Patch Release Checklist for v1.7.1 (March 2026)

• release notes
• cherry pick
• bump envoy,ratelimit image tag if needed
• update VERSION in release branch
• wait for CI
• push tag
  • Push tag https://github.com/envoyproxy/gateway/releases/tag/v1.x.x
  • wait for release CI
• verify quickstart
• update doc
• update release announcement
• GH Release, Slack announcement, google group announcement

This issue was automatically created by the monthly release workflow.