Compilation of news reports – IAK staff
(While a “ceasefire” is ostensibly in place, Israel has continued its assault on Gaza without interruption. If Americans Knew considers the war to be ongoing, and in its 873rd day.)
Israeli attacks continued across Gaza on Sunday, killing three Palestinians in a strike west of Gaza City, while a fourth Palestinian died of wounds sustained earlier.
Since the “ceasefire” began on October 11, Israel has killed at least 641 Palestinians. Over 1,711 have been injured. Death toll figures are tentative.
Israel has so far violated the 11 October ceasefire deal in Gaza at least 1,620 times (as of Feb. 1, 2026). More statistics below.
WAR ON IRAN NEWS & HEADLINES:
Why is If Americans Knew covering the war on Iran? It can not be overemphasized that Israel has been the impetus behind US policies and actions vis-a-vis Iran for years. This is especially true right now, under Donald Trump. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing the US to attack Iran for decades.
The American people have made clear that they do not want to go to war with Iran, but Israel partisans and the Israel lobby use their massive political clout to bring about whatever is beneficial to Israel – including putting the US military in harm’s way. For more background on Israel’s role in American wars, watch IAK’s short film, “The Israeli Hit List.”
Death toll (all numbers are tentative):
- Seven US troops have been killed since the war on Iran began, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
- In Israel, 13 people have been killed and 1,929 injured, the majority with minor injuries.
- In Iran, 1,332 people have reportedly been killed since the conflict began, state media says (other sources put the number somewhat lower).
- In Lebanon, at least 394 people have been killed (at least 83 of them children).
- In other Arab states, at least 13 people have been killed.
IRAN:
Iran says children make up 30% of those killed in US-Israeli attacks: Youngest victim so far was 8-month-old baby girl, Health Ministry says.
Investigation says US-Israeli strikes in Iran damaged hospitals near targets, killing hundreds: CNN analysis cites satellite images and videos showing impact on civilian sites.
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader, just over a week after the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint United States-Israeli strikes. The 56-year-old, who will now be charged with leading the Islamic Republic through the biggest crisis in its 47-year history, was named by clerics as his father’s successor on Sunday. RELATED READING: Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
Several fuel depots in the southeast, western, and eastern parts of Tehran were hit by Israeli and US attacks, sending flames and heavy toxic smoke high into the sky. The toxic smoke has engulfed the capital and is drifting towards neighboring cities, raising fears over air quality. RELATED READING: Attacks on Iran’s oil facilities may cause ‘serious environmental, health disaster’.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society has warned civilians to take precautions, saying rain could become toxic after explosions at oil facilities. Such rain could cause chemical burns to the skin and damage to the lungs, it said. RELATED: ‘Intentional Chemical Warfare’: Toxic Black Rain in Tehran After US-Israel Bomb Oil Facilities
Iran threatens to target regional oil facilities after strikes on its energy sites: Military command warns escalation could push oil prices above $200 a barrel.
Nearly 10,000 civilian building units destroyed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran: Red Crescent: The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) says at least 9,669 civilian units have been destroyed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran – 7,943 residential units and 1,617 commercial units.
US-Israeli attack hits irradiation sterilization facility in central Iran: Authorities say facility is damaged but no radiation contamination reported.
U.S./TRUMP ADMINISTRATION:
Seventh US soldier confirmed killed in the Gulf region as Iran pledges to intensify its counterattacks, a day after US President Donald Trump paid tributes at a ceremony honoring US soldiers who died in the conflict.
Trump: Iran’s new supreme leader won’t ‘last long’ without his approval: The US president said of the appointment of the new Ayatollah, “He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.” RELATED: Selecting new supreme leader is ‘business of Iranian people and nobody else’s’: Iran’s foreign minister
Video Shows US Tomahawk Missile Strike Next to Girls’ School in Iran: The footage appears to contradict US President Donald Trump’s claim that it was an Iranian missile that hit the school. At least 5 other investigations also reach the same conclusion.
Iran war drives oil prices above $100 a barrel for first time since 2022: Donald Trump insists surge in energy prices is ‘very small price to pay’ as Middle East conflict rattles global markets.
Trump on rising gas prices during Iran operation: ‘If they rise, they rise’: “I don’t have any concern about it,” he said, when asked about the higher prices at the pump. “They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.”
U.S. dismayed by Israel’s Iran fuel strikes, sources say: Israel’s strikes on 30 Iranian fuel depots Saturday went far beyond what the U.S. expected when Israel notified it in advance, sparking the first significant disagreement between the allies since the war began.
‘A very dangerous person’: alarm as Pete Hegseth revels in carnage of Iran war: Brash and bellicose, Pete Hegseth sounded more like a cartoon bully than a sombre statesman. “Death and destruction from the sky all day long…This was never meant to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight. We are punching them while they’re down, which is exactly how it should be.” RELATED:(Jerusalem Post) Pete Hegseth just became Israel’s latest war-celebrity obsession
Report: Trump Has Expressed ‘Serious Interest’ in Sending Troops Into Iran
Trump says decision to end Iran war will be made mutually with Israel: ‘We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time,’ says US president.
US spent about $6B in 1st week of Iran war: Pentagon officials: US lawmakers brace for supplemental funding request to continue war.
Lindsey Graham criticizes Israel over targeting Iranian oil facilities: Republican senator says oil economy is ‘essential’ and that US will make a ‘tonne of money’ when Islamic republic falls.
Dozens of US lawmakers demand probe into Pentagon officials saying Iran war ‘God’s divine plan’: The request follows hundreds of reports that officers told troops the campaign against Iran is “divinely ordained” and that President Donald Trump has been “anointed by Jesus.”
‘It’s Sickening’: US Catholic Cardinal Calls Out White House for Social Media Posts Making Light of Iran War: The White House has posted several videos splicing together scenes from movies and video games with footage of US strikes in Iran.
ISRAEL:
Israel brings in 1,000 tons of weapons in 10 days as Iran fighting intensifies: Approximately 50 cargo aircraft carrying over 1,000 tons of weaponry, military equipment, and various types of munitions have landed in Israel over the past 10 days.
Israel army chief calls for ‘patience’; says war could last ‘much longer’
Israel says it will pursue every successor of Khamenei, threatens body tasked with picking leader: The Israeli military has issued this new threat in a social media post in Farsi, the military also threatened it would pursue every person who seeks to appoint a successor, referring to the Assembly of Experts, the body charged with choosing Iran’s supreme leader.
Israel criticizes British defense secretary* using clown emoji in online post: Israeli foreign ministry condemns John Healey on its official X account for saying Iran’s strikes on Israel last year were proportionate. “British Secretary of Defense🤡 adopts the Iranian regime’s definition of ‘military installations’: Hospitals, residential areas and universities.”
*NOTE: The irony here is that while the vast majority of Iranian missiles last summer were intercepted by Israel, the US, and other allies, resulting in minimal damage to Israeli infrastructure and 29 deaths, Israel’s response to October 7th was disproportionate – culminating in genocide – and Israel consistently destroyed hospitals, residential areas, and universities, killing almost 1,200.
LEBANON & THE MIDDLE EAST:
Nearly 50 people killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon: Attacks came hours after 55 people killed in Israeli attacks on Saturday.
Israeli warplanes strike Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon
Hezbollah kills two Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon, intensifies rocket attacks
HRW finds Israel repeatedly used unlawful white phosphorus over homes in Lebanon: “This investigation adds to the ever-growing body of evidence that should immediately cause Israel’s key allies to suspend military assistance and arms sales,” a HRW spokesperson said.
Iran threatens retaliatory attacks on oil facilities across Gulf after Israeli strikes: IDF bombing of energy sites in Tehran sparks fears for global economy. “If you can tolerate oil at more than $200 per barrel, continue this game,” said a spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) on Sunday.
Yemeni government warns Houthis against any military moves serving Iran
EUROPE & BEYOND:
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.
‘As if the border never reopened’: Gaza patients die waiting under Israeli siege
Limited reopening of Rafah crossing leaves tens of thousands, including cancer and kidney patients, unable to access urgent care. 1,360 patients have died while waiting to travel for medical treatment after Israeli forces closed the Rafah border crossing in May 2024. More than 18,500 others, including 4,000 children, remain in urgent need of medical evacuation.
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Gaza hit by food shortages and price hikes after Israel shuts crossings
As the US-Israel war on Iran began last week and Gaza’s crossings were shut, panic spread and Palestinians rushed to markets to stock up on essentials, as prices soared and key items ran out. There is a real fear that famine will return.
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.)
Israeli settlers* kill three Palestinians as attacks surge amid Iran war
Settlers attacked Palestinians Sunday in the town of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah. Two men, Thaer Farouq Hmayel, 24, and Farea Jawdat Hamayel, 57, were killed by gunfire. Another resident, Mohammad Hassan Marra, also died after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli forces. At least seven others were wounded in the attacks, including three with gunshot wounds to the head.
*NOTE: More than 700,000 Israeli settlers live illegally on Palestinian land in over 500 settlements and settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Some settler groups have a history of violence against Palestinians, often with the assistance of Israeli military forces. Learn more about Israeli settler violence here and here.
In a landmark advisory opinion on July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian land “illegal” and demanded the evacuation of all settlements.
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Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding*
While Israel cites wartime security concerns, Palestinians say the move is aimed at emptying the mosque and redefining access to one of Islam’s holiest sites.
*NOTE: This is just one of many examples of Israel’s apartheid framework, which extends in various forms across Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and inside Israel (where 21% of residents are Palestinian). Multiple human rights organizations have documented and reported that Israel is indeed practicing apartheid, including: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem, and Yesh Din , the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, the International Court of Justice, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic.
Israeli forces destroy water pipeline in Sebastia near Nablus
Escalating Colonizer (aka Settler) Violence Forces Yarza Families Out
Colonizers Seize Property in Khallet al‑Sidra Bedouin Community
Colonizers Establish Outpost Between Al‑Lubban ash‑Sharqiya and Yasuf
Invasions and Abductions Across Occupied West Bank
ISRAEL NEWS & HEADLINES:
(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 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.)
Ha’aretz: Professor to Pay Israeli Settler $6,500 After Comparing His Ideology to Nazism
A Jerusalem court ordered Prof. Alon Harel to compensate Uri Kirshenbaum, a resident of the West Bank settlement Yitzhar, after claiming Kirshenbaum was ‘participating in a competition as to who will adopt Nazi ideology faster.’
MORE NEWS & HEADLINES:
Ro Khanna to introduce sweeping resolution condemning Israeli settlements, settler violence
The resolution would get members of US Congress on the record regarding Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
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Dozens of British MPs and peers back call for UK apology over Balfour Declaration
“During its occupation of Palestine, Britain violated a series of international laws that were binding at the time. The consequences of those actions have profoundly shaped the conflict we witness today, yet successive governments have refused to acknowledge this record or offer a formal apology.”
ICYMI, A SELECTION OF YESTERDAY’S HEADLINES:
Trump Says Iran bombed the girls’ school
US approves $151.8M (actually $660M) weapons sale to Israel, waiving congressional review
Israel kills father, daughter in Gaza as genocide continues amid wider war
Colonizers Kill a Palestinian, Critically Injure His Brother in Masafer Yatta
(Read yesterday’s daily update here.)
STATISTICS OCTOBER 7, 2023 – MARCH 8, 2026*:
- At least 73,244 Palestinians killed, 183,809 injured – including:
- At least 72,126 killed, 172,809 injured in Gaza (~22,000 children, 33,000 women and girls)
- At least 1,122 killed, 11,000 injured in the West Bank (~232 children)
*NOTE: Thousands of those killed in Gaza have yet to be identified, and an estimated 8,000 more are still buried under rubble (some sources put the number of missing as high as 14,000); 3,000 more are reportedly missing.
Additionally, the numbers of injured and starved are very conservative estimates. Only the dead who are brought to hospitals are included in the official fatality count.
At least 25 Palestinians in Gaza have died due to the extreme cold, including 21 children, since the start of Israel’s genocidal war in October 2023. At least 11 Palestinian children have died of extreme cold this winter (2025-26).
Reported Israeli death toll from October 7, 2023 – March 8, 2026: ~1,661 – 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 conflict with Lebanon or the war with Iran).
By one count, Israeli attacks have killed approximately 281 Palestinian journalists and media workers (as of Jan. 21, 2026); Palestinians have killed 4 Israeli journalists (other groups have tallied between 215 and 333 Palestinian journalists killed – depending on the criteria used).
**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)
- Israel is using the ‘Gaza doctrine’ in Lebanon and Iran
- Saudi journalist says ‘not all attacks’ on Gulf coming from Iran, fears US-Israel dragging monarchies into war
- Iranian officials say Israel carried out some of the drone strikes on Gulf energy sites
- US troops were told war on Iran was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’, watchdog alleges
- ‘Dirty Work’ :The truth about how Israel was founded
- Mass Expulsion in Lebanon as Israel Expands War: “We Don’t Know Where to Go”
- Lies, distortions, and propaganda: how the U.S. mainstream media coverage on Iran hides the truth
- Palestinians in Gaza fear famine returning as Israel cuts off food amid Iran war
- AIPAC, other pro-Israel groups enter midterms with $100 million to spend
- Iranian girls killed by ‘double-tap’ strikes on Minab school
- Bari Weiss Is Going Full ‘Propaganda-Palooza’ With the Iran War
- Inside the Pro-Israel Campaign to Stop ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ From Winning an Oscar
- After Iran, It’s Turkey
- Inside the plan to kill Ali Khamenei
