Escalating Tensions and Diplomacy: Israeli Attack on Lebanese Civilians, Rubio Addresses Ukraine’s Role in Peace Talks, and Pope Francis Hospitalized Amid Health Concerns

Good Morning,

An Israeli attack on Lebanese civilians attempting to return to Houla left one woman dead and several injured, amid rising tensions over Israel's delayed withdrawal from southern Lebanon ahead of the February 18 ceasefire deadline, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Ukraine and Europe would be included in any real negotiations to end Russia's war, downplaying European concerns about initial U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, and Pope Francis is stable and receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection after his bronchitis worsened, missing his traditional Sunday blessing and resting at the hospital, as the Vatican cancels his events through Monday.

Top Stories

● Woman killed as Israeli forces fire on returnees to southern Lebanon ahead of ceasefire deadline (AP)

● Ukraine, Europe will be part of 'real' peace talks, says Rubio, as US weighs Putin's motives (Reuters)

● Pope is stable, followed Mass on television as he recovers from respiratory infection, Vatican says (AP)

● Japan’s fourth-quarter economic expansion tops expectations as exports rise; full-year growth slows (CNBC)

● Rubio says Hamas ‘must be eradicated’, casting doubt on Gaza ceasefire deal (AJ)

United States and Canada

● At least 9 people are dead, including 8 in Kentucky, in latest blast of winter weather (AP)

● US Vice President JD Vance blasts Europe over free speech, lax migration (AJ)

● Trump administration turns to US Supreme Court in bid to fire agency head (Reuters)

● Musk's DOGE team to visit US FAA air traffic control command center on Monday (Reuters)

● Raskin says DOJ made "deeply corrupt bargain" in move to drop charges against NYC mayor (CBS News)

● Trump Fired, Then Unfired, National Nuclear Security Administration Employees. What Were Their Jobs? (NYT)

Latin America

● Argentina’s opposition threatens impeachment trial after Milei touts crypto coin (Reuters)

● Brazil to host next BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro in July (AP)

● Approval rating of Brazil's Lula falls to 24% from 35%, pollster Datafolha says (Reuters)

● Colombia sets 1% temporary tax on fossil fuel output (Reuters)

Africa

● Cheers and confusion as M23 rebels enter Bukavu city centre (AN)

● Dozens killed in latest mine accident at illegal mine in Mali (AN)

● Missing Central African Republic soldiers were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries, advocates allege (AP)

● Former Mauritius Prime Minister arrested, says Financial Crimes Commission (Reuters)

● Uganda military chief threatens to attack eastern Congo town of Bunia (Reuters)

● Djibouti’s Foreign Minister wins AUC Chair race (AN)

Middle East

● Turkish opposition party delegation meets with Kurdish leader in Iraq as part of PKK peace efforts (AP)

● Hezbollah chief says Israel must fully withdraw from Lebanon by February 18 (Reuters)

● US says airstrike in Syria kills al Qaeda affiliate leader (Reuters)

● RSF escalates attacks on Sudan’s famine-stricken Zamzam refugee camp (AJ)

● Family expresses concern at British couple detained in Iran on security charges (AP)

● Hezbollah condemns attack on UN peacekeeping mission convoy in Beirut (Reuters)

Indo-Pacific

● Taiwan detects 24 Chinese military aircrafts near island (AJ)

● At least 18 people are dead after a stampede at New Delhi railway station in India (AP)

● China's Xi attends symposium on private enterprises, delivers speech (Reuters)

● Australia PM Albanese's approval hits lowest as voters eye change, survey shows (Reuters)

Europe

● Russian drones hit Ukraine power plant, leaving residents in the cold (AJ)

● Ukraine, Europe will be part of 'real' peace talks, says Rubio, as US weighs Putin's motives (Reuters)

● A year after Navalny’s death, the Russian opposition struggles without its charismatic leader (AP)

● China ready to continue improving ties, deepen cooperation with UK (Reuters)

● A 23-year-old man stabbed 6 people in Austria killing 1 in what police describe as a random attack (AP)

● German prosecutors investigate possible Islamic extremist motive for Munich car-ramming attack (AP)

Interested in more from Atlas?

🌐Atlas Technologies: We are building world class OSINT technology that unifies the intelligence cycle by automating data collection, intelligence production and delivery to key stakeholders, all aligned with your priority intelligence requirements (PIRs). If you want to learn more, check out our website.

🛒Merch Store: Visit our merch store to shop our latest gear.

📰Newsletters: Check out our other publications to stay on top of the news and get insights from intelligence professionals.

• The Public Daily Briefing

• Apolitical 

• Table Stakes

• The BLUF 

• The Situation Room

If you'd like to get involved with Atlas, please contact us with your experience or ideas. If you're a solid fit, we'll be in touch.

Advertise with us || Contact Us

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 Atlas.1A