Israel has indefinitely delayed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners after six Israeli hostages, including four taken on October 7, 2023, were freed. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the release would be postponed until Hamas guarantees another hostage handover without public displays. Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, raising concerns over the ceasefire’s stability. Among the freed hostages are Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, held in Gaza for nearly a decade. Meanwhile, families of remaining hostages urge swift action, as 62 captives from October 7 remain, with about half believed to be alive.

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, declaring it "blatantly unconstitutional." The order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. In response, the Department of Justice stated it will "vigorously defend" the order, asserting it "correctly interprets" the 14th Amendment. This legal battle underscores the contentious debate over immigration and constitutional rights in the United States. 

Neera Tanden, former domestic policy advisor to President Joe Biden, has rejoined the Center for American Progress (CAP) as its president and CEO. Tanden previously led CAP and its advocacy arm, the Center for American Progress Action Fund. As Biden's domestic policy advisor, she oversaw the White House Domestic Policy Council, coordinating initiatives across economic, social, and governance issues. CAP board chair John Podesta praised Tanden's return, highlighting her extensive experience in three White Houses and her role in defending the Affordable Care Act from repeal during the Trump administration. Tanden expressed enthusiasm about rejoining CAP to develop policies addressing current U.S. political challenges. 

Donald Trump vowed immediate action on key issues upon taking office. His administration has issued executive orders on immigration, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, though legal challenges persist. He pardoned over 1,500 January 6 rioters and started talks on ending the Ukraine war, raising concerns in Kyiv. On economic matters, he proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico but delayed implementation. While he promised to cut prices, inflation remains a challenge. Some pledges have seen movement, but others face legal and political hurdles.  

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left 1 dead and 3 injured, including 2 police officers. President Emmanuel Macron condemned it as "Islamist terrorism." The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian national on a terror watchlist, was under judicial supervision and faced expulsion. The attack occurred during a demonstration supporting Congo. One officer suffered a carotid artery injury, while another was wounded in the thorax. France’s anti-terror prosecutors have taken over the investigation. Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz expressed horror at the incident, calling for justice. Security was heightened in response to the attack.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured President Volodymyr Zelensky of the UK’s "ironclad support" for Ukraine in their latest call. Starmer emphasized that Ukraine "must be at the heart" of any peace talks with Russia. He plans to discuss Ukraine’s sovereignty with Donald Trump in Washington next week. Protests erupted in London, with demonstrators condemning Trump’s stance on the war. European leaders also convened to strategize amid fears of exclusion from negotiations. Starmer reiterated that securing a "just and enduring peace" is vital for European security.

  Pakistan has announced a PKR 1 billion "master plan" for the renovation and beautification of Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) approved the plan in Lahore, with chairman Syed Attaur Rehman stating that the funds will be used to enhance minority places of worship. The meeting, attended by Hindu and Sikh community leaders, also decided to appoint a project director for development work. Board secretary Farid Iqbal emphasized that revenue from trust properties would significantly increase under the revised scheme.

Israel has delayed the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages. The swap was expected to happen today, but Israeli media reports say the government postponed it until a security cabinet meeting. One of the freed hostages, Hisham al-Sayed, had been held in Gaza for nearly a decade. He is now in Israeli military custody and has crossed into Israeli territory. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue. Families of the remaining hostages and prisoners are waiting for further updates. The prisoner exchange deal is part of ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after a severe respiratory crisis, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen and has had blood transfusions. He is alert but more unwell than before. Doctors are treating him for pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was first admitted on 14 February after struggling to breathe. Due to his health, he will not lead Sunday’s prayer for the second week in a row. Doctors say there is no immediate danger, but his condition is serious. The Vatican continues to monitor his health closely.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one dead and two police officers seriously injured during a demonstration. Three more officers sustained minor injuries. The 37-year-old suspect, who was on a terror prevention watchlist, was apprehended, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz. Authorities are investigating the attack's motives, as concerns over extremism rise in France. The incident adds to security challenges faced by the country. The government has vowed to strengthen counterterrorism measures. The attack has reignited debates over national security and surveillance of individuals on terror watchlists.