Trending Middle East

Lebanon on 'armed resistance' and Rubio in the UAE

Lebanon's newly formed government has omitted any mention of “armed resistance” from its ministerial statement for the first time in two decades. The National heard from a Yemeni journalist formerly detained by Houthi forces. President Sheikh Mohamed told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the UAE strongly opposes any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from Gaza.

Get the full story on today’s episode of Trending Middle East.

 

This episode features Arab Affairs Editor Vanessa Ghanem and Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter, reporting from Amman.

Egypt's counter plan on Gaza, and official says SDF will not lay down arms

The National has learnt details of Egypt’s plan countering US President Donald Trump’s proposed takeover of Gaza. The US-backed, mostly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces in control of large parts of Syria will not give up its weapons as long as ISIS remains active on Syrian territory. Lebanon said it will consider any remaining Israeli presence on its land an occupation.

 

 

This episode features Kamal Tabikha in Cairo and Sunniva Rose in Paris.

Israel’s deadline to withdraw from Lebanon, and Middle East weighs in on Russia talks

Israel is supposed to withdraw from Lebanon today. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh for discussions on the war in Ukraine and issues in the Middle East. More than 150,000 people arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday for the first day of Idex, the Middle East’s largest defence expo.

 

This episode features Jamie Prentis, reporting from Beirut.

Vance's Munich speech and Rubio in Israel

US Vice President JD Vance took centre stage at the Munich Security Conference at the weekend. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel. Hamas released three Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 300 Palestinians being freed from prison in Israel.

 

Listen to more on these stories on today’s episode of Trending Middle East.

Musk announces Dubai Loop and Captain America protests revive

Elon Musk and his Boring Company have signed an initial deal to bring an underground road system to Dubai. Marvel’s latest Captain America film is experiencing a new wave of protests over its inclusion of an Israeli character, originally a Mossad agent in the Marvel comics. Friday marks the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

ISIS cells in Syria and Arab counter-offer to Trump's Gaza plan

Syrians are seeking greater protection from ISIS cells and killings in a new era of government. Arab nations are planning a unified counter-offer to Donald Trump’s plans to “take over” Gaza. The World Governments Summit is closing today in Dubai.

 

This episode features correspondent Lizzie Porter and Rory Reynolds, Assistant Editor.

Hamas says ceasefire breached and King Abdullah visits Trump

Hamas has said it will delay the release of hostages until further notice and that Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement. Us President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold aid from Egypt and Jordan ahead of a meeting with King Abdullah II in Washington. The World Government Summit in Dubai heads into its second day.

Israel's withdrawal from Netzarim and Iraqi President sues over Kurdish salaries

Palestinians are making their way back to northern Gaza in droves after Israel completed its withdrawal from the strategically important Netzarim corridor over the weekend. Reactions to US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza continue to flow. Iraq’s President is suing the country's Prime Minister and Finance Minister over delayed payments to government employees in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Saudi Arabia condemns Netanyahu's suggestion to relocate Palestinians, and fifth hostage exchange

Saudi Arabia accuses Israel of pursuing an "extremist, occupying mentality". The fifth exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees under the Gaza ceasefire agreement takes place over the weekend. Lebanon forms a new government.

 

Listen to these stories on Trending Middle East.

Middle East's USAid vacuum and Iran counters Trumps 'maximum pressure'

The Middle East braces for Elon Musk's USAid cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency. Israel's Defence Minister orders the army to prepare for Gaza residents' departure. Tehran responds to calls for “maximum pressure” on Iran with its Foreign Minister’s own call for “maximum wisdom.”

 

Listen to this morning’s headlines on Trending Middle East.