First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (SYRIA and UKRAINE entries for this date, so far, are HERE and HERE, or scroll down. GAZA 2-21-25 entry is HERE, or scroll down.) — MCM

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Hamas frees the sixth and final hostage in the latest exchange, by Wafaa Shurafa, Mohammed and Jahjouh and Melanie Lidman | AP  TEL AVIV — The Israeli military says the sixth and final hostage has been released by Hamas in the latest exchange today and has arrived back in Israel. READ MORE . . .

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Hamas frees five hostages in Gaza after body of Shiri Bibas returned. From Reuters. Hamas freed five hostages and was set to release one more from Gaza today in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, after Israel confirmed that a body handed over hours earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas. READ MORE . . .

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Arab leaders meet in Saudi Arabia to hash out Gaza plan to counter Trump. From AFP. RIYADH — Arab leaders met in Riyadh on Friday to craft a plan for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take over the territory without its Palestinian inhabitants. READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED