Daily Peace and Crisis Report

Compiled February 24, 2026, 08:05 AEDT

Global Overview

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a somber milestone in a conflict that has resulted in devastating civilian and military casualties. Global attention remains focused on the immense human cost and the ongoing diplomatic efforts, which have yet to yield a breakthrough. In the Middle East, the Gaza Strip continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with the total death toll since October 2023 exceeding 72,000. Multiple humanitarian crises are also escalating in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar, with recent reports highlighting mass casualty events and large-scale displacement.

Gaza and West Bank

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll from Israel's ongoing military operations has now surpassed 72,000 since October 7, 2023 (Ilkha Agency). A recent peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet and reported by The Guardian suggests the actual number of violent deaths could be even higher, potentially exceeding 75,000 (The Guardian). The latest OCHA situation report noted that between February 11 and 19, an additional 20 Palestinians were killed and 52 injured (OCHA). In the occupied West Bank, violence continues, with the OHCHR reporting that 1,054 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers between October 2023 and early February 2026 (OHCHR).

Ukraine: Four Years of Full-Scale War

February 24, 2026, marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in immense suffering and loss of life. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, at least 15,172 civilians have been killed and 41,378 injured since the invasion began (ReliefWeb). Military casualty estimates vary widely, with some sources suggesting combined totals could be as high as 1.8 million (CSIS). Recent fighting continues to claim lives, with Russian drone and missile attacks on February 23 killing civilians in the Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Lviv regions (Al Jazeera). Diplomatic talks have so far failed to produce a breakthrough, with a new round of negotiations potentially occurring on February 26-27 (The Kyiv Independent).

Sudan: Escalating Violence and Displacement

Sudan is grappling with multiple, severe internal conflicts. A UN report detailed a horrific attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, North Darfur, in late 2025, where over 6,000 people were killed in just three days (NPR). In a separate crisis in South Sudan, renewed fighting in Jonglei state has displaced nearly 280,000 people. The violence has crippled health services and is exacerbating a cholera outbreak that has caused 1,624 deaths since September 2024 (UN News).

Other Major Crises

Myanmar: The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. In January 2026 alone, there were 168 civilian deaths and 242 injuries recorded, alongside 72 military airstrikes (Myanmar Peace Monitor).

Democratic Republic of Congo: Clashes involving the M23 rebel group and other militias continue to destabilize the eastern region. Nearly 100 civilians were reported killed in January 2026, and the escalating violence has prompted the EU to announce over €81 million in humanitarian aid (ECHO).

Haiti: The nation is in the grip of a severe security and humanitarian crisis driven by rampant gang violence, which has displaced 1.4 million people. The UN has raised alarms about the "alarming increase" in the recruitment of children into these gangs (UN News).

Statistics Table