BTC Daily Intelligence Bulletin (DIB)

Block: 830,138

DTG/ICOD: 0800EST 12Feb24

Precedence: Routine (RR)

Controls: Public Release

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BLUF: Israel Rescues 2 Hostages, Find Servers Under UNRWA / US SECDEF in Hospital, Transfers Power / BTC is Worlds 10th Largest Asset Now / Satoshi Trending on X

Market Data: Price: 1 BTC= $48,031 USD, 23.68 oz Gold, .11 Median US House

24hr Hi: $48,798 / Lo: $47,745

Vol: $20B (Up 6%)

Mkt Cap: $949B (Up .6%)

HashRate: 713 EH/s

Avg Fees: 14,283 sats/tx (Down 8%)

Nodes: 17,814

---Reports---

-International Events-

1. Israel Rescues Two Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza: Raid and airstrikes, which health authorities in Gaza say killed 37 people, come as Israel prepares for larger operation in Rafah. Israel rescued two hostages held in Gaza in an overnight raid, as the military prepares for a larger operation to enter what it says is the last bastion for Hamas, where more than one million Palestinians are sheltering. (WSJ)

2. Tunnel complex with rows of computer servers discovered under UN aid agency HQ in Gaza, reports say: In a post on X the IDF said its soldiers had found the entrance to a tunnel near a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It claims that this was connected to a tunnel underneath the agency's main HQ in Gaza City, where its forces came across "electrical infrastructure" with rows of computer servers that it said were using power from the UNRWA's building. (BizInsider)

-US Events-

1. Defense Secretary Austin hospitalized with bladder issue, transfers powers to his deputy: At about 2:20 p.m. Sunday, he was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center “to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue,” Pentagon staffers said. While Austin initially intended to retain the “functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized. (AP)

2. Shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Texas during Sunday services: A woman’s motive for opening fire in Joel Osteen’s megachurch was unclear Monday, a day after the shooting sent worshippers rushing for safety in between busy services. Police say two off-duty officers working security at Lakewood Church, one of the largest megachurches in the U.S., shot and killed the suspect. Two other people were also shot and wounded, including a 5-year-old boy who entered the church with the shooter and was taken to a hospital in critical condition. (AP)

3. Biden Sports 'Laser Eyes' Following Super Bowl, Fans Connect It To Bitcoin: Biden posted a photo on his personal accout on X adorned with a laser eye with the caption, "Just like we drew it up." Although the laser-eye profile image seems to be an extension of the “Dark Brandon” meme—a representation of Biden's online persona celebrated by his supporters—it’s interpreted by many in the cryptocurrency space as a nod to Bitcoin. (Bezinga)

-Regulatory and Legal-

NSTR

-Institutional Concerns-

1. Bitcoin Soars To 10th Largest Asset Globally, Leaving Berkshire Hathaway And JPMorgan Behind: Bitcoin has secured its position as the 10th largest asset in the world, surpassing stalwarts such as Berkshire Hathaway, Tesla, and JPMorgan. (Bitcoinist)

-Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)-

1. Philippines may introduce non-blockchain CBDC in the next two years: The Central Bank Governor explained the details behind the BSP’s plan to develop a CBDC. The central bank will not use blockchain technology in the project, according to its head: Instead, the CBDC will operate on a payment and settlement system owned by the central bank. The BSP will focus on a wholesale CBDC, which will be mediated by banks. (CoinTelegraph)

-Economic Indicators-

NSTR

-Technological Updates-'

1. From Missouri to Texas: Southern US Becomes Bitcoin Mining Hotspot: Missouri's new bill aims to equalize power rates and location access for Bitcoin miners to foster industry growth. State Rep. Christofanelli proposes protections for Bitcoin mining against restrictive local noise ordinances. CleanSpark expands with new Bitcoin mining sites in Mississippi while Riot makes progress on new $333M Texas facility. (BeInCrypto)

-Security Incidents and Concerns-

1. UN Investigating Crypto Attacks by North Korea Hacking Groups Totalling $3B: This investigation, overseen by an independent UN sanction committee, delves into 58 cyberattacks targeting crypto-related companies between 2017 and 2023. The stolen funds, estimated at $3 billion, reportedly play a crucial role in financing North Korea's WMD development, raising international concerns about their nuclear and missile programs. (Yahoo)

-Bitcoin Community-

1. Here’s Why Satoshi is Trending Today: At yesterday’s Super Bowl, the Founder and former CEO of X, Jack Dorsey, was spotted wearing a Satoshi t-shirt. He also wore the same t-shirt in the last year’s game on 12 Feb 2023. (CoinGape/X)

-Bitcoin Sentiment-

1. Fear(0)/Greed(100) Index: 70/100 (Down 2 pts)

Analyst Comments (AC): NSTR