AGP Executive Report

West Bank Education Under Fire: U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna says he was detained for over an hour by armed Israeli settlers with US-made M4 rifles while visiting a Palestinian village where settlers destroyed a school; he alleges Israeli forces sided with settlers, while the IDF says troops dispersed civilians and reopened the road. US Aid Politics: A rare U.S. House effort to cut $3.3bn in annual military aid to Israel nearly passed before collapsing, reflecting a sharp shift in American public opinion and rising pressure on Democrats over Gaza. Iran School Strike Accountability: A CNN report says U.S. commanders “bypassed warnings” that strike target data for an attack on an Iranian primary school in Minab was outdated, raising questions about how such targeting errors happen. UAE Longevity Education Push: Thumbay Group will launch UAE’s first structured academic programmes in longevity medicine via a partnership with Switzerland’s Geneva College of Longevity Science, starting with hybrid professional certificates. Maths Education Spotlight: Iran won the team title at the IMSC 2026 in China, adding to recent strong performances by Iranian student teams. Demographics and School Planning: Egypt’s population clock says the country reached 109.25 million, up by 250,000 in 63 days, underscoring growing demand for services including education.

US-Israel Aid Fight: The US House nearly voted to cut $3.3bn in annual military aid to Israel, but the procedural move collapsed amid bipartisan pushback—while polls show Americans’ views shifting sharply toward Palestinians. Public Opinion Shift: Pew data points to a steep drop in favorable views of Israelis and a rise in unfavorable views of the Israeli government, adding pressure to rethink unconditional support. Iran-US Tensions: The US and Iran traded attacks again as the Strait of Hormuz security situation worsened; Washington says talks can continue even as the “MOU” is declared effectively over. Education & Exams (Middle East-adjacent): Bihar’s BBOSE Class 12 theory exam dates were revised for 2026, with updated shifts and subject order. Research & Health: Tel Aviv University researchers report a potential path to reversing hearing loss by targeting inner-ear supporting cells. Environment & Food Safety: An Israeli study links tire-wear particles to soil contamination and possible entry into crops and the food chain. Culture & Heritage: Bibliotheca Alexandrina launched “Eyes of Egypt,” a documentary series spotlighting Egyptian artefacts held in major museums abroad. Teacher Rights: A Luxembourg teacher was fired over Instagram posts on Palestine, sparking protests over free expression. STEM Talent: Iran’s science vice president praised students after a top finish at the China International Math Olympiad. Sports Education in Dubai: Dubai launched a coach accreditation programme (“Mu’Ahal”) aimed at raising governance and standards across public and private sports.

Israel–Palestine & Jerusalem: Israeli forces detained Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Sheikh Mohammad Hussein after Friday prayers, as Gaza saw fresh strikes including deaths and injuries near schools and in Mawasi. Rule of law & education climate: Israel’s far-right government signaled it would defy a Supreme Court ruling, raising alarms over checks and balances—an issue that also shapes how universities and public life operate. Religious freedom & harassment: A report says Christian clergy and holy sites in Jerusalem face rising harassment, with dozens of incidents recorded in spring. Iran–US escalation with spillover risks: Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire “over” and ordered strikes after Strait of Hormuz tensions; analysts warn negotiations are fragile and energy-price shocks could follow. Education & youth online safety (Türkiye): Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan hosted NATO leaders’ spouses to discuss protecting children from cyberbullying, disinformation, and screen dependency, with France pushing reduced classroom screen use. Learning & talent programs: Kenya’s exam body invited teachers to train as KCSE and KJSEA examiners, while Greece’s Anatolia College showcased summer courses for gifted students. Higher education & international ties: Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles hosted “The World Comes to L.A.” bringing together business and education leaders on ethical, sustainable leadership. Cultural heritage & learning: Egypt announced a newly discovered Byzantine settlement in the Dakhla Oasis, including a mid-4th-century church—another reminder of how archaeology feeds education.

Israel–US education and campus policy: Democrat Rahm Emanuel warned Israel its alliance is at a “crossroads” unless it changes Palestinian policies, as US support among younger voters drops. Higher education governance: Netanyahu’s coalition is pushing “institutional neutrality” rules for Israeli universities, aiming to curb campus political activity and chill academic freedom. Student data privacy: Türkiye ordered schools to stop sharing students’ photos and personal information online and to remove previously posted content. Middle East conflict and schools: Reports say US commanders ignored warnings before a strike that hit a girls’ primary school in Minab, killing mostly children. Regional security and shipping: The US and Iran exchanged intensifying strikes after Trump said the ceasefire was “over,” with renewed pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and wider Gulf routes. Energy shock with knock-on costs: Hawaii faces higher airfares as oil-price volatility follows the Iran strikes. Egypt education heritage: Egypt is preparing to open a New Capital irrigation museum to teach the history and science of water management. Turkmenistan–US ties: Turkmenistan’s leaders met US Sen. Steve Daines, highlighting cooperation on corridors and energy projects. Learning and wellbeing: A flood rescue in China’s Guangxi evacuated thousands of trapped students and teachers using powered pontoon bridges. STEM/learning culture: Türkiye’s new “Light Office” aims to build an optics research hub and partnerships.

Iran-US Escalation: The US launched new strikes on Iran and Iran retaliated by targeting Gulf countries, threatening an interim ceasefire as Trump said the deal is “over” and mediators scramble. Education Under Fire: Israel demolished a West Bank primary school in Khirbet Yanon, with Palestinian education officials calling it a direct attack on children’s right to education. Iraq Language Rights: Iraq’s Education Ministry exempted Kurdish-language schools in Khanaqin from merger/closure decisions to protect mother-tongue education under constitutional guarantees. Israel-Armenia Recognition: Israel moved to formalize Armenian genocide recognition, with debate shifting from “easy” acknowledgment to the political costs and timing. UAE Learning & AI: UAE leaders backed the Arab Reading Challenge’s 10th edition, while universities partnered to launch an AI Lab aimed at building industry-ready talent. Sports Science: Tel Aviv University opened a $35m sport science institute for Olympic athletes, linking research with performance support.

Israel–Lebanon Education Impact: An Israeli strike in Nabatieh al-Fawqa killed two people near Ghandour Hospital, days after another strike there killed a school principal—another reminder of how conflict is hitting schools and education workers. Israel’s Civil Marriage Ban: Journalist Jonathan Cook reports Israel allows only religious ceremonies and blocks civil marriage, framing it as part of a wider system that restricts personal freedoms and fuels tensions around Jewish-Arab intermarriage. Iran Transition & Governance: After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, coverage highlights a leadership shift toward a more collective system under Mojtaba Khamenei, with the IRGC expected to play a bigger role—raising questions for Iran’s political future. US–Iran Strikes & Strait of Hormuz: The US launched a second day of strikes as Iran retaliated across Gulf states, with fears the interim truce is collapsing and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is again at risk. UAE Reading Challenge: Abu Dhabi’s Dana Adel Al Zarooni won the UAE Arab Reading Challenge, spotlighting reading culture and student participation across the region. STEM & Skills in the Gulf: Oman’s Ministry of Education and ASUS/Intel are pushing AI education labs, while Hyundai expands a Saudi traineeship with Misk—both tied to workforce-ready skills.

Education Policy (Qatar): Qatar’s MoEHE opened government school registration centres for the 2026-2027 academic year, running July 5–Aug 13 with daily hours for new admissions and transfers. Courts & Student Rights (India/Gulf): India’s Supreme Court agreed to hear pleas by CBSE Class 9 and Class XII students from Gulf countries challenging assessment schemes tied to exam cancellations during the US-Iran war period. Gender & Representation (Israel): Israel’s parliamentary women’s representation sits at 26% (31 of 120 seats), ranking 97th globally, prompting renewed calls for parties to field more women. Security & Education (Israel/IDF): Israel’s IDF said it is ready to resume operations if fighting with Iran restarts, stressing readiness pending political directives. Regional Conflict Impact (Iran/Strait of Hormuz): After Trump said the ceasefire is over, the US carried out further strikes on Iran following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, raising escalation fears and energy-market jitters. STEM/Robotics (UAE/GCC): Faraday Future announced AI robotics expansion partnerships spanning the UAE and GCC, including education-focused robot leasing and STEM learning links.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. launched “powerful” strikes after attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, revoked an Iranian oil sanctions waiver, and Iran retaliated with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait—while Trump said the interim ceasefire is “over,” pushing oil prices higher and raising fresh risks for the fragile pause. NATO Summit Politics: At NATO in Türkiye, Trump said he was “very disappointed” with allies and unveiled/boosted arms-deal messaging, while also renewing pressure tied to Greenland—highlighting alliance strain amid the Iran crisis. Education in Gaza: A new report argues Israel’s campaign is “scholasticide,” targeting schools, universities, teachers, students, and knowledge infrastructure—threatening an entire generation’s future. Inclusive Schooling: A study from South Korea’s Sookmyung Women’s University flags gaps in halal meal support for Middle Eastern students, citing language barriers and unclear cafeteria guidelines. Tech for Learning Access: An Israeli startup, Barvox, uses AI to translate a person’s unique speech patterns into clearer language in real time, aiming to help semi-verbal people with autism and other speech difficulties. Youth Scholarships: Ten Los Angeles County high school seniors were named 2026 Milken Scholars, receiving $10,000 each plus long-term college and career support. Sports & Community Links: Egypt’s World Cup team’s visit to Gonzaga University is credited with strengthening Egypt–Spokane connections through community outreach.

US-Iran Tensions and Education Fallout: The US revoked a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil after three tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure during stalled talks. War and Schools: New reporting says US commanders “bypassed warnings” about outdated target intelligence before a February strike on an Iranian primary school in Minab that killed nearly 200 children and teachers. Israel’s Education Policy Push: Israel’s Netanyahu coalition advanced legislation ahead of elections, including a bill allowing gender-segregation in higher education, while critics warn it undermines social order. Holy Land Christian Safety: Rights groups say anti-Christian incidents are rising, including online content tied to church locations, raising fears for long-term Christian community security. Regional Education Support: Kuwait’s charitable office inaugurated a mosque at Capital University in Egypt, highlighting continued investment in campus services. Humanitarian Education: A roundup explains humanitarian education’s role in protecting displaced learners and keeping schooling active during conflict. NATO and Turkey: At the NATO summit in Türkiye, Trump renewed Greenland demands and signaled possible F-35 steps for Turkey, amid political pushback.

Higher Education Governance: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has reignited fears of renewed pressure on private universities, with critics saying the move came without warning despite recent accreditation. International Scholarships: Morocco honored 41 Fulbright grantees for 2026–2027, spanning fields from computer science and bioinformatics to educational technology and journalism. Education Access & Funding: Bahrain opened registration for 95%+ scholarship eligibility for 2026–2027, with places across local and international universities. Student Rights in Schools: Bahrain’s ministry also moved to protect students’ rights in school religious practice, while the UAE celebrated IB results despite disruption tied to the Iran war. Vocational Skills for Industry: Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone stressed linking technical education to factory needs, with Elsewedy Technical Academy expanding region-specific training pathways. Learning at Any Age: A 70-year-old woman in Türkiye completed literacy training and urged others not to give up on education. Regional Education Diplomacy: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed plans to deepen trade and investment, including education cooperation signals. Humanitarian Education Link: A Bahrain endowment project in Jerusalem aims to fund a girls’ school in Sheikh Jarrah while supporting orphan care. Student Activism: Pro-Palestine students disrupted a university graduation at the University of Edinburgh over alleged ties to Israeli-backed companies.

Higher Education Policy: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has sparked fresh concern about renewed pressure on private universities, despite the school recently passing accreditation checks. Religious Rights in Schools: Israel’s Education Ministry issued uniform guidelines requiring public schools to allow students to lay tefillin on campus at set times/places, aiming to reduce friction and protect learning continuity. UAE Education Continuity: UAE pupils received International Baccalaureate results after Iran-war disruptions, with exams cancelled regionwide and grades based on teacher assessments under a non-exam contingency measure. Workforce Inclusion: Kuwait’s Zain GROW program graduated fresh cohorts of people with disabilities via paid internships with partner universities and training providers, linking education to real job pathways. Conflict Impact on School Communities: In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike killed four people including a school principal, underscoring how ceasefire-era violence still hits education-linked civilians. Migration & Skills: Egypt and France signed a declaration of intent on migration cooperation, explicitly tying support to higher education, vocational training and job creation.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, alarming students and staff after no prior warning, despite recent quality accreditation checks. NATO Summit Security: Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Turkish authorities launched a new wave of arrests and tightened restrictions, with journalists and activists among those detained. Syrian Women’s Political Voice: In Aleppo, Syrian women activists protested “Representation is not just numbers” as Damascus announced completion of Syria’s first People’s Assembly since Assad’s fall, arguing women’s presence still doesn’t guarantee real power. Gaza Children Under Fire: A UN inquiry report says Palestinian children were deliberately targeted, raising major questions about international law and the future of protections for students. UAE AI for Health Learning: Abu Dhabi University students developed “Amal,” an AI-enabled smartphone app for children undergoing cancer treatment, combining psychological support and doctor follow-up. Qatar Summer Learning: Katara launched 2026 summer camps with nearly 190 participants across arts, science, heritage, and religious tracks. Turkey Defence Industry & Skills: Ankara is using the NATO summit to spotlight Turkey’s fast-growing defence sector, with a Defence Industry Forum featuring thousands of companies. Kenya Education Access: In Baringo North, a new school bus for Yatia Mixed Secondary School is helping learners return after banditry disrupted schooling.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, with students and staff saying there was no warning despite recent accreditation checks. NATO & Defense Industry: As Turkey hosts the NATO summit, analysts say Trump’s Ankara visit could unblock F110 jet engine supplies for Turkey’s KAAN stealth fighter, while the F-35 dispute remains unresolved. Iran Funeral Politics: Three of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s sons appeared at his funeral prayers, but successor Mojtaba was absent amid reported security concerns and public “revenge” chants. Israel-Palestine Humanitarian Impact: Reports highlight the killing of a Palestinian teen in the West Bank and a separate case of an infant dying after an Israeli gate closure blocked emergency passage. Education & Rights in the Classroom: A US federal complaint alleges Boston Medical Center retaliated against a Jewish Israeli intern after she reported antisemitic material at work. STEM & Research: University of Michigan-led work in Egypt found early fossils of modern fish groups, filling a key gap after the dinosaur extinction. University Leadership in Pakistan: Sindh’s search committee begins interviews for the University of Karachi vice chancellor post with 52 applicants shortlisted to 46.

Higher Education Under Pressure: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, raising fresh alarms about licensing crackdowns and the impact on students and international links. Religious Freedom & Education: Iran’s Baha’i community reports intensifying pressure, including arrests and barriers that hit schooling and professional paths. STEM Expansion: Qatar plans four new STEM secondary schools next year to boost science and technology graduates, alongside scholarships and placements. Education Skills Gap: An OECD assessment finds notable shares of college students in developed countries perform at reading and math levels typical of late primary school, with the US and Israel among the highest. Gaza Ceasefire Stagnation: With the Gaza hospital chief reportedly in danger in detention, residents describe education and daily life as trapped in a “dangerous status quo” after months of stalled ceasefire talks. Youth Safety & Crime: Israel’s Arab youth face a spiraling violence toll, with calls for stronger enforcement as more killings are reported. STEM in Practice: Saudi engineering students place at the MATE ROV World Championship, a Gulf first for reaching the finals stage. Local School Content Scrutiny: Jammu and Kashmir withdraws school library books over alleged separatist propaganda and glorification of convicted terrorists. Municipal Services & School Access: Saudi Arabia exempts educational institutions from a 24-hour operating fee, shaping how schools can function under new licensing rules.

Higher Education Policy: Turkey’s Official Gazette order to close Istanbul Bilgi University has sparked alarm among students and staff, with critics saying the move bypassed warnings despite recent quality accreditation checks. Qatar Education & Skills: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education highlighted efforts to align scholarships with labour-market needs, expand TVET, and strengthen inclusive education in a development-focused podcast episode. Youth Learning & Environment: Qatar’s 2026 Summer Environmental Club (ages 11–17) is training students through workshops and field visits to build environmental awareness and practical knowledge. Access to Free Schooling: Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province says more than 6,000 underprivileged students have received free education over four years, including English/Arabic, computers, public speaking, and calligraphy. Postgraduate Admissions: Yemen’s Al-Mahweet University launched entrance exams for master’s preparatory programs covering Quran sciences, Arabic, geography, history, and curriculum/teaching methods. Poverty & Schooling in Iraq: A report from Najaf shows children working in landfills instead of finishing school, with families citing mounting costs. Regional Security & Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn Gaza’s humanitarian access is worsening as Israeli-controlled areas expand, squeezing civilians into smaller spaces. Education Costs & Inflation: Turkey’s inflation data points to steep education and housing price pressures, with education costs rising sharply year-on-year.

Higher Education Under Pressure (Turkey): Istanbul Bilgi University faces closure after a sudden Official Gazette decree, raising fears of a renewed crackdown on private universities and leaving students and staff without clear warnings. Student Learning & Youth Programs (Qatar): Abu Dhabi and Qatar-linked coverage highlights education through environment and digital safety: Qatar’s Environment Ministry honored 26 students (ages 11–17) in Summer Environmental Club 2026, while the UAE moves to regulate children’s social media access and pushes Digital Citizenship Education. Teacher Leadership Across the Arab Region: The TAMAM project at the American University of Beirut connects teachers across 79 schools in nine countries, supporting 130 school improvement projects. Regional Security & Education Policy Context (NATO/Türkiye): Ahead of the Ankara NATO summit, Türkiye’s role is framed as central to alliance security, with knock-on effects for public life and institutions. Public Health & School Continuity (Lebanon/UK): Lebanon’s ceasefire talks raise questions about reconstruction and safe returns, while UK heatwave coverage spotlights how schools stay open to protect vulnerable children. Governance & University Management (Pakistan): University of Gujrat faces administrative turmoil over staff transfers during admissions, with concerns for student access and stability. Mass Mourning & Civic Life (Iran): Iran begins week-long funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, with massive logistics involving schools and public services—an event likely to shape daily life and education-adjacent spaces. Women’s Higher Education Funding (UK): The UK scraps a flagship program (SHEFE) meant to expand higher education access for women and girls, citing aid cuts.