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Trump’s “Board of Peace” convenes in Washington; Congress to force vote on Iran war; UN finds “hallmarks of genocide” in El-Fasher

Israeli attacks kill three Palestinians in southern Gaza. Palestinians detained by Israel released back to Gaza. U.S. officials prepare large military base in southern Gaza. White House weighs using Israeli-backed gangs to form Gaza police force. Settlers kill Palestinian-American in the West Bank; Israeli police kill Palestinian citizen of Israel. President Donald Trump hosts inaugural Board of Peace meeting. Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie to force a vote on war with Iran. U.S. is holding backchannel talks with Castro family confidante. Trump threatens potential Iran strikes from UK bases amid dispute over Diego Garcia. U.S. delays Taiwan arms package amid pressure from Xi Jinping ahead of Beijing summit. Wexner says DOJ and FBI never questioned him over Epstein ties. Former Prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over Epstein ties. Mexico explores mediating between U.S. and Cuba as aid shipments continue. UN mission finds “hallmarks of genocide” in RSF takeover of El-Fasher. South Korean court sentences former president to life in prison over failed self-coup attempt. U.S. begins full military withdrawal from Syria. Rights group alleges record extrajudicial killings by Punjab police unit. Congo offers rebel-held Rubaya coltan mine to U.S. in strategic minerals push. U.S.-brokered Russia–Ukraine talks in Geneva end without a breakthrough.

NEW from Drop Site: “This is no dress rehearsal”: U.S. amasses major military buildup near Iran as talks proceed. The Israeli government ran security operation at Epstein-linked Manhattan apartment.

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U.S. President Donald Trump at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on February 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

The Gaza Genocide, West Bank, and Israel

  • Casualty counts: Over the past 24 hours, two Palestinians were killed and four were injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza. The total recorded death toll since October 7, 2023 has risen to 72,069 killed, with 171,728 injured. Since October 11, the first full day of the so-called ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 611 Palestinians in Gaza and wounded 1,630, while 726 bodies have been recovered from under the rubble, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

  • Israeli attacks kill three Palestinians in southern Gaza: Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire east of Khan Younis on the first day of Ramadan as Israel continued air,

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