Category:

Israel

Independent Research Reveals Over 75,000 Violent Deaths in Gaza, Highlighting Severe Human Cost and Healthcare Collapse

by Farwa February 19, 2026

written by Farwa

News Report by The Pak Global Pakistan

Recent independent studies published in leading medical journals have confirmed that the true human toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza far surpasses earlier official reports. The Gaza Mortality Survey (GMS), published in The Lancet Global Health, estimates over 75,000 violent deaths between October 7, 2023, and January 5, 2025. This figure is approximately 35% higher than the Gaza Ministry of Health’s (MoH) official count of around 49,000 deaths for the same period, confirming that MoH data likely represents a conservative minimum.

The survey, based on interviews with 2,000 households encompassing nearly 10,000 individuals, validates the MoH’s casualty figures despite challenges from the destruction of vital health infrastructure. The study also highlights that women, children, and the elderly account for over half of the deaths, underscoring the devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population.

Beyond violent deaths, the research identifies an additional 16,300 non-violent deaths caused by worsening living conditions and the collapse of medical services amid the blockade. This “excess mortality” reflects the broader humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza.

The healthcare system in Gaza is now overwhelmed, with only 12 of 36 hospitals functioning at a basic level and hospital beds reduced by two-thirds. A separate study projects over 116,000 injuries requiring urgent medical attention, with tens of thousands needing complex reconstructive surgery. However, Gaza’s limited surgical capacity, compounded by the destruction of medical facilities and shortages of specialized surgeons, means that many survivors face lifelong disabilities.

Researchers emphasize the “grey zone” of mortality where indirect deaths—such as those from infections or untreated injuries—blur the lines between combat casualties and the broader health impact of war. The ongoing conflict, forced evacuations, and famine conditions have only worsened this crisis.

The studies collectively call for urgent international action to halt hostilities and restore humanitarian aid, warning that without an immediate ceasefire, Gaza’s health and human losses will continue to escalate.

February 19, 2026 0 comment

Israel Palestine

Over 80 UN Member States Condemn Israel’s West Bank Expansion Plans

by Farwa February 18, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

More than 80 United Nations member states have strongly condemned Israel’s plan to expand its control over the occupied West Bank, labeling the move as an unlawful attempt to claim large areas of Palestinian land as Israeli “state property.”

Speaking on behalf of a coalition of 85 member states and several international organizations, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour denounced these unilateral Israeli actions. He emphasized that such measures violate international law, undermine peace efforts, and must be reversed immediately.

Mansour reiterated the coalition’s rejection of all attempts to alter the demographic and legal status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. He warned that these actions threaten regional stability and jeopardize the prospects for a peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The condemnation references the Comprehensive Plan, an agreement reached in November between Israel and Hamas, which calls for a cessation of Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank as part of efforts to end the war on Gaza.

Countries and organizations supporting the statement include Australia, Canada, China, France, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

February 18, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israel Approves Plan to Claim West Bank Lands, Sparking Regional Outcry

by Farwa February 16, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

The Israeli government has approved a controversial plan to designate large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” if Palestinians cannot prove land ownership, sparking widespread condemnation and accusations of “de facto annexation.”

The proposal, reported by Israel’s Kan broadcaster, was put forward by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Smotrich described the move as part of “the settlement revolution to control all our lands,” while Levin framed it as a commitment to “strengthening its grip on all its parts.”

The plan revives the “settlement of land title” process, frozen since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. Under the new procedure, Palestinians must provide extensive documentation to assert ownership—a task made nearly impossible by decades of displacement and bureaucratic obstacles—potentially dispossessing thousands of families.

The Palestinian presidency condemned the decision as “a grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law,” labeling it “de facto annexation.” It called on the international community, especially the United States and the United Nations Security Council, to intervene urgently to protect Palestinian rights.

This development comes amid ongoing regional tensions and has intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s settlement policies in the occupied territories.

February 16, 2026 0 comment

European Union Israel

Irish Supermarket Worker’s Protest Sparks Wider European Push to Boycott Israeli Goods

by Farwa February 16, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan:

In a quiet seaside town in County Down, Northern Ireland, a supermarket worker’s personal stance against selling Israeli goods amid the Gaza conflict has sparked international attention. Troubled by images of devastation and starvation in Gaza, he began informing customers that some produce came from Israel and eventually refused to scan or sell Israeli-grown fruits and vegetables. His refusal led to suspension by Tesco, which triggered protests outside the store in Newcastle.

After public backlash, Tesco reinstated him in January but reassigned him to a role where he no longer handles Israeli products. He has since become a symbol for workers aiming to translate moral outrage into workplace action, encouraging others to follow suit with union support.

This incident is part of a broader labor-led movement across Europe seeking to halt trade with Israel. Unions in Ireland, the UK, and Norway have passed motions supporting employees who refuse to handle Israeli goods. Retail cooperatives like Co-op UK and Italy’s Coop Alleanza 3.0 have also removed certain Israeli products in response to the conflict.

The movement draws historical inspiration from the 1984 Dunnes Stores boycott in Ireland, where workers refused to handle goods from apartheid South Africa, contributing to Ireland becoming the first Western European country to ban trade with South Africa. Activists like Damian Quinn of BDS Belfast believe similar tactics can pressure Israel to comply with international law and end human rights abuses in Palestine.

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, launched in 2005, advocates for economic, cultural, and academic boycotts of Israel until it ends its occupation of Palestinian territories. It calls for divestment by various institutions including banks, councils, universities, churches, pension funds, and governments.

These campaigns are influencing state-level policies: Slovenia banned imports from Israeli settlements in August 2025, Spain followed with a similar ban in early 2026, and student protests in the Netherlands in 2025 spurred parliamentary calls for restrictions on settlement products.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill, aiming to ban trade from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, remains stalled despite unanimous parliamentary support. Pro-Palestine MP Paul Murphy attributes the delay to indirect pressure from Israel via the US and accuses the government of postponing action while awaiting legal advice.

As individual acts of conscience combine with wider political efforts, European labor and civil society movements are testing their power to influence government policy on trade with Israel and push for accountability in the ongoing conflict.

February 16, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israel Resumes West Bank Land Registration, Rights Groups Warn of ‘De Facto Annexation’

by Farwa February 16, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global Pakistan:

The recent decision by Israel to restart land registration procedures in the occupied West Bank, halted since 1967, has drawn strong criticism from Israeli and Palestinian rights organizations. They warn this move could accelerate Palestinian dispossession and displacement, violating international law.

The Israeli cabinet approved resuming the land settlement process following proposals from key ministers, aiming to clarify land ownership. However, human rights groups like Bimkom argue this legal mechanism risks institutionalizing the takeover of Palestinian land, as many Palestinians may lack the documentation needed to prove ownership due to decades of freezes, lost records, and stringent legal standards.

Only about 30% of West Bank land was formally registered under Jordanian rule before 1967, leaving nearly 70% unregistered and legally ambiguous. This gap potentially allows Israeli authorities to classify unregistered land as state property. The evidentiary demands under Israeli law are very high, making it difficult for Palestinians—even those with historical claims—to prove ownership.

The anti-settlement group Peace Now views this move as de facto annexation, warning that land lacking Palestinian documentation could be registered automatically under Israeli state control.

Last month, Israel’s top court dismissed a petition by several human rights groups seeking to halt the process, ruling the challenge premature as policy details are not finalized.

A similar process in East Jerusalem since 2018 resulted in only about 1% of registered land recorded under Palestinian ownership, with most going to Israeli state or private Israeli entities.

This issue also ties into international law, as the International Court of Justice in 2024 declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and called for an end to land expropriation and settlement expansion.

Critics see the renewed land registration as part of a broader strategy by Israel to consolidate control and restrict Palestinian development, while supporters claim it aims to improve governance by clarifying ownership.

The coming months will reveal whether this policy serves as administrative clarification or marks a significant shift affecting the West Bank’s future. If you want, I can help summarize or analyze specific aspects further.

February 16, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israeli Strikes Kill Nine in Gaza Amid US-Brokered Ceasefire Violations

by Farwa February 15, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global Pakistan:

On Sunday, at least nine Palestinians were killed in new Israeli attacks across Gaza, marking another violation of the US-brokered ceasefire established in October, according to medical sources. In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis area, five Palestinians died when Israeli forces reportedly struck beyond the “yellow line” boundary where Israeli troops are stationed. Four others were killed in northern Gaza’s al-Faluja region when a tent housing displaced persons was hit.

The Israeli military said it targeted a building in northern Gaza after armed fighters allegedly entered it, killing at least two. Another person was reportedly killed after crossing the yellow line, though no evidence was provided to support this claim.

Israeli forces also conducted strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah weapons warehouses despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah. No immediate response was reported from Lebanese authorities.

Since the US-mediated truce began on October 10, Israel has reportedly violated the ceasefire over 1,500 times, resulting in at least 591 Palestinian deaths and 1,590 injuries. Gaza’s two million residents, including 1.5 million displaced persons, face severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter materials, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The UN estimates that the ongoing Israeli campaign, which started on October 8, 2023, has killed over 72,000 Palestinians, wounded more than 171,000, and destroyed 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure, with reconstruction costs exceeding $70 billion.

In Lebanon, Israeli air and ground strikes have caused at least 108 civilian casualties and the abduction of 11 civilians over the past year, according to UN reports.

Despite international calls for compliance, Israel’s near-daily attacks continue to destabilize Gaza and southern Lebanon, raising concerns about the fragility of the US-brokered ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.

February 15, 2026 0 comment

Israel Palestine

Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza Despite Ceasefire Progress, Hospitals Say

by Farwa February 1, 2026

written by Farwa

The Pak Global Pakistan News | Gaza

GAZA — At least 30 Palestinians were killed on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to local hospitals, marking one of the deadliest days since an October ceasefire intended to halt large-scale fighting.

Medical officials said the strikes hit multiple locations, including a residential apartment building in Gaza City and a tent camp sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis. Among the dead were two women and six children from two separate families.

Shifa Hospital director Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya said an Israeli airstrike also targeted a police station in Gaza City, killing at least 14 people and wounding several others. The casualties included police officers — among them four women — as well as civilians and detainees being held at the facility.

The escalation came just one day after Israel accused Hamas of new ceasefire violations. The Israeli military said its attacks were in response to alleged breaches of the agreement, including an incident in Rafah a day earlier in which at least four people were killed near a tunnel in an Israeli-controlled area.

Saturday’s strikes occurred on the eve of the anticipated reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, Gaza’s southern gateway and a crucial lifeline for residents seeking medical treatment abroad. The crossing has been closed for most of the war, severely limiting humanitarian movement.

Palestinians view the partial reopening of Rafah as a critical step under the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, which aims to ease border restrictions, address Gaza’s security future, and lay groundwork for reconstruction after nearly two decades of Hamas governance.

However, the latest violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire. Nasser Hospital reported that an airstrike on the Khan Younis tent camp sparked a fire, killing seven people, including a father, his three children, and three grandchildren.

Shifa Hospital said another strike on a Gaza City apartment building killed three children, their aunt, and grandmother, while a separate attack killed a man in eastern Jabaliya refugee camp.

Hamas condemned the strikes as a “renewed and flagrant violation” of the ceasefire and urged the United States and other mediators to pressure Israel to halt further attacks.

“All available indicators suggest that we are dealing with a ‘Board of War,’ not a ‘Board of Peace,’” said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, questioning the credibility of the proposed international body meant to govern Gaza during reconstruction.

Israel’s military said it has continued to strike targets on both sides of the ceasefire’s dividing line, insisting its operations are defensive responses to violations by Hamas.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 520 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began on October 10. While the ministry operates under the Hamas-led administration, its casualty data is widely regarded as credible by the United Nations and independent experts.

Saturday’s death toll was several times higher than the daily average recorded since the ceasefire took effect, raising fresh concerns about the agreement’s durability as diplomatic efforts continue.

February 1, 2026 0 comment

Israel

Israel Objects to US-Announced Gaza Executive Board, Says Decision Not Coordinated

by Farwa January 18, 2026

written by Farwa

TEL AVIV (The Pak Global Pakistan News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that the Trump administration’s recent announcement regarding the formation of a Gaza executive board was made without coordination with Israel and contradicts official Israeli government policy.

According to a statement released on Saturday, Israel expressed concern over the composition of the newly announced board. The Prime Minister’s Office said Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is expected to formally raise the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While the statement did not clarify which specific appointments conflict with Israeli policy, an Israeli government spokesperson declined to provide further details.

The executive board, unveiled by the White House on Friday, includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan among its members. Israel has consistently opposed any role for Turkey in Gaza, citing long-standing political and security concerns.

Other members of the board include Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, an Israeli-Cypriot billionaire, and a minister from the United Arab Emirates. The UAE normalized diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.

Meanwhile, Washington also announced the launch of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, first revealed in September. The plan envisions the establishment of a transitional, technocratic Palestinian administration to govern Gaza during a post-war phase.

In addition, the United States named the initial members of the so-called “Board of Peace,” which will oversee Gaza’s interim governance. The board is to be chaired by President Trump and includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, billionaire real estate developer Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The developments have highlighted growing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over the future political and administrative structure of Gaza following the ongoing conflict.

January 18, 2026 0 comment