The Evening: A hostage rescue in Gaza

Also, Trump asked the Supreme Court to intervene over his claim of immunity.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story February 12, 2024 By Matthew Cullen Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Monday. An Israeli raid in Rafah A vote on Ukraine aid Plus, great Super Bowl moments A photo released by the Israeli military shows a freed hostage, Fernando Simon Marman, being reunited with his family in Israel today. Israeli military, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images An Israeli raid rescued two hostages and killed dozens A raid by Israeli special forces in the southern Gazan city of Rafah this morning secured the freedom of two hostages of Hamas, the military said, the second known rescue of its kind in Gaza since the start of the war. To provide cover, Israel's military said it had launched a wave of attacks, which Gaza's health ministry said resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians. The two men who were rescued are dual citizens of Israel and Argentina. Here's the latest. The operations were met with elation in Israel, where hostage recovery is a top priority, and fear in Gaza. More than a million Palestinians have crowded into Rafah, many of whom have fled their homes during the war. Some Palestinians worry that the raid was just the beginning of extended Israeli operations in the city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that Israeli ground forces will eventually enter Rafah with the goal of eliminating Hamas battalions there, despite U.S. warnings that an attack on the city would be disastrous. Democrats argued that a vote against the foreign aid bill would only help Russia. Tyler Hicks/The New York Times The Senate is poised to advance Ukraine aid Eighteen Senate Republicans are expected to buck their party tonight and join Democrats in advancing a $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes assistance for Ukraine and Israel. The legislation would direct around $60 billion toward helping Ukraine fight off Russia's invasion, around $14 billion toward Israel's war against Hamas, and almost $10 billion toward humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Palestinians in Gaza. The package is opposed by the majority of Republican senators and Republican leaders in the House and, perhaps most notably, Donald Trump. The support from the Republicans, mainly national security hawks, would put the package on track to pass the Senate within days. The legislation's fate in the House remains uncertain. President-elect Alexander Stubb addressed the press in Helsinki, today. Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images Finland's new president faces an unlikely first test: Trump Finland, NATO's newest member state, elected Alexander Stubb as president yesterday, elevating a pro-U.S. candidate who had pushed for a stronger trans-Atlantic partnership. However, Stubb will enter office at a time when U.S. politics have thrown the future of the NATO alliance into doubt. Trump, the likely Republican nominee, said this weekend that, if re-elected, he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" against NATO allies that do not contribute sufficiently to collective defense. Many top Republicans defended the former president. His comments are a harsh reminder to many European nations that banking on Washington in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is no longer as sure a bet as it seemed. Supporters of Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, protested on Saturday in Karachi. Fareed Khan/Associated Press An election upset in Pakistan In a shocking result this weekend, the party of Pakistan's imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, won the most seats in Pakistan's parliamentary elections, despite the military's efforts to suppress support. The result humiliated the country's powerful generals, upended most political forecasts and created a political crisis. Now both Khan's party and his rivals are jockeying to win enough support to lead the government. More top news Trump: The former president filed a last-ditch effort in the Supreme Court to press his claim of total immunity from criminal prosecution. Politics: Trump is considering backing his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. Weather: A nor'easter starting tonight is expected to bring New York its heaviest snow in more than two years. See how much snow to expect where you live. Shooting: The person who opened fire at a Houston megachurch yesterday was carrying an AR-15 and had a yellow rope that "appeared to be a detonation cord." C.I.A.: Congress is investigating how U.S. spy agencies examined cases of Havana syndrome. Georgia: A hearing on the romantic relationship between the two prosecutors leading a case against Trump will take place this week, a judge said. Defense Secretary: Lloyd Austin canceled a trip to Europe this week after he was hospitalized for complications stemming from prostate cancer surgery. Art: The Museum of Modern Art quietly returned a painting with a Nazi taint. TIME TO UNWIND Usher performed at yesterday's Super Bowl halftime show. Bridget Bennett for The New York Times The spectacle of the Super Bowl A thrilling overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers last night cemented the Kansas City Chiefs as one of the N.F.L.'s true dynasties. But as is usually the case, the event transcended the world of sports. The day featured a raucous halftime performance, the announcement of a new Beyoncé album and plenty of fashion. The commercials were often weird, including talking babies and human couch potatoes. Our critic ranked them from best to worst. As expected, Taylor Swift was the night's biggest off-the-field star. Millie von Platen Should you cook on a first date? Dinner on the first date is a traditional move. But a dinner date at home? Not so much. Still, some singles believe that cooking on a first date can be a good way to avoid the awkwardness of feeling trapped at a restaurant, or getting stuck with a hefty bill. We talked to couples who tried out the unconventional dating move to hear how the gesture was decided on — and received. Tiffany Langlinais, left, offers king cakes in flavors ranging from cream cheese to crawfish. Emily Kask for The New York Times Dinner table topics Mardi Gras king cake: A tire shop parking lot outside New Orleans has become a popular destination for those craving the beloved treat. A clean-energy conundrum: The planet needs solar power. Can we build it without harming nature? Fashion advice: How can I update my millennial style? Not a romantic? There's a Valentine's Day market for you, too. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT WHAT TO DO TONIGHT David Malosh for The New York Times Cook: The secret to perfect chocolate-covered strawberries is tempering the chocolate. Read: Here are nine books we recommend this week. Watch: "NCIS" is back tonight for its 21st season. Here's what else is on TV this week. Listen: Our music critic picked out nine standout songs by members of the Grammy-winning trio boygenius. Move: New research suggests that exercise is an important part of preventing prostate cancer. Protect: Here's a guide to keeping your teeth strong. Compete: Take this week's Flashback history quiz. Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all our games here. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT ONE LAST THING A miniature sewing machine from Queen Mary's Dolls' House. via RCT Press Office A tiny view inside a royal palace An exhibit at Windsor Castle, the British royal family's opulent residence, offers visitors an intimate view of what royal life looked like a century ago. It includes up-close views of the grand dining room, landscaped gardens and a replica of the Imperial State Crown — but at one-twelfth the scale. The exhibit is celebrating the centenary of a doll house that was given to Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1924. Mary was 57 at the time, and the house was never intended to be played with by children. Instead, it was designed to depict the best of British craftsmanship as a gift for a royal who loved all things miniature. Have a charming evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com. Continue reading the main story Writer: Matthew Cullen Editorial Director: Adam Pasick Editors: Carole Landry, Whet Moser, Justin Porter, Jonathan Wolfe Photo Editor: Brent Lewis Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Evening from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Evening, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018