Episodes

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Ceasefire talks in Cairo, and US makes offer to Syria
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
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.

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
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.

Monday Aug 11, 2025
Iraq dismisses PMF commanders, and on-board a Jordanian aid drop to Gaza
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
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.

Friday Aug 08, 2025
Israel weighs reoccupying Gaza, and Lebanon votes to disarm Hezbollah
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Israel weighs occupying Gaza. Lebanon votes to disarm Hezbollah. Egypt's Rafah border crossing has been revived.
This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; and Kamal Tabikha, Cairo correspondent.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Netanyahu seeks full control of Gaza under Israeli plan to force half its population south
Lebanese government approves Hezbollah disarmament as Shiite ministers storm out of talks
Gaza aid trucks return to Rafah crossing as Egypt seeks to ease humanitarian strain

Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Lebanon fears Israeli incursion, and behind Syria's operation in Sweida
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Lebanese security officials fear Israel may attempt to infiltrate its eastern region. Syrian leadership questioned the July operation in Sweida. At least 20 people have been killed after an aid lorry overturned on a crowd in Gaza.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Lebanon fears Israeli ground incursions from Syria into eastern region
The full story of the Sweida operation: How a lightning offensive became a war
Aid lorry overturns and kills 20 in Gaza as UN blames Israel for starving Palestinians
This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; 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.

Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
New details on Gaza aid site deaths and Lebanon's government fails to vote on Hezbollah
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
New details reveal how Gazans are lured to their deaths in aid queues. Lebanon's government failed to vote on a motion to disarm Hezbollah. Israel is divided over reported plans for a full military occupation of Gaza.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Startling new details reveal how Gazans are lured to their deaths in aid queues
Israel divided as reports indicate plans for 'full occupation' of Gaza
Lebanon's cabinet fails to vote on disarming Hezbollah in stormy meeting
This episode features Nada AlTaher, senior foreign reporter; Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent; 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.

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Gaza starvation and Saudi student killed in UK
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Five more people have died from hunger in Gaza. Hamas says it's open to negotiating a ceasefire deal that would end the war. A man has been charged with the murder of a student from Saudi Arabia in the UK.
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Hamas open to shift by Israel and US towards comprehensive Gaza deal, sources say
Family of Saudi student stabbed to death says UK is not safe for visitors
This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; and Tariq Taher, Senior Investigations Correspondent.
Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is drawing backlash after praying at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound.
Today marks five years since the explosion that rocked Beirut.
New clashes arise in Syria's north-east.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Saudi Arabia and Jordan denounce Itamar Ben-Gvir's 'provocative' visit to Al Aqsa Mosque
'No accountability' for Beirut port blast as businesses reopen after self-funded rebuild
Syrian army and Kurdish-led SDF clash after talks falter
This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; 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.

Friday Aug 01, 2025
US sanctions PA, and new Syria-Russia relations
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
The US has imposed sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. A senior Syrian official has visited Russia for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime. The US is turning to the UAE for energy.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
US 'punishes' Palestinian leadership for seeking recognised state
Syria seeks closer Russian ties as Moscow calls for healing country's divisions
US Interior Secretary confident that AI's demand for power will drive energy markets
This episode features 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.

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
New settlements in East Jerusalem could further threaten prospects of a Palestinian state. Lebanon is on the cusp of a move to disarm Hezbollah. At least five people were killed by Israeli troops while waiting for aid in Gaza on Wednesday.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Lebanon approaches critical juncture in push for Hezbollah disarmament
Hunger and heartbreak as families struggle to survive war in Gaza
This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem 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.

