AGP Executive Report

West Bank Violence: A seven-month-old Palestinian baby boy, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was killed after Israeli forces fired on his family’s vehicle near Tel Rumeida south of Hebron; his parents were also wounded, according to Palestinian health officials. Ireland Sanctions & Travel Bans: Ireland banned Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, with Prime Minister Micheál Martin saying their actions and statements amount to a desire to eliminate Palestinians; the move follows similar UK and other European measures. Palestinian Health Under Pressure: Palestinian health officials warn that medicine shortages are worsening as Israel withholds clearance revenues (maqasa funds), with over 726 medicine types reportedly unavailable and cancer and emergency supplies at dangerously low levels. Gaza Governance Talks: Hamas says it will not hand over its weapons immediately, proposing that only “official” police weapons would be visible under a future Gaza administration, while negotiations continue. Tech & Security Contracts: UK police database management awarded to Palantir (about £9m) is drawing scrutiny over the firm’s role in surveillance and alleged links to military use. Settlements & Land/Water: A US House amendment boosts funding for an agricultural research project with Israel, critics say it further embeds US spending in the settlement system that restricts Palestinian access to land and water.

Diplomatic Pressure on Settlements: 85 U.S. House Democrats led by Mark Pocan and Jan Schakowsky urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to halt Israel’s E-1 settlement construction, warning the window for action is closing fast and that E-1 would sever West Bank contiguity. EU/Irish Sanctions: Ireland barred far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, with the Taoiseach citing their role in Gaza policy and statements amounting to a desire to “eliminate Palestinians from Palestine,” and signaling EU-level sanctions may follow. Gaza Economy & Education: A Gaza ice-cream shop run by university students is keeping higher education alive amid cash shortages and rising input costs under siege conditions. Ceasefire Reality Check: A legal explainer argues ceasefires are political promises without reliable enforcement, as fighting continues across Gaza and Lebanon despite announced truces. Regional Trade Talks: Bangladesh and Türkiye agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and expand trade, including exploring a free-trade arrangement—an economy-focused development beyond the conflict zone.

Tech & Human Rights: Microsoft says it will tighten human-rights controls after reviewing how its cloud and AI tools were allegedly used by Israel’s military for surveillance in Gaza, including enhancing pre-contract reviews for national-security work. Ceasefire Credibility: A new explainer argues “ceasefires” across West Asia are being treated as conditional pauses, with Gaza and Lebanon showing how fighting and territory grabs continue even after announcements. Healthcare Under Pressure: The Palestinian Health Ministry warns medicine shortages are worsening as Israel freezes PA tax revenues, putting thousands of cancer and dialysis patients at risk and delaying thousands of surgeries. Humanitarian Access: Gaza’s Rafah evacuation saw 23 patients and 60 companions (83 total) transferred for treatment abroad amid severe medical-system strain. Labour & Trade Policy: Polling shows 78% of Labour members back a full arms embargo on Israel and 87% support banning trade with illegal West Bank settlements, raising pressure on the UK government. Settlements & Costs: Israel’s Knesset approved tax benefits for West Bank settlements, a move criticized as further entrenching annexation economics. Diplomatic Status: A Palestinian trade-union official says Palestine’s observer status at the ILO was defended despite US and allies’ pushback, seen as a step toward full membership. Local Economy & Environment: PCBS reports Gaza emissions from the aggression hit 33.2 million tons CO2e, alongside major impacts on water and household costs.

West Asia Ceasefires Under Strain: Despite US-brokered truces, Gaza, southern Lebanon, northern Israel and Kuwait kept taking hits this week, with Washington saying fighting is happening “more moderately” rather than stopping. Settlement Expansion Watch: Israel’s far-right finance minister approved 2,162 new Jewish homes across the occupied West Bank, a move Palestinians and many countries say deepens illegality and blocks a two-state path. Occupied West Bank Land Pressure: Jerusalem Governorate warned of a major waste treatment project on Qalandiya village lands that would shift the separation wall and confiscate about 278 dunams, threatening homes and olive-based livelihoods. Education Under Siege: IOF abducted four Birzeit University female students in a dawn raid, framed as part of a wider pattern of raids and detention that disrupts Palestinian education. Tech, Money & War Risks: Shareholder and worker pressure is growing inside major tech firms over alleged surveillance and military-linked cloud/AI contracts tied to Israel. Labour & AI for Decent Work: Qatar told the ILO that AI’s real challenge is political choice—pushing for social justice, stronger worker protection, and inclusive prosperity.

UN Security Council: UN members will hold a closed-door briefing on “the Palestinian question,” after a letter from the State of Palestine warned Israel is pushing measures described as annexation— including plans for over 3,400 West Bank housing units that could fragment East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory. West Bank Settlements: Israel’s hardline finance minister announced approval for 2,162 new settler homes across three settlements, reinforcing “facts on the ground” despite widespread international illegality concerns. Gaza Reconstruction Stalls: A Gaza “reconstruction” framework is criticized as coercive rather than rebuilding-focused, with reconstruction tied to strict conditions like disarmament and security restructuring. UK Policy Pressure: A former UK diplomat says Britain could ban its citizens from buying homes in illegal West Bank settlements, using criminal-offence tools to target the settler enterprise itself. Humanitarian Access & Visas: Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour says Israel revoked her travel authorization to visit family in the occupied West Bank, citing her pro-Palestinian advocacy and BDS support. Diplomacy & Regional Economy: Pakistan says it’s stepping up diplomacy for Middle East stability while also expanding trade ties, including business-to-business talks with China.

West Bank Settlements: Israel approved 2,162 new Jewish homes across the occupied West Bank, including 1,006 near Jerusalem, 922 by Nablus and 234 near Hebron—moves Palestinians say further erode any realistic path to a future state. US-Iran Talks Pressure: President Trump confirmed he called Netanyahu “crazy,” saying Israel’s Lebanon fighting is complicating US-led efforts to revive peace talks with Iran, while he avoided a clear timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Lebanon Ceasefire Friction: Despite renewed talks in Washington and Trump’s claim of a Lebanon ceasefire, Hezbollah rejected any “partial” deal and Israel continued strikes, with reports of deaths in Tyre. Gaza Destruction Narrative: A new Gaza-focused piece describes the scale and layout of destruction as part of a broader campaign against Palestinian identity, keeping humanitarian and economic fallout in the spotlight. Local Business & Community: Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce announced “Taste of Palestine & Business Expo” on July 25, aiming to connect local restaurants and firms with new customers. Palestinian Economy Watch: Australia imposed sanctions and travel bans tied to West Bank settler violence, signaling more pressure on actors linked to instability.

Gaza Reconstruction Funding Stalls: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Gaza rebuilding can’t move forward unless Hamas is demilitarised, warning investors won’t fund recovery while the group retains military power. EU Pressure on Israel: EU leaders are set to castigate Israel over “unlawful” attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, demand border crossings reopen, and reject Netanyahu’s plan to seize 70% of Gaza. Arms-Shipping Legal Fight: Amnesty joined a criminal complaint against FedEx Belgium over alleged unlawful transit of F-35 parts to Israel, raising new compliance risks for logistics firms. Palestinian Politics in the US: Progressive Dr. Adam Hamawy won New Jersey’s 12th District Democratic primary, campaigning on healthcare reform and ending US weapons sales to Israel. Regional Escalation Risk: Iran’s Quds Force chief warned that intensifying Gaza and Lebanon fronts could open additional regional fronts and disrupt key maritime routes. Local Business/Services: Avir at Town Creek in Palestine, Texas received a one-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, with multiple fines—another reminder of pressure on for-profit care providers.

Gaza Ceasefire Reality Check: Despite announced ceasefires, Israeli forces kept striking and advancing in Gaza and Lebanon, with fighting continuing as the “term is rapidly losing its meaning,” raising new questions for regional stabilization. Settler Violence & Displacement: UN experts warned that escalating settler attacks in the occupied West Bank are becoming “daily terror,” with coercion and displacement risks tied to settlement expansion. Jerusalem Under Pressure: The Jerusalem Governorate reported intensified assaults around Al-Aqsa, demolitions, arrests, forced deportation orders, and new settlement planning during May. Activism Hits the Supply Chain: Pro-Palestinian campaigners launched “Global Intifada Disarm” at Italy’s Gioia Tauro port, alleging dual-use and military-linked containers are being held and demanding transparency. EU/Irish Trade Policy: Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill is set for debate, aiming to ban trade with illegal West Bank settlements—sparking criticism over whether services are being excluded. UAE-Israel Business Push: Israel and the UAE signaled closer ties, including talks on a trade corridor linking India, the Middle East and Europe, framed as an opportunity driven by the Iran war. Palestine Business Note: Brakes Plus opened a new store in Palestine, Texas, highlighting local job and service growth in the region.

West Bank Settler Violence: Israeli settlers torched olive groves near Ramallah and damaged farmland, with forces reportedly providing protection and blocking civil defence crews, adding fresh economic losses for farmers. PA Crackdown Debate: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich renewed calls to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and seize all West Bank territory, reviving fears of deeper annexation. UN Warning on Settler Terror: UN experts warned of a surge in settler attacks in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, calling it an “existential risk” to Palestinian presence. Lebanon Front and Trade Risks: As Israel presses deeper into southern Lebanon and Iran warns it may target another key shipping route after Hormuz, markets are bracing for wider disruption to global energy and shipping corridors. France Arms Show Curbs: France barred Israeli officials from Eurosatory and limited Israeli exhibitors to air-defence items, escalating diplomatic and procurement tensions. Gaza Parents Under Strain: On Global Day of Parents, reports highlighted how displaced Gaza families are stuck in a survival loop—queuing for water and food while children’s needs go unmet. Palestinian Barrier Death: A Palestinian man was shot dead at a West Bank barrier while trying to cross into Israel, with his family linking the move to worsening economic conditions. Digital Economy Launch: HalaPremium.com launched a curated MENA digital asset marketplace focused on AI, Web3 and Vision 2030 themes, signaling continued regional investment in tech-driven finance.

Palestinian Economy: MAS reports fragile growth in 2025, with activity, production and incomes still below pre-war levels, while West Bank movement restrictions and the PA’s clearance-revenue squeeze keep pressure on households, businesses and public finances. Settler Violence & Displacement: UN experts warn that escalating settler attacks—especially in Area C—are driving fear and “forcible displacement,” with 2026 deaths and injuries from settler brutality already outpacing prior years. West Bank Policy: Smotrich doubles down on dismantling the PA and erasing Oslo-era Areas A/B/C, saying Israel must take full control—an approach Palestinians reject as annexation. Legal/Trade Pressure: France bans Israel’s official participation in Eurosatory, limiting Israeli defense firms to air-defense displays—another blow to Israel’s arms-show access. Regional Energy Risk: Iran suspends US-mediated talks and threatens to paralyze shipping by closing the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, citing Israel’s Lebanon escalation. Diplomatic Fallout: South Africa’s ICJ delay request could push the next major steps in the genocide case toward late 2029/2030.

West Bank Labor Shock: Israeli forces shot and killed 26-year-old Imad Haroun Ishtayeh at the al-Ram separation barrier near Jerusalem as he tried to cross for work, with relatives linking the attempt to worsening livelihoods after the West Bank economic crisis. Work Access Under Pressure: Another report says a 27-year-old Palestinian worker, Imad Haroun Hamdan Ishtayeh, died after being shot while scaling the wall to reach employment in Israel—highlighting how restrictions are pushing more people into deadly crossings. Diplomacy & Normalization: Saudi Arabia reiterated “No Palestinian State, No Normalization,” keeping the Palestinian state track as a condition for ties with Israel. Media Accountability: A Palestinian prisoner group called for international accountability over alleged systematic sexual violence and torture of detainees, while debate continues around major outlets’ coverage. Regional Business/Trade Context: Qatar National Library announced June programming including “Keys to Palestine: Memory, Stories, and Documentation,” alongside open-access publishing guidance for researchers.

West Bank Barriers & Jobs: Israeli forces shot and killed Palestinian worker Imad Haroun Ishtayeh (26) near the al-Ram section of the barrier north of Jerusalem as he tried to cross for work, underscoring how access to jobs is increasingly tied to deadly border enforcement. Gaza Humanitarian Flow: An aid convoy resumed into Gaza via Karem Abu Salem after Eid, delivering food, medicines, hygiene items and fuel after inspections—amid ongoing restrictions that keep reconstruction and supplies constrained. Lebanon Cross-Border Escalation: Israel seized Beaufort Castle near Nabatieh in its deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in decades, despite a nominal ceasefire, raising risks for long-term control and regional stability. US–Israel Military Integration: In the US, lawmakers are moving on a defense-bill provision (Section 224) that could deepen institutional tech and coordination ties with Israel, with bipartisan pushback over oversight and long-term entrenchment. Abraham Accords Pressure on South Asia: Trump’s push to expand normalization is now putting Pakistan under sharper scrutiny, testing Islamabad’s balancing act between Washington ties and domestic support for Palestinians. Culture & Memory: Qatar National Library announced June programming including “Keys to Palestine” to preserve Palestinian history and documentation.

Gaza Ceasefire Under Strain: Israeli strikes killed Palestinian doctor Jamal Abu Aboun and others during Eid al-Adha, with drones hitting near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and Firas Market, while artillery shelled areas east and south of Khan Younis and homes were demolished in northern Gaza. West Bank Home Demolitions: In Qalandia, Jerusalem authorities forced the Awadallah family to self-demolish seven homes, citing permits Palestinians say they can’t obtain. EU Sanctions on Settler Networks: The EU expanded its sanctions to four settler groups and three individuals over alleged roles in extremist activity, coercive displacement and intimidation, adding to a growing sanctions list. UN Sexual Violence Blacklist: The UN added Israeli and Russian forces to its conflict-related sexual violence blacklist, citing patterns including allegations involving Palestinian detainees. Gaza Reconstruction Fund Questions: Reports say Morocco and the UAE paid into Trump’s “Board of Peace” but money went to operating costs, while the official World Bank-linked reconstruction account reportedly received no donor funds despite pledges. Diplomacy Signals: Turkey’s foreign minister said normal ties with Israel could resume only if Israel stops killing Palestinians and allows basic necessities into Gaza. Local Business Angle: A Texas community baking program (“All You Knead to Know”) is set for June 2 at the Palestine Campus of Trinity Valley Community College, highlighting small-business skills and local entrepreneurship.

Abraham Accords Pressure on Pakistan: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar and US Sec. of State Marco Rubio left a Washington meeting without answering a reporter’s “Will Pakistan recognise Israel?” question, with Dar later reiterating Islamabad will only shift if an independent Palestinian state is established. Local Economy & Trade: Ireland is moving to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank by July, adding pressure to EU-Israel trade ties as Gaza’s war reshapes business risk and compliance. Gaza Under Expansion Orders: Netanyahu ordered Israeli forces to seize control of 70% of Gaza during the “ceasefire,” raising fears of further displacement and market disruption. Palestinian Community Resilience: Bethlehem’s Aida Youth Centre relaunched its “Right of Return Bazaar” for Eid al-Adha, drawing vendors and official participation despite ongoing displacement. UK Political Lobbying Scrutiny: A UK petition on Israeli lobbying in politics passed 116,000 signatures, triggering a parliamentary debate on 22 June. Extremist Content on Platforms: Research says music streaming services are being used to spread Hamas-linked hate and violence content.

Gaza Market Strain: Unprecedented stagnation is hitting Gaza markets as the war drags on, worsening everyday purchasing power and supply. Ceasefire Under Pressure: Israel’s leadership says it is expanding control inside Gaza—moving toward 70%—even as US-Iran talks aim to extend a ceasefire and restart nuclear discussions. Hormuz Energy Risk: Iran rejects Trump’s terms on lifting the Hormuz blockade, while Iran and Oman discuss “legal management” of the strait amid rising regional tensions that could ripple into energy prices. West Bank Land & Trade: Reports highlight Israel’s push to seize land via a digital West Bank registry and ongoing settlement expansion, while EU sanctions target extremist settler groups. Humanitarian Fallout: Gaza’s displacement is driving a rise in early marriage, with families facing impossible choices amid shortages and insecurity. EU/NGO Pressure: A US investigation into UNRWA could reshape its status, adding uncertainty to aid delivery. Local Business & Boycotts: Park Slope Food Co-op’s BDS vote and related legal threats show how Gaza politics are spilling into consumer and retail decisions.

Gaza Health & Cost Pressure: In Nuseirat, a 400-shekel dental quote can mean choosing between treatment and feeding children, as Gaza’s siege drives up prices and shortages of materials. Ceasefire Diplomacy: US and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and restart nuclear talks, though Trump sign-off is still unclear; the framework also points to Strait of Hormuz shipping staying open. Israel’s Gaza Control Push: Netanyahu ordered the army to seize control of 70% of Gaza, signaling a shift beyond ceasefire limits while strikes continue amid Eid al-Adha funerals. EU Sanctions for West Bank Violence: The EU imposed travel bans and asset freezes on seven Israeli settlers and organizations, plus Hamas representatives, targeting violence and settlement expansion. Gaza Reconstruction Gaps: A Portland Trust review says many reconstruction plans neglect health, education, and trauma recovery—focusing too much on bricks. Pakistan-US Talks: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar arrived in Washington to meet Rubio and discuss bilateral and regional stability. “Board of Peace” Fund Empty: Reports say Trump’s Gaza rebuilding fund has received “zero dollars,” raising questions about pledges and oversight.