Palestine

Politics

Domestically, a new Palestinian Authority-linked committee prepared to enter Gaza to assume administrative control, an effort Hamas officials rejected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for direct elections for the Palestine Liberation Organization's parliament in November. Internationally, the Israeli cabinet's approval of a new process for registering land in the West Bank drew condemnation from over 80 countries and major powers. The U.S. embassy began offering consular services at temporary locations in two Israeli settlements, a first in the occupied territory.

Security

In Gaza, medical aid group Doctors Without Borders suspended most work at Nasser hospital, citing the presence of armed men and suspected weapons transfers. Israeli airstrikes continued, with Palestinian health authorities reporting multiple deaths. Hamas leaders publicly stated they would not give up weapons or accept foreign rule. In the West Bank, a mosque was set on fire in an attack blamed on Jewish settlers, part of a wider wave of violence. Israeli forces detained over 100 Palestinians since Ramadan began.

Humanitarian

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remained catastrophic during Ramadan, with heavy rains flooding displacement camps, severe water shortages, and extremely high food prices. The partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing allowed some injured people to leave and a limited number of displaced Palestinians to return. In the West Bank, reports described a difficult situation, with nearly 700 Palestinians forcibly displaced from their homes in January. Israel ordered Doctors Without Borders to cease its operations in Gaza by the end of February.

Information

The Israeli military released drone footage it says shows Hamas gunmen transporting weapons in an ambulance, accusing Hamas of using civilian infrastructure in violation of a ceasefire. Israel reopened a key border crossing into Gaza but maintained a ban on foreign journalists entering the territory. A UK High Court ruled the British government's decision to label the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful. Reports emerged detailing the October 7 Hamas attack, claiming Hamas used emojis and SIM card swaps as secret signals.

Economy

Reports from Gaza indicated a sharp rise in the cost of everyday goods. Donald Trump announced that members of a new 'Board of Peace' have pledged billions of dollars for Gaza's reconstruction, with reported figures ranging between $5 billion and $17 billion. The United States planned a meeting to discuss fundraising for Gaza's reconstruction, though some reports indicated donor reluctance. Israeli authorities charged 12 people with operating a smuggling ring that moved millions of dollars worth of goods into Gaza.

Energy

There were no significant developments reported in the energy track for this period.