Overview
- Across Gaza and Ukraine, the year closed with multiple settlement proposals but no credible route to a durable peace.
- In Ukraine, the Trump administration floated a new plan discussed with Kyiv and European partners that reporting suggests Moscow is unlikely to accept.
- In Gaza, President Trump imposed an October 2025 ceasefire after an Israeli raid and pressure involving Qatar, enabling hostage returns, prisoner releases and increased aid.
- The plan’s second phase remains blocked by the lack of required Palestinian political participation to disarm Hamas, as Gaza’s death toll is reported above 70,000 since October 2023.
- Israel’s governing coalition approved 19 new West Bank settlements and Defense Minister Israel Katz described a de facto annexation, while foreign press warns 2026 could bring further Israel–Iran confrontation and renewed conflict in Yemen.