Gaza Peace Road Map: UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt condemned Israel’s rejection of the US-backed Gaza Road Map and Palestinian statehood, saying it jeopardizes UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and shifts responsibility to Israel. Diplomacy in Cairo: US envoy Jared Kushner met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in El Alamein as mediators push to revive the framework after Netanyahu rejected key elements. UNRWA Under Pressure: UNRWA alleged Israeli takeover of agency buildings in East Jerusalem’s Shuafat camp; Jerusalem Municipality denied it, citing private property and a usage agreement. Iraq Security: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi chaired an Air Defense Command meeting on boosting airspace protection and contracting foreign firms for advanced systems amid spillover strikes. Saudi Capital Markets: Saudi Arabia appointed CMA chairman Mazen Al-Sudairi to expand and deepen the capital market under Vision 2030. Tech & Jobs Signals: Middle East smartphone shipments fell 19% in Q2 2026, with entry-level devices hit hardest as firms prioritize mid-range/premium specs. Tourism Hit: Dubai’s hotel occupancy and bookings were battered by the Iran-war shock, with international travel still weak. Air Defense Strain: Reports say Ukraine’s Patriot interceptor stocks are running low, highlighting limits of launchers versus missile availability. Regional Security Pact Talk: The “Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan is being framed as a step toward an “Islamic NATO.”