Image: from Nucleus Prime X @nucleusprime
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
Middle East
Reactions to Israeli plan to register West Bank land as “state property.”
International reactions continue after the Israeli government approved a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” for the first time since 1967. The move introduces a formalized system of land registration, sale permits, and fee collection in areas under Israeli control, while barring the Palestinian Authority from administering such processes. European governments and regional actors are expected to respond amid concerns over legal and political implications.
European response to Israeli Cabinet measures
European capitals are also weighing in on recent decisions by Israel’s Security Cabinet aimed at reshaping legal and civil frameworks in the West Bank, including steps critics say could further entrench annexation. Diplomatic statements are anticipated throughout the day.
German president continues Lebanon visit
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is on the second day of a three-day visit to Lebanon. He is scheduled to meet President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Talks are focused on supporting Lebanon’s political stability and economic recovery amid ongoing regional tensions.
Jordanian king visits the United Kingdom
King Abdullah II continues his visit to the United Kingdom, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Discussions are set to cover regional security and bilateral cooperation. The monarch will also preside over a new round of the Aqaba Meetings, an international initiative launched to strengthen coordination against terrorism and extremism.
United States and Europe
US Secretary of State visits Hungary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Budapest as part of a broader European tour that has included Germany and Slovakia. His visit follows remarks by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urging President Donald Trump to visit Hungary ahead of April elections, underscoring shifting transatlantic dynamics.
Trump returns to Washington
President Trump is scheduled to return to Washington, DC, after spending the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He is expected to address reporters during his return.
Russia and Ukraine
New US-mediated peace talks in Geneva
Russia and Ukraine are preparing for a new round of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on February 17 and 18. While fighting continues along the front lines, both Moscow and Kyiv are expected to issue statements ahead of the negotiations, which follow earlier rounds aimed at exploring a framework for de-escalation.
Africa
DR Congo ceasefire implementation
The Congolese government and AFC M23 rebels are preparing to implement an Angola-brokered ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Undersecretary General for Peace Operations, confirmed that MONUSCO forces will deploy to Uvira in South Kivu province to monitor compliance.
Asia
Pakistan PM continues Austria visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues his official trip to Austria, where he is participating in engagements, including the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum, aimed at expanding trade and investment ties.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party moves to form government
Following its electoral victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has begun efforts to form a new government. Party Chairman Tarique Rahman is widely expected to emerge as the prime ministerial candidate after the first elections since the Awami League’s 15-year rule ended in 2024.
India AI Summit in New Delhi
New Delhi is hosting the India AI Summit, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, and researchers to discuss how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to advance economic development and societal well-being.
Americas
Cuba’s humanitarian and energy crisis deepens
Cuba continues to face a severe humanitarian and energy crunch amid the ongoing US oil embargo and heightened geopolitical pressure following last month’s American military operation in Venezuela. Power shortages and supply constraints are exacerbating public hardship.
Economy
Eurozone industrial production data due
Eurostat is set to release December industrial production data for the eurozone. In November, output rose 0.7 percent month on month, with markets closely watching for signs of sustained recovery or renewed contraction in Europe’s industrial base.