AGP Executive Report

West Bank Land Sales in London: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan condemned a “Great Israeli Real Estate Event” in the UK capital, saying it appears to promote West Bank settlement land and urging police, the Home Office and Foreign Office to investigate any unlawful sales. UK Court Sentences Palestine Action Activists: Woolwich Crown Court jailed four Palestine Action activists over a 2024 raid on an Israeli-linked Elbit Systems facility near Bristol, handing down terms totaling more than 26 years and citing a “terrorism connection,” while hundreds of supporters protested outside and police arrested more than 100. Election Disinformation Probe: Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney was targeted by coordinated fake social media activity, according to a French cybersecurity agency report accusing Israel-based Blackcore of running smear campaigns during the Holyrood election. Two-State Push at G7 Lead-In: Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups met in France to urge G7 leaders to keep a two-state solution alive, calling for a permanent ceasefire, an end to settlements, Gaza reconstruction and stronger support for civil society. West Bank Settlement Pressure: Reports from Marda (near Salfit) say Israeli bulldozers are uprooting olive groves and expanding roads tied to settlement projects, alongside tighter movement restrictions. UNRWA Under Fire: Multiple countries condemned Israel’s moves against UNRWA at the UN Security Council, warning of an unprecedented campaign that is disrupting humanitarian operations.

Palestinian Politics: Mahmoud Abbas set a timetable for elections, announcing legislative polls in November 2026 and presidential elections in 2027, alongside work on updated governance laws. Two-State Push: Palestinian and Israeli civil society groups urged G7 backing in Paris, warning the “window” for a two-state solution is narrowing and calling for a ceasefire and a halt to settlement expansion. UK Arms & Protest Fallout: A London judge jailed four Palestine Action activists over a 2024 Elbit Systems raid in Bristol, citing a “terrorist connection” after £1.2m in damage; 72 supporters were arrested outside court. Sanctions & Settlement Economy: EU ministers next week will review whether to ban trade with Israeli settlements across the bloc, as Western governments tighten measures tied to West Bank settler violence. Humanitarian Funding: Canada pledged $100m for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, routing support through UN agencies and the Red Cross while also backing peace and stabilization efforts. Diplomacy on the Ground: France held a civil conference on the two-state solution in Paris, but Israel and the US stayed away as the G7 agenda looms.

UK Sanctions & Charities: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said UK charities should not support illegal Israeli settlements, urging the Charity Commission to investigate links to settlement networks and warning businesses against economic involvement. West Bank Violence: Amnesty reports Israel is carrying out state-led ethnic cleansing and record settler violence, while Taybeh’s Christian residents warn renewed attacks could erase the town’s ancient presence. Two-State Push in Europe: Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups will meet in France to press for a ceasefire, halt settlements, and restart political momentum as the two-state path dims. Settlement Economy & Property Backlash: Gwyneth Paltrow faces heavy criticism for starring in a luxury Israeli real estate ad tied to projects linked to settlement land. Peace Funding: Australia, Canada, and the UK launched a £3m peace fund for grassroots work supporting a two-state solution, alongside new sanctions on settlement-violence networks. AI Education Deal: Jordan’s JoAcademy acquired AI startup NoNerds for $140,000 to expand personalized tutoring across Palestine and the region.

West Bank Settlements: Israel’s government is expected to approve major new settlement funding, with reports citing a first tranche of about $51m to prepare 69 illegal settlement sites/outposts and a larger $338m plan potentially headed to a security cabinet review—sparking renewed international pressure and rights-group criticism. EU Trade & Sanctions: France and other European moves keep targeting settlement-linked activity, while NGOs argue sanctions on settlers alone don’t go far enough. Humanitarian & Aid: UNRWA’s interim chief wrapped a first visit to Egypt, thanking Cairo for support and warning on UNRWA’s operational and financial strain; separately, Gaza medical evacuations via Rafah reportedly resumed as the crossing reopened. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt is balancing US-Gulf expectations while trying to manage fallout from the US-Iran conflict and keep de-escalation on track, including renewed focus on Gaza ceasefire implementation. Security & Politics in the US: Federal prosecutors unsealed a case alleging a coordinated intimidation campaign tied to University of Michigan leaders and divestment efforts, raising fresh debate over protest rights and legal boundaries. Media & Access: Israel denied entry to a French journalist covering the conflict, with broadcasters calling it an obstacle to press freedom.

West Bank Accountability Push: Britain, Australia, Canada, France and Norway announced coordinated sanctions on networks financing extremist settler violence, while France also banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country—rights groups say the measures still miss the structural drivers behind land theft and displacement. Human Rights Alarm: Amnesty released a report accusing Israel of state-led “ethnic cleansing” of West Bank Bedouin and herding communities in Area C, warning it’s aimed at accelerating annexation. East Jerusalem Housing Crisis: Residents in annexed East Jerusalem face intensifying demolitions and evictions, with rights groups citing permit restrictions that leave Palestinians squeezed while settlement building continues. Gaza Medical Access: Gaza’s health ministry said 24 patients and 45 companions left via Rafah for treatment abroad, as humanitarian access remains a major bottleneck. Business & Telecom: Ooredoo Palestine appointed Adpro& Group and Adpro& OMD as its integrated creative and media partners, backing the brand’s next growth and customer engagement push. US Campus Divestment Crackdown: In Michigan, eight pro-Palestinian activists were indicted over alleged threats and vandalism tied to divestment pressure—raising new questions about protest, intimidation, and legal boundaries.

West Bank Economy & Governance: Amnesty says Israel is running a state-led “ethnic cleansing” campaign against Bedouin and herding communities in Area C, accelerating displacement and annexation through land grabs and settler violence. PA Stability Risk: An opinion piece warns that deepening West Bank economic collapse and PA weakening could strengthen Hamas’s position in the territory. Sanctions & Trade Pressure: Multiple reports highlight coordinated Western sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and “enablers,” plus calls for broader measures beyond just individuals. SME Finance for Palestinians: A reported $50 million financing deal aims to support Palestinian small and medium enterprises. Security & Tech: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strikes across Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon. US Legal Crackdown on Campus Intimidation: Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments against University of Michigan-linked activists accused of a threats-and-vandalism campaign tied to Israel divestment pressure. US-Iran Trade & Shipping: The US says it disabled an oil tanker tied to Iran’s oil transport, as Trump signals more strikes. Holy Land Christian Concerns: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, after meeting Macron, warns the Christian presence faces a “difficult reality” amid violence and no political horizon.

Gaza Tech & Jobs: Israel’s war has smashed Gaza’s innovation ecosystem, with the UCAS Technology Incubator in Tal al-Hawa reduced to rubble after attacks in 2024, cutting off a pipeline that once backed 500+ young tech professionals and startups. Ceasefire Talks in Cairo: Hamas says “acceptable” approaches were reached on key Gaza ceasefire sticking points, but warns Israel and mediators must push implementation forward, with disarmament still a major hurdle. Medical Travel Blocked: Gaza’s health authorities say Israel is preventing thousands of patients from leaving for treatment, with 17,757 referrals recorded by May 20 but only 3,226 exits so far. West Bank Finance Pressure: Israel’s Knesset approved deductions from Palestinian clearance revenues, deepening the PA’s cash squeeze and threatening salary payments. Sanctions & Settlement Pressure: The UK for the first time issued guidance discouraging business involvement in illegal settlements, while Australia and allies coordinated sanctions targeting networks enabling settler violence; France also banned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry. Humanitarian Fallout in Lebanon: The UN warned Israel’s sweeping evacuation order for Tyre could displace nearly 44,000 people, many already uprooted.

West Bank Sanctions Push: Britain, Canada, France, Norway, Australia and New Zealand announced coordinated sanctions on people and networks they say finance and enable settler violence, while France also banned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other settler leaders from entering the country. PA Cash Crunch: Israel approved a freeze on Palestinian clearance revenues, a move that could worsen the Palestinian Authority’s ability to pay salaries. UN Accountability Report: A UN inquiry said Israeli authorities and security forces are directly involved in shielding settler attacks, with settler violence against Palestinian villages and farmland rising sharply since 2023. Gaza Medical Exit Block: Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israel is preventing more than 16,500 patients from leaving for treatment abroad despite a ceasefire. Energy Talks: Egypt urged a restart of Palestinian offshore gas discussions, framing it as a route to jobs and recovery for both the West Bank and Gaza. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warned Gaza’s situation remains volatile, with disease risks rising as displacement and services strain continue.

AI & Security: A new report says Israel has expanded AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, with more autonomy in surveillance and targeting across Gaza, the West Bank and southern Lebanon. Public Opinion & Risk: A Pew poll finds Israel’s global image has sharply worsened, with major majorities holding unfavorable views in most surveyed countries as the Iran war deepens isolation. West Bank Economy & Trade: UK Labour MPs (137 lawmakers) push to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, citing E1 expansion and rising settler violence. Ceasefire Pressure: As Israel-Iran tensions flare again, mediators warn the Lebanon trigger could push the region toward a wider breakdown. Aid & Compliance: The US watchdog alleges more than 100 UNRWA staffers linked to Hamas attacks, raising pressure on funding and oversight. Detention & Rights: Palestinian community leader Salah Sarsour’s lawyers say his health is deteriorating in US immigration detention and that religious freedoms are being denied.

AI & Security: A new report says Israel has expanded AI-controlled drones for surveillance and strike missions, reducing real-time human oversight across Gaza, the West Bank and southern Lebanon. Global Sentiment: A Pew poll finds negative views of Israel rising sharply in 32 of 36 countries, with the Iran war and Gaza’s destruction driving the shift. Gaza Crossings & Aid: Israel temporarily closed Gaza crossings after Iran-linked fighting, then said Kerem Shalom would reopen gradually for aid. Humanitarian Cost: Analysts estimate Gaza reconstruction could run $30bn–$50bn, but argue the real bottleneck is governance and fragmented delivery, not money. West Bank Land & Settlements: Israeli bulldozers began work for a new settlement road north of al-Quds, tied to Route 45 and land confiscations. Red Sea Shipping Risk: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a total ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, raising fresh supply-chain and oil-market concerns. EU Finance for Businesses: The EU and EIB launched a €400m facility to support Palestinian small businesses.

Middle East Escalation: Israel and Iran traded attacks again for the first time since a two-month ceasefire, after Iran struck in response to an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs; no casualties were reported so far, but the flare-up included strikes on an Iranian petrochemical complex and missile activity involving Yemen’s Houthis. Maritime Pressure on Trade: Yemen’s Houthis declared a complete ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, warning any Israeli vessel movement would be treated as a military target—raising risks for commercial routes tied to global trade. Gaza Crossings & Aid: Israel sealed all Gaza crossings and suspended humanitarian aid deliveries after the Iranian missile attack, with COGAT saying food volumes since the ceasefire exceeded UN needs, while Palestinian and aid groups warn hunger is worsening. Human Rights & Tech Oversight: Microsoft said it will tighten human-rights and security measures after an internal inquiry into Israeli military use of Microsoft cloud tech for surveillance of Palestinians. Industry Watch (Egypt): Egypt’s PM Mostafa Madbouly inspected major Alexandria investments, including a new Lipton production line, as part of a push to deepen local manufacturing and exports.

Gaza Ceasefire Under Strain: An Israeli airstrike hit a police station in Khan Yunis’s Al-Mawasi area, killing at least five and wounding several, as Israel and Hamas trade accusations over repeated ceasefire violations. Humanitarian Access: The Palestinian Red Crescent said 34 patients and 63 companions were evacuated via Rafah with WHO coordination, underscoring how medical travel remains a lifeline amid war. West Bank Security Fallout: Israeli forces shot and killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby near Hebron after firing at a vehicle, while separate reports described a drive-by attack in Israel near the West Bank border that killed one and wounded several. Sanctions & Settlement Pressure: France signaled more sanctions against Israeli settlers may come soon, as the UK and partners prepare a package aimed at deterring companies from involvement in the E1 settlement plan. Ireland Tightens Entry Rules: Ireland confirmed travel bans on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, with officials citing actions tied to Gaza’s “unfolding disaster.” Regional Diplomacy: Lebanon’s president accused Iran of using the country as a bargaining chip in US-Israel peace talks, as the Lebanon-Israel front remains volatile.

Gaza Health Access: Palestinian officials say that since the latest Gaza ceasefire, only 840 patients have been allowed to leave for treatment, far below the planned flow, as Rafah crossing approvals and closures keep delaying evacuations. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A report from Khan Younis highlights the lack of proper toilets across Gaza’s tent cities, forcing families to dig makeshift latrines and deepening health and dignity concerns. West Bank Settlements & Finance: The Palestine Solidarity Campaign urges the UK to stop a London “Great Israeli Real Estate Event,” arguing it markets homes and mortgages in illegal West Bank settlements. PA Internal Politics: A rare Fatah critique by senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says sidelining a Dahlan-linked faction before party elections was a mistake, with reinstatements to be handled “respectfully.” Ireland Sanctions Push: Ireland banned far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering, and plans settlement-origin trade restrictions, while also calling for EU-wide sanctions. Regional Energy Tensions: Iran fired drones and ballistic missiles toward Bahrain and Kuwait as the US intercepted threats near the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how the conflict keeps disrupting regional trade routes.

Diplomatic Pressure: Ireland banned far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country, citing inflammatory rhetoric and policies toward Palestinians, and said it will push EU-wide sanctions while drafting settlement-goods trade restrictions. Ceasefire Reality Check: Despite ceasefire deals, strikes keep hitting—AP reports Iran firing missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait while Israel strikes in Lebanon killed nine, including Lebanese army personnel, raising fresh questions for regional stability. West Bank Violence: Israeli forces killed a 7-month-old Palestinian baby in the occupied West Bank after firing at a car near Hebron; separate reports also describe settler attacks injuring Palestinians in Huwara. Gaza’s Economic Squeeze: Coverage highlights Gaza’s “open laboratory” transformation—war management, displacement, and reconstruction tied to security conditions—while aid and basic services face mounting strain. Islamic Finance & Trade: Qatar Chamber and the Global Islamic Economy Summit in Istanbul spotlight ethical finance, digital transformation, and sustainable growth—relevant for regional business ties amid conflict.

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.