Gazans say Hamas is again extending its control over security, tax revenue and government services.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed about 600 people since a cease-fire began, according to health officials in the territory. Many displaced Palestinians are still living in tents. And there are some 60 million tons of war debris to be cleared.

By Rami Ayyub JERUSALEM, Feb 19 (Reuters) - More than 75,000 Palestinians were killed in the first 15 months of Israel's military assault in Gaza, a figure far higher than the 49,000 deaths local health officials announced at the time,

Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

The country, a major center for African art, will not have an official presence at this year’s event after a legal dispute over a Gaza-focused artwork.

Palastinians in Gaza enjoy playing soccer for the first time since the war began. One of the biggest stars in boxing has inked promotional terms with Dana White's Zuffa — striking a seismic blow to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Gaza Strip is in ruins with entire city neighborhoods reduced to rubble and serious questions about rebuilding basic water and sewage facilities, roads, electrical grids and the critical infrastructure needed to consistently produce enough food to prevent widespread starvation.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP on Friday that the Palestinian Islamist movement was open to international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, but rejected any interference in the territory's "internal affairs.