Trending Middle East

UK could recognise Palestinian state and Gaza's mothers dying in childbirth

The UK is close to recognising a Palestinian state. Gaza's mothers are dying in childbirth at an accelerated rate. Lebanon has sentenced a man to death over the killing of a UN Irish peacekeeper in 2022.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Keir Starmer pushes Gaza peace plan and recognition of Palestinian state

Lebanon sentences man to death for killing Irish UN peacekeeper Sean Rooney

This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.

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Siege on Sweida, and anger after clashes in Iraq

Food and medicine levels are critically low in Sweida, Syria. Deadly clashes in Iraq have fuelled anger across the country. Wildfires rage in Turkey, Greece and Albania.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Sweida running out of supplies under Syrian government siege

Public fury in Iraq after clashes between militia and security forces

Ten killed in Turkey as forest fires rage in soaring heat

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad correspondent.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Dropping aid into Gaza and the fate of a ceasefire

Israel has begun allowing aid to be dropped into Gaza by parachute. In Israel, far-right figures are objecting to permitting aid into Gaza. Syria, France and the US have agreed to meet on Kurdish integration.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

UAE and Jordan planes drop food and humanitarian aid into Gaza

Israel claims aid trickling in after widespread condemnation of blockade

Paris to host Syria talks on integrating Kurds

This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo 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.

Israeli MPs approve motion to annex occupied West Bank, and blazes in Turkey

Israel’s government has called for the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Blazes continue to burn across Turkey. An explosion rocks Syria's Idlib province.

Arab and Islamic nations condemn Israeli Knesset’s approval of motion on West Bank annexation

Ten killed in Turkey as forest fires rage in soaring heat

Several dead and dozens injured in 'arms depot' explosion in Syria

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent, and Lizzie Porter, Turkey 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 investigates Sweida violence, and Huckabee in Ramallah

Syria is investigating violence that erupted in Sweida this month. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia invests in Syria.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

US ambassador meets Palestinian official on first Ramallah visit

Syria's Defence Ministry to investigate claims of 'shocking violations' in Sweida

Saudi Arabia expected to sign $4bn worth of deals as it holds investment forum in Syria

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Dana Alomar, Future Editor.

Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Starvation in Gaza and Israeli army attacks Syria

Starvation is on the rise in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army launched a drone strike against pro-government troops in southern Syria on Tuesday, sources in Jordan said.

Iran is saying it will not abandon its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Children starve to death in Gaza as doctors faint from hunger amid Israeli aid blockade

Four children among 15 dead due to starvation in Gaza

Israeli army resumes strikes on southern Syria

Europe takes snapback leverage to Iran talks in Istanbul

This episode features Rakan Abdelrahman, 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.

Sweida evacuations and Turkey to cancel Iraqi Kurdistan oil deal

The Syrian government has evacuated Bedouin families from Sweida.

Turkey is ending an oil export agreement with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Israel is continuing its offensive on Houthi targets in Yemen.

On this episode of Trending Middle East:

Syrian authorities evacuate Bedouin civilians from Sweida as fragile truce holds

Turkey to end oil pipeline deal with Iraqi Kurdistan

Israeli army strikes Houthi targets at Yemen's Hodeidah port

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Fareed Rahman, Senior Business Reporter; and Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs 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's new ground offensive and Hamas's ceasefire ultimatum

Israel has launched a new ground operation in Gaza. Hamas has given an ultimatum for ceasefire talks. Iran has agreed to hold nuclear talks with Europe’s big three.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israel launches Deir Al Balah ground operation and attacks areas of Gaza for first time

Hamas considering quitting Gaza ceasefire talks unless deal reached by end of week, sources say

Iran agrees to hold nuclear talks with Europe's big three

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem 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.

 

Deadly fire in Iraq and Lebanon pursues Syria extradition deal

A fatal fire in Iraq is once again raising questions about accountability.

Lebanon is seeking a treaty to extradite Syrian convicts.

Analysts comment on Israel's claim to protect the Syrian Druze.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

At least 61 people killed in fire at Iraq hypermarket

What is Israel's intention behind 'protecting' Druze in Syria?

This episode features Sinan Mahmoud, Iraq Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut 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.

Ceasefire in Syria, and Trump in 'no rush' to talk to Iran

The Syrian government and Druze leaders reached a ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump says he’s in “no rush” to talk to Iran. Israel has told Gaza mediators it plans to create a security zone and evict Palestinians in the north.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israel strikes central Damascus as Syrian government widens attack on Sweida

Trump says he is in 'no rush' to strike nuclear deal with Iran

Israel tells Gaza mediators it plans to create security zone and evict Palestinians in the north

Israel opens new military corridor in southern Gaza

This episode features Danny Makki, reporting for The National from Sweida; Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.