AGP Executive Report

Global Pressure on Iran: G-7 finance ministers in Paris pushed for tighter, coordinated sanctions as Trump said he paused planned strikes after “serious negotiations” and warned troops were ready if no deal comes. Aid Under Fire: Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, with Turkey and Germany calling it “piracy” and stressing the Palestinian issue as the core regional crisis. Food Security Shock: UNDP warned fertilizer shortages could trigger food problems from September/October as fertilizer production slumps and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stays slow. Palestine Solidarity & Culture: An Oscar-nominated Indian documentary “All That Breathes” is inspiring a new Palestinian film project, while India’s film board blocked “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” citing “harm” to India-Israel ties. Local Palestine Economy Stories: In the West Bank, settlers destroyed olive trees near Ramallah, adding to a pattern of farmland attacks. Europe BDS Push: BDS organizers in Slovenia and Croatia described an “exponential growth” in Palestine boycott activity across Europe.

Iran-US Brinkmanship: Trump says he’s “holding off” a planned Tuesday attack on Iran after Gulf leaders asked for more talks, but warns the US is ready for a “large scale assault” if no deal is reached. Lebanon War Despite Truce: Israel keeps striking southern Lebanon as a US-backed 45-day ceasefire extension starts, with Hezbollah reporting new attacks and an Israeli strike killing a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander and his daughter. Fatah Power Struggle: Fatah’s eighth congress ends with leadership elections delayed and Abbas reasserting control, replacing much of the old guard. Gaza Daily Life: Import limits and damaged workshops are pushing Gaza brides toward refurbished wedding dresses as costs soar. West Bank Violence: Settler attacks near Hebron leave Palestinians injured, part of a wider pattern tied to land seizure claims. Media & Culture: ABC/SBS reject a federal antisemitism definition; Pope Leo launches new AI-focused work; and Gaza solidarity continues to ripple through pop culture and film talk.

Humanitarian squeeze in Gaza: Bread queues are growing fast as Israel restricts fuel and flour imports, cutting daily flour deliveries (about 200 tonnes arriving vs. a need of 450) and pushing families into hours-long lines and black-market prices. Civilian survival under blockade: With cement and building materials barred since 2023, Gaza’s “cement industry” has turned into improvised, dust-choked work inside tents—health risks rising as construction becomes the only option. Resistance and international institutions: Hamas condemned Israel’s approval of a plan to convert UNRWA facilities in al-Quds into military bases, calling it a direct violation of international law. Security claims in Gaza: Israel says it killed Hamas operations commander Bahaa Baroud in a “precise aerial strike,” while medics report continued strikes and casualties. Diplomacy amid escalation: Trump is reported to convene a Situation Room meeting on potential Iran military options as he warns the “clock is ticking.” Regional politics: A Jordanian senator visited the Evangelical Council after evangelicals were left out of an earlier church-leaders meeting.

UNRWA Under Fire: Hamas condemned Israel’s approval of a plan to turn an UNRWA compound in al-Quds into military facilities, calling it a blatant breach of international law and warning it targets UN immunity. Gaza Escalation: Israel’s strikes in Gaza continued even as the Iran front stayed paused, with reports of multiple Palestinian deaths in Sunday attacks. Iran-US Brinkmanship: Trump again warned Tehran the “clock is ticking” as talks stall, while Iran’s officials accused Washington and Israel of manufacturing crises to justify escalation. Nuclear Safety Alarm: A drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah plant sparked a fire; the UAE blamed Iran or proxies, and the IAEA said it’s “grave concern,” with radiation reported normal. East Jerusalem Construction Freeze: Palestinian building permits in East Jerusalem reportedly fell to just 7%, freezing construction. Palestinian Politics: Fatah’s succession chatter grew as Marwan Barghouti topped preliminary votes and Yasser Abbas secured a Central Committee seat.

Defense & Industry Shock: A large blast near Beit Shemesh was described by Israel’s Tomer defence firm as a “pre-planned experiment,” after social media showed a mushroom cloud and emergency access was blocked. Settlement Push Amid Talks: Israel’s far-right ministers renewed plans for settlement expansion into southern Lebanon and again raised displacement demands for Gaza and the West Bank, even as US-sponsored talks with Lebanon continue. Courtroom Fallout in the UK: Yvette Cooper published a Palestine Action column despite CPS warnings it could prejudice a trial over a 2024 Elbit Systems UK raid; lawyers now argue the reporting interfered with proceedings. Protest-Driven Spotlight: Eurovision’s 70th final in Vienna ended with Bulgaria’s Dara winning “Bangaranga,” while Israel placed second again—under a boycott by five broadcasters over Gaza and with rehearsed “fake boos” for the Israeli contestant. Regional Pressure Point: Iran says it will introduce Strait of Hormuz tolls, as US warnings and Israeli strikes keep tensions high.

Settlement Expansion Watch: A new PLO-linked report says Israeli authorities are using military infrastructure and seizure orders to reshape the West Bank—opening roads, expanding outposts, and even modifying firing-zone boundaries to legitimize settlement growth. West Bank Violence: In Jenin, Israeli forces killed a 34-year-old man during a raid on the refugee camp, as home storms and settler attacks continue across the north. International Pressure & Narrative War: Israel’s PR push is intensifying as critics face “blood libel” accusations tied to reporting on sexual violence in Gaza. Solidarity & Boycott Politics: In Europe, Palestine solidarity groups and BDS networks are reporting “exponential growth,” while Eurovision’s Vienna finale is shadowed by a major Israel-linked boycott and protests outside the venue. Aid & Daily Life: Gaza’s humanitarian reality remains grim, with displacement and siege conditions still driving stories of renewed trauma.

Jerusalem by bulldozer: Israel is “cementing control” of Jerusalem through demolition and displacement, with the latest focus on the Al Bustan area in Silwan—an approach that replaces battles with bricks. Ceasefire under pressure: Lebanon and Israel agreed a 45-day truce extension, but fresh strikes still hit civilians, while Gaza’s humanitarian reality worsens. Gaza work amid bombs: Despite drones and blackouts, Gaza’s digital workers keep coding for clients abroad, turning remote work into a lifeline. BRICS splits on West Asia: BRICS foreign ministers met in India and backed the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution, but failed to reconcile differences—especially between Iran and the UAE—leaving no joint statement. BDS momentum in Europe: BDS organizers report “exponential growth” in Palestine solidarity and boycott work across parts of Slovenia and Croatia, as Gaza’s war drives wider public action.

BDS Push in Europe: Fiona Ben Chekroun of the BDS National Committee says Palestine solidarity in Europe has surged since Gaza’s Oct 2023 war began, with “exponential growth” in local groups across Slovenia and Croatia—despite rising challenges. WTO Trade Pressure: South Africa’s trade stance is back in the spotlight after an EFF MP demanded Minister Parks Tau cut all trade and economic links with Israel, calling coal exports “blood coal” amid ICJ-backed genocide proceedings. Gaza Reconstruction via Industry: Two teenage sisters in Gaza, Tala and Farah Mousa, are advancing a rubble-to-bricks method after winning Earth Prize recognition—turning war debris into reusable building material. Humanitarian Reality Check: UN reporting flags mass displacement, life-changing injuries, and slow aid offloading at crossings, alongside a sharp rise in settler violence in the Jordan Valley and demolitions in the West Bank. Nakba Commemoration: Palestine urged global recognition of the 1948 Nakba as an ongoing “crime of ethnic cleansing,” renewing calls for return and compensation.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: As Iran-war tensions spike, a ship anchored near the UAE was seized and another cargo ship near Oman sank after attacks, while leaders push for Hormuz to stay open for energy flows. Humanitarian Funding: The UN welcomed a fresh $1.8bn U.S. boost to global aid, lifting total UN humanitarian funding to $3.8bn as agencies face shortages and attacks. BDS Momentum in Europe: BDS organizers report “exponential growth” in Palestine solidarity work across parts of Slovenia and Croatia, with local groups expanding since Gaza’s war began. Tech Under Scrutiny: Microsoft Israel’s general manager stepped down amid renewed claims tied to surveillance and military-linked AI tools. Lebanon’s Cost-of-Living Shock: Lebanon’s economic crisis is worsening as the Iran/Hormuz fallout hits prices and jobs, with price gouging in fragile markets. Palestine Solidarity: Nakba Day events kept Palestinian return and justice at the center of public action.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: World leaders backed “free navigation” and mine-clearance plans as a ship was seized near the UAE and another cargo vessel sank amid rising Iran-linked tensions. US-Iran Military Claims: A US CENTCOM admiral said Iran’s ability to threaten neighbors has been “dramatically reduced” and its defense industry set back by 90%, while also downplaying reports of remaining missile/drone capacity. Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: Israel and Lebanon resumed direct talks in Washington aimed at preventing further border deterioration. Gaza Digital Survival: Despite bombs, blackouts, and payment hurdles, Gaza’s freelance coders kept building apps and websites for clients abroad. BDS Momentum in Europe: Italy’s opposition submitted a bill to ban imports and ads tied to Israeli settlement goods, citing about €1bn in annual trade. Tech vs War: Hezbollah’s low-cost FPV drones are being credited with making Israel’s high-tech systems less effective.

West Bank Demolitions: Israeli bulldozers razed dozens of Palestinian-owned shops near al-Eizariya, tied to a controversial road project in the E1 corridor—critics say it’s about separating Palestinian and Israeli traffic while expanding settlement infrastructure. Gaza Sanitation Crisis: In Gaza, “death wells” linked to sewage pits are killing people as infrastructure collapses and blockade conditions block basic materials. Gaza Ceasefire Stalemate: The Board of Peace envoy says Hamas is tightening control and taxing people, while disarmament talks stall and Gaza’s rebuilding remains frozen. Prisoners Under Threat: A new Israeli death-penalty law for Palestinian prisoners is being condemned as racist and a direct violation of international law. Culture & Solidarity: Europe’s BDS push keeps growing, with new local Palestine solidarity work expanding across Slovenia and Croatia.

Ceasefire Stalemate: Gaza’s U.S.-brokered truce is still stuck on one hard condition: Hamas disarmament. Nickolay Mladenov said the phased deal is “not negotiable,” and that months of no progress are hurting both sides—while Gaza’s conditions remain “dire and miserable.” Gaza Rebuild vs. Rearm: Israeli reporting claims Hamas is using aid corridors and smuggling routes to keep rebuilding capacity, with new IDF warnings that the group is producing hundreds of explosives and running training in much of the enclave. Aid Logistics: Dubai Humanitarian says it moved 14,297 tonnes of aid worth Dhs404 million across 101 countries in 2025, underscoring how fast relief supply chains are being scaled even as crises deepen. Everyday Life Under War: In Gaza, developers are building apps to cope with daily breakdowns—like ride-sharing and prepaid wallets—to reduce transport costs and cash strain. Culture & Identity: A documentary on Palestinian comedy and identity is set to screen, spotlighting how humor survives occupation and division.

Iran–US War Escalation: Trump heads to Beijing while insisting Iran’s ceasefire response is “unacceptable,” warning Iran will be “decimated” if it won’t accept a US-dictated deal, as Iran threatens to accelerate its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Gulf Security: Qatar and Türkiye warn against renewed military escalation and urge diplomacy to reopen Hormuz for navigation. Israel–Gaza Pressure: Gaza rebuilding faces new hurdles as Hamas reportedly blocks Rafah reconstruction efforts, while UNICEF says 99 education-related attacks hit West Bank schools in 2026. West Bank Settlement Drive: Reports point to continued settlement expansion and road/bypass infrastructure approvals that deepen Palestinian isolation. Activism & Boycott Politics: Palestine solidarity pressure keeps spreading in Europe via BDS networks, while campus and legal fights over pro-Palestine speech continue. Hope From Rubble: Two Gaza sisters win a Middle East environmental award for turning war debris into bricks.

Cannes backlash over Gaza censorship: Cannes jury member Paul Laverty used the festival’s opening press moment to blast Hollywood for “blacklisting” stars like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo over their Gaza stance, calling it “Shame on Hollywood” and defending creative freedom. EU sanctions push: EU foreign ministers approved new sanctions targeting Israeli settler organizations and leaders in Judea and Samaria, alongside sanctions on leading Hamas figures—another escalation in Europe’s pressure campaign. Gaza destruction spotlight: Amnesty released a report alleging Israel leveled multiple high-rise residential and commercial buildings in Gaza City in late 2025, urging investigations as war crimes. Gulf-Iran pressure: Qatar warned the Strait of Hormuz must “never be used as a weapon,” as mediation efforts continue and regional tensions rise. West Bank road demolitions: Israeli bulldozers razed dozens of Palestinian shops near al-Eizariya for a settlement-linked road project, with Palestinians warning it aims to restrict movement in E1.

Iran–US Talks Stumble: Iran is reviewing a U.S. 14-point proposal—reportedly including a 10-year uranium enrichment ban and a Strait of Hormuz reopening—while Pakistan mediates and markets briefly cheer; but Trump keeps the pressure on, calling Tehran’s response “garbage” and warning of renewed strikes as key disputes over missiles and regional proxies remain unresolved. Regional Security Escalates: Iran says it has deployed mini submarines to “guard” the Strait, as the U.S. and allies continue operations and oil prices swing on every diplomatic twist. Lebanon’s Damage Claim Grows: A Lebanese government-linked report alleges “ecocide” in southern Lebanon, framing environmental destruction as systematic, not incidental. Palestinian Ground Reality: Israel demolishes dozens of industrial/commercial facilities in Al-Eizariya (E1-linked), while rights groups push for investigations into “wanton destruction” and war-crimes claims. EU Pressure: EU foreign ministers approve sanctions on violent Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders. Diplomacy vs. Information: A new report claims Israel ran a secret base in Iraq to support air operations against Iran—then struck Iraqi troops who neared it—adding to the fog around the war.

Iran–US Ceasefire Crunch: Iran is reviewing a U.S. 14-point plan mediated by Pakistan that would include a 10-year ban on uranium enrichment and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but talks are stuck on nuclear stockpile, missile demands, and regional proxies—while Trump keeps the military threat on the table and calls the ceasefire “on massive life support.” Israel–US Aid Rift: In a CBS interview, Netanyahu said Israel wants to “draw down to zero” U.S. military financial support within a decade, as U.S. backing frays since the Gaza war. EU Sanctions Push: The EU moved to sanction violent West Bank settlers and Hamas figures, escalating pressure even as Israel rejects the move as political persecution. Gaza/West Bank Pressure: Israel continues strikes across Gaza and Lebanon, while courts freeze demolitions of Palestinian shops and settlers force families to exhume and relocate bodies. Campus Free Speech Fight: Rutgers canceled a graduation convocation for biotech CEO Rami Elghandour over Israel-Palestine social media posts, triggering union backlash over “a Palestine exception” to free speech.