Good morning! It’s Friday, February 28, 2025. Here’s your essential briefing on defense and global affairs to close out the week.

Gaza Ceasefire Deal Advances as Prisoners, Hostages Exchanged

Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday after receiving the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Hamas.

The exchange, part of a fragile ceasefire deal, had been delayed due to Israel’s objections to Hamas’s elaborate handover ceremonies. The returned bodies were later identified, with two confirmed as members of the Nir Oz kibbutz.

Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank welcomed the released prisoners with celebrations, while Hamas declared that Israel must now move forward with negotiations for the ceasefire’s next phase.

Meanwhile, sporadic violence continues, with Israel conducting airstrikes in Gaza following a failed projectile launch from the territory.

International efforts to maintain and extend the ceasefire are underway, with US and Israeli representatives heading to talks in Doha or Cairo.

As Israel mourns its victims, the war’s toll continues to rise, with over 48,000 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza since the conflict began.