Daily Peace and Crisis Report

Compiled March 01, 2026, 08:02 AEDT

BREAKING: US and Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury." The strikes have reportedly targeted military sites and the leadership of the Iranian regime, with explosions heard across 24 of Iran's 31 provinces. According to Iranian state media, at least 201 people have been killed and 747 injured. The BBC has reported that the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was destroyed, and there are unconfirmed reports of his death. (BBC, Al Jazeera)

In retaliation, Iran has launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The UN Security Council has called for an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation, stating that it undermines international peace and security. (UN News)

Gaza/Palestine

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to worsen. As of February 16, 2026, the total death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 72,063, with 171,726 injured. Since the ceasefire agreement in October 2025, 611 Palestinians have been killed and 1,630 injured. UNRWA reports a sharp increase in skin infections and waterborne diseases due to overcrowding and inadequate sanitation in shelters. (UNRWA)

Ukraine

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are at a standstill, with Russia threatening to halt negotiations unless Ukraine cedes territory. The war has resulted in staggering casualties, with an estimated 1.25 million Russian soldiers killed or wounded, and up to 600,000 Ukrainian casualties, including 140,000 deaths. The conflict has also led to a significant number of civilian casualties, with 15,168 killed and 41,534 wounded. (Al Jazeera)

Sudan

The UN Human Rights Council has warned of an ongoing risk of genocidal violence in Sudan. In 2025, at least 11,300 civilians were killed, more than double the number in 2024. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rape, and attacks on civilians. The UN estimates that 34 million people in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance in 2026. (UN News)

Democratic Republic of Congo

In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, two mass graves containing at least 171 bodies have been discovered near the city of Uvira, following the withdrawal of the M23 rebel group. The M23's offensive in the region has resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 people and the displacement of approximately 300,000. (Al Jazeera)

Myanmar

The conflict in Myanmar continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. Recent military airstrikes have killed at least 26 people, including women and children. Since the military coup in February 2021, a total of 7,842 people have been killed. (Al Jazeera)

South Sudan

Renewed fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state has displaced nearly 280,000 people and fueled the spread of cholera. The UN has warned of a "perfect storm" of conflict, climate shocks, and deprivation, with civilians caught in the crossfire. (UN News)

Yemen

In response to the US-Israel strikes on Iran, Yemen's Houthi rebels have threatened to resume their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains severe, with over half the population facing food shortages. (The Hindu)

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