Overview
- The Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics reports a 10.6% population decline in Gaza over two years, about 254,000 people, linked to killings, displacement and widespread destruction.
- Gaza’s Health Ministry counts 71,271 dead and 171,233 wounded since October 7, 2023, including 416 killed and 1,153 injured since the October 10 cease-fire took effect.
- Israel has suspended or revoked permissions for 37 international aid groups operating in Gaza and the West Bank, with foreign staff ordered to leave by March 1; the move drew sharp criticism from the UN, European officials and NGOs including Médecins du Monde.
- UNICEF confirmed the drowning of 7-year-old Ata Mai after floods swamped a displacement camp, as winter conditions also bring hypothermia deaths and reported leptospirosis cases in the enclave.
- Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, reaffirmed plans to pursue the disarmament of Hamas in 2026, and local outlets reported fresh Israeli fire in Gaza despite the cease-fire.