News roundup for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Day 1,026 since Israel began its 2023 genocide on the Palestinian people.
Compilation of news reports – IAK staff
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM GAZA:
For some basic info on the Palestine-Israel conflict, go here. For more critical context, skim this, this, and this. To read about a remarkable but underreported, 20-month-long peaceful protest in Gaza against Israel, go here.
Nearly 60,000 children orphaned in Gaza as Israel’s genocide destroys families and care systems: Orphanhood (loss of one or both parents) in Gaza often means losing not just a mother or father, but the wider structure of care that makes childhood possible.
Israeli airstrike destroys mosque, displaced persons’ tents in Gaza City, leaves hundreds homeless: On July 2, Gaza’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs said Israeli attacks had completely destroyed 1,050 mosques and partially damaged 191 others out of 1,275 mosques that existed in the enclave before the war. Only 34 are untouched.
Gaza’s temporary schools fail to keep pace with children’s needs, UN mapping finds: Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza lack access to a functioning school, according to new mapping by the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT). Only 613 temporary learning spaces have been built to serve roughly 770,422 school-aged children and adolescents across the territory, with just 432,701 currently enrolled.
‘It feels like hell’: Gaza families battle suffocating summer heat in tents: With little water, electricity or shade, residents face rising health risks inside makeshift shelters amid ongoing Israeli siege.
DEATH TOLL – GAZA GENOCIDE (tentative):
- At least 1,207 since ceasefire began Oct. 11, 2025 (247 children, 191 women)
- 5 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began – one by friendly fire, and four others in incidents during the first three weeks of the ceasefire.
- 73,333 killed (~22,000 children, 33,000 women and girls) since October 2023
- More statistics below
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM THE OCCUPIED WEST BANK/EAST JERUSALEM:
Every day, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem endure dozens of incidents like the ones below, at the hands of Israeli soldiers and/or settlers. For background on the West Bank, read this and this. For information on the significance of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, read this and this.)
Nearly 200 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem under protection of Israeli soldiers: The settlers prayed and performed “provocative rituals*” in the mosque’s compound.
*NOTE: Anyone can visit the Al Aqsa Mosque grounds (known to Jews as the Temple Mount) but only Muslims are allowed to pray there, according to an understanding known as the ‘status quo agreement,’ under which, since 1967, Israel has formally pledged to allow Muslims to pray at the site, while Jews pray at the Western Wall below.
In practice, however, restrictions have steadily eroded, particularly since 2023 (after extremist Itamar Ben Gvir became Minister of National Security). Many Palestinians fear this erosion will lead to open conflict. (More on the Temple Mount status quo here.)
Israel moves more mobile homes to West Bank checkpoint to expand settlement* plans: Israeli forces have reportedly brought additional mobile homes to the Tayasir checkpoint area, east of Tubas in the northern West Bank. Israeli authorities have also been leveling and bulldozing land around the checkpoint, with plans reportedly including a synagogue, recreational facilities for children, and swimming pools.
*NOTE: Israeli settlers – many fueled by extremism – have carried out a number of mass attacks or “pogroms” against Palestinians in their homes or working in their fields. These well-organized groups aim to destroy the West Bank economy and/or drive out the indigenous Palestinians (including Palestinian Christians). Settlers enjoy impunity – even support and assistance from the Israeli government and military – as they attack Palestinians on a daily basis. Meanwhile Palestinians are not allowed to own weapons.
Israeli settlers establish new settlement in central West Bank: Israeli settlers have reportedly established a new settlement near the town of Yasuf, east of the Salfit governorate. Settlers set up a tent about 50 meters away from residents’ homes. It is the third settlement established in the Salfit governorate over the past two days.
Dismissing warnings, Israelis increasingly venturing into forbidden West Bank cities: Cheaper prices and perceived sense of security seen driving uptick in Jewish civilians entering Area A, in trips that often end with IDF extracting them from PA custody.
*NOTE: Red warning signs near Palestinian-controlled parts of the occupied West Bank read, “This road leads to Area A under the Palestinian Authority. The entrance for Israeli citizens is forbidden, dangerous to your lives, and is against the Israeli law.” Notably, these signs were placed by the Israeli, not the Palestinian government. The “danger” when Israelis enter these regions is generally on the Palestinians, as Israeli settlers often carry weapons, are accompanied by Israeli soldiers, and enjoy almost total impunity.
To learn more about Areas A, B, and C, go here.
Netanyahu vows expanded operations against West Bank ‘terrorist* strongholds’: Katz accuses chief Golan of ‘blood libel’ for blaming deadly Friday shootout on settlers, government**.
*NOTE: Israel’s framing of Palestinians as terrorists is a political, not fact-based choice. Palestinian attackers, including Hamas, are exercising – albeit imperfectly – their internationally recognized right to resist their oppressor and occupier (the UN extends that right to the point of armed resistance). Calling Palestinian resistance members “terrorists” is an attempt to delegitimize the struggle of a people seeking freedom, justice, and self-determination.
**NOTE: Actually, the shootout on Friday was clearly instigated by Israeli settlers, supported by the Israeli government. Armed Israeli settlers, followed by IDF soldiers, entered Palestinian land deep in the West Bank. The Palestinians went on to defend their property and protect their families from the intruders. Israeli weapons killed all 6 victims – 2 Israelis and 4 Palestinians.
RELATED: What an Israeli settler pogrom feels like
Thousands of Palestinians arrested by Israeli forces in West Bank since start of year: Over 3,600 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank in 2026, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. At the start of July, 3,244 Palestinians were being detained, “the highest level recorded in recent years.” There has been “an escalation in torture, starvation, medical neglect, solitary confinement, sexual assault, and the spread of diseases, most notably scabies.”
Since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza began in October 2023, more than 24,600 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Israeli forces appear to be raiding every possible town in occupied West Bank
Israeli Colonizers Intensify Attacks Across West Bank
UN reports 1,330 settler-related incidents since January
Israeli army raids Quran radio station in occupied West Bank, shuts it down
West Bank Invasions and Mass Abductions Across Multiple Districts
Israeli Forces Demolish 13 Homes, 3 Structures Across West Bank
DEATH TOLL – WEST BANK/EAST JERUSALEM (tentative):
NEWS & HEADLINES FROM ISRAEL:
Israel is a tiny country, about the size of New Jersey, with a population smaller than the US state of Georgia – about 10 million (of which about 20 percent are Palestinians), yet it is in the news constantly. As has been demonstrated again and again, however, mainstream media rarely covers Israel news accurately. IAK gets the facts – sometimes from Israeli media sites, where we can get a glimpse inside this country that is rife with turmoil and contradictions, and that receives $63 million a day from America.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel beginning to undermine Trump’s reconstruction plan for Gaza: After the Israeli security cabinet approved part of the process for allowing the International Stabilization Force (ISF) access to certain areas of the Gaza Strip, military officials said that every step toward introducing multinational forces into Gaza prevents the IDF from addressing the threat of Hamas. Israel wants to delay the deployment of the ISF and rethink the terrorism-free “Green City” in Rafah. It also wants the IDF to remain along the Yellow Line [which Israel has moved to occupy more of Gaza]. Officials asked the Americans to postpone the next phase of the plan – the request was rejected.
*NOTE: Israel has famously violated ceasefire agreements for decades, including currently in Gaza and Lebanon. It is a country whose leaders have perpetrated countless lies to cover for war crimes and aggression (and consistently pass along to Western mainstream media). Previously, Israel has been caught in many lies – for examples, see this and this. Many of Israel’s lies have been debunked even by traditionally pro-Israel mainstream media.
Israeli opposition leader Lapid denies genocide in Gaza, says leaders’ remarks fueled genocide allegations: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says Israel has not committed genocide in Gaza: “There’s no genocide. It was war. It was a terrible war. It had consequences,” Lapid said during a panel discussion organized by the Atlantic Council think tank. Lapid is considered “centrist.”
ISRAELI MEDIA: ‘We have special forces protection’: Netanyahu tells Hannity he’s not afraid of ICC arrest warrants: Netanyahu downplayed the risk of countries enforcing ICC arrest warrants placed on him, implying that IDF Special Forces would protect or rescue him.
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israel Katz boasts of halting detention orders for settlers while permitting detention of Arabs: “Why didn’t I sign for the settlers? Because that is not terrorism. Only someone who acts against the security of the state, someone who acts to harm [the state],” the defense minister said.
Netanyahu Describes Meeting With Trump as ‘One of the Best Conversations’ They Have Ever Had
IRAN, LEBANON, & SYRIA – NEWS & HEADLINES:
It can not be overemphasized that Israel is the impetus behind US policies and actions vis-a-vis Iran. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing the US to attack Iran for decades, using lies and deception. Under President Trump, he got his wish.
Israel has invaded Lebanon seven times in the last half century. Between 1978 and 2000, Israel maintained an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon — Hezbollah was formed to fight that occupation.
Although Israel is not at war with Syria, the Israeli army has reportedly carried out over 1,600 violations inside Syrian territory since August 2025, and demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria – but also vowed to permanently occupy some areas.
IRAN
President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to bomb Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, telling Fox News that “we’ll have to take out Pickaxe if we don’t make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll take it out very easily.” In the same interview, Trump said that “Bibi is telling me” about Pickaxe Mountain “because he wants me to stay involved.”
Israel admits US bombers used its airbases to attack Iran
LEBANON
Israeli army carries out massive explosion in southern Lebanon despite US-mediated agreement
Displaced Lebanese return to massive destruction in border town after Israeli withdrawal
DEATH TOLL – WARS ON IRAN & LEBANON (tentative):
- United States: 18 since Feb. 28, 2026
- Iran: at least 3,636 (1,701 civilians) since Feb. 28, 2026 (another source puts the number at 3,499)
- Lebanon: at least 4,333 people since March 2, 2026
- Arab states: at least 154 (including Palestine, excluding Lebanon)
- Israel: at least 60 people (Iran killed 20 civilians; Hezbollah killed 36 soldiers, 4 civilians)
MORE NEWS & HEADLINES:
Anger rises as ICC member states accused of facilitating Netanyahu’s flight to Washington: Flight-tracking data showed Israel’s official government aircraft, known as the “Wing of Zion,” passing through the airspace of Greece, Italy, France, and Canada. Greece, Italy, France and Canada are all parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
Under Article 86 of the Rome Statute, member states are required to “cooperate fully” with the ICC in its investigation and prosecution of crimes within the court’s jurisdiction. Netanyahu flew in an official Israeli government aircraft, which may not fly over another state’s territory without authorization – implying that the governments of Greece, Italy, France, and Canada knowingly facilitated Netanyahu’s journey.
Former New York City mayor Eric Adams hosted active-duty Israeli soldiers at City Hall and honored them for fighting in Gaza while his administration concealed the meeting from the public, according to a report by Politico. The secret ceremony for Israeli soldiers appears consistent with Adams’s broader record of strong political and institutional support for Israel.
UK government rejects calls to recognize Gaza genocide despite UN findings: Britain’s new government has rejected calls from 80 MPs and peers to recognize Israel’s genocide in Gaza, impose a full arms embargo and introduce comprehensive sanctions against the occupation state.
UK Home Office blocking evacuation of dozens of women and children from Gaza: Lawyers for families stranded in life-threatening conditions in Gaza say the Home Office appears to be taking a harsher line with Palestinian families than with refugees from other countries hoping to reunite with loved ones in the UK.
They say that in some cases the Home Office has stated that the family members, including small children, pose a security risk because they come from a “territory where terrorists operate”, even though some of the refugees in the UK were granted leave to remain on the basis of having been persecuted by Hamas in Gaza.
I wish those in power had listened to those who sounded the alarm when the genocide started.
It is never too late to stop it.
Cut TRADE with Israel now.
Arms embargo now. https://t.co/qJyEVUJ2SK— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) July 28, 2026
ICYMI, A SELECTION OF YESTERDAY’S HEADLINES:
Frail, exhausted, and visibly injured, 60 Palestinians released from Israeli detention arrived
600 Former Israeli security officials urge Trump to press Netanyahu to end ‘settler terrorism’ in occupied West Bank
‘This is a Jewish state’: Arabic banned at work for Palestinian citizens of Israel
(Read yesterday’s daily update here.)
STATISTICS OCTOBER 7, 2023 – July 28, 2026*:
- At least 74,514 Palestinians killed, 187,009 injured – including:
- Gaza: at least 73,329 killed (~22,000 children, 33,000 women and girls), 174,009 injured
- West Bank/East Jerusalem: at least 1,185 killed (~251 children) since Oct. 7, 2023, 13,000 injured
*NOTE: Thousands of remains in Gaza have yet to be identified, and thousands more are still buried under rubble; others are reportedly missing.
Reported Israeli death toll from October 7, 2023 – July 28, 2026: ~1,663 – including ~1,139** on October 7, 2023 (~36 children), 472 military forces since the ground invasion began in Gaza, about 52 military and civilians (by one count, there have been 59 victims) in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel (these numbers do not include deaths from the conflicts with Lebanon or Iran).
**NOTE: It is unknown at this time how many of the deaths and injuries of Israelis on October 7 were caused by Israeli soldiers.
- Human rights reports on Israel-Palestine (regularly updated)
- ‘Hell on Earth’: Roger Waters on Palestine, Apartheid and the Cost of Speaking Out
- ISRAELI MEDIA: Israelis Fight Over Framing of West Bank Attacks. But Settler Violence Is an Israeli Strategy (2 articles)
- Attacks on Mamdani Prove Israel’s Supporters Can’t Even Tolerate Criticism of Netanyahu
- Integrated Israeli Policies Fast‑Track Israeli Annexation of Palestinian Land
- ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan dared to hold Israel to account – that’s why he was brought down
- Why did Bari Weiss fire Cecilia Vargas?
- Five decades of Israeli covert strategy to push US, Iran into confrontation
- ‘We want to see blood’: Israeli political leadership and settler groups call for revenge against Palestinians
- The Spark in Tell: How a Village Resistance Disrupted Israel’s West Bank Strategy
- The Eighth Front: Inside Israel’s $1 Billion Influence Campaign
- UNESCO adds West Bank site and Lebanese castles to World Heritage List despite Israeli objections
- Born too soon: Premature babies fight for survival in Gaza
- Israel is erasing entire Gaza families from the civil registry
- McCarthyism in Massachusetts
