Israeli Strikes Kill Palestinians In gaza amid ramadan ceasefire

Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least two Palestinians and wounded several others, according to medical sources, casting doubt on the durability of a fragile ceasefire.

The strikes were reported in areas including Jabalia and the outskirts of Khan Younis, where drones and other aerial fire were used. The incidents occurred during the opening days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a period typically associated with restraint.

Gaza authorities accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire, saying intermittent shelling and gunfire have persisted despite commitments to halt hostilities.

The latest violence has deepened an already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where widespread displacement, damaged infrastructure and shortages of food and medicine continue to affect civilians. Aid agencies warn that ongoing insecurity is undermining relief efforts.

Observers say the renewed attacks underscore the fragility of the truce and raise fears of further escalation in the long-running Israel–Palestine conflict.

Clashes Erupt in Albania as Protesters Demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Resignation

Violent clashes broke out in the Albanian capital on Friday as thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, amid mounting anger over corruption allegations within the government.

Demonstrators confronted police near key government buildings in Tirana, with security forces firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse the crowds. Several people were reported arrested during the unrest.

The protests were triggered by corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, a close ally of Rama, who has been accused of interfering in public procurement contracts. Balluku has denied the allegations but was suspended from office as prosecutors pursue the case.

Many of the protesters are supporters of the opposition Democratic Party, led by former prime minister Sali Berisha, who has repeatedly accused the government of widespread corruption and called for Rama to step down.

The political turmoil comes at a sensitive time for Albania, which is seeking to advance its bid for membership in the European Union. EU officials have stressed that strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption are key conditions for accession.

Despite the unrest, Rama’s ruling Socialist Party maintains a strong majority in parliament, while authorities insist that the legal process against Balluku should be allowed to proceed without political interference.

Security Forces Rescue 21 Abductees, Nab Four in Katsina Operation

Katsina — Security agencies have rescued 21 abducted persons in Katsina State following a coordinated security operation that also led to the arrest of four suspects linked to kidnapping activities.

Officials said the victims were freed during an intelligence-driven raid conducted in the Dargaza Hills area of Danmusa Local Government Area.

The operation was spearheaded by the Department of State Services, working jointly with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilante groups.

Those rescued included women, men, and infants, with security sources confirming that many were abducted from Gidan Sarkin Bayero village and surrounding communities in Musawa Local Government Area.

Authorities disclosed that four suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody as investigations continue to dismantle the wider kidnapping network.

The state government praised the effective collaboration among security agencies and reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements in order to restore safety and stability across Katsina State.

Senegal Condemns Morocco’s Jail Terms and Fines for 18 Fans After AFCON Final

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has strongly criticised the prison sentences and fines handed down by a Moroccan court to 18 Senegalese supporters arrested after the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The court sentenced the fans to jail terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside financial penalties, after disturbances that followed the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco on 18 January 2026. Some reports also indicate that a 19th individual, a French national, was convicted in the same case.

According to the verdict, the supporters were found guilty of offences linked to crowd violence, property damage and clashes with security personnel around the stadium. The heaviest sentences included one year in prison and fines of up to 5,000 Moroccan dirhams.

In a statement, the FSF described the rulings as “excessively harsh and disproportionate,” arguing that similar incidents elsewhere are often met with less severe punishment. The federation said the decision has caused widespread outrage among football stakeholders and Senegalese fans.

Lawyers representing the convicted supporters have reportedly signalled their intention to appeal the judgment, insisting the penalties do not reflect international standards for handling football-related disorder.

The controversy adds to the fallout from a tense AFCON final that was marred by crowd trouble and officiating disputes. While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has separately imposed fines and disciplinary measures on both national federations, those sanctions are independent of the criminal sentences issued by the Moroccan courts.

James Milner Sets New Premier League Record for Most Appearances

Veteran footballer James Milner, aged 40, has written his name into the history books after becoming the player with the most appearances in the Premier League.

Milner made his 654th Premier League appearance, surpassing the long-standing record of 653 games previously held by Gareth Barry. The milestone was achieved when Milner featured for Brighton & Hove Albion in their league match.

Known for his professionalism, versatility, and remarkable durability, Milner has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades at the top level of English football. He has represented several clubs in the Premier League, including Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.

Football analysts and fans alike have praised the achievement, describing Milner as a true Premier League legend whose appearance record may stand for many years to come.

Israeli Drone Strike Hits Ain al-Hilweh Refugee Camp, Leaving Dead and Injured

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Israeli military carried out a drone strike on the Ain al‑Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon in Lebanon, killing at least two people and injuring several others, according to Lebanese medical and security sources.

Local reports said the strike hit a residential building inside the densely populated camp, causing significant damage and prompting emergency teams to rush the wounded to nearby hospitals.

In a statement, the Israeli army said the operation targeted a command center linked to Hamas, alleging it was being used to plan attacks against Israel. Hamas rejected the claim, describing the strike as an attack on civilians.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions along the Lebanon–Israel border, with repeated exchanges and airstrikes raising fears of a broader escalation in the region.

Lula Says Maduro Should Be Tried in Venezuela, Not the United States

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has said that former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro should face trial in Venezuela, rather than in the United States.

Lula made the remarks during an interview on the sidelines of an international event in India, stressing the importance of national sovereignty and domestic judicial authority. He said it was unacceptable for a foreign country to detain a current or former head of state and prosecute them abroad, particularly within the South American region.

The Brazilian leader warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent in international relations, undermining established legal norms and diplomatic principles.

His comments follow the detention of Maduro earlier in 2026, when he was taken to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and other alleged crimes. Lula reiterated Brazil’s position in favour of seeing democracy restored in Venezuela, while calling for respect for international law and due process.