AGP Executive Report

UNRWA Funding Crunch: UN chief António Guterres warned UNRWA is nearing a “breaking point” as a $100m gap threatens services for about 2.6m Palestinians, with restrictions in the occupied territory and donor pauses still biting. Gaza at 1,000 Days: As Gaza marks 1,000 days since Oct. 7, ceasefire hopes look thin: Israel controls much of the territory, aid remains limited, reconstruction stalls, and the Health Ministry reports 1,053 deaths since the ceasefire. Humanitarian Access & Evacuation Delays: A BBC report highlighted how Gaza patients can wait for security clearances and approvals for treatment abroad—sometimes until after a loved one dies—showing how medical access is still bottlenecked. Trade, Sanctions & Settlement Pressure: Reports say the UK is discussing a full ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, while EU institutions continue signing deals with Israeli firms despite Gaza-related legal and rights concerns. Regional Energy Risk: Iran warned oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to use approved routes or face “forceful response,” underscoring how shipping and energy routes remain exposed to escalation. Small-Scale Local Economy: Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA, while separate coverage shows how food-hall models are helping hospitality operators manage costs and risk.

Tax Revenue Standoff: The Palestinian government rejected plans to route Israel-withheld clearance taxes to Trump’s “Board of Peace,” saying the money is Palestinian and must follow PA decision-making, with Israel withholding over $6bn. UNRWA Under Pressure: Palestine also pushed back on efforts to “undermine” UNRWA’s Gaza mandate, calling it an irreplaceable lifeline and warning that shifting the refugee issue away from UN protections erodes rights. Settlement Pressure: The UK is weighing a sweeping ban on goods from Israeli West Bank settlements, exploring coordinated restrictions with partners. Gaza Humanitarian Reality: UN-linked reporting highlights expanding Israeli control and escalating risks to civilians, while Gaza’s mental health strain is described as worsening inside families. Finance & Policy Signals: Netanyahu said Israel wants to phase out US aid, framing it as no longer needed—while the IMF cut Israel’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% amid regional tensions. Media & Accountability: CPJ removed some Palestinian journalists from its death toll lists after Hamas/PIJ-linked obituaries labeled them “combatants,” triggering claims of bias.

UNRWA Funding Crunch: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged countries to plug a $100 million gap, warning UNRWA is nearing a “breaking point” after austerity and restrictions that have hampered operations for millions of Palestinian refugees. Diplomatic Pressure on Aid: Palestine’s UN envoy Riyad Mansour called for stronger political and financial support for UNRWA, citing systematic targeting and a widening humanitarian crisis. Settlement-Linked Legal Risk: France warned firms that commercial activity tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and beyond could trigger legal, economic and reputational exposure, including possible inclusion in UN human-rights-related listings. Counterterror Finance Case: U.S. authorities charged New York resident Catherine Beth Washburn with attempting to send cryptocurrency to Palestine Islamic Jihad, highlighting how financial flows tied to Gaza-linked groups are being targeted. Regional Aid Under Fire: Türkiye warned UNRWA faces unprecedented political pressure aimed at undermining its work, while also condemning attacks and obstructions affecting the agency. Gaza War Costs & Hostages: A former Israeli hostage negotiator said the Gaza war could have ended a year earlier and that prolonged fighting contributed to the deaths of some captives.

UNRWA Funding Crunch: UN chief António Guterres urged countries to plug a $100m gap, warning UNRWA is nearing a “breaking point” as restrictions and cash shortages threaten services for 2.6m Palestinian refugees. UN Security Council Push: Pakistan again backed Palestinians at the UNSC, condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plan as a threat to the future state’s geography and warning settlement approvals and PA funding freezes are worsening conditions. Detention Abuse Claims: The Palestinian PMO said Israeli authorities are committing widespread abuse in prisons, citing torture, denial of medical care, and holding thousands of administrative detainees including children. West Bank Crackdown on Civil Society: Israel shut down a Nablus nonprofit, alleging it supported terrorism, with officials saying the case is under review. Humanitarian Crossings & Costs: A Jordan–West Bank bridge travel report highlighted long waits and persistent complaints about informal payments tied to services, adding to traveler distrust. Legal Pressure in Europe: The HRF petitioned Lithuania’s constitutional court after authorities rejected an investigation request into an alleged Israeli dental student linked to Gaza war crimes. Business & Health (Local): Palestine Regional Wound Care Center won national excellence awards for clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

UN Diplomacy & Settlements: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to act against Israel’s E1 settlement plan, warning it threatens the geographical continuity and viability of a future Palestinian state, as settlement approvals and settler violence accelerate. UN Security Council Pressure: Palestine’s UN envoy Riyad Mansour also called for concrete action beyond condemnation, saying Israel has entrenched occupation and annexation—citing claims that about 70% of Gaza and over 60% of the West Bank are effectively controlled—while warning E1 would be a “death penalty” for statehood. EU Trade Rules: The EU’s obligation to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements is “not an option,” with legal and civil-society pressure mounting ahead of EU foreign ministers’ talks. Gaza Housing Workarounds: With cement and steel blocked, some Gazans are improvising—like potter Jaafar Atallah building mud-brick homes from clay—to make shelters safer amid widespread destruction. Diaspora Culture & Livelihoods: Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) is helping diaspora communities preserve identity and earn income, with stories from Lebanon highlighting how craft keeps heritage alive. Industrial Recovery: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation joined a UNIDO meeting in Vienna on pathways for industrial recovery and sustainable economic development in Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Business Spotlight (Jordan-Palestine ties): Jordan’s World Cup run boosted global attention on Zalatimo Brothers sweets, a family confectionery with roots in Jerusalem.

West Bank Settlements: Five European states warned businesses to avoid E1 settlement contracts, calling the project a direct attack on a viable Palestinian state and a risk of annexation and displacement. Gaza Ceasefire Reality Check: Despite a ceasefire, Gaza saw fresh violence, including a drone strike that killed three civilians in Deir el-Balah, as Israel and Hamas trade accusations of truce violations. Gaza “Board of Peace” Plans: US-led “Board of Peace” officials met in Cyprus to prepare a Palestinian technocrats committee for Gaza governance, but timelines remain unclear and frustration is growing. Palestinian Finance Push: The Palestinian Authority is moving toward electronic payments to ease a banking crisis tied to Israeli limits on cash transfers and repeated delays in indemnity letters. Human Impact, Exit Pressure: A report highlights Gazans weighing emigration after repeated displacement and economic collapse, with fears they may never be allowed to return. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation joined UNIDO talks on industrial recovery across Syria, Palestine and Sudan, while Oman and France emphasized boosting investment ties.

West Bank healthcare squeeze: Palestinian Authority-run clinics across the West Bank are shutting or cutting services as a deep health ministry debt crisis bites, worsening access to free care and medicines. EU trade pressure: Ireland’s foreign minister says momentum is building for an EU-wide ban on trade with Israeli-occupied territories, citing growing concern over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Gaza economy at risk: A new warning says Israel’s campaign is pushing the West Bank economy toward collapse—undermining any realistic path to a Palestinian future beyond subjugation. Legal fight over terror claims: A U.S. court case highlights unequal legal pathways for American victims—U.S. law lets the family of an Israeli settler murder victim pursue claims, while another family faces barriers tied to U.S. designation decisions. Entrepreneurship funding in conflict zones: Bahrain-backed UNIDO plans an international fund starting at BD40 million to support startups and MSMEs in war-affected countries, including Palestine. Cultural economy: Malaysia’s Islamic Arts Museum opens a show on Palestinian embroidery, framing tatreez as a living archive of identity and resilience.

West Bank livelihoods under pressure: An Al Jazeera report spotlights Amal Slaibi’s orchard in Beit Ummar, saying Israeli bulldozers uprooted her family’s trees after the Karmei Tzur outpost expanded, wiping out a key income source. Gaza war costs and accountability: A UN-linked commission report says Israel deliberately targeted Palestinian children, while another UN-backed investigation frames Gaza’s child deaths as war crimes—fueling renewed calls for arms restrictions. Crypto and sanctions risk: TRM Labs traces $3.84B in CoinEx-linked blockchain activity tied to sanctioned Iranian exchanges, including $2.7B with OFAC-sanctioned Nobitex, raising fresh compliance questions for cross-border finance. Regional diplomacy and security: Israel and Lebanon signed a 14-point framework agreement, with debate over what it changes on the ground and how it affects Hezbollah and Iran. Arab politics and the Palestinian file: Morocco’s parliamentary delegation took part in Arab Parliament talks in Cairo, focusing on Iran’s attacks, the Palestinian question, and Arab digital sovereignty. Domestic violence in Israel’s Arab sector: Car bombs and shootings killed five Arab Israelis, with police citing criminal gang activity and disputes behind the attacks.

Gaza Strikes: Israeli drone and air strikes killed two Palestinian siblings in the Muwasi displacement area, including a 15-year-old girl, and wounded others across southern and western Gaza, as Israel said it targeted Hamas while hospitals reported civilian casualties. UN Accountability: A UN commission in Geneva concluded Israel deliberately targeted and killed Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank, urging a ban on military-related trade and sanctions for violations. Jerusalem Investment: The Arab League highlighted East Jerusalem investment—education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment—at Istanbul meetings tied to the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM spoke with Saudi Arabia’s FM by phone on de-escalation after the US-Iran MoU, freedom of navigation, and developments including Lebanon and the Palestinian issue. Trade & Security: Coverage also stressed the need for secure sea lanes for global trade amid Red Sea and Hormuz-linked tensions. Boycott & Pressure Campaigns: A UK local group urged residents to back an arms-trade embargo and divestment from settlement-linked firms, alongside boycotts of Israeli companies and support for Palestinian goods.

West Bank & Jerusalem Finance: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged churches in occupied East Jerusalem to reject Israel’s “Arnona” municipal property tax, warning it threatens the city’s Christian presence and violates its historic legal status. Gaza Humanitarian Fallout: Israeli drone strikes killed two Palestinian siblings in tents for displaced people in Muwasi, while another strike hit tents in Gaza City, injuring civilians; near-daily attacks continue despite a fragile ceasefire. Legal & Accountability Pressure: A UN Commission of Inquiry report accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinian children by deliberately targeting them, as Israel rejects the findings. West Bank Heritage & Land Use: Palestinians say they’re resisting Israeli encroachment on the historic Solomon’s Pools amid settler-led moves that turn Palestinian land into “tourist” sites. Politics & Diplomacy: Netanyahu unveiled a Lebanon “buffer zone” map tied to Hezbollah disarmament, while Hezbollah rejected the US-brokered deal as a surrender. Community & Economy: At Solomon’s Pools, residents from Dheisheh refugee camp have turned a restricted ancient site into a daily community space—swimming and reviving local routines—after settler provocation.

UN Aid & Two-State Push: India says it’s backing a negotiated two-state solution while sending a first $2.5m tranche to UNRWA for Gaza relief, as it stresses ceasefire and civilian protection. West Bank & Gaza Pressure: UN reporting highlights growing protection gaps for Palestinian children as rights groups face mounting constraints, while a UN commission inquiry says Israel deliberately targeted children in Gaza. Elections & Political Economy: In New York, pro-Palestine aligned candidates’ wins are being framed as a direct political shift that could affect US aid and sanctions—raising the stakes for Palestine-linked economic policy. Legal & Financial Fallout: ICC judges challenge US sanctions that they say amount to a “financial death penalty,” with impacts on basic banking and movement. Regional Security Narrative: Commentary continues to argue Gaza remains central to regional legitimacy and stability, not a sidelined humanitarian issue. Diplomacy & Identity: India’s opposition leaders renew criticism that the country is drifting into Israel’s strategic orbit, tying foreign policy choices to humanitarian obligations for Palestinians.

West Bank Heritage Funding: Israel’s ultranationalist government is pushing a major expansion of archaeology and heritage sites in the occupied West Bank, with a reported 250 million shekels budget to preserve and “make accessible” sites tied to Jewish history—Palestinians and critics warn it’s a cover for displacement and annexation. Settler Violence Charges: Israeli prosecutors indicted six settlers over a June mosque and village attack near Ramallah, including arson and violence against residents and worshippers. Gaza Civic Push: Palestinians in Gaza are organizing for a “We Want to Live” demonstration on 26 June, aiming to spark a longer civic movement after repression and economic collapse. Lebanon-Israel Framework: Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed framework deal in Washington, with $100m in humanitarian assistance and a process for disarming Hezbollah and restoring Lebanese sovereignty—details still limited. Corporate Pressure & BDS: Scotland’s “Apartheid Free Zones” initiative is expanding BDS commitments among shops, restaurants, and unions, with an interactive map tracking 150+ participating businesses. Tech & Israel Ties: A pro-Palestinian group says it will intensify pressure on Amazon over alleged links to Israel’s war effort, after a Seattle protest targeting executives and officials. Palestine in US Politics: New York’s primaries saw pro-Palestine candidates win up and down the ballot, including a major upset in NY-13 tied to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement.

Gulf–US–Iran diplomacy: GCC foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Manama and backed the US-Iran MoU, while Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the joint US-GCC line as “interventionist” and warned against hostile behavior; the talks also centered on maritime trade security and Strait of Hormuz navigation, with GCC states rejecting any tolls or attempts to control the strait and stressing freedom of passage. West Bank governance: Israel’s move to strip Hebron Municipality of planning and construction authority in parts of the historic center is drawing fresh alarms of “quiet annexation,” with Palestinians warning it undermines Oslo and future statehood. Palestine-linked humanitarian finance: Turkmenistan’s charity fund for children’s care met with the Palestinian ambassador to expand medical and social assistance partnerships, keeping Gaza and Palestinian needs in the spotlight. US legal pressure on international justice: Three ICC judges sued the Trump administration over sanctions tied to investigations involving war crimes in Afghanistan and Palestinian territories, arguing the measures are punitive and meant to pressure the court. Local business angle (Palestinian diaspora): A Chicago family-run store founded by a Palestinian immigrant continues to serve its community by keeping broad inventory and ordering hard-to-find items.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF warns the “ceasefire” is a “cruel and deadly illusion” as Israeli forces kill 1,000+ Palestinians since October, including 265 children, while Gaza’s aid operations face shortages worsened by import restrictions. West Bank Economy Under Pressure: A new report says Israel’s policies are dismantling the economic conditions needed for any Palestinian future beyond permanent subjugation, as settler violence and movement restrictions intensify. West Bank Settlements Law: Ireland’s Oireachtas committee rejected adding a ban on trade in services (and ads for services) in the Occupied Territories Bill, keeping the focus on goods despite calls for broader coverage. Palestinian Skills Amid War: AFP profiles Smile Kitchen Academy in Gaza City—bombed twice, rebuilt again—training youth for food services as food insecurity and restrictions squeeze livelihoods. US Politics & Israel: Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen endorsed anti-Israel progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, signaling growing Democratic acceptance of far-left insurgent politics. Regional Shipping & Iran Talks: GCC-US ministers in Bahrain backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with no tolls or control, while an evacuation plan for 11,000 seafarers remains in motion amid Iran-US negotiations. Political Economy in NYC: New York’s Democratic primaries elevated pro-Palestinian socialist candidates, reshaping the US debate around Israel and party power.

West Bank Heritage & Land Control: An Israeli “Heritage Authority in Judea and Samaria” bill would shift management of ancient sites under Israel and allow related real-estate expropriation, drawing Palestinian and rights-group warnings that it amounts to annexation and could expand settlements. UN Accountability on Gaza Children: A UN independent commission says Israeli forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children, classifying the conduct as genocide and war crimes, and urges action beyond condemnation. Palestinian Fiscal Pressure: Reports say Israel’s wars since Oct. 7, 2023 have neared $205bn in costs, including public spending, US-supplied equipment, and economic output losses—raising pressure on the wider region’s economy. Regional Cooperation on Crime & Drugs: The League of Arab States and UNODC held a Cairo review meeting for the 2023–2028 regional framework, focusing on drugs, transnational crime, terrorism, corruption, and financial crimes. US Politics & Israel Support Shifts: A Quinnipiac poll finds 48% of Americans say the US is “too supportive” of Israel, while Democrats and independents show the biggest doubts—amid New York’s pro-Palestinian political momentum. Sanctions-Evasion Crypto: Blockchain investigators report CoinEx handled $3.84bn in crypto transactions tied to Iranian entities under sanctions, including links to IRGC and other groups.

West Bank Land Grab: Israel’s finance minister Smotrich declared 115 acres (465 dunams) as “state land” to expand the illegal Givat Haroeh settlement near Ramallah, with plans for hundreds of new homes—another blow to any realistic two-state path. NYC Politics With Palestine at the Center: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsed slate swept Democratic primaries, toppling incumbents including Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Rep. Dan Goldman; the wins are being read as a shift in Democratic power over Israel/Palestine positions, with candidates also tied to campus divestment and anti-Zionist activism. ICC vs. Washington: Three ICC judges sued the Trump administration over sanctions, arguing they’re illegal and that account freezes violate due process—sanctions linked to the court’s Gaza-related actions. Gaza Ceasefire Reality Check: Reporting highlights that ceasefire promises are being undermined by continued restrictions and attacks, keeping humanitarian and economic pressure on Palestinians high. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Qatar’s parliamentary speaker stressed dialogue and navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran talks move forward, while regional leaders push de-escalation. Egypt Macro Update: Egypt targets a debt-to-GDP ratio near 78% by 2027 while posting 5% Q3 growth, even amid regional conflict spillovers.