U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein reassures that Israel will fully withdraw from southern Lebanon as per the 60-day truce deal. He confirmed the Israeli pullout from Naqoura on Monday, with the Lebanese military redeploying in the town.

"Progress is being made, and more withdrawals will follow," he stated after meeting with Lebanese officials.

Gaza, where starving people are trapped in a land reduced to rubble

Most Gazans (90%) are internally displaced, moving repeatedly to avoid bombings or fighting, and struggle to find food or shelter. 345,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity.

The WFP food that has been allowed into the strip can only cover a third of what is needed to reach the hungriest people.

"A 25kg bag of wheat flour can sell for US$150. In an enclave where farmers once harvested citrus, vegetables and strawberries, I saw small peppers selling for US$195 a kilo in a Gaza City market. Nobody was buying them. Nobody could afford them," said Ghattas Hakoura, a WFP-supported commercial bakery owner in Gaza City.

- UN News

NEW: Pentagon labels more Chinese companies as military in nature

The Pentagon has added several major Chinese companies to its list of “Chinese military companies,” including tech giants like Tencent, battery leader CATL, and shipping firm Cosco. This move highlights concerns over China’s fusion of commercial and military technology. Tencent’s U.S.-listed shares dropped nearly 8% following the announcement. Tencent has denied the accusation, calling it a mistake.

- WSJ

In a first, Turkish President Erdogan reveals that Türkiye is developing 2,000+ km range ballistic missiles.

"We have decided to both strengthen our stock of missiles with ranges exceeding 800 km and accelerate our development program for missiles with ranges over 2,000 km. "

NEW: Western investors ‘stupid’ to shun arms industry, says Nato official

NATO Admiral Rob Bauer criticises Western banks, pension funds and credit rating agencies for neglect of defence investment. He urges financial institutions to adapt to rising security threats and warns that missing out on defence funding could be a costly mistake.

Admiral Rob Bauer says the rise in geopolitical power between China and the US could lead to war. He criticised European banks for not investing in defence despite a growing demand for military equipment.

"Defence is not a cost, it's an investment," he insisted, calling for a rethink of outdated policies that are holding back the defence industry.

"Why aren't you convinced by trillions of dollars? What happened to your business instincts? Are you stupid? And that's what I say to the pension funds. Are you stupid? If you look at the return on investment . . there's so much money to be spent over the next 20 years," Bauer said.

- Financial Times

Iran has almost doubled the number of its annual winter military exercises in a show of strength following the election of Donald Trump in the US.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have announced 30 land, air and naval drills in six western provinces. These will continue until mid-March. The Guards and the conventional army are working together to counter 'new threats'.

"The number of exercises has almost doubled this year compared to last year in response to the evolving threat landscape. These exercises are significantly larger and more sophisticated, with new weapons and expanded participation of brigades in realistic operations," Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said.

The exercises began shortly before the inauguration of Trump this month, whose return has heightened concerns in Tehran's political circles.

NEW: North Korean 170mm M1989 Koksan artillery systems have reached the front lines, used by Russian Army.

Range: Up to 40 km with standard munitions.
Up to 60 km with rocket-assisted shells.

Firing Rate: Capable of firing 1-2 shells every five minutes.

Iran unveils loitering surface-to-air missile "358" during the “Great Prophet 19” drill.

This system combines air defense and drone technology.

Iran actively transfers these missiles to terror groups, including PKK/YPG/SDF.

Director General of the General Organisation for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, Engineer Khaled Abu Dey:

"Two electricity generation ships from Turkey and Qatar coming to Syria will generate 800 megawatts, which is equivalent to half of what is currently being generated in Syria, which will contribute to increasing the citizen's share of electricity by about 50%."

Source: SANA

Lukashenko:

Better a dictatorship like Belarus than a democracy like Ukraine.

Ukraine’s military is suffering unsustainable losses, with official estimates of 400,000 killed or wounded likely being conservative.

Desertion rates are rising, and equipment shortages hinder the deployment of fresh troops.

Source: WaPo

Ukrainian F-16 pilot shot down six Russian missiles in a single sortie, a historic first, according to Ukrainian Air Force.

Two missiles were downed using an aircraft cannon. The event occurred in December.

Ukraine notes F-16s received from partners lack advanced radar systems and long-range missiles.