AGP Executive Report

Palestinian Olive Oil Trade: Palestinian olive oil exports are getting harder as settler violence, movement restrictions, and tighter export rules squeeze harvest output and household income in the West Bank, with recent production and export volumes far below earlier potential. Palestinian Tech & Investment: At LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, Ramallah pitched resilience to investors, highlighting continued telecom operations during the war, signing the Digital Cooperation Organisation charter, and aiming to double tech’s GDP share while training thousands for cloud, AI, and cybersecurity roles. Humanitarian Pressure in Gaza: Even as some food appears in markets, Gaza remains in crisis for most families, with hunger driven by destroyed purchasing power and ongoing supply constraints. UN Legal Alarm: A UN OHCHR report says Israel’s West Bank “Operation Iron Wall” displacement of over 33,000 Palestinians could amount to a crime against humanity and raises ethnic-cleansing concerns. Sanctions & ICC: ICC signatories expect further US sanctions on the court and related bodies, with US measures already linked to Palestinian human rights groups. Local Economy & Compliance: A US House bill would cut federal student aid to universities that boycott Israel, raising new pressure on campus budgets and academic partnerships.

Gaza Climate Fallout: The Palestinian Authority says Israel’s bombardment has shattered housing, water, health and energy systems, leaving about 2 million Gazans more exposed to heatwaves, drought and disease, in a new UN-submitted climate plan. Displacement Plan Watch: Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir unveiled “Disengagement 710,” calling for the expulsion of 1.86 million Palestinians from Gaza over seven years, with “voluntary migration” packages and funding for destinations. US Campus Funding Crackdown: The US House passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, cutting federal aid to universities that join commercial boycotts of Israel; South Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar was among 33 Democrats who backed it. Court Limits Protest Claims: South Africa’s Western Cape High Court barred Palestine Solidarity Campaign protesters from asserting that Cape Union Mart and its brands/leader are linked to Israel or “genocide” in Gaza, though protests are set to continue. Gaza Security & Finance: Reports say Israel’s special forces operation against Hamas’s senior security official involved Shin Bet posing as an aid group to run cover businesses and track targets. Trade & Supply Chain Scrutiny: A new report names lesser-known oil traders Vitol and Heritage as major crude suppliers to Israel, with shipments routed largely via Turkey’s Ceyhan port. Palestinian Business Abroad: Nabeeth Wine & Spirits launched a UK online shop to supply Palestinian wines and beers to independent retailers, aiming to expand shelf presence.

Settlement trade under legal threat: A UK non-profit says HMRC failed to verify the true origin of agricultural imports from Israeli settlements, warning it will sue over tariff-free treatment for goods allegedly mislabeled as “Israel.” Gaza power crunch: Gaza’s private generator network is nearing collapse as Israel blocks fuel, lubricants, batteries and spare parts, leaving the grid at zero electricity and accelerating equipment failure. West Bank annexation pressure: Amnesty International says Israel issued new land confiscation orders in Jenin—about 200 dunams—linking planned settlements, including in Area A under Palestinian Authority control. Diplomacy with Jerusalem: DR Congo announced it will relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, joining a small group of states making the symbolic shift. UNRWA school rebuild: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a $2.5m grant with UNRWA to demolish and rebuild Berria School in Syria’s Khan Al Sheikh camp, aiming to cut overcrowding and restore access to education. EU finance scrutiny: Ireland’s regulator is being asked to clarify whether it’s approving renewed “Israel Bonds” sales for European investors after an EU arrangement expired. OIC coordination: Pakistan’s DPM/FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke by phone with newly elected OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, flagging cooperation on issues including Palestine.

Settlement & sanctions pressure: The UK is preparing a “comprehensive reset” on West Bank settlements, including a ban on goods from illegal settlements and targeted sanctions, while Israel warns it will retaliate if Britain moves ahead. EU trade deadlock: EU foreign ministers remain split on tougher trade sanctions on settlement goods, with no clear majority for a full trade ban. Gaza displacement plan: Israel’s far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir is set to unveil “Disengagement 710,” aiming to move hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza over seven years, with “voluntary” migration framed as a political platform. Humanitarian funding squeeze: UN food assistance cuts are forcing reductions in West Bank support, adding pressure to already strained local livelihoods. West Bank land grabs: Amnesty reports new Israeli land confiscation orders, including in Area A, deepening annexation-by-stealth and threatening Palestinian economic activity. Regional business backdrop: China’s Xi wraps up talks in Egypt, signing deals tied to the Suez Canal Economic Zone and cooperation on renewable energy and AI—while the wider region’s instability keeps investment risk elevated. Palestinian community pressure: A Palestinian Christian family in Taybeh says escalating attacks are pushing more families toward emigration, threatening local labor and household income.

China-Egypt Trade & Security: Xi Jinping’s Cairo visit signals a deeper Sino-Egyptian push on energy, infrastructure and tech, with Xi backing a new West Asia security architecture and saying the Palestinian issue must stay central. Regional Economic Coordination: The Arab League’s 118th economic conference opened in Kuwait, focusing on implementation of Arab trade and customs cooperation, market access and intra-Arab economic action. Gaza Electricity & Aid Pressure: Reports highlight limited electricity returning to Gaza via generators and renewed funding cuts that force UN agencies to halve West Bank food aid, worsening humanitarian strain. Palestinian Rights in Global Policy: EU foreign ministers backed tougher Russia measures and stronger multilateralism, while separate EU moves target goods from occupied West Bank—an issue that keeps linking trade policy to occupation. Local Business & Consumer Risk: US scam-tracker updates show ongoing fraud pressure in Texas and Indiana cities, underscoring the need for consumer protection and safer payments. Civil Rights & Commerce: A Northern Virginia salon faces a civil rights lawsuit after a customer alleges she was denied service over her Israeli-American identity.

Palestinian Elections Watch: France’s foreign minister says the EU should send a mission to monitor Palestine’s November elections, seen as a key step toward legitimacy after two decades. Humanitarian & Services: A new report warns funding cuts are already hitting Palestinian refugees in Jordan, with education, health and protection services under strain and calls for predictable multi-year support. Electricity Crisis in Gaza: Gaza’s electricity distributor restarted limited generators to supply nearby areas around its headquarters, charging about 22 shekels per kilowatt-hour—described as a temporary fix, not a grid return. UK–West Bank Trade Pressure: Britain signaled a “comprehensive reset” and tougher measures tied to illegal West Bank settlement plans, while Israel warned of retaliation if sanctions go ahead. China–Egypt Economic Push (with Palestine at the core): Xi Jinping told Egypt that external interference must be rejected for regional security, while stressing the Palestinian issue remains central. Visa Access Protest: Protesters handcuffed themselves outside Ireland’s Department of Justice demanding reversal of visa refusals for Gazan students. Settler Violence Impact on Livelihoods: A Holy Land visit by Cardinal Woelki highlighted attacks on West Bank Christian communities, including damage to a cement factory that supported dozens of families. Palestine Action Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned Palestine Action and related groups, escalating pressure on pro-Palestine activism and fundraising networks. Culture & Mobility: Palestinian-Algerian rapper Saint Levant postponed his North American tour to 2027, citing US visa background-check delays.

Gaza Civilian Risk: Israel carried out fresh strikes on the Al-Katiba area west of Gaza City, killing three Palestinians and wounding 20+ as displaced families and businesses sit in densely populated zones. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: The UN’s WFP warned it must halve West Bank food assistance due to funding shortfalls, cutting support for 400,000 people to 200,000 and raising fears of new Gaza cuts. Banking Continuity: Israeli banks reached an agreement to keep correspondent services with Palestinian banks through end-2026, pushing the hard decision to the next government. UK Settlement Trade Sanctions: Britain signaled imminent “comprehensive” measures that could target businesses tied to West Bank settlements, with Israel warning it would retaliate. Digital Policy for Palestine: Ooredoo, UNDP and partners convened Arab digital and AI policy leaders, including the State of Palestine, to speed up inclusive digital economies. Regional Water Politics: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif urged SCO members to keep water “lifeblood” issues out of coercion, amid renewed focus on shared-water treaty disputes.

Humanitarian Crunch: The UN World Food Programme says severe funding shortages will cut West Bank food assistance in half, from 400,000 people to 200,000, while warning Gaza aid may face further reductions unless new money arrives. Digital Economy: Palestine signed the Digital Cooperation Organization charter at LEAP 2026, aiming to boost connectivity, digital resilience, and support for startups and entrepreneurship. Startup Funding: Ibtikar Fund made a seed investment in Palestine-based Churn Solution, an AI retention platform for subscription businesses, to expand product and go-to-market across MENA and beyond. Trade & Settlements Pressure: Britain says it will unveil a “comprehensive” package of measures on Israeli West Bank settlements, with E1 singled out as threatening a viable Palestinian state; the EU meanwhile says a settlement trade ban plan is stuck. Local Food Security: WFP’s cuts come as escalating settler violence and movement restrictions erode livelihoods and worsen food insecurity across the occupied territories.

Education Under Pressure: Israel began requiring about 45,000 Palestinian students in East Jerusalem (first and seventh grades) to study the Israeli curriculum in 105 municipal schools, a shift critics say deepens control over Palestinian identity. Permits Disrupt Schooling: All Christian schools in Jerusalem suspended classes after Israel failed to renew entry permits for 70+ teachers and staff, leaving them unable to reach campuses. Humanitarian Supply Chain: Gaza’s seed bank is rebuilding after wartime destruction, with heirloom seeds stored to revive local farming and preserve agricultural heritage. EU Settlement Trade Pushback: Oxfam Ireland urged EU foreign ministers in Wicklow to move toward a settlement goods ban, warning current measures still let illegal settlement trade reach European markets. Gaza Ceasefire Tensions: Israel said it killed a Hamas weapons-supply commander in Gaza City during a fragile ceasefire, while Gaza’s health ministry reported deaths since the ceasefire began. Palestinian Farmers vs. Settler Attacks: Reports highlighted farmers and cooperatives in the West Bank facing raids and settler violence that target land and greenhouses. Business & Tech (Indirect): Qatar National Library launched a new academic-year calendar mixing mentorship, AI in education, and Palestinian documentary training.

EEOC vs Cisco: The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says Cisco likely violated civil rights of Middle Eastern and Muslim employees after racist and Islamophobic posts appeared on an internal platform tied to pro-Palestinian advocacy. Gaza/West Bank on the ground: Israeli strikes and fire in Gaza left at least two dead and 11 injured, while Israeli forces demolished multiple residential buildings in the West Bank, adding to forced displacement pressures. Diplomacy and regional pressure: Turkey’s foreign minister accused Netanyahu of genocide, raising the political temperature around international action that can spill into aid and investment expectations. Sanctions and solidarity risk: The US designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, while also targeting an Italy-based digital network used by far-left groups—moves that can chill fundraising and cross-border activity. West Bank settlement economy pressure: Reports say Israeli settlement violence is increasingly aimed at Palestinian factories and homes, threatening livelihoods and pushing workers off land. Local business angle: A Palestinian pavilion at Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 drew crowds with Medjool dates and za’atar, signaling export and marketing opportunities for Palestinian agri-products. Policy fallout: In Israel, far-right Smotrich urged removal of 40 Palestinian memorials in the West Bank within 24 hours, underscoring how governance decisions can reshape local economic and social stability.

West Bank Settlements & Boycotts: Porirua City Council in New Zealand rejected a bid to boycott companies tied to illegal Israeli settlements, with only three councillors backing the procurement exclusion motion. International Court Pressure: South Africa submitted a dossier to the ICJ arguing Israel is defying binding Gaza genocide orders, urging “necessary action” to prevent and punish genocide. Accountability for Aid Workers: Israel closed its investigation into the 2024 killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and WCK colleagues, saying there was no criminal intent—prompting criticism over unanswered questions. UK Settlement Sanctions Debate: British Arabs urged the UK to move from condemnation to legally binding rules that stop UK business support for settlement expansion, while the UK chief rabbi warned sanctions could “inflict real harm.” Protest, Law & Business Risk: In Scotland, prosecutors seek harsher sentences for Palestine Action activists over Turnberry resort vandalism, arguing for a “terrorist connection,” raising concerns for protest rights and related economic activity. Gaza Debris & Reconstruction Funds: A report claims the US “Board of Peace” is funding rubble removal mixed with bodies in Gaza, with critics saying it could hinder families and obscure war-crime accountability. Palestinian Economy Data Point: Medicaid spending in “Palestine” (Texas) for Procedures/Professional Services rose to $1,420 in 2024, up 33.7% from 2023.

West Bank Security & Accountability: Israel Police and the IDF traded blame after settler violence in Kusra and Jalud left at least eight Palestinians injured, with police questioning why troops and observation posts didn’t stop masked settlers. Detention Policy: Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he’s “pleased” with harsh conditions for Palestinian prisoners, rejecting calls for better access to basics like showers and medical care. Gaza Legal Pressure: South Africa returned to the ICJ with a new dossier alleging Israel is ignoring legally binding provisional measures meant to protect Palestinians and enable humanitarian aid. Palestinian Politics: Fatah’s Democratic Reform faction is pushing a plan to unify Hamas, Fatah and other groups to shift focus toward state-building and end internal conflict. Culture & Soft Power: Doha Film Institute said eight DFI-supported films were selected for the 83rd Venice Film Festival, while cultural figures urged Venice to fly the Palestinian flag. West Bank Economy & Trade: UK officials warned sanctions on E1 settlement housing may be coming, with former ambassador Matthew Gould arguing settlements vary in impact but still undermine a two-state path.

West Bank Settler Violence: Palestinians reported injuries after Israeli settlers raided Qusra, with Israeli forces backing the attack and later removing “rioters,” as tensions keep flaring across the Nablus area. West Bank Siege & Movement Limits: Palestine’s Foreign Ministry warned Israel is tightening a “suffocating siege” on Al-Mughayyir, restricting entry/exit and even blocking ambulances, calling for deterrent international action. Gaza Ceasefire Violations: Despite a fragile truce, Israeli strikes hit a medicine warehouse at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and other targets, killing and injuring Palestinians, while Israel also claimed it eliminated Hamas figures in northern Gaza. Diplomacy, Sanctions & Regional Trade: Iran vowed to keep resisting US sanctions while emphasizing diplomacy and defense; the wider US-Iran standoff continues to shape regional economic expectations. Palestinian Community & Culture in the UAE: “Emirates Loves Palestine” drew 50,000+ attendees in Dubai, with Palestinian business groups partnering and UAE officials reaffirming support. Film & Soft Power: Venice festival voices urged organizers to fly the Palestinian flag, citing Palestinian films in the official selection. Legal Pressure Abroad: A US judge ruled Trump unlawfully targeted foreign students for deportation over speech criticizing Israel, reinforcing free-speech limits in immigration enforcement.

UNRWA Under Pressure in East Jerusalem: Israel’s raid on UNRWA’s Qalandiya Training Centre left damage and signs of looting, with UN assets worth over $5M at risk and staff expelled ahead of the new school year. Humanitarian Funding Reassessed: Finland says it won’t renew UNRWA support as European governments review financing after a US watchdog referred 100+ current/former staff over alleged Hamas links. West Bank Settler Violence Escalates: In Qusra near Nablus, settlers surrounded a Palestinian home, trapping at least four people while fire was set to nearby land and access was restricted. Settlement Expansion Tracked by Satellites: New satellite analysis shows accelerated work tied to Ma’ale Adumim’s industrial and built-up expansion east of occupied Quds. Regional Digital Economy Push: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight countries—including Palestine—for membership expansion, aiming to boost cross-border digital cooperation and trade. International Legal Pressure: South Africa filed a dossier at the ICJ alleging Israel’s continued violations of Gaza-protection orders, warning of irreparable harm if compliance doesn’t follow.

West Bank Security & Strikes: An Israeli airstrike near Jenin killed three Palestinians, including Qais al-Bitawi, identified by Israel as a Hamas commander, with reports that ambulances were blocked by a tight cordon. Political Violence & Escalation Narrative: The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine framed the Jenin deaths as part of an Israeli campaign tied to annexation plans and displacement ahead of elections. Regional Markets: Arab stock trading volume jumped about 29% in July to 261.86bn shares, led by Iraq and Egypt, even as overall transaction value fell. Humanitarian Funding: Finland ended its €20m multi-year UNRWA funding agreement after it expires, saying it will shift support to other humanitarian channels. Gaza Ceasefire Diplomacy: Israel’s participation in a US-led Gaza coordination center is being used to pressure European partners, with reports of expelling diplomats/officials after settlement and aid-related criticism. UK Settlement Trade Pressure: A new report says UK public-sector contracts involve firms linked to illegal West Bank settlements worth over £2.1bn, as Labour debates tougher settlement goods sanctions. UNRWA Operations in Jerusalem: Israel seized UNRWA’s last major facility in occupied East Jerusalem, according to UN officials, raising fresh concerns for refugee services.

Gaza Humanitarian Access: WHO says thousands of Gaza patients are still awaiting medical evacuation, with only 106 patients moved last week via Rafah and Kerem Shalom, warning that access through multiple crossings is vital for survival. UNRWA Under Pressure: Poland raised concerns after Israeli forces entered and seized a UNRWA facility in occupied East Jerusalem, calling it a breach of international law; UN rights officials also condemned the US designation of Palestine Action as “terrorist,” warning it chills free speech and assembly. West Bank Security & Settlements: US senators plan a privileged resolution demanding State Department reporting on escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, including deaths of Americans; meanwhile, Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unveiled a plan to “Judaize” the Negev and Galilee by adding 1 million Jews, echoing settlement expansion logic from the West Bank. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia urged major OIC reforms and reiterated support for Palestinian statehood; Nigeria reaffirmed backing for a Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. Business & Influence Ops: Meta removed an Iran-linked network of AI-driven fake accounts targeting US audiences, including content tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Protest & Legal Fallout: UK prosecutors charged Palestine Action activists over damage to Trump’s Turnberry golf course, alleging a “terrorist connection,” while the group’s broader legal fight continues.