Trending Middle East

Controversial aid group begins deliveries in Gaza and ceasefire talks falter

The US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it started distributing aid. Iraq's Oil Ministry is suing the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Negotiations in Cairo and Doha for a Gaza ceasefire are "not leading" to a deal yet.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

US-backed Gaza aid foundation is distraction from what is really needed, UN says

Head of US-Israeli aid agency for Gaza resigns over lack of 'humanitarian principles'

Gaza ceasefire talks not leading to a deal yet, source says

Iraqi Oil Ministry files lawsuit against Kurdish region over unilaterally signed energy deals

This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad Correspondent.

Syria plans to reshape economy, and Jerusalem Day sparks Israeli violence

Syria is about to overhaul its financial system. Palestinian residents, activists and journalists were the targets of attacks by extremist Israelis in Jerusalem yesterday. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran appear to have reached a stalemate, but are expected to continue.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Golden window: Syria to overhaul financial system after sanctions relief, says central bank chief

Palestinians brace for show of Israeli ultranationalism on Jerusalem Day

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir breaches Al Aqsa Mosque compound on 'Jerusalem Day'

Iran 'won't die of hunger' if US nuclear talks fail, President says

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Hadya AlAlawi, Assistant Foreign Editor.

South Lebanon votes and UNRWA calls for aid deliveries

Voters in southern Lebanon cast their ballots on Saturday in municipal elections. UNRWA said that at least 500-600 aid lorries are needed every day in Gaza. An Iraqi filmmaker made history with a win at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

South Lebanon voters defy Israeli bombings to vote in region’s first elections for years

First Iraqi director at Cannes wins top prize with The President's Cake

Gaza aid looting being carried out by 'desperate' people, UNRWA says

This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

Erdogan has 'no interest' in re-election, and doctor describes dire straits for Gaza's children

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he has no interest in being re-elected. A doctor describes the horrendous state of children in Gaza. Abu Dhabi artificial intelligence company G42 has teamed up with tech giants on Stargate UAE.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Turkey's Erdogan says he has 'no interest in being re-elected'

'Skeletons draped in skin': Doctor describes the state of children in Gaza

Abu Dhabi's G42 teams up with Big Tech companies to build Stargate UAE

This episode features Alvin R Cabral, Business Reporter – Consumer and Technology; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Iran in indirect contact with Syria and Israeli protesters block Gaza aid

Iran says it has opened “indirect” communications with the new regime in Syria. Israeli protesters are attempting to block aid deliveries to Gaza through the Karam Abu Salem crossing. US President Donald Trump has selected a design for America's Golden Dome missile defence shield.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

Iran talking 'indirectly' to new Syrian regime

Israeli civilians try to stop aid lorries from entering Gaza

Donald Trump announces plan to introduce 'Golden Dome' air defence system in less than three years

This episode features Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent; and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter.

 

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, and EU lifts sanctions on Syria

The UK announced sanctions against prominent settlers in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. The European Union announced on Tuesday it would begin lifting sanctions on Syria. The UN's leading humanitarian affairs official has warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

EU begins lifting sanctions on Syria

UK ends Israel trade talks after 'indefensible' new Gaza offensive

Israel steps up row with UK, France and Canada after sanctions threats over Gaza war

Thousands of babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours without aid, UN official warns

This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

 

Limited aid entering Gaza, and Syria cracks down on ISIS

Aid is once again entering Gaza but with Israeli-imposed limitations. Syrian security troops have begun operations to “eradicate” ISIS from urban centres. Egypt has repatriated ancient artefacts from Australia.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Netanyahu says Israel will control all of Gaza while allowing 'minimal' aid

Syria cracks down on ISIS as authorities seek closer US ties

Australia and US return ancient artefacts to Egypt as repatriation campaign gathers pace

This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Cairo Correspondent, and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.

Gaza ceasefire talks and Libya in turmoil

Gaza ceasefire talks are continuing in Qatar. The Prime Minister of Libya's UN-backed government has told armed groups to "stand with the state”. Armed groups in Syria who have not joined state ranks have been given 10 days to do so.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Gaza talks focus on plan for 70-day truce and the release of up to nine hostages

'Stand with the state', Libya Prime Minister tells armed groups after clashes

Syria's remaining armed rebel groups given 10 days to join state forces

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.

Trump wraps Gulf trip in UAE and Turkey holds uncertain Ukraine talks

Donald Trump is wrapping his visit in the UAE today; he arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday, becoming the second serving US president to visit the country. Turkish-hosted talks to end the conflict in Ukraine appeared uncertain on Thursday. Israel's army stepped up attacks on Gaza.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Sheikh Mohamed vows to work with Trump on advancing peace

US President Donald Trump visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bestows Trump with Order of Zayed

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disrespect' as peace talks stall

'We were expecting a ceasefire': More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, civil defence says

This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Lizzie Porter, Turkey Correspondent.

Boeing closes deal with Qatar and Trump sets off for UAE

Qatar and Boeing on Wednesday struck a deal for what US President Donald Trump called the largest order of jets in the history of the planemaker. GCC leaders told Mr Trump that a Palestinian state is central to stability in the Middle East, while Syrians have reacted to the lifting of US sanctions. Mr Trump will continue his Gulf tour in the UAE today.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

Boeing secures $200bn jet order from Qatar Airways that Trump says is 'largest'

Qatari Emir says Donald Trump visit a chance to 'bring peace to the region'

'There is hope': Trump's Syria pledge marks shift in US foreign policy

Landmark meeting between Trump and Al Shara boosts new order in Syria

UAE and US working to announce AI and tech partnership during Trump visit

This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor; Mohamed Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor.