Bus Terrorist Attack

Hi Global Recap readers,

Despite hopes for peace with the current ceasefire, another terrorist attack hit Israel.

I was always skeptical about the deal holding up, let alone leading to any real peace. But now, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a party that doesn’t want even a glimmer of calm in the region.

Who’s really behind this? Iran? Hamas? The Palestinian Authority? 👇️ 

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Bus Bombings
in Tel Aviv

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, three buses went up in flames near Tel Aviv in what Israeli police believe to be a coordinated terrorist attack.

Discovery

• The explosions happened in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv.

• The buses were empty and parked about 500 meters apart.

• Luckily, no injuries were reported from the explosions.

Unexploded Bomb Found

Police discovered another bomb that hadn’t detonated on a separate bus.

• Earlier reports mentioned two undetonated bombs.

• These devices resembled bombs seen in the West Bank.

Cryptic Message

The attackers didn't make it hard to figure out who they were. They reportedly left a note on one of the bombs saying, "Revenge against the Tulkarm camp."

• This seems linked to an Israeli operation in the West Bank last week.

• Officials believe the actual attack was planned for Friday morning, targeting the pre-Sabbath rush.

Immediate Response

Israeli police sprang into action after the explosions.

• Large police forces scoured the areas for suspects.

• Bomb disposal units checked for more suspicious items.

• The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is now investigating.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hamas Releases
Wrong Body

In another Israel-Hamas news, Hamas has returned the coffins of dead hostages, as promised.

But there’s a twist. One of the bodies wasn’t who they claimed it would be.

Revelation

On February 20, 2025, Hamas handed over three black coffins, claiming they bore the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two sons. Remember the photo above from two days ago?

• Only the remains of Ariel Bibas (4) and his baby brother, Kfir Bibas (9 months), were identified.

• Shiri's remains weren't among them.

• Hamas mixed up the names and images of the children which infuriated Israelis.

• A fourth coffin contained the body of Oded Lifshitz, an octogenarian peace activist.

Ceremony

The coffins were displayed in a grotesque handover ceremony in Gaza, with loud music blaring in the background.

• The masked gunmen appeared to mix up the children's pictures and names as well.

• The Israeli military confirmed the remains of Ariel and Kfir but not Shiri.

• The identification process revealed an “anonymous, unidentified body” instead of Shiri Bibas.

Further Agony

The military called this ruse a “violation of utmost severity” of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.

• Yarden Bibas, Shiri's husband, was abducted separately and released earlier this month.

• Ms. Bibas's elderly parents were killed in the October 2023 attack.

Hamas Claims

Hamas claimed Shiri and her children were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

• The military's findings contradicted this, revealing the boys were “brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity.”

• Hamas and Islamic Jihad's claims couldn’t be independently verified.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
US Refuses to
Back Ukraine

In an unexpected turn, the US decided not to co-sponsor a draft UN resolution marking the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

US Stance

• The draft backs Ukraine's territorial integrity and demands Russia withdraw its troops.

• This decision could signify a rift between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

• The US objects to a phrase in the Group of Seven (G7) statement condemning Russian aggression.

Behind the Decision

The UN resolution, set for a vote on February 24, 2025, has more than 50 countries sponsoring it.

• The US stance marks a significant departure from its previous support for such resolutions.

• Efforts are ongoing to seek support from other countries, including the Global South.

• Trump aims to end the war rapidly and held talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia without involving Kyiv.

Implications for Ukraine

Ukraine, heavily relying on US military and diplomatic aid, faces a political crisis.

• The US has provided tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine.

• The draft resolution calls for a de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the war.

• Russia continues to gain territory in the east, controlling about 20% of Ukraine.

Reaction

As expected, Ukraine’s supporters are voicing their frustration online. But those who oppose US aid to Ukraine are being the loudest at the moment.

Here are the two opposing views:

• Critics argue that his September 2023 visit to the US is proof that America should stop backing him. During the trip, he toured a Pennsylvania ammunition plant, which they say was essentially a campaign stop for Biden and Harris.

• During this time, he also called on then-candidate Trump to reveal his peace plan for ending the Ukraine-Russia war. However, he was skeptical, making it clear he opposes any plan that includes giving up land. Critics view this as “badmouthing” Trump.

• Also, here’s Vice President Vance at CPAC today, warning that “badmouthing” Trump isn’t exactly the best strategy for winning his support.👇️ 

• Supporters argue that if their own country were invaded by a far stronger enemy, unprovoked, they’d do whatever it takes to keep the ammo flowing—even if it means being used by the Biden administration to look like they’re campaigning on the admin’s behalf.

📊 Poll

• Personally, if I were in President Zelenskyy’s shoes, I would willingly be “used” by the Biden administration if it means my country, which is considerably weaker than the invading force, and are at every disadvantage in terms of logistics, would be able to have the munition to keep the invading force away.

• I get that dealing with Trump on this issue can be frustrating, especially with US support seemingly cut off so suddenly. But I have to agree that “badmouthing” him or appearing “ungrateful” isn’t the smartest way to get what you need. And whether fair or not, critics do feel like the US is being “taken for granted,” and that sentiment can’t just be ignored.

That said, if I had Russians knocking at my door every day, I probably wouldn’t have much patience either. This is extremely complicated…

What’s your take? 👇️ 

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Zelenskyy-Trump
Tension Hits Peak

A press event planned after discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump’s envoy, retired US Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, was abruptly canceled.

Event Canceled

What was meant to be a joint press conference turned into a no-show.

• Ukrainian presidential spokesman Serhii Nikiforov mentioned the US side requested the change.

• There were no immediate comments from the US delegation or the White House on the cancellation.

Background

The cancellation coincides with the recent feud between Trump and Zelenskyy.

• Trump reversed a three-year US policy on isolating Russia and started talks without involving Ukraine.

• Trump claimed Zelenskyy was unpopular, to which Zelenskyy retorted that Trump was living in a “disinformation space.”

Russian Involvement

Russian officials are quite enjoying the drama.

• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Ukrainian officials for making unacceptable statements.

• Amid this diplomatic noise, Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer from Russian strikes.

• Latest attacks include a Russian glide bomb hitting an apartment block in Kherson, killing one and injuring six, and a drone attack in Odesa causing massive power outages.