocating a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Von der Leyen will meet Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinforce strategic alignment and resilient supply chains.
ISRAEL REFUSES GAZA CORRIDOR WITHDRAWAL
Despite the ongoing ceasefire, Israel has refused to withdraw from Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was expected to vacate the area within eight days. However, officials argue that Hamas could use the corridor for arms smuggling, posing a renewed threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to retrieving Israeli hostages and ensuring national security. Meanwhile, negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire remain uncertain. Hamas warns that any Israeli delays could lead to further suffering for prisoners and hostages, escalating tensions in the region.
OCALAN CALLS FOR PKK DISARMAMENT
Jailed Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan has called on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm and dissolve, potentially ending a 50-year-long insurgency against Turkey. His statement, read by Turkish lawmakers, emphasized the need to restore historical Turkish-Kurdish cooperation, fractured over the past two centuries. The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths. While Turkish authorities may see this as a step toward peace, skepticism remains over how PKK factions will respond. The call marks a critical moment in the region’s geopolitical landscape, potentially altering Turkey’s counterinsurgency strategy and Kurdish nationalist movements.
GERMANY’S CARNIVAL KICKS OFF SECURELY
Germany’s famous Carnival celebrations have begun in the Rhineland, with Cologne and Düsseldorf drawing large crowds of costumed revellers. Authorities have heightened security due to recent attacks and online threats, deploying nearly 10,000 police officers across North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite concerns, no major incidents have been reported so far. Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker encouraged people to celebrate fearlessly, emphasizing that terrorism will not dampen the spirit of Carnival. The festivities will culminate on Rose Monday, March 3, with parades and traditional Weiberfastnacht celebrations, where women symbolically take charge by cutting off men’s neckties.
HAMAS RETURNS 4 DEAD HOSTAGES
Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages as part of the final exchange in the first phase of a ceasefire deal. In return, Israel released over 600 Palestinian prisoners. While the ceasefire agreement aimed to secure the return of 33 hostages, around 50 remain in Gaza, with half believed to be dead. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has sent a delegation to Cairo for further negotiations, amid internal pressure to either extend the truce or resume military operations. The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences in Gaza, with widespread displacement and heavy casualties.
