Has the humanitarian crisis in Gaza been ignored?

On February 21, 2026, Israeli air strikes in the Jabalia camp and Qizan an-Najjar area of Gaza killed two Palestinians, marking a breach of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The attacks occurred during Ramadan, raising the death toll since the ceasefire to 614, with 1,640 wounded, according to Wafa. The Israeli military claimed one attack targeted a fighter who posed an immediate threat after crossing into Israel. These events followed the first meeting of President Trump's Board of Peace, where reconstruction efforts and security in Gaza were discussed. Nine countries pledged $7 billion for reconstruction, in addition to $10 billion from the US, though the estimated need is $70 billion. Five countries also pledged troops for an International Stabilization Force, but disarming Hamas remains a challenge.

Eleven Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday, according to Palestinian officials. The IDF stated the strikes targeted terror infrastructure in response to Hamas ceasefire violations, claiming militants were killed after emerging from a tunnel. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported strikes on a tent encampment in northern Gaza killed at least six, while another strike in the south killed five. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement that began on October 10th. These strikes occurred amidst ongoing preparations for the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, including the formation of a UN-mandated international force to secure Gaza's borders and oversee Hamas's disarmament. The conflict was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

On Sunday, Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 11 Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military stated the strikes were a response to ceasefire violations by Hamas. Strikes hit a tent encampment for displaced families, Khan Younis, and the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Hamas accused Israel of a "massacre" against displaced Palestinians, while an Israeli military official described the strikes as "precise" and in line with international law, citing repeated ceasefire violations by Hamas. Both sides have blamed each other for violating the October ceasefire agreement, which is a key part of President Trump's plan to end the Gaza war.

Under a plan overseen by the US President's "Board of Peace," Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged troops to an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Announced by ISF commander General Jasper Jeffers on February 20, 2026, the force aims to bring security to the region, where conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Indonesia will contribute up to 8,000 personnel, including the deputy commander, while Kazakhstan will send troops and medical units. Morocco will deploy police officers. Egypt and Jordan will participate by training police officers for the ISF. Indonesia has stated its participation aims to uphold international law in Gaza.

The UN Security Council moved its meeting on Gaza and the West Bank to Wednesday to avoid conflicting with President Trump's inaugural Board of Peace meeting on Thursday. Several foreign ministers are expected to attend the UN session in New York, which was requested by Arab and Islamic nations to address the fragile Gaza ceasefire and Israeli settlement expansion. Trump announced that his Board of Peace member states pledged over $5 billion for Gaza humanitarian aid and reconstruction, along with personnel for a stabilization force, contingent on Hamas demilitarization. Israel joined the Board of Peace on February 11 after initial concerns about the involvement of Qatar and Turkey.

At a Washington meeting of his "Board of Peace," US President Donald Trump declared the Gaza war "is over," despite analysts' warnings of potential renewed conflict. The meeting, attended by officials from over 20 countries, focused on Gaza's reconstruction, coupled with US warnings that disarmament is necessary to avoid further war. Israeli officials reinforced this message, setting a 60-day disarmament deadline for Hamas, stating that rebuilding is contingent on it. Trump expressed belief Hamas would disarm, but warned of harsh consequences otherwise, while also acknowledging their return of Israeli captives' bodies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that there is no alternative to Trump's plan and that failure to disarm would lead to renewed war.

A recent Israeli military assessment indicates Hamas is strengthening its control over Gaza by integrating loyalists into government and security positions. This development casts doubt on the viability of President Trump's peace plan, which hinges on Hamas relinquishing its weapons in exchange for Israeli withdrawal. Trump's "Board of Peace" is holding its first meeting to oversee Gaza's transitional governance. Hamas claims willingness to cede administrative control to a US-backed committee, but states Israel has prevented committee members from entering Gaza. Despite this, an Israeli official dismissed any future role for Hamas, claiming the group is finished as a governing authority in Gaza.

Despite grandiose peace plans, the reality in Gaza remains dire following the recent conflict. Although a fragile cease-fire was established in October 2025, Israeli strikes have killed approximately 600 people since. Displaced Palestinians continue to live in tents amidst 60 million tons of war debris. While President Trump is preparing for the inaugural gathering of his "Board of Peace" and member states have pledged over $5 billion for reconstruction, the UN estimates rebuilding costs to exceed $50 billion. Plans are underway for an International Stabilization Force, including a potential military base in southern Gaza, but analysts blame both Hamas and Israel for the struggles of the cease-fire plan.

Despite heavy losses during the recent conflict with Israel, Hamas is reportedly reasserting control in Gaza. Four months after the ceasefire, the organization is regaining authority over security, tax collection, and government services in over 90% of the areas where it is present. Gazans report the return of Hamas police and security agencies, controlling crime and managing civic duties like issuing IDs and overseeing healthcare. Hamas is also re-establishing control over the judiciary and courts. Market stallholders describe renewed enforcement of fees and taxes, adding to the economic strain in a region already devastated by war and grappling with shortages of basic necessities. This resurgence raises questions about Hamas's long-term strategy and willingness to disarm, as required by a proposed peace plan.