From the murder of many thousands of civilians in Gaza not even perceived to be human by some of their killers to a change in pace and pursuit of an illegal invasion of an unlawful nation state. As of late February 2026, the estimated number of Palestinians killed in the ongoing war has reached significant levels, with official and independent sources reporting varying figures based on direct and indirect causes.

Reported Death Toll (Gaza)

• Official Recorded Deaths: At least 73,188 Palestinians have been reported killed in the Gaza Strip since the conflict began on 7 October 2023.
• Total Reported Deaths (Including West Bank): Some sources indicate the total number of Palestinians killed across both Gaza and the West Bank exceeds 80,692.
• Indirect Deaths: Independent studies, including those published in The Lancet, suggest the total death toll could be significantly higher—possibly surpassing 186,000 to 335,500—when accounting for indirect causes such as starvation, disease, and the collapse of the healthcare system.
• Demographics: Women and children are estimated to make up approximately 70% of the total fatalities

The vast majority of the West see Israel as a beacon of democracy in the middle east with a right to exist sadly leading to inherent will and right to enter ongoing wars to fight for its survival against its enemies that it sees if it does not destroy will destroy her.

While the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a critical, ongoing situation, the new, high-intensity conflict with Iran—which has included strikes on Tehran and retaliation from Iranian forces—has created a “Tale of Two Wars,” where the latter dominates international headlines and diplomatic focus.

Here is a breakdown of the situation as of March 2026:

• Shifting Focus & “Forgotten” Fears: Palestinians in Gaza have expressed deep concern that their ongoing, dire situation is being overlooked as the world focuses on the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran.
• Impact on Humanitarian Aid: The outbreak of the Iran conflict has had direct, immediate consequences for Gaza. Israel blocked border crossings to Gaza following air strikes on Iran, causing fear of renewed famine and causing supply lines for humanitarian aid to be severely disrupted.
• Ongoing Catastrophe in Gaza: Despite the shift in attention, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports of continued, intense, and, in some cases, widening, military actions, following a two-year period of severe destruction.
• The “Two Wars” Context: The 2026 conflict is being characterized by the simultaneous, yet competing, catastrophes of a new war with Iran and the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the former often acting as a “shadow” that masks the ongoing devastation in the latter. 
• While international awareness of the situation in Gaza remains, the intensity and potential for a massive, regional war with Iran have altered the primary focus of international media and political leaders, creating a perception that Palestine is being forgotten.

The main justification for war with Iran is the fear that Iran will develop a nuclear bomb capacity if not stopped. This would be an existential threat to Israel, given Tehran’s frequent rhetoric calling for the destruction of the Israeli state. So although the war with Iran might be seen as one that must be fort, must it be thought unlawfully and does it excuse or explain Israel’s actions in Palestine.