February 8, 2025

* Israel to release 183 Palestinians; Hamas to free 3 Israelis Hamas has named three Israeli captives set for release today in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal. The latest exchange follows official statements in which authorities in Gaza accuse Israel of blocking humanitarian aid and essential supplies from entering the territory. * US approves $7.4B sale of bombs, missiles to Israel The US has approved a $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel, including bombs, missiles, and related equipment used in its war on Gaza. The State Department signed off on $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance kits, plus $660 million in Hellfire missiles. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the sale. * Seventy-nine ICC member nations condemn US sanctions in joint statement Seventy-nine parties to the International Criminal Court condemned US President Donald Trump's sanctions, warning they increase the "risk of impunity" for serious crimes. A joint statement, led by Slovenia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Sierra Leone, and Vanuatu, said the move threatens global order and security. They were joined by dozens of other nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil and Bangladesh. The ICC also condemned the sanctions, vowing to continue delivering justice. * Tanzania to host DRC, Rwanda leaders as Kigali-backed M23 rebels fight on Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi will meet in Tanzania as regional leaders seek to ease the conflict in eastern DRC. The summit in Dar es Salaam on Saturday will gather leaders from the East African Community and the South African Development Community. The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized territory in eastern DRC, causing thousands of deaths and mass displacement. * Türkiye's Oruc Reis conducted seismic studies in Somali waters Türkiye’s Oruc Reis vessel has completed 50% of its seismic studies in Somali waters, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced. The vessel has been exploring oil and gas off Somalia’s coast since docking in Mogadishu last October. Bayraktar met Somalia’s Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed in Istanbul to discuss the next phase of exploration and potential collaborations on land.