AGP Executive Report

Mental Health Update: A nationwide survey by Clalit and Myers JDC Brookdale found Israeli young adults’ depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms improved since the war began, with rates dropping from 51% to 34%—but 1 in 4 still reports severe impairment in daily functioning. Public Health Watch: Israel’s Health Ministry says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative after travel from the DRC, while urging people to avoid non-essential travel and to contact the hotline if symptoms appear. Gaza Child-Health Crisis: A UN inquiry report says Palestinian children were deliberately targeted in Gaza, with children making up about 30% of deaths, and warns of lasting physical and mental harm as healthcare and education collapse. Ceasefire Strain in Lebanon: Israeli forces killed two people in southern Lebanon near Nabatieh al-Fawqa, with Hezbollah calling it a ceasefire violation. Healthcare & Society: World Jewish Relief launched a £500k emergency mental health appeal for Israelis and Ukrainians, funding trauma care, therapy, suicide prevention and specialist support. Clinical/Innovation: Tulane University moved into an ownership role for the former Charity Hospital redevelopment, aiming to turn it into a bioscience and medical research hub.

UN Inquiry on Gaza Children: A UN independent commission says Israeli authorities and security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza, calling it part of genocide, and also cites war crimes in the West Bank; Israel rejects the report as “defamatory.” Gaza Lab Shortages: Reports say Israel is obstructing entry of testing materials into Gaza laboratories, threatening accurate diagnosis for patients and injured people. Gaza Reproductive Crisis: Gaza health officials warn miscarriages are soaring and birth rates falling amid violence, displacement, and medical-system collapse. West Bank Violence: Protests erupted after two Palestinian teens were shot dead near Hebron; Israel says troops responded to Molotov attacks. Lebanon Health Toll: Lebanon’s health ministry reports rising deaths and injuries from Israeli strikes, including attacks on ambulance teams and health workers. Court Ruling on Nurses Case (Australia): A judge excluded viral video evidence in the Bankstown Hospital antisemitism/violence case, dealing a blow to prosecutors ahead of trial. ICRC Detainee Transfers: The Red Cross facilitated transfers of released detainees to Gaza and renewed calls to visit detainees held in Israeli custody.

AI in Oncology: Israel Institute of Technology researchers unveiled ELITE, an AI-assisted method that speeds dynamic cancer MRI scans to about one image per second while improving tumor visibility in a 54-patient study. Prisoner Health & Rights: Palestinian Prisoner Society urged urgent international action to free three pregnant women held at Damon Prison, citing severe conditions and isolation and noting Red Cross visits are barred. Security & Public Safety: Shin Bet chief David Zini warned Eilat could be the “next Oct. 7,” though the agency later said there’s no concrete intelligence—highlighting ongoing risk planning for southern communities. Lebanon Ceasefire Watch: Netanyahu said troops will stay in a southern “buffer zone” as long as necessary, while US-Iran talks reported progress and a Lebanon “deconfliction” cell aimed to prevent escalation. Gaza Health Under Strain: Separate Israeli strikes reportedly killed a paramedic and a high school student, as Gaza health authorities reported continued casualties despite ceasefire claims. Elderly Care Policy: Knesset discussions include placing ballot stations in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, a move tied to election access for seniors. Senior Living Launch: Ad 120 opened a NIS 600M luxury senior complex in Modi’in with a longevity center featuring personalized nutrition, cognitive training, physiotherapy, and an indoor pool.

Infectious Disease Watch: Israel reported a second suspected Ebola case in a traveler returning from the DRC, with the patient hospitalized at Sheba Tel Hashomer; officials say Ebola isn’t confirmed and testing plus contact tracing are underway. Humanitarian Health Risks: Gaza’s hospital system faces mounting pressure as power shortages and repeated strikes threaten patient safety, while reports describe basic services nearing collapse. Public Health & Food Safety: Israel’s health authorities closed two stores after sedatives were found in baby food, raising fresh concerns about consumer safety and regulation. Care Delivery & Innovation: Clalit Health Services joined PANDAI to manage pandemics using AI, signaling continued investment in digital health for outbreak response. Wellness Diplomacy: Israel marked International Yoga Day with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, highlighting yoga’s role in healthy ageing and mental well-being. Health Policy Controversy Abroad: Australia’s medical watchdog faced backlash after adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism for complaints handling, with health workers warning it could chill advocacy. Diplomacy With Health Implications: US-Iran talks in Switzerland reported “encouraging progress,” including a de-confliction cell for Lebanon and communications lines for the Strait of Hormuz—developments that can affect regional stability and health systems.

Ebola Watch: Israel’s health ministry says a second traveler from the DRC is hospitalized in isolation at Sheba after developing symptoms, with risk to the public described as low and no confirmed Ebola case yet. Gaza Care Under Strain: Reports say Gaza hospitals are facing worsening power shortages, including forced electricity load reductions at Nasser Medical Complex, while restrictions are said to block key maintenance supplies. Ceasefire Tensions, Civilian Harm: Multiple strikes across Gaza and Lebanon continue despite ceasefire claims, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting 4,106 dead and 12,153 wounded since March 2. West Bank Health Access: Israeli forces detained Palestinian physician Dr. Mazen al-Rantisi, known as the “Doctor of the Poor,” sparking urgent calls for his release. Security vs. Medical Facilities: IDF and Shin Bet say they killed PIJ commander Zaki Youssef Mahmoud Abu Mustafa, alleging he exploited Nasser Hospital for terrorist training, alongside a separate Hamas Nukhba strike. Local Health Infrastructure: Soroka Hospital marked one year after reconstruction following an Iranian missile strike, highlighting ongoing rebuilding of critical care capacity.

Gaza Health Under Fire: Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least six people, including two children and an Al Jazeera cameraman, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 1,010 deaths since the October ceasefire. Press Safety: Al Jazeera said journalist Ahmed Wishah was killed in an attack on the Bureij refugee camp; Israel disputed his role, adding to mounting concerns about journalist safety in the enclave. Lebanon Ceasefire Strains: Despite a Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, Lebanon reported continued Israeli strikes, with at least 20 killed and evacuations by Civil Defense moving dozens to hospitals. Hormuz Talks in Jeopardy: Iran again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, citing Lebanon-related strikes and alleged US ceasefire breaches, while the US said merchant traffic continued—raising new uncertainty for US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland. Public Health Ripple Effects: The Gaza healthcare system is described as near collapse, with calls for urgent medical aid to support hospitals and displaced patients. Community Health & Wellness: India’s consulates marked International Day of Yoga with events focused on healthy ageing, reflecting ongoing regional interest in preventive wellness.

Diplomacy & Energy Shock: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Israeli strikes in Lebanon and alleging U.S. “breach of commitments,” while the U.S. said traffic is still flowing and forces are monitoring; Ceasefire Strain in Lebanon: despite a renewed ceasefire framework, Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 20–29 people in reported waves, with Lebanon’s health officials citing rising casualties and evacuations; US-Iran Talks in Switzerland: Pakistan and Qatar mediators say technical talks are set to begin Sunday in Switzerland (with JD Vance expecting to travel soon), but Tehran warns progress is unlikely unless fighting stops; Gaza Civilian Toll: Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least six, including children, and an Al Jazeera cameraman (Ahmed Wishah) was reported killed in Bureij; Health & Regulation: Australia’s health regulator adopted an antisemitism definition that Iran says could punish doctors for speaking out, raising concerns for medical freedom; Medical Tourism: TTW released a 2026 ranking of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, highlighting global demand for affordable care.

Ceasefire Reality Check (Lebanon): Fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed five people early Saturday, including in the Nabatieh area, even after a new Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire was announced Friday following US and Qatari mediation. Gaza Civilian Toll: In Gaza City, an Israeli strike on a residential apartment on Al-Thalathini Street killed four Palestinians; other reports say additional deaths and injuries followed overnight strikes. Humanitarian Pressure (Gaza): UNICEF says children are still dying at an average of one per day since the ceasefire began, while UN agencies warn of worsening living conditions, including pests and insects that raise health risks. Healthcare Collapse (West Bank & Gaza): The Palestinian Embassy in India urged urgent medical aid under “Aarogya Maitri,” warning Gaza’s healthcare system is near total collapse amid shortages and restrictions. Public Health & Safety (Israel): Israel’s health ministry transferred a first suspected Ebola case to isolation, signaling heightened infection-control readiness.

Ceasefire Watch (Lebanon): Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire in Lebanon starting Friday at 4 p.m., mediated by the US and Qatar, after overnight strikes killed at least 47 people and four Israeli soldiers were reported killed—though Israeli forces said they would keep operating unless directives change. Gaza Child Safety: UNICEF warned Gaza’s “ceasefire” is a “deadly illusion,” citing that children are still being killed in homes, schools and while playing; it said at least 265 children have died since the ceasefire was declared. Humanitarian Access (EU): The EU urged Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, reopen medical corridors, and comply with international law, while also calling for Hamas disarmament in a post-war framework. Healthcare Aid Appeal (Palestinians): A Palestinian envoy urged India to extend its “Aarogya Maitri” medical-supply effort to Gaza and the West Bank as the health system faces collapse and urgent medicine shortages. Mental Health & Society: A new US-focused psychological report examines potential impacts of UAP/NHI declassification on public preparedness and mental wellbeing.

Humanitarian Access in Gaza: UN aid chief Tom Fletcher told the Security Council that Gaza’s crisis is still “severe,” saying hospitals aren’t fully operational and sanitation is worsening, while Israeli restrictions are blocking key supplies like generators, fuel, and spare parts; he urged opening all crossings and lifting limits on medical equipment and fuel. Sexual Violence in Conflict: Freed Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal spoke in Jerusalem about sexual abuse during Hamas captivity, urging other victims to come forward ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. Lebanon Health Under Strain: Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 18 deaths and 33 wounded in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, as fighting intensified and rescue/evacuation was hampered. Menopause Care Focus: A new menopause initiative highlights that women’s mental health symptoms in perimenopause/menopause—like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and brain fog—often get less attention than hormones, pushing for better provider training and education. Israel-Linked Medical/Health Diplomacy: Somaliland President Irro said direct flights to Tel Aviv will begin soon, citing expanding cooperation including health and water management. Child Rights Monitoring: A UN report says nearly 25,000 children were affected by record violations in conflict last year, with government forces identified as the main perpetrators for the first time.

Gaza Health Crisis: Gaza’s health ministry says more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the October ceasefire, with at least three reported dead in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City as violence continues despite renewed truce efforts. Medical Safety Probe: Israel Police opened an investigation into tainted baby food after toddlers were hospitalized; reports say a suspicious jar wasn’t tested promptly by the Health Ministry, and later results found sedatives. Innovation in Diagnostics: Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center report progress toward non-invasive blood tests using AI to estimate hemoglobin and red blood cell counts from a short eye video—potentially reducing need for needle pricks. AI-Powered Rare Disease Care: Boston Children’s Hospital used AI to help diagnose 18 children with rare, previously unsolved conditions, boosting diagnostic yield for families. Healthcare Under Pressure: WHO says 17 Lebanese hospitals were damaged in escalation, underscoring risks to medical services amid ongoing conflict.

Gaza Ceasefire Deaths Continue: Israeli drone strikes in Khan Younis killed 2 Palestinians and wounded 6, with Gaza health officials saying fatalities since the 2015 ceasefire reached 1,005 and the wider war toll has topped 73,000. Lebanon Health Toll Rises: Lebanon’s health ministry reports 3,884 deaths and 11,856 wounded since March 2, with healthcare workers among the casualties and repeated attacks on ambulances and medical teams. Children at Risk: UN chief Guterres warned Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist over violations against children as the UN reports a record 38,558 grave child violations in 2025. Mental Health Support in Israel: Afeka College opened a “Quiet Tent” for students to decompress amid trauma, PTSD and reserve-duty strain, after the death of a student by suicide. US Antisemitism Probe in Mental Health: The US HHS opened an antisemitism investigation into the American Psychological Association after complaints from Jewish and Israeli psychologists. Clinical/Tech Watch: PCB Technologies announced ~EUR 8.6m in European semiconductor PCB orders for delivery across 2026–2027.

Gaza Health Crisis: Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israel killed 1,005 Palestinians since the October “ceasefire,” with the death toll now topping 73,000 overall—near-daily strikes continue and Israel expands its controlled area. Lebanon Casualties: Lebanon’s health authorities report about 3,890 deaths and 11,850+ injured since March, including 133 healthcare workers—despite a US-Iran memorandum. Northern Border Injury: Hezbollah’s explosive drone strike wounded five IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon; shrapnel injuries were reported and one soldier was evacuated by helicopter. Medical Supply Support: Jordan’s armed forces sent a 10-truck medical convoy with medicines and prosthetics to its field hospitals in Gaza to keep services running. Clinical Research (Israel-linked): Exploratory phase 2 NIRVANA trial results suggest elinzanetant reduces objectively measured wakefulness after sleep onset in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. Infant Safety Alert: Police are examining a possible terror angle after sedatives hospitalized four infants in Jerusalem. Cybersecurity in Care: iRhythm says a cyberattack accessed protected patient data, though operations were unaffected. Public Health & Policy: WHO says 17 Lebanese hospitals were damaged in the escalation and calls for protection of medical workers.

Humanitarian Funding: Canada says it will add $100M for urgent Gaza and West Bank aid via the UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent and NGOs, bringing its total to $500M, as UNRWA reports it terminated contracts for 70 Gaza staff over alleged ties. Lebanon Strikes: Despite a US-Iran truce framework, Israeli airstrikes in south Lebanon killed at least five, with residents urged to delay returns due to continued violations. Gaza Health Crisis: Reports describe rising gastroenteritis among displaced families in Gaza as water and sanitation collapse, while Israel’s Supreme Court rejected release of detained Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, keeping him jailed without charge amid serious health concerns. Medical Safety Incident: Four infants in Jerusalem were hospitalized after consuming fruit puree reportedly contaminated with sedatives (benzodiazepines), prompting a police investigation and product testing claims by the marketer. Workplace/Justice: A British-Jordanian doctor is suing an NHS trust over suspension tied to anti-Zionist social media posts, alleging discrimination. Public Health & Access: US lawmakers are pressing for medical access for Gaza cancer patients, as detainees and hospitals remain under strain. Food & Nutrition (Local): A roundup highlights hummus-based Israeli snack ideas, from hummus-stuffed pita pockets to hummus-topped sweet potato fries.

Lebanon Health Toll: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says deaths from Israeli aggression since March 2 have risen to 3,826 with 11,851 injured, as strikes continue despite a US-Iran ceasefire framework. Ceasefire Friction: Lebanon reports Israeli drone and air strikes in the south killed four in Nabatieh-area towns, while Israel says it intercepted Hezbollah rockets and struck launchers. Medical Rights in Detention: Israel’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Gaza hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, keeping him detained without charge, renewing calls from medical groups for release and due process. AI in Israel’s Health Future: Israel approved a national AI plan aimed at boosting capabilities across government and sectors including health, with targets for computing infrastructure and workforce development. Patient Education Resource: The End Brain Cancer Initiative released free GBM/rGBM treatment education videos for patients and caregivers, covering trials and devices. Public Health Supply Chain Watch: A pharma-focused explainer says reopening the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran deal could ease freight and input-cost pressures affecting drug manufacturing and availability. Israel-Related Security: Separate reports describe an FBI-disrupted plot targeting a White House UFC event, underscoring ongoing security concerns around major public gatherings.

Cancer Care Debate: An opinion piece warns against “cheaper” cancer dosing that stretches approved regimens without solid trial proof, saying it can turn patients into unwitting guinea pigs. Local Health Research: A Tel Aviv-linked study reports that how much of the brain-protecting drug davunetide reaches a woman’s brain may shift with hormonal cycle timing, pointing to sex- and schedule-specific dosing questions. Gaza Ceasefire Strain: AP reports Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza as mediators prepared for more Cairo talks, with Hamas and others reportedly aligned on most points except disarmament. Lebanon Health Toll: Lebanon’s health ministry says deaths from Israeli strikes rose to 357 (with 1,223 more wounded) and notes DNA testing is still ongoing amid rubble removal. Medical Access Pressure: US lawmakers demand Israel stop blocking access to treatment for Palestinian cancer patients. Human Rights & Care: Australia’s AFP is investigating allegations of rape and torture of Australian aid activists detained in Gaza, with Israel denying the claims. Public Health Policy: Israel reverses course on Ebola travel restrictions, removing Kenya and Rwanda after protests.