Egypt pledges to train Palestinian police to maintain Gaza security, backs the Board of Peace and NCAG’s transitional role, while humanitarian and security crises persist amid ongoing violations and aftermath of the two-year Israeli offensive.

Trump administration proposes a 350-acre base in Gaza for 5,000 personnel to support a multinational stabilisation force amid post-war reconstruction efforts.

UN warns that intensified attacks, forced displacement, and destruction in Gaza and West Bank raise serious ethnic cleansing concerns amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

Doctors Without Borders says Israeli restrictions on staff and supplies risk halting Gaza services, leaving a critical gap in healthcare for residents.

A new Lancet study shows Gaza’s violent death toll at 75,200 by Jan 2025, 35% higher than official figures, with over half women, children, and elderly victims.

Nine nations pledge $7bn to Gaza relief via Trump’s Board of Peace; ISF and Palestinian police recruitment underway amid reconstruction and security plans.

NCAG invites qualified Palestinians to join a new police force in Gaza, aiming to strengthen public security, rule of law, and community trust.GAZA, February 20, 2026 — The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) announced Thursday that it has opened applications to establish a new Palestinian police force in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports. In a statement on its website, the committee called on “qualified and committed individuals” to serve the community and reinforce public security. Applicants are expected to demonstrate high professional competence, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining order, supporting the rule of law, and protecting society with discipline and national responsibility. The NCAG described joining the force as “a national duty and an active contribution to rebuilding trust and security within Gaza’s society,” emphasizing that members will uphold accountability, transparency, and respect for the law, operating under clear codes of conduct and continuous oversight. The committee is a nonpolitical body formed under a Gaza plan proposed by Donald Trump and is tasked with managing civil service affairs in the enclave. It is led by Ali Shaath and comprises 11 Palestinian figures. The NCAG began operations from Cairo in mid-January but has yet to start work inside Gaza, where about 2.4 million Palestinians face severe humanitarian conditions. Entry of committee members into Gaza requires coordination through Israeli-controlled crossings. Despite Hamas completing logistical preparations for the handover of civil governance duties, the NCAG has not yet entered the enclave, and neither the committee nor Israel has provided an official explanation for the delay.

Trump says Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, urges Tehran to reach a deal, and warns the US may escalate if talks fail amid Middle East tensions.

Four young men were killed in separate shootings, including one shot by police, raising the yearly death toll to 52, officials said.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted areas in Gaza City, Khan Younis and Rafah on the second day of Ramadan, witnesses said.

Israeli operations in the West Bank intensified during Ramadan, with dozens detained. Poland warned citizens to leave Iran amid fears of imminent military escalation. Iraq faces political pressure as Washington signals possible sanctions tied to government formation.

Hebrew media say Netanyahu postponed a security cabinet meeting as Israeli assessments point to a possible US strike on Iran within days.

An Israeli outlet says rivalry between Egypt and Israel over Somalia and Somaliland recognition could raise risks of indirect or direct confrontation.

Gaza officials say only 1,148 Palestinians crossed Rafah since Feb. 2, far below the expected 3,400, citing limited compliance with ceasefire arrangements.

The European Legal Support Centre launches Britain’s first database of anti-Palestinian repression, documenting 964 incidents in institutions since 2019.

Trump warns the UK against ceding Diego Garcia, citing potential US use of the island and Fairford airfield if Iran refuses a deal.

Israel readies for a potential strike on Iran’s ballistic missiles as US policy signals and security assessments raise tensions in the region.

Vatican says it will not join Trump’s Gaza Peace Council, insisting crises should be managed through the United Nations framework.

UNDP says clearing Gaza’s rubble may take 7 years as 90% live in dangerous conditions, calling for greater access to speed housing and recovery efforts.

Gaza tensions escalate with Hamas urging action on ceasefire violations; Israel faces internal legal disputes over settlement expansion, smuggling, and policing; regional actors like Turkiye criticize Israeli policy and mediate humanitarian and security issues.

More than 80 actors and directors, including Arundhati Roy, urge the Berlin Film Festival to denounce Israeli actions and mass killings in Gaza.

Israel will restrict Al-Aqsa Mosque access to 10,000 West Bank Palestinians per Friday prayer in Ramadan, requiring prior permits amid heightened security measures.

Egypt stresses Nile Basin cooperation, opposes unilateral moves, and seeks technical collaboration with Kenya, reaffirming water security priorities.

More than 80 UN member states condemn Israel’s unilateral West Bank measures, citing violations of international law and threats to regional peace.

The British Museum rejects claims it removed “Palestine” from displays, saying updates reflect historical context, not pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel.

US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva made progress on guiding principles, with technical issues to be addressed; next round expected in two weeks.

A video shows an extremist Israeli settler burning the Quran in Jerusalem days before Ramadan, drawing condemnation and no immediate Israeli response.

Israeli Defence Minister Katz vows no withdrawal from Gaza’s Yellow Line until Hamas is disarmed, while Israel plans $95bn defense boost under “Shield of Israel.”

Turkey rejects media claims on Abdullah Ocalan’s potential release, stressing legal provisions apply broadly and no decision targets the PKK founder.

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urges ending Oslo Accords, dissolving Palestinian Authority, imposing West Bank sovereignty, and Gaza occupation.