How many people is Israel killing in Gaza while the war with Iran is going on?

 

As of March 6, 2026, while the regional conflict with Iran continues, the death toll in Gaza has reached 72,120 Palestinians since October 2023. Despite a standing ceasefire that began in October 2025, military activity and strikes have persisted, causing additional casualties during the recent escalation with Iran. 

Gaza Casualties During the Iran Conflict (Late Feb – March 2026)

• Daily Fatalities: Between March 1 and March 5, 2026, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that 24 martyrs arrived at hospitals, including a 13-year-old child killed by army fire in northern Gaza on March 6.
• Ceasefire Violations: Since the October 11, 2025 truce, 636 Palestinians have been killed and 1,704 injured. Reports indicate over 969 violations by Israeli forces during this period, including direct gunfire and bombing operations.
• Under-counting Concerns: Independent studies published in The Lancet suggest the actual death toll may exceed 75,000, as official figures often exclude those missing under rubble (estimated at 10,000+) or "non-violent" deaths caused by the collapse of the medical sector and starvation. 

Context of the War with Iran

• Direct Conflict Casualties: Since the "Twelve-Day War" began around February 28, 2026, Israeli strikes in Iran have killed at least 1,332 people. In the same period, Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed 12 civilians in Israel.
• Shift in Focus: While global attention has pivoted toward the Israel-Iran-US escalation, residents in Gaza report feeling abandoned as the "quiet" death toll in the enclave continues to climb.
• Humanitarian Blockade: On March 1, 2026, Israel reportedly shut all border crossings into Gaza, halting the flow of food, fuel, and medicine to over two million people, exacerbating famine conditions already declared in northern regions. 

Is GCC same as the UAE?

 

No, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is not the same as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCC is a regional political and economic union of six Arab countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). The UAE is just one of the six member states within this organization. 

Key Distinctions:

• GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): An intergovernmental alliance formed in 1981 to promote security, economic, and cultural cooperation among6 Arab monarchies in the Persian Gulf.
• UAE (United Arab Emirates): A single country comprised of seven emirates (including Abu Dhabi and Dubai) which is a member of the GCC.
• Relationship: The UAE is a member state of the GCC, along with its neighbors, making the UAE part of the broader Gulf group, not synonymous with the entire organization. 

Essentially, the GCC is a group, and the UAE is one of the members in that group. 

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As of March 2026, Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reconsidering agreements that permit U.S. military bases on their territory, driven by beliefs that the U.S. has prioritized Israeli security in the conflict with Iran over their own defense. Additionally, Iraq has set a deadline for U.S. troops to exit by September 2026, shifting focus from security to economic partnerships. 

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Concerns: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE are evaluating their military ties to the U.S. amid fears of being caught in the crossfire of a widening U.S.-Iran conflict. These countries are also acting to prevent the U.S. from using their airspace or bases for strikes against Iran.
• Iraq's Exit Strategy: Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani has declared the U.S. military mission in Iraq should conclude by September 2026, arguing that the fight against ISIS is largely complete.
• Regional Reassessments: In light of the ongoing conflict, several Arab nations, including Jordan, have been pressured to not allow U.S. bases to be used for supplying weapons to or protecting Israeli forces.
• Shifting Partnerships: Saudi Arabia recently moved away from a comprehensive defense treaty with the U.S. in favor of more limited cooperation. 

These actions reflect a broader, rapid realignment in the region as Arab nations move to avoid becoming directly involved in a war with Iran.

Some Gulf countries consider cutting contracts with US

 

As of March 5, 2026, there are reports that Gulf countries are considering a review of their overseas investments and future commitments, which could include contracts and investment pledges with the 

U.S.

, as they navigate financial and security strains caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran. 

Key Developments in Gulf-U.S. Relations

The current conflict has placed immense pressure on the long-standing security and economic partnerships between the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations: 

• Review of Financial Commitments: High-ranking Gulf officials have indicated that the financial strain of the regional war may force a reassessment of multi-billion dollar investment pledges made to the U.S.. This follows major 2025 agreements, such as 
  Saudi Arabia's
   commitment to invest up to $1 trillion in U.S. infrastructure and technology.
• Security Reassessment: Gulf nations are increasingly skeptical of U.S. security guarantees. Leaders in 
  Qatar
   and 
  Saudi Arabia
   are reconsidering their "excessive reliance" on U.S. protection, seeking greater self-sufficiency and diversifying defense ties with other powers like China and Russia.
• Operational Disruptions: The U.S. has recently suspended operations at several embassies in the region, including those in 
  Saudi Arabia
   and 
  Kuwait
  , citing rising security threats from drone and missile attacks.
• Energy and Industry Impacts:
  • Qatar
     recently shut down some liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after its facilities were targeted by Iranian drones.
  • Some industrial work in the 
    UAE
     and 
    Saudi Arabia
     has reportedly been halted due to local government advisories and the volatile security situation.
• Diplomatic Pressure: Gulf states are actively lobbying the Trump administration to keep the military operation in Iran short to avoid a prolonged energy price shock and further regional escalation. 

Context of Major U.S.-Gulf Contracts (2025-2026)

Before the current escalation, the Trump administration had secured massive deals that are now under scrutiny: 

Saudi Arabia

: An expanded $1 trillion investment commitment (up from $600 billion) focusing on U.S. industry and technology.

UAE

: A $200 billion investment plan, including significant cooperation in AI with firms like G42.

Qatar

: Investment plans worth $243.5 billion and agreements for advanced U.S. weaponry like MQ-9B Reaper drones.