AGP Executive Report

International Justice: Turkey asked Interpol for red notice alerts for Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials over the Gaza “Sumud” flotilla case, framing it as genocide accountability. Humanitarian Accountability: Israel’s probe into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab is being challenged by her mother as too little, too late, after the army admitted firing on the car and ambulance. Culture & Film: Avi Nesher’s October 7 drama “Our Loves” is set to premiere at TIFF, spotlighting survivors’ stories through an Israeli ensemble cast. Arts, Food & Community: Philadelphia’s Manna Bakery is opening a permanent Levantine/Palestinian-inspired storefront, turning family memory into pastries and community space. Protest & Law: A UK judge ruled a Palestine Action Barclays bank attack in Burnley won’t be treated as terrorism, lowering sentencing links. Digital Rights: Turkey fined Meta over Instagram curbs on pro-Palestine posts, saying the actions discriminated against political speech. Settlements on the Ground: New settlers returned to Kadim near Jenin after a 20-year gap, as international criticism grows over E1 and West Bank expansion.

Accountability in Gaza: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says Israel’s military prosecutor closed cases over killings of MSF staff and relatives without a criminal probe, calling it “not justice” and warning that a system investigating itself can’t deliver war-crime accountability. Aid workers under fire: Australia summoned Israel’s ambassador after Israel declined criminal charges over the World Central Kitchen strike that killed Zomi Frankcom and colleagues; global politicians also condemned the decision. Hind Rajab case: After years of denials, Israel admitted troops fired on the car carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab and opened a criminal investigation—while her family says the probe is meant to “justify” the killing. West Bank escalation: Palestinian Red Crescent reports settler attacks south of Hebron injured Palestinians and ambulances were blocked; separate incidents in the north involved stone-throwing and raids. Settlements & culture of control: UK and other governments condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tender, warning it could sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Humanitarian strain: UNICEF says nearly 700,000 Gaza children have been shut out of in-person schooling for a third year as schools are destroyed or repurposed as shelters. Sports: Qatar won 20 medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships in Amman, with Palestine among the participating teams.

Gaza Arts & Culture: Areej Al-Saafin, a Gaza painter who lost her right eye in 2024, is rebuilding her art life amid rubble and shortages, turning survival into new work. Accountability in the Spotlight: Israel has admitted firing on the car carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab and opened a criminal investigation, after years of denials—while her story continues to shape global attention on Gaza’s civilian toll. Media & Rights: RSF documents renewed repression of Palestinian journalists, including tear-gassing at Qalandiya and bans on accessing Al-Aqsa. West Bank Arts/Community Life: US Ambassador Mike Huckabee warned against settlers seizing homes tied to Palestinian Americans, citing “You shall not steal,” as tensions around displacement keep rising. Cultural Production: Middle East Report issue 319, “Art at Work,” spotlights Palestinian and Lebanese art made under occupation and war, with visual essays and interviews on cultural production under pressure. Sports & Identity: West Ham urged fans to stop an “hates Palestine” chant tied to Israeli winger Manor Solomon, keeping Palestine-linked culture debates in the stands.

Gaza Humanitarian & Borders: Rafah crossing reopened in both directions after Israel’s February closure, with Egyptian state-linked media showing ambulances and patients returning to Gaza. West Bank Settlements: The UK demanded Israel halt the E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem, warning it could fragment the West Bank and kill the two-state path. Gaza Accountability: Israel launched criminal probes into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Gaza medics/paramedics, after admitting it fired on the car carrying her family; Germany, France and the UN condemned far-right Ben-Gvir’s calls for nightly mass killings. US Gaza Plan: Trump’s administration told Congress it will send $206M for a stalled Gaza peacekeeping force, the first concrete funding for the plan. Arts & Culture (Palestine-linked): A Palestinian circus troupe and other Gaza-focused arts initiatives keep spotlighting resilience amid war, while international film attention continues around Hind Rajab’s story. Local/Community: Palestine Action activists’ legal battles and pro-Palestine student visa pressure remain in the news.

West Bank Detention Abuse: Israel confirmed troops marked Palestinian detainees with numbers on their foreheads during a raid in Qabatiya, sparking outrage and condemnation from France’s Muslim Council of the Faith. Gaza Accountability Push: Israel opened criminal investigations into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian paramedics, but not into some aid-worker deaths, as rights groups warn probes rarely bring convictions. Diplomatic Fallout: Germany and France condemned far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s “30 or 40” killings remark for Gaza, calling it inhumane and illegal. Humanitarian Toll: UN data marked another grim record for aid-worker deaths in 2025, with Gaza the deadliest context for responders. Arts & Culture: Tampa’s touring “The Art of Banksy” show turns street-art politics into a conversation-starter for mainstream audiences. Palestine-India Cultural/Health Ties: Palestinian envoy Abdullah Shawesh said an India-funded hospital is set to be built in the West Bank and talks continue on healthcare cooperation, including prosthetics. Activism in the UK: A jury was discharged in the Palestine Action Elbit raid trial, leaving prosecutors to decide whether to retry.**

Gaza Ceasefire Under Strain: Israeli strikes hit Gaza City, including a cafe at the port where at least six were killed (with a child among them) as talks stalled and Israel insists on Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal. West Bank Raids & Settler Violence: Israeli forces fired tear gas in raids across the occupied West Bank, injuring Palestinians, while Qusra remains under siege as families report being blocked from leaving and supplies. Human Rights & Dehumanization: Israel confirmed soldiers marked detainees with numbers during a raid near Jenin, drawing condemnation over dehumanizing treatment. Diplomacy Watch: India’s MEA reiterated support for a negotiated two-State solution and urged sustained humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Palestinian Culture on the Move: A Palestinian festival in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens spotlights khuffiyeh, dabekh dance, crafts, and a short film screening. Arts & Media Pressure: Australia’s libraries faced backlash after removing Gaza-related books, while Gaza’s makeshift classrooms and volunteer teachers keep learning alive amid destruction.

West Bank Arts & Culture Under Pressure: Palestinian-American Loui Ridi raised a giant US flag over his Qusra home, but a settler still walked onto his land during a tense face-off as his family’s property remains under siege. Human Rights & Identity: Israeli forces marked detainees with numbers during a Qabatiya raid, drawing outrage over “dehumanising” treatment. Gaza Film & Care: Watermelon Pictures is offering free healthcare-worker tickets for screenings of American Doctor, a documentary about US medics treating wounded Palestinian children. Entertainment Crossover: Egyptian-Jordanian-Palestinian actor Bassel Alzaro joins Days of Our Lives for five episodes in its 61st season. Media & Books: Sydney’s Waverley Library pulled Adam Johnson’s How to Sell a Genocide for “review” after complaints. Regional Politics in the Arts Sphere: Temple Mount rules eased slightly as Jewish men were allowed to pray with prayer books during an “initial experiment.” Diplomacy & Mandates: US envoy Jared Kushner urged Netanyahu not to block Gaza’s peace plan as working groups form around disarmament and humanitarian needs.

Jerusalem Festival Returns: After a Gaza war hiatus, the Jerusalem Festival is back for two months, opening with a tribute to Lebanese icon Ziad Rahbani and bringing Palestinian music and memory back to Yabous Cultural Centre in occupied East Jerusalem. Gaza Aid Through Indie-Rock: A local indie-rock fundraiser at Seventh Circle Music Collective raised $1,190 for Palestinian aid via Mutual Aid Cairo, including support for a Palestinian mother and lymphoma campaign. West Bank Under Siege: US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Trump to pressure Israel to protect Palestinian civilians as settler sieges in Qusra draw international outrage. Prison Conditions: The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office says administrative detainee Raghad Al-Fanni, 28, is facing harsh conditions at Damon Prison, including denied eyeglasses and medication. Cultural Space & Identity: Iron Orchid Tattoo expanded with a community display area and the town’s first gay bookstore, blending art, safety, and local connection. Antisemitism Inquiry Pressure (Australia): A coalition calls to extend the Bondi royal commission deadline and push for more witnesses, including arts and public figures, as hearings near their final stretch.

Gaza Peace Talks: Jared Kushner met Netanyahu in Jerusalem after a rare Kushner-Hamas meeting in Egypt, as the US pushes Israel to accept a Gaza roadmap tied to Hamas disarmament and phased withdrawal. West Bank Crackdown: Israel arrested 22 Palestinians across the West Bank, including nine from one family, amid raids and continued settler violence. Ceasefire Violations: Gaza reported multiple injuries and deaths from artillery and airstrikes, including shelling near Deir al-Balah and attacks around Shuja’iyya. Humanitarian Action: A boat named “Kate” set sail from Bristol in a Freedom Flotilla effort to challenge Israel’s Gaza blockade. Arts & Culture: Edinburgh Fringe fallout continued as a venue admitted unlawful discrimination after cancelling a Jewish comedian’s show over Palestine-related views. Music Spotlight: Irish rock band The Stunning announced an extra Dublin date, with their recent project featuring a video dedicated to Palestine.

Gaza Ceasefire Diplomacy: Jared Kushner met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt to push a US-backed 15-point roadmap, with mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey also involved—Israel’s next test is whether it will back the plan amid ongoing strikes. West Bank Settler Violence: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls to end violence against Palestinian civilians and urged progress toward a two-state solution as the Qusra siege drags on and Israel weighs shifting West Bank enforcement from the army to police. Regional Pushback on Gaza Plan: Eight Muslim countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the roadmap and its stance on Palestinian statehood, warning it undermines efforts for “just and lasting peace.” Controversial Extremism: Israel’s Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly advocated killing “30 to 40” people in Gaza nightly, intensifying outrage and scrutiny. Arts & Culture: Miss Palestine announced its first national competition in recent history, inviting Palestinian women (18–35) to apply for Miss Palestine 2026 under “Beauty Beyond Borders.”

Gaza Ceasefire Diplomacy: A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo to push Gaza ceasefire implementation and address ongoing Israeli violations, ahead of a possible Kushner visit. West Bank Settler Pressure: In Qusra, families describe months of militant settler attacks and a near-siege of homes, while Israeli forces raid Hebron’s Old City and force shopkeepers to shut. Church Voice: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls to end violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and urged progress toward a two-state solution. Arts & Culture: EIF’s “Four Walls And A Roof” theatre review highlights a gentle, exploratory Brecht-focused performance; meanwhile, “The Palestinian Circus” brings circus artistry and Palestinian culture to the stage. Music Calendar: LA’s Piano Spheres announced its 2026–27 season, including LA appearances by Charlemagne Palestine and other contemporary piano/electronic premieres. Media & Tech: Politico reports Israel is funding an AI-focused campaign to shape how ChatGPT answers Gaza-related questions.

Gaza Ceasefire Under Strain: Israeli strikes and artillery hit multiple areas, killing at least one Palestinian and injuring others, while Civil Defense recovered remains of 21 people from destroyed homes. West Bank Siege & Settler Violence: Qusra families say they’ve been trapped for days under settler attacks; the US urged Netanyahu to publicly condemn militant settlers. Media Under Pressure: The Palestinian Journalists’ Union says Israel’s occupation continues targeting journalists with detentions, live fire, raids, and closures. Hamas Talks in Cairo: Khalil al-Hayya is set to meet Egyptian intelligence ahead of Jared Kushner’s Gaza-related visit, as disputes over a disarmament roadmap continue. Arts & Culture: Ramallah festival returns with a “We Are Staying” message; Gaza-focused film and music items include a newly unveiled patriotic track tied to “The Indian Border.” Sports & Community: Yemen Telecommunications’ football championship kicks off in Sana’a, blending competition with public celebration. Human Rights Lens: Reports highlight ongoing attacks on healthcare and the deliberate destruction of conditions of life in Gaza.

Gaza Ceasefire Violations: Three Palestinians were injured in a central Gaza drone strike on a motorcycle in Deir al-Balah, with reports of ongoing shelling and demolitions despite the ceasefire. Humanitarian Strain: Gaza’s oxygen crisis is worsening, with at least 22 oxygen stations forced out of service and remaining sites at risk of shutting down without spare parts. West Bank Siege & Politics: Settler pressure in Qusra continues as the US urges Netanyahu to publicly condemn the siege; Israel Katz says “civil order” powers tied to settlers may shift from the army to police. Aid Access Blocked: The UN says more than 900 physical obstacles are delaying humanitarian work in the occupied West Bank, leaving families underserved. Arts & Culture: Locarno Film Festival crowned Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here” and honored Monica Bellucci; in Gaza, “Soul of Gaza” fundraising and Palestinian film screenings aim to support displaced families. Health & Recovery: Turkish Red Crescent launched prosthesis support for Gaza amputees, starting with a custom below-knee prosthesis for a 2024 bombing survivor. Controversial Media: A Daily Wire campus-thriller trailer (“Run Hide Fight: Infidels”) sparked debate over Islamophobia and depictions of extremist takeover.

West Bank Siege Watch: For nearly a week, Israeli settlers have besieged Palestinian families in Qusra while soldiers stand by; UN staff say aid workers can’t reach trapped families due to a network of 900+ physical obstacles, and activists report soldiers blocking deliveries. Christian Community Under Pressure: Taybeh residents say intensifying settler attacks are pushing families to fear for their safety and livelihoods, with reports of fires and raids. Gaza Arts as Survival: In Deir el-Balah, a Gaza art space helps teens process trauma through drawing, while another report highlights how art and music are giving children rare refuge from war. Film & Culture: The National Library of Israel’s DocuText festival returns to Jerusalem Aug. 16–20, spotlighting documentaries built from archival material. Campus Culture Clash: TMU will create a task force after an external review found inconsistent enforcement fueled polarization around pro-Palestine protests. Entertainment Roundup: A specialty preview flags new releases including The Rivals of Amziah King and Nimrods, plus American Doctor—a Gaza-focused documentary about treating patients amid attacks.

West Bank Arts & Activism: A days-long settler siege in Qusra keeps Palestinian families trapped as water and power are cut, with UN and Palestinian officials condemning the move and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee calling the attackers “terrorists.” Gaza Work & Culture: Gaza freelancers are turning to coworking spaces for stable electricity and internet to keep jobs alive. Media & Rights: WHO says 10,000+ attacks on healthcare since 2018 have gone without justice, while CPJ says it removed people from its journalist death list after they were identified as combatants. Pro-Palestine in Pop Culture: A Burger King worker fired for saying “Free Palestine” has drawn major public support after her viral moment. Stage & Screen: Reviews spotlight Palestinian circus and fringe comedy, keeping resistance and joy center stage. Diplomacy Shock: Netanyahu formally rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, vowing no withdrawal until Hamas disarms.

West Bank Siege & Violence: Settler attacks and Israeli raids kept escalating in Qusra, with families evicted and homes used as barracks, while the U.S. ambassador condemned the siege as “terror” and “thuggish behavior.” Gaza Strikes Despite Ceasefire: Two Palestinians were killed in Khan Younis and Gaza City strikes, with reports of continued artillery, drones, and flare activity. Diplomatic Standoff Over Gaza Plan: Netanyahu formally rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza proposal, insisting there will be no withdrawal until Hamas is fully disarmed, deepening the rift with Washington. Humanitarian Air Bridge: Dubai launched a new WHO-backed route, sending multiple flights of medicines and supplies toward Gaza via Egypt. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Edinburgh Fringe debuts “Swan Song,” an absurdist comedy critiquing how mainstream media treats minority narratives, including pro-Palestine voices. Media & Publishing Controversy: Simon & Schuster faces renewed backlash for publishing Susan Abulhawa’s new novel amid accusations of antisemitic rhetoric. Sports & Identity: A Spanish broadcaster was criticized for allegedly skipping the introduction of Israeli hurdler Omri Shiff at the European Athletics Championships.