Major Global and Economic Events in the Last 24 Hours

Written by: Adel Khelifi on February 19, 2026

War in Ukraine

New talks are taking place in Geneva as part of a mediation involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States, as the war enters its fourth year. Reuters reports the start of discussions described as a “new round” of negotiations, against a backdrop of political pressures and high expectations on markets and chancelleries. According to Agence France-Presse, the exchanges were “very tense” and stretched over several hours, a sign that the diplomatic trajectory remains fragile despite the resumption of dialogue.

Meanwhile, the air offensive continued. An overnight attack attributed to Moscow targeted Ukraine’s energy network with a very high volume of drones and missiles: about 400 drones and 29 missiles, hitting 12 regions according to authorities cited. The immediate toll stood at least three dead, while tens of thousands of residents were left without electricity.

Strait of Hormuz, Iran–United States talks and oil-market nerves

Another burning issue: nuclear talks between Iran and Washington continue, with mixed signals. According to Reuters, Tehran speaks of progress toward “guiding principles” while remaining in a framework of “indirect talks,” and regional tensions were heightened by a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz during military exercises.
Associated Press confirms new discussions and Iran’s role as a mediator, as the diplomatic sequence unfolds under close international scrutiny.

Gaza: fragile ceasefire and “Peace Council” funded at over 5 billion dollars

On the Israeli-Palestinian file — in the terminology of Tunisia Numérique — the resistance movement Hamas facing the occupying force Israel, in a conflict described as “genocide” by some actors and media — the news focus is on the post-war period and stabilization. Reuters reports that a “Peace Council” has recorded pledges exceeding five billion dollars, coming from more than twenty countries. At the same time, the human toll continues to rise: 590 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire went into effect, while four Israeli soldiers have also died in this period.

West Bank: administrative acceleration, diplomatic condemnations

In the West Bank, a government decision on land registry and administrative procedures sparks strong controversy, with some viewing it as another step toward de facto annexation. Reuters reports a cabinet vote and a highly polarized internal political debate. In the wake of this, Al Jazeera (with AFP) notes that more than 80 United Nations member states have denounced a “de facto” annexation dynamic in the West Bank.

United States: a political standoff turning into partial paralysis

On the domestic front, AP reports a partial shutdown linked to funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), amid a major disagreement between the administration and Democrats in Congress over the supervision of migratory policies and federal forces. The situation, at this stage, shows no obvious compromise.

Global economy: cautious markets, volatile oil, strong Asian signals

Markets: modest gains in Asia, dollar firm

Asian markets broadly rose, but not with euphoria, as investors await geopolitical clarifications and new macro signals. Reuters notes +1.4% in Tokyo (Nikkei) and +0.5% in Australia, while the dollar index stays around 97.15 and the euro declines slightly. On Wall Street, AP notes a session that looked calm on the surface but was marked by sharp swings: the S&P 500 +0.1%, as well as the Dow Jones and Nasdaq (+0.1%).

Oil and metals: prices tethered to Middle East tensions

Nervousness remains visible on crude: Reuters puts Brent at around $73.75 and WTI near $70.49, with movements driven by the Hormuz sequence and negotiations. The same tone for safe-haven assets: gold rises (around $3,052 per ounce) and silver gains more than 2%, signaling a market hedging against geopolitical risks.

Notable rebound in Japanese exports

Another closely watched indicator: Japan shows a jump in exports of +16.8%, a sign of dynamic trade that contrasts with the surrounding geopolitical uncertainty.




Adel Khelifi

Adel Khelifi

My name is Adel Khelifi, and I’m a journalist based in Tunis with a passion for telling local stories to a global audience. I cover current affairs, culture, and social issues with a focus on clarity and context. I believe journalism should connect people, not just inform them.