AGP Executive Report

Al-Aqsa Status: Jerusalem’s Islamic Waqf warns the Ottoman-era “status quo” at Al-Aqsa is eroding as Israeli forces increasingly restrict Muslim worshippers’ access, including women and youth. Gaza Care & Mobility: Two amputee girls from Gaza arrive in Portugal for free prosthetics and rehabilitation, highlighting how treatment access is still shaped by the war. Aid & Solidarity Culture: An indie-rock fundraiser in a Lisbon-style music space raised money for Palestinian families via Mutual Aid Cairo, showing how local scenes keep humanitarian links alive. West Bank Siege in Qusra: UN partners delivered water, food, medicines and child recreation kits to families trapped by Israeli forces and settlers, but isolation remains. Gaza Politics & Ceasefire Pressure: Hamas welcomed Trump’s call to end attacks and urged stepped-up pressure on Israel, while Kushner’s Gaza diplomacy centers on Hamas disarmament timelines. Human Rights & Education: Sharjah Charity launches a “With Knowledge We Rise” campaign to support Gaza students’ education, pairing relief with schooling. Religious Life: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls for an end to West Bank violence and a two-state solution, as Christian communities like Taybeh face mounting fears.

Gaza Peace Talks: Jared Kushner, with Tony Blair, met Hamas and then Netanyahu as the US pushes a Gaza road map—Hamas says it’s ready for a 14-day negotiation window, while Israel insists on full disarmament before any pullout. West Bank Settler Violence & Policing: Israel’s defense minister ordered a plan to shift enforcement over settlers to Israeli police, amid UN warnings of unprecedented attacks and growing outrage at army protection for occupiers. Humanitarian & Health Pressure in Gaza: Medical Relief warns fuel and spare-part shortages could force closure of a key Gaza City chronic disease and rehab center; patients also staged demands to open crossings for treatment outside Gaza. Pope Leo XIV & Two-State Call: The pope urged an end to West Bank violence and called for decisive steps toward an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, citing settler attacks and restrictions in Christian areas like Taybeh. Culture & Solidarity: A Gaza-themed flotilla photo exhibition opened in Bangladesh, documenting activists’ journey toward Gaza and detention details. Local Arts: Edinburgh Fringe venue admitted unlawful discrimination after cancelling a Jewish comedian’s show over Palestine-related comments.

West Bank Settler Siege: Israeli settlers pitched tents near Ramallah and extended the siege on Qusra homes for a second week, with families reporting cut water/electricity and residents trapped inside as electricity and water were later restored. Humanitarian & Church Voices: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls to end violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and urged progress toward a two-state solution, as Vatican-linked reporting highlighted rising settler attacks. UN Rights Pressure: The UN demanded Israel immediately release Gaza flotilla activists detained in international waters, citing “disturbing accounts” of mistreatment. Political Violence in Gaza: Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir again called for killing “30 to 40” people in Gaza nightly, intensifying debate ahead of Israel’s October 27 election. Culture & Everyday Life: Jerusalem’s Sabbath cafe clash exposed a widening rift between ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis, turning a coffee outing into a street-level political fight. Campus Activism: Northwestern students are gearing up for another year of advocacy, including pro-Palestinian and feminist groups, as fall quarter approaches. Arts & Resilience: Gaza-themed art and trauma-focused performances continue to offer refuge and debate over whether it’s “too soon” to laugh.

West Bank Siege in Qusra: For a week, Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian homes in Qusra, cutting off water and electricity and forcing families into one house as aid teams face blocks; UN and Palestinian officials call it criminal and inhumane, while the Pope renewed calls to end West Bank violence and push toward a two-state solution. Annexation by Policing Plan: Israel’s defense minister ordered preparations to shift civilian law enforcement in the occupied West Bank to Israeli police after the Qusra siege, with Palestinians warning it accelerates annexation and apartheid. Humanitarian Strain: Qusra families report being left without electricity or water as technical teams are prevented from reaching them. Children and Safety: In East Jerusalem, a 19-year-old was arrested over alleged indecent acts involving two 12-year-old girls, highlighting ongoing concerns about child protection. Culture & Books: Istanbul’s 11th International Arab Book Fair opened with a theme of “The Story Continues,” featuring Islamist-linked calls for Gaza aid and regional political messaging. Gaza Talks: Hamas met Egypt’s intelligence chief in El-Alamein to advance Gaza ceasefire talks under a US-backed roadmap, while Israel continues to demand Hamas disarmament first. Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes killed at least 11 in southern Lebanon, including children, as Hezbollah tensions and ceasefire disputes intensify.

West Bank Siege & Settler Violence: Palestinians in Qusra remain trapped inside homes as Israeli forces keep settlers in place, while activists try to deliver food and water; reports also describe settler gunfire injuring a Palestinian nurse and other attacks across Masafer Yatta and around Hebron. Humanitarian & Healthcare in the West Bank: A Scottish charity opened the first paediatric operating theatres in the West Bank at Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron, aiming to bring child surgery care closer despite conflict and movement restrictions. Gaza After Ceasefire Claims: Coverage highlights continued killings and injuries of civilians, including children, alongside worsening access to essentials like food, clean water, and medicine. Cultural & Community Life: In the Capital Secretariat’s Al-Wahdah District, educational and community meetings marked Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, linking the occasion to solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Diaspora, Identity & Media Backlash: New York Magazine faces criticism for a cover package accused of marginalizing Jewish and Israeli identities while spotlighting Arab and Muslim communities. Protest & International Pressure: Activists protested in Stockholm against Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for sanctions and an end to the attacks.

West Bank Settler Siege: The US is pressing Netanyahu to publicly condemn “terrorist” settlers after a near-week siege in Qusra trapped families inside homes, cutting off water and electricity and sparking international outcry. Local Safety & Policing: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz says “maintaining order” involving settlers may shift from the army to police—an approach critics warn could further entrench annexation-by-practice. Humanitarian Strain in Gaza: Gaza’s Health Ministry says 22 oxygen stations are out of service and only a few devices remain working, with repairs blocked by the blockade. West Bank Raid Harm: In Al-Mughayyir near Ramallah, Israeli forces fired tear gas during raids; children were among those suffering gas inhalation. Culture & Resilience: Palestinian circus arts are highlighted in “The Palestinian Circus,” blending circus performance with traditional Palestinian culture. Faith & Hope: Pope Leo XIV at Angelus urged consolation and renewed hope for communities in the Holy Land, calling Mary a sign of hope amid ongoing uncertainty. UK–Israel Tension: The UK condemned Netanyahu’s “Islamic republic of Britain” nuclear remark as “completely unacceptable.”

West Bank Humanitarian Crisis: UN says over 900 physical obstacles are blocking aid access, with families in Qusra trapped for days as attempts to bring food, water, medicines and hygiene supplies fail. Settler Siege in Qusra: Israeli soldiers reportedly blocked activists from delivering supplies to Palestinian homes besieged by settlers, while residents describe utilities cut and dwindling access to essentials. Taybeh Under Pressure: Fear is spreading in Taybeh, as residents report intensifying settler attacks that disrupt daily life and livelihoods, pushing some families to consider leaving. Culture & Resilience in Gaza: An art space in Deir el-Balah is helping Gaza’s teens process trauma through drawing and community, even as costs threaten its survival. Faith & Community Events: In Sana’a, cultural evenings marked Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with poetry, chants and speeches linking the occasion to solidarity with Palestine. Arts & Memory: Jerusalem’s DocuText festival (Aug 16–20) returns with a theme of “Uncertainty,” spotlighting documentaries and archival storytelling.

West Bank Siege: Israeli forces blocked Palestinian, Israeli, and foreign activists from reaching families trapped in three homes in Qusra as settlers kept a siege going for nearly a week, cutting access to food and water; activists still managed to deliver supplies while troops declared the area a “closed military zone.” US Pressure: The White House is urging Netanyahu to publicly condemn the settler siege after U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the attackers “Israeli terrorists,” adding fresh strain to Israel–U.S. ties. Annexation-by-Administration: Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered plans to shift civilian law enforcement in the West Bank from the IDF to the Israeli police—framing it as governance reform while critics warn it supports de facto annexation. Religious Life Under Strain: Reports say harassment against Christians in Jerusalem has surged, with nuns in the Old City now relying on Jewish escorts amid daily abuse. Culture & Resilience: Reviews highlight The Palestinian Circus: A Step and a Half, using circus joy and solidarity as a form of resistance. Health & Climate: UN-linked coverage flags Gaza’s worsening public health and water access, while Europe’s heatwave drives wildfire evacuations and “cooling center” reminders.

Water Crisis in Gaza: UN OCHA says over half of Gaza’s population lacks safe water access, with more than 1.3 million people getting under 1.6 gallons per person per day and only half of households having basic sanitation. West Bank Siege in Qusra: Settlers and Israeli forces keep a siege on Palestinian homes in Qusra entering a fifth day, with evictions reported and families refusing to leave as the US envoy condemns the blockade. Settler Violence vs Christian Life: Israel shuts down the Christian village of Taybeh to outsiders, citing settler attacks, while reports highlight how religious communities face escalating pressure. Culture & Memory on Screen: Switzerland submits the Gaza-survivor documentary “Who Is Still Alive” for Oscars, spotlighting loss, uprooting, and belonging. Local Community Event: “Cafe Palestina” in the US will brief attendees on West Bank conditions and support for Palestinian women in refugee camps through Wa’ad Community Fund. Campus Free Speech Fight: University of Washington cancels Hasan Piker’s talk, triggering renewed debate over free speech and Israel-related campus tensions.

West Bank Settler Siege: The U.S. ambassador to Israel called the siege of a Palestinian American family’s home in Qusra a “horrific act of terror,” as settlers allegedly cut power and water and trapped residents while Israeli troops moved some people but the standoff continued. Digital Rights & Culture: Palestinian digital rights group 7amleh says Meta has systematically restricted Palestinian content on Facebook and Instagram, documenting thousands of account suspensions and visibility cuts. Christian Village Under Pressure: In Taybeh, residents say settler attacks continue despite an Israeli military order declaring the area a closed military zone, threatening livelihoods tied to olive groves and access to land. Gaza Healthcare: Doctors warn Gaza cancer patients are dying faster as Israeli travel curbs block medical treatment outside the Strip. Money & Reconstruction: A Palestine-focused project outlines a “future of money” plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, arguing for a trusted, secure financial system built around everyday needs for people and small businesses. Boycott Culture: Pro-Palestinian campaigners in Lebanon and Jordan urge a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” over producer Avi Arad’s support for Israel.

Cultural Life in Palestine: Umm el-Fahem Museum of Art pushes ahead with a major renovation, expanding galleries and adding climate control and safety upgrades as its founder reflects on how the war has tested cultural dialogue. Press Freedom Under Occupation: Palestinian journalist Mohammed Awad was arrested near Ramallah, bringing the number of detained Palestinian journalists to 40, while NGOs warn of harsh conditions and ongoing targeting of the press. West Bank Daily Life: UN officials say settler violence is at a “breaking point,” with hundreds of incidents and displacement patterns that leave communities trapped before land is seized. Community Safety: In Qusra, militants and settlers besieged two Palestinian families for days, cutting off water and blocking medical access during a child’s illness. Politics & Representation: Hamas confirmed it will participate in Palestine’s November legislative elections in a broad coalition, aiming to form a legislative bloc. International Pressure: The UN condemned Israeli threats to Lebanon as “unacceptable,” warning of Gaza-style destruction beyond the region.

West Bank Livelihoods: PCBS reports West Bank employment rose 4.6% in Q2 2026 after the Oct. 7 shock, but wages and protection remain weak, with unemployment still high. Christian Life Under Pressure: Israel has surrounded Taybeh, the last fully Christian town in the West Bank, declaring it a “closed military zone” for non-residents amid repeated settler attacks. Detention & Journalism: The Prisoner’s Society says the number of journalists held in Israeli custody reached 40 after the arrest of Ramallah journalist Mohammad Awad, with dozens more detained since the Gaza war began. Campus Culture & Bias: The ADL says antisemitism is moving beyond protests into classrooms and faculty networks, launching a confidential reporting channel for classroom-based bias. Culture & Community: Lajee Centre says its cancelled Irish cultural tour would have offered “much-needed respite” for Aida Refugee Camp performers. Women’s Representation: Miss Palestine 2026 opens applications for women across Palestine and the diaspora, with a final casting in Palestine and Jordan and a grand finale in October 2026. Youth & Film: “Tomorrow’s Future” outdoor film night spotlights Palestinian childhood stories alongside films from Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Al-Aqsa Under Pressure: Israeli settlers forced their way into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police escort while Palestinians faced entry restrictions, as tensions and arrests continue across occupied Jerusalem. West Bank Raids & Settler Violence: Israeli forces raided Burqa near Nablus and detained Palestinians in Jenin, while settlers also attacked multiple villages; UN officials warn the West Bank is at a breaking point as settlement expansion and intimidation reshape daily life. Gaza’s Human Cost: UN and health sources report worsening conditions, including water shortages that threaten public health, and ongoing injuries and deaths tied to the war; in tents in northern Gaza, widows describe how survival has become a daily solo struggle. Culture & Solidarity in the Spotlight: Pro-Palestinian protesters held a vigil outside the BBC in London marking the killing of journalists in Gaza, while Hollywood and media debates keep centering Palestine support and backlash. Legal & Rights Battles: US-based rights groups sued the Trump administration over sanctions tied to the ICC, arguing it undermines international justice and basic freedoms. Education & Community Life: Ramallah’s festival returns with a “We Are Staying” message amid war, and Gaza’s students face mounting barriers to evacuation and study.

West Bank Settler Violence: Israeli forces demolished 12 commercial stores at Anza near Jenin despite pending court appeals, while another incident in Taiba saw settlers damage a family’s property, cut electricity, and empty a water tank after trespassing—amid reports of a 63% jump in nationalist crime in the West Bank in the first half of 2026. Ramallah Culture & Resilience: The “Wayn a Ramallah?” festival returned after a two-year pause, opening under “We Are Staying” as Taybeh faced settler arson and vandalism. Gaza Humanitarian Strain: WHO says thousands of patients still can’t get medical evacuation; evacuations happen only a few times a week. UN Rights Alarm: UN experts decried a July surge in civilian killings and abuses across Gaza and the West Bank, warning ceasefires aren’t protecting people. Art & Memory: Former hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen debuted songs written in captivity at Kibbutz Nir Oz, turning music into survival and testimony. Culture in the Diaspora: Boy George warned Culture Club bandmates they’ll be fired if they refuse to perform his controversial AI-generated pro-Israel track.

West Bank Christian Life Under Pressure: Israel declared Taybeh, a Palestinian Christian town, a “closed military zone” for non-residents, aiming to curb rising settler attacks; troops may disperse gatherings and arrest suspects, while Taybeh’s church community and small local economy face growing fear. Gaza Healthcare & Education Support: The Palestinian Red Crescent opened a northern Gaza field hospital for nearly half a million people, with ambulances staged for when access improves. Humanitarian Hazards: UN warnings say Israeli operations keep endangering civilians, while explosive ordnance teams have marked over 1,000 dangerous items—highlighting the risk to children and families returning home. Culture & Faith Events: QRCS launched its “Back to School 2026” campaign (over QR12m) including support for students in Gaza, and Mawlid celebrations continued in Yemen’s Al-Thawra District. Media & Press Vigil: Protesters gathered outside the BBC in London for a vigil honoring murdered Palestinian and Lebanese journalists, demanding sustained coverage of Gaza and protection for reporters.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: UN experts say attacks on Palestinian civilians sharply escalated in July, with about 160 killed in Gaza alone and nowhere safe, as evacuation orders and strikes keep reshaping the enclave. Pregnancy Under Siege: Reports highlight rising fear among pregnant women in Gaza as miscarriages surge amid displacement, malnutrition, heat, and blocked medical access. West Bank Christian Life Under Pressure: Israel’s army closed the Christian village of Taybeh as a “closed military zone,” restricting entry and underscoring how settler violence and military control are pushing communities out. Culture & Solidarity in the Spotlight: A vigil in Gaza City marked the one-year anniversary of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif and five others killed in an airstrike, with tributes keeping their work alive. Activism and Accountability: Amnesty International published an investigative report alleging India supplied large volumes of arms and ammunition to Israel during the Gaza war, including “Made in India” missile fragments found in a UN-run school site. Media & Popular Culture: Netflix confirmed Fauda Season 5 will return globally on Sept. 8, set two years after Oct. 7.