DUBAI: War-weary Gaza enters 2026 amid cold weather, flooded tents and bombed-out homes. Israel’s offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands and damaged or destroyed 80 percent of the enclave’s buildings. With shelters inadequate and supplies scarce, Palestinians’ suffering deepens as winter sets in.
But global attention is now gripped by crises elsewhere, including the US capture of Venezuela’s president, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland statehood, and conflict in southern Yemen. Against that backdrop, Israel’s continued violations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have largely receded from view.
As the new year begins, Palestinians across the occupied territories face deep uncertainty over what 2026 may bring.
The US administration has signaled it will soon announce the next phase of its Gaza plan, which would include further Israeli withdrawals, an international stabilization force, and a new governing structure for Gaza with broad international participation.
Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip March 19, 2025. (Reuters/File)
