Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has called for joint Arab action against what he called Israel’s “colonialist displacement plan". A film about Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, has received a record ovation lasting 23 minutes and 50 seconds at the Venice Film Festival. The Israeli military identifies only a quarter of the Gazans it has detained as combatants. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Jordan calls for joint Arab action to stop Israel 'changing map of Middle East' Vast majority of Gazans detained by Israeli military are civilians, investigation finds The Voice of Hind Rajab receives record-breaking 24-minute ovation at Venice Film Festival This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, assistant foreign editor; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and contributor James Mottram. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The US renews its push for a resolution in north-eastern Syria. The UAE says Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank would be a red line. Experts say Israeli strikes on Houthi leaders have not hit key decision-makers. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UAE warns Israeli annexation of West Bank undermines vision of Abraham Accords US renews push to avert all-out conflict between Syria's Kurds and Damascus Iran's Pezeshkian vows to confront unilateralism after visit to China This episode features Foreign Editor Mohamad Ali Harisi; Jordan Correspondent Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Senior Foreign Reporter Nada AlTaher. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israeli army reservists are reporting for duty ahead of a new invasion of Gaza city. Lebanon clears more than 250,000 undetonated munitions left over from the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. Egypt appeals to the EU to pressure Israel. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Egypt urges EU to pressure Israel into accepting Gaza truce proposal Lebanese army destroys 250,000 munitions from Israel's war Israel summons 40,000 troops for Gaza city conquest This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Mosul landmarks destroyed by ISIS are coming back to life. Rescue missions are under way in Afghanistan after an earthquake devastated parts of the country. Columbia University’s former president Minouche Shafik gets a new job in the UK government. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UAE-led restoration project removes scars of Mosul’s ISIS destruction Unesco deputy chief hails reopening of Mosul’s Al Nuri Mosque after painstaking rebuild More than 800 killed in 6.0-magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan Starmer picks Minouche Shafik as new economic adviser despite ignominious Columbia exit This episode features Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief; and Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Mohammed Sinwar, the presumed leader of Hamas in Gaza, is dead. Syrian security forces have killed several gunmen in the coastal Alawite heartland. Sudan's paramilitary commander is now the head of a parallel government. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Latest: Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Sinwar Sudan's RSF chief Gen Mohamed Dagalo sworn in as head of parallel Darfur-based government This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israel's displacement orders in Gaza trigger alarm and confusion. Three European countries have launched the process to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Israel has landed commandos on the outskirts of Damascus. On this episode of Trending Middle East: European powers trigger snapback nuclear sanctions on Iran Confusion and dire conditions face Gaza city residents amid contradictory displacement orders Israeli commandos land in Syria in clash over 'spy equipment' This episode features Sunniva Rose, Europe correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Iraq has revoked a controversial draft law favouring the Popular Mobilisation Forces. US envoy Tom Barrack cuts his Lebanon trip short. Palestinian leaders criticise an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Iraqi government gives in to US pressure and withdraws bill regulating PMF militias US envoy Tom Barrack cuts short visit to south Lebanon after protests Israel seizes money in raid on West Bank currency exchange Israeli raid in Ramallah is part of attempt to destabilise West Bank, Palestinians say Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israel's former prime minister Ehud Olmert says he is on a mission to help topple Benjamin Netanyahu. The US is offering new incentives for Lebanon. Riad Salameh is to be released from prison. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel's Ehud Olmert on mission to topple Benjamin Netanyahu Beauty and beast versus 'animalistic' media: Barrack and Ortagus in awkward Beirut briefing Lebanon's ex-Central Bank chief Riad Salameh to be released on $20m bail This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior reporter; Nada Homsi, Beirut correspondent; and Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israel announced it would begin to withdraw from Lebanon only after the Lebanese army starts to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise again between Israel and the Houthis. Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza hospital. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: No withdrawal from Lebanon until army begins disarming Hezbollah, Israel says Escalation in Israel-Houthi fighting after rebels reportedly fire cluster munitions Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill at least 20, including five journalists This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Syria's upcoming parliamentary election will not include Sweida, Hasakah or Raqqa. The Norwegian Refugee Council has called for investment into Syria. Iranian security forces reportedly killed six Israel-linked militants. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Syria delays parliamentary vote in Sweida and two Kurdish-held areas World needs to do more to help Syrians rebuild lives, says Norwegian Refugee Council chief Iranian forces kill six militants linked to Israel, report says This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israel has begun its operation to take over Gaza city ahead of a full ground offensive. Syria’s President approved a temporary electoral law. The Syrian government is preparing to reopen a route from Sweida to Damascus. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Gaza city assault is a pressure tactic with devastating results, warn ex-Israeli officials Al Shara approves temporary electoral law ahead of Syrian parliament vote Syrian authorities ease roadblocks near Sweida ahead of possible reopening of Damascus road This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Hamas seeks withdrawal by Israeli troops in Gaza. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is stronger than before the war with Israel started. Pope Leo is expected to visit Lebanon this year. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas seeks Israeli pullback of 800 metres from homes in Gaza truce deal Iran's IRGC claims it is 'stronger now than before war with Israel' Pope Leo expected to visit Lebanon this year This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Aveen Karim, Assistant Foreign Editor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Israel has demanded the release of all hostages in any Gaza deal. The US has called on Israel to comply with Lebanese government actions. Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Christian cross in Abu Dhabi. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel demands release of all hostages in any Gaza deal US must clarify Israel’s obligations after disarmament vote, sources close to Hezbollah say Ancient Christian cross found on Abu Dhabi island as archaeologists dig into mysteries of the past This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and John Dennehy, Senior Reporter. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The US has called on Israel to honour its ceasefire with Lebanon. New details emerge on Jordan's new conscription programme. Negotiations on the Gaza ceasefire remain up in the air. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire terms as mediators eye 'positive announcement' US envoy calls on Israel to honour ceasefire with Lebanon Three months, 6,000 men and no phones: Jordan reveals details of new military service This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Mediators are making one last push to pause the fighting in Gaza. Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara has met one of the country’s senior Christian leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to Washington today. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Mediators revive plans for 60-day Gaza truce in final effort to stop Israeli ground assault Zelenskyy heads to Washington after Trump-Putin summit ends without Ukraine ceasefire agreement This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
US President Donald Trump is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Alaska. Aid efforts in the southern Syrian province of Sweida are under attack. A security agreement between Iran and Iraq is getting backlash from Washington. On this episode of Trending Middle East: European leaders make last-ditch appeal to Trump ahead of Alaska summit Kaja Kallas: Trump-Putin talks in Alaska need Ukraine’s presence to be meaningful Iraq security deal with Iran sparks tension with US This episode features Manus Cranny, geo-economics editor; and Nada Homsi, Beirut correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Lebanon rejects foreign interference, its President tells Iran. Syria and Turkey's foreign ministers accuse Israel of undermining Damascus's rule. Civilian transitional rule in Gaza may last for up to a year. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon rejects foreign interference, President Aoun tells top Iranian official Syria and Turkey strike new military deal US offers incentives to Syria to back off from fighting minorities Postwar civilian rule may last up to a year, says Gaza's proposed governor This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; Lizzie Porter, Turkey correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
A Hamas delegation attended ceasefire talks in Cairo. The US is offering incentives to Syria's government to curtail conflict with minorities. Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar has appointed his son as his second-in-command. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas negotiators in Cairo to discuss blueprint for 'comprehensive' Gaza deal US offers incentives to Syria to back off from fighting minorities Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar appoints son as second-in-command This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The international community condemns Israel's killing of a group of journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, in Gaza. Footage of an execution in Sweida sparks outrage. Iran has rejected inspections by the UN’s nuclear watchdog. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Fury as Israel admits deliberately killing Al Jazeera journalists 'The message will not stop': Palestinian reporters defiant after Israel kills six journalists Surveillance footage shows execution of volunteer by security forces inside Sweida hospital Iran rejects inspections ahead of IAEA visit This episode features Nada Homsi, Lebanon correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
Iraq has dismissed two senior commanders of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces over a deadly attack on a government building last month. The National has boarded a Jordanian aid flight to Gaza. Hundreds were arrested in London for marching in support of the banned Palestine Action group. On this morning's episode of Trending Middle East: Iraq dismisses two senior PMF commanders over attack on government building Hundreds arrested in London for supporting Palestine Action This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.