The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported that 90 percent of school buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or completely destroyed during two years of Israeli military aggression. The agency shared this information on Thursday through a post on social media platform X, noting that the few remaining intact schools have been converted into shelters. Children in Gaza are now entirely dependent on temporary classrooms or digital platforms for their education.

UNRWA stated that it is working to support the education of children affected by the ongoing devastation in Gaza. The report comes amid continuing conflict that began after Palestinian resistance groups launched an operation in Israel on October 7, 2023, aimed at breaking the long-standing blockade of Gaza. In response, Israeli forces initiated one of the most intense military campaigns in recent history.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as of February 11, more than 72,000 people have been killed during the two-year-long Israeli offensive.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a multibillion-dollar plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and intends to present detailed proposals for deploying a stabilization force under a United Nations mandate. According to a Reuters report, Trump will outline these initiatives at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington on February 19, which will include leaders and representatives from 20 countries. The peace council, launched by Trump in Davos last month, includes members such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia.

Indonesia has already announced plans to send 8,000 troops to Gaza, pending an agreement. Trump is also seeking reconstruction funds from wealthy Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. His son-in-law Jared Kushner, though not holding an official position, has been involved in discussions with Israel and Arab states regarding the plan. However, both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed reluctance to provide financial support.

The upcoming peace council meeting is viewed as a test case for whether the proposed peacekeeping force and financial commitments will materialize. Some Arab and Muslim countries oppose the UN peacekeeping mandate, fearing it could shield Israeli military actions in Gaza.

At least 7,005 people have been killed in Iran during security forces’ operations to suppress anti-government protests, according to a report released Thursday by the US-based human rights organization HRANA. The group said the dead include 214 members of government forces. HRANA stated that it verifies information through a network of activists inside Iran and that limited communication has slowed data collection and verification, leading to gradual updates of the death toll.

In contrast, the Iranian government’s only official figure, released on January 21, reported 3,117 deaths related to the protests. Tehran has previously faced accusations of underreporting or withholding casualty figures during unrest, though the Associated Press could not obtain further details on the current figures.

The report emerged amid heightened tensions surrounding ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to take a tougher stance on Iran. Trump said he prioritizes resolving the issue through negotiations but warned that failure to reach an agreement could bring harsher consequences for Iran.

The United States has withdrawn its remaining military units from the strategically important Al-Tanf base in Syria, located near the Iraq and Jordan borders. Following the withdrawal, the Syrian Arab Army took control of the base in coordination with the American side, according to a statement from Syria’s defense ministry. The ministry said the area has been secured and that military units have begun deployment along the Syria-Iraq-Jordan border, with border guards to follow.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the withdrawal, describing it as orderly and part of agreed conditions. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that US forces remain ready to respond to any emerging ISIL threats while supporting partner-led efforts to prevent the resurgence of terrorist networks. The Pentagon had announced in April 2025 that troops deployed in Syria since 2019 would be withdrawn, fulfilling that plan now.

The Al-Tanf base was established in 2014 as a key hub for the global coalition against ISIL during Syria’s civil war. The withdrawal comes months after Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, formerly a rebel leader, joined the anti-ISIL coalition, with the Trump administration expressing support for his government.

The United States is expanding its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Under President Donald Trump’s directive, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is being deployed to the region alongside the already stationed USS Abraham Lincoln and its guided missile destroyers in the Arabian Sea. The deployment, first reported by The New York Times, comes as the Red Sea and surrounding areas experience heightened instability.

Gulf Arab states have warned that new attacks could trigger a wider conflict, especially as the region still reels from the recent Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza. President Trump recently cautioned Iran that failure to reach a new nuclear deal would have “very painful” consequences. Following indirect talks in Oman, he said a deal is sought within a month and discussed Iran’s missile program and its support for Hamas and Hezbollah with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran faces both domestic and international crises, including deadly protests last month and ongoing sanctions. The USS Ford’s crew, at sea since June 2025, may see their deployment extended, though the White House has not commented.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday, February 13, that Washington must reach an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program by March. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he warned that failure to do so could lead to 'terrible' consequences. Trump expressed hope that a deal could be achieved within the next month, emphasizing that both sides must act positively to move forward.

He further cautioned that if Iran does not advance in the negotiations, an operation called 'Midnight Hammer' could resume, this time with greater intensity. His remarks have sparked renewed concern internationally about the state of U.S.–Iran relations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Trump’s tough message is part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear activities, a move that could further complicate the security situation in the Middle East.

Japan’s Coast Guard seized a Chinese fishing vessel in the East China Sea near Kyushu’s Nagasaki Prefecture on February 13, 2026. The vessel, carrying 11 crew members including its captain, was intercepted within Japan’s exclusive economic zone after allegedly attempting to flee when ordered to stop. All crew members are currently in custody, according to a Coast Guard statement.

This marks Japan’s first seizure of a Chinese vessel in four years, the last such incident occurring in 2022. The operation comes at a time of heightened concern between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as an inseparable part of its territory. The issue has resurfaced following recent remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The seizure underscores the fragile maritime relations between Japan and China, particularly as both nations navigate sensitive territorial and political disputes in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey is working to promote peace and stability during a period of growing global uncertainty. He made the remarks on Thursday at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, according to TRT World. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s regional engagement and its efforts to strengthen peace and stability across the Balkans.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Erdogan said Turkey never neglects the Balkans and continues to play an active role in ensuring peace both within its region and beyond. He also discussed the expanding economic ties between Turkey and Serbia, noting the rapid growth of Turkish investment in the country.

Erdogan pointed out that the number of Turkish-capital companies operating in Serbia has risen from about 100 in 2015 to over 1,500, with total investments reaching 300 million dollars. The remarks underscored Turkey’s dual focus on diplomacy and economic partnership in the Balkans.

At least 15 people were killed when a ferry sank in the Nile River in northern Sudan, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Sudan Doctors Network. The ferry was carrying 27 passengers, including women, children, and elderly people, when it went down between the areas of Taiba al-Khawad and Deim al-Kar near Shendi. Six people were rescued alive, while search operations continue for the missing passengers.

The Sudan Doctors Network attributed the accident to weaknesses in river transport and a lack of basic safety measures. The group also highlighted the absence of local authorities and civil defense teams during the initial response, saying that the delay worsened the scale of the disaster.

The organization urged relevant authorities to take urgent action by deploying specialized rescue teams and providing search and recovery equipment to support ongoing operations.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country may launch an operation against armed groups based in Afghanistan before the start of Ramadan. Speaking to ARY News on Wednesday, he said the action would be taken if cross-border attacks continue to threaten Pakistan’s internal security. Although he did not specify an exact date, Asif indicated that the operation could begin soon, stressing that delays in responding to security threats have already cost Pakistan heavily.

Pakistan accuses banned militant organizations, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of operating from across the Afghan border and carrying out attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. Over recent months, cross-border assaults have increased, heightening security concerns in border regions.

A recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 people and injured more than 160, followed by multiple attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Asif warned that if Afghan authorities fail to curb these groups, responsibility for the consequences will rest with them.

A group of Hindu extremists attacked the Bangladesh stall at the World Cultural Festival held at MIT World Peace University in Pune, India, on Tuesday, according to multiple diplomatic sources cited by Amar Desh. The attackers, identified as members of the Bajrang Dal, destroyed the stall and set fire to the Bangladeshi national flag while chanting anti-Bangladesh slogans. The incident occurred after several individuals had earlier questioned Bangladeshi students about their legal status in India and demanded the removal of their flag.

The stall had been set up by twelve Bangladeshi students from Savitribai Phule Pune University to represent their country at the international event. Although no students were physically harmed, they reportedly fled to safety amid growing fear. The attack has caused widespread anxiety among Bangladeshi and other foreign students attending the festival.

The report also linked the incident to a broader pattern of anti-Bangladesh activities allegedly supported by the Indian government following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, including threats against Bangladeshi diplomats and actions against Bangladeshi athletes.

Hamas has called on international mediators to compel Israel to adhere to the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The Palestinian resistance group’s spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, accused Israel of violating the truce by attacking civilian homes under false pretenses. According to a report by Middle East Monitor, Qassem said Israeli forces were intensifying assaults in Gaza despite ongoing mediation efforts to maintain peace in the region.

The spokesperson alleged that Tel Aviv was ignoring all attempts by mediators to preserve calm in the Gaza Strip and continuing to bomb civilian areas. He emphasized that Israel must be forced to stop breaching the ceasefire agreement. Gaza’s government media office reported that since October, Israel has violated the ceasefire 1,620 times, resulting in 573 deaths and 1,553 injuries.

The repeated violations, as reported by Gaza authorities, have raised concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire and the effectiveness of mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability in the region.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that more than 200 million children across over 130 countries will require humanitarian assistance in 2026. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell made the statement during a regular session of the organization’s Executive Board, according to Anadolu Agency. She described the situation as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in history, emphasizing that the scale and complexity of challenges facing children worldwide are intensifying.

Russell highlighted that conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and inequality are placing immense pressure on children, families, and societies. Despite the growing humanitarian needs, she reaffirmed that child and maternal health remain core priorities for UNICEF. She also noted a sharp rise in violence against children, with 2025 recording the highest number of serious incidents, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence.

UNICEF, which operates in more than 190 countries and territories, called for stronger partnerships to sustain life-saving operations and address the escalating global humanitarian demands.

The United States is set to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria to assist in the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State. A U.S. Africa Command official said on Tuesday that the soldiers will train Nigerian forces and provide technical guidance. According to The Wall Street Journal, the new team will complement a smaller group already stationed in the country and is expected to arrive within the next few weeks. A spokesperson for U.S. Africa Command told AFP that the mission will focus on training and coordination support for air and ground operations.

Nigerian Defense Headquarters spokesperson Samaila Uba stated that the U.S. troops will not take part in direct combat or operations. The deployment comes as Nigeria faces diplomatic pressure from the United States over security concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians, though reports indicate that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of violence. Trump’s senior adviser on Arab and African affairs, Masad Bolos, previously said Boko Haram and the Islamic State have killed more Muslims than Christians. Nigeria’s government has rejected allegations of Christian persecution.

Indonesia has announced plans to send 8,000 troops to Gaza, according to a statement signed by Army Chief General Maruli Simanjuntak. The Indonesian military said training for the deployment has already begun, with soldiers set to perform medical and engineering duties. Indonesia is the first country to take concrete steps toward sending forces to Gaza. The exact date of deployment has not yet been finalized, as officials await instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.

The move is linked to a 20-point peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes forming an unelected technocratic government to manage Gaza’s administrative affairs and establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to ensure security. Several countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, have joined the Gaza Board of Peace, which held its first meeting in Washington on January 19.

The Indonesian troops’ participation marks an early step in implementing the broader international framework aimed at stabilizing Gaza following prolonged conflict.