AGP Executive Report

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.

West Bank Siege Watch: U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee called the settler siege of a Palestinian family in Qusra “terror,” after Israel reversed an evacuation plan and said residents would stay in their homes while troops moved against the attackers. Settler Expansion: Israel reopened the settlement of Ganim in the northern West Bank, decades after its 2005 closure, signaling renewed settlement momentum. Gaza Reality Check: UNICEF findings are being used by the Trump State Department to rebut starvation claims, while Gaza’s healthcare crisis continues to be flagged amid access limits. Digital Rights: A new report says Meta has systematically restricted Palestinian content on Facebook and Instagram, documenting thousands of account and visibility actions. Culture & Boycotts: Pro-Palestinian groups in Lebanon and Jordan urged a boycott of the new Spider-Man film over producer Avi Arad’s Israel support. Arts in the Diaspora: A Montgomery, Ohio series will spotlight Palestinian film, art, and tatreez craft through free community events.

West Bank Siege: Settlers blockaded Palestinian homes in Qusra, south of Nablus, cutting off food and medicine; the army removed a tent but families say they’re still besieged as UN warns violence is pushing communities to a “breaking point.” Gaza Human Toll: An Israeli air strike hit a tuk-tuk in Beit Lahiya, killing one and wounding five, while reports also highlight continued arrests and deadly attacks. Press Under Pressure: Israel detained Palestinian journalist Mohamed Awad near Ramallah, with rights groups saying it’s part of a wider effort to silence Palestinian media. Elections Watch: Hamas says it will join November Palestinian legislative elections in a broad coalition. Arts & Culture: Umm el-Fahem Museum of Art is advancing a major renovation, expanding galleries and conservation systems as its founder reflects on decades of cultural dialogue. Screening Spotlight: Documentary “Sabbath Queen” is set for an Aug. 27 screening in Albany, tracing Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s reinvention of ritual and identity.

Gaza/West Bank Human Rights: Palestinian journalists remain under Israeli detention, with the Prisoner’s Society saying the total held reached 40 after Ramallah reporter Mohammad Awad’s arrest, as more detentions and house arrests continue. Settler Violence & IDF Response: In Qusra, IDF says it’s acting after settler extremists allegedly harassed a Palestinian family for days, trapping them inside their home; the military also moved to clear a nearby tent and ordered disciplinary steps. Politics & Gaza Diplomacy: Netanyahu formally rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed, sharpening the rift with Washington. Arts & Culture: A Guardian film series, “Along the Green Line,” produced by Cypriot filmmaker Kyri Evangelou, won a News & Documentary Emmy for continuing coverage of communities along the 1949 armistice line. Palestinian Representation: Miss Palestine 2026 opened applications for women across Palestine and the diaspora, with Nadeen Ayoub hosting and a Jordan finale planned. Visa/Student Access: The US DOJ confirmed it won’t create special visa arrangements for Palestinian students in Gaza despite barriers, after NCADSU raised the issue. Regional Conflict: Houthis killed six in an attack on a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait as US forces fired on another ship over a blockade attempt.

Gaza & West Bank: Israeli forces and settlers kept escalating: the IDF condemned “reprehensible” settler outposts in Qusra/Jalud but didn’t dismantle them, while Gaza Civil Defense recovered bodies from rubble after early-war strikes, warning shortages are slowing recovery for years. Diplomacy: Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband about daily West Bank attacks, settlement illegality, and Gaza UN Security Council Resolution progress. Gaza peace talks: Netanyahu formally rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, insisting there will be no withdrawal until Hamas is fully disarmed, deepening the rift with Washington. Legal pressure on Israel-linked tech: New Zealand’s Justice for Palestine filed a judicial review in Wellington High Court challenging government approval of BlackSky spy satellite launches from Māhia, arguing targeting data could aid Gaza attacks. Arts & culture: Melissa Barrera says Hollywood blacklisted her for supporting Palestinians; Nicola Benedetti’s performance was delayed after a pro-Palestine protest. Media & politics: New York magazine’s “Habibi City” issue sparked backlash over its Israel coverage, while rabbis met NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani urging him to cool Israel messaging.

Gaza & West Bank Human Rights: UN experts say July saw a surge in civilian killings and abuses, with ceasefire promises failing to protect people sheltering in displacement areas. Ramallah Arts & Resistance: The “Wayn a Ramallah?” festival returns in Ramallah under “We Are Staying,” bringing music and performances despite ongoing West Bank settler violence. Culture in the Spotlight: Netflix sets “Fauda” Season 5 for Sept. 8, with new episodes available worldwide—an especially charged watch for Palestinian audiences. Diplomacy & Leadership: Abbas is set to meet Erdoğan in Ankara as Palestine developments and regional ties take center stage. Settler Violence & Land: Reports highlight Israeli destruction of West Bank farms and water supplies, while settlement projects continue to damage agricultural life. Media & Public Debate: A New York Times dispute escalates as Florida’s AG demands internal records tied to coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Art & Activism Backlash: UK costs tied to Banksy removals and security keep climbing, underscoring how street art and protest collide with public spending.

Gaza Roadmap Clash: Netanyahu formally rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is “genuinely disarmed,” while Kushner reportedly pushed back that the roadmap was built around Netanyahu’s own preferences. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Trump escalated Iran demands with compensation talk as hopes for reopening Hormuz dimmed and oil prices rose. Lebanon Ceasefire Violations: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon included artillery fire, explosions, and house burnings, with no casualties reported. Palestinian Media Vigil: London’s Collective for Palestine held a BBC vigil marking the killing of Palestinian and Lebanese journalists, demanding sustained coverage of Gaza and protection for reporters. Arts & Culture Spotlight: A Palestinian comic Sami Abu Wardeh is highlighted for an Edinburgh show, while pro-Palestinian protests in Greece raised fears for Jewish and Israeli visitors amid a “day of rage.” Activism in Pop Culture: Burger King fired Arianna Hamilton after she said “Free Palestine,” but donations surged past $200,000.