LIVE BLOG: Israeli Army ‘Paralyzed’ on Oct 7 | Witkoff: No Evacuation Plan – Day 509

AXIOS (Citing Israeli Officials): Israeli security chiefs recommended Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make efforts to resume second-phase negotiations or extend the first phase.

ISRAELI MEDIA:

Families of captives are protesting in Sderot, demanding the government return all detainees from Gaza.

Tel Aviv estimates there are 62 Israeli captives (alive and dead) in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to delay starting second-phase negotiations of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, which was supposed to begin on February 3.

WASHINGTON POST (Citing Israeli Officials): Tel Aviv will not achieve any further military goals by re-entering Gaza.

GREEN BRIGADE (Celtic FC Supporters Group):

The group announced global protests in support of Palestine.

Celtic fans launched the “Red Card for Israel” campaign, demanding Israel’s expulsion from international competitions as punishment for its atrocities in Gaza.

The campaign gained widespread support from clubs and fans in over 30 countries.

Protests and banners against Israel were seen in matches in Scotland, Spain, Chile, Turkey, Italy, Indonesia, Belgium, and more.

Celtic FC’s Green Brigade Leads Global Protest Against Israel

The Green Brigade has launched the "Red Card for Israel" campaign, calling for Israel’s expulsion from international competitions over its actions in Gaza.

The campaign has gained traction, with clubs and fans in… pic.twitter.com/G2XZa63NwO

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 26, 2025

HAMAS:

The movement condemned the occupation’s transfer of authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque’s roof from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments to its own entities.

It stated that these measures reveal plans to Judaize, divide, and control the mosque.

Hamas called on Palestinians, especially residents of Hebron, to protect the mosque and confront these schemes.

FINANCIAL TIMES (Citing Informed Sources):

Israel is seeking to extend the first phase of the ceasefire instead of moving to the second phase.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to release the remaining captives while avoiding a commitment to end the war.

Mediators hope to begin second-phase talks this week.

Jabaliya, northern Gaza – Rescue teams continue recovering bodies from the rubble of destroyed buildings as bombardment persists. pic.twitter.com/YuvFqrpCcF

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 26, 2025

YOSSI SHARIEL (Former Commander of Unit 8200):

Israeli forces were paralyzed for hours on October 7, 2023, admitting failure to prevent the events.

He stated that what happened cannot be changed and asked for forgiveness.

US ENVOY STEVEN WITKOFF:

An Israeli delegation has departed to participate in second-phase ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

He expressed readiness to personally participate in the talks if necessary.

HAMAS:

The movement strongly condemned the “criminal Zionist aggression” on Syrian territory.

It described the ground incursions into Daraa and Quneitra, as well as the airstrikes south of Damascus, as a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and a continuation of Israel’s aggressive policies against Arab nations.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA:

The Israeli army continues its aggression on Jenin, raiding several towns and deliberately destroying infrastructure and roads.

In Tulkarm, streets and roads were bulldozed, causing significant damage to infrastructure in the northern West Bank.

BLOOMBERG (Citing US Envoy Steven Witkoff):

An upcoming summit will bring together real estate developers and planners from the Middle East to discuss Trump’s plan for Gaza’s future.

Several countries have contacted the US to participate in finding a permanent solution for Gaza’s residents.

He emphasized that there is no plan to evacuate Palestinians.