The Daily Update

World leaders condemned Israel's attack on Doha. A wave of RSF drone strikes hit Khartoum. Egypt's president ordered officials to study the possibility of pardons for seven jailed activists. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel's attack on Qatar: What we know RSF drones hit key sites near Sudan's army-held capital Egypt's President Fattah El Sisi orders government to review pre-trial detentions This episode features 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.

At least six people have been killed in a shooting in an illegal settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. A UAE official says the Abraham Accords have been derailed. Oil prices are up after what is seen as a modest increase in production. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: At least six killed in shooting attack in Jerusalem settlement Abraham Accords 'overturned' by Hamas and Israeli extremists, senior Emirati official says UAE warns Israeli annexation of West Bank undermines vision of Abraham Accords Opec+ agrees another rise in oil output for October Oil prices rise on modest output increase by Opec+ and Russia supply concerns This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Fatima Mahmoud, Foreign Affairs Reporter; and Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics 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 offered up what it has called a comprehensive proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Middle East is back online after fibre-optic cables sustained damage. Iraq wrapped a first-of-its-kind energy event this weekend. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel's 'comprehensive' Gaza deal proposal to Hamas dismissed as time-buying tactic Middle East internet slowdowns could last months after Red Sea cable damage Drone strike from Yemen closes Israel's Ramon Airport Baghdad seeks to cement role on global energy stage with high-level forum This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Rory Reynolds, Assistant Editor-in-Chief; 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.

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.

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  

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.

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.

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: 'This war left us with nothing': Gazan father who lost half his body weight pleads for end to conflict 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.  

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.

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.

France is threatening Iran with UN sanctions if a deal is not reached on its nuclear program. Lebanese officials have received a response to their proposal to US special envoy Thomas Barrack over the disarmament of Hezbollah. An Ultra-Orthodox political party quit the Israeli government. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: France threatens Iran with UN sanctions by end of August Lebanon receives US response over Hezbollah disarmament as 12 killed by Israeli attacks on Bekaa Valley Blow for Benjamin Netanyahu as ultra-Orthodox party quits coalition This episode features Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent; Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

Israel has launched strikes on tanks in southern Syria. The Palestinian ambassador to the EU has urged the bloc to take action as the Gaza war rages. Lebanon is tackling demining efforts. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel strikes tanks in Syria after 38 Druze killed in fighting in Sweida Lebanon faces existential threat unless it addresses Hezbollah weapons, US envoy warns This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan 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.

Funerals were held for two Palestinians, one a US citizen, killed in the West Bank, over the weekend. Syrian authorities have closed a border crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread close to the coastal area north-west of the country. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is "not afraid" of returning to negotiations on its nuclear programme. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Palestinian-American man beaten to death by Israeli settlers, authorities say Syria shuts land crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread near border Iran 'not afraid' of nuclear negotiations but needs to be certain of US commitment 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.

Opec raised its forecast for world oil and energy demand. The Syrian government has accused the SDF of delays in implementing an integration deal. Saudi Arabia is updating its rules to allow foreigners to buy property in specific zones. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Opec raises 2050 oil demand outlook amid expansion of global economies Relax, it's ‘chill, baby, chill': Opec assures inventories stay tight Syria blames US-backed Kurds for instability after failed meeting Saudi foreign property ownership rules will be 'transformational' for long-term expats This episode features Manus Cranny, Geo-Economics Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent.  

Many in Gaza believe there is an unseen, pervasive AI presence that is watching, listening and waiting for those on its target list to show their faces. Lebanon is considering a road map to disarm Hezbollah. Hamas on Wednesday said Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel in Doha were progressing due to US President Donald Trump's involvement in the process. Data-driven deaths: How Israel's AI war machine pinpoints Palestinian victims Hamas credits Trump for progress in Gaza ceasefire talks This episode features Damien McElroy, London bureau chief; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent.

Forced displacement of Palestinians is back in the spotlight. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will begin the process of disarming with a ceremony this week. On this episode of Trending Middle East: Backlash grows over Israel's proposal for prison-like city in Gaza Houthis' tactical upgrade in Red Sea attacks and what it means PKK expected to destroy weapons at disarmament ceremony this week This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Chris Maxwell, Deputy National Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

US special envoy Thomas Barrack said he was satisfied with Lebanon's response to a US call for Hezbollah to disarm. Yemen's Houthi rebels said they retaliated after an Israeli strike. Brics leaders condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US envoy 'unbelievably satisfied' with Lebanese response to proposal on Hezbollah disarmament Israel strikes Yemen ports after ship attack by Houthis in Red Sea Brics leaders condemn attacks on Iran and tell Israel to leave Gaza This episode features Nada Homsi, Lebanon 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.  

Parties are back at the negotiating table for a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah is reviewing a US proposal urging the group to disarm within a few months. Lebanon marked Ashura for the first time since Hezbollah lost significant power. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Crucial Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Doha ahead of Netanyahu's US visit Hezbollah 'divided' over whether to scale back its arsenal amid US pressure to disarm Lebanon's Shiite Muslims mark Ashura amid calls for Hezbollah to disarm and security threats This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; 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.

Authorities in Damascus are capturing high-profile figures from Syria's former Assad regime. US contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are firing live ammunition and stun grenades at Palestinians rushing to get food near the deadly distribution centres. And business activity in the UAE's non-oil private sector grew in June but was hindered by the Iran-Israel war. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US contractors guarding Gaza aid sites admit to firing live ammunition at hungry Palestinians UAE non-oil private sector grew in June but Israel-Iran war weighs on demand This episode features Jihan Abdallah, Senior Correspondent; Deena Kamel, Senior Business Reporter — Aviation; 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.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a law suspending co-operation with the UN's nuclear watchdog. US President Donald Trump said Israel has taken a significant step towards finalising a ceasefire in Gaza. The Kurdistan Workers' Party could begin disarming within days. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Trump says Israel has agreed on conditions to finalise 60-day Gaza ceasefire IAEA in dark as Iran's president approves law to sideline agency PKK disarmament could begin in days, Turkey confirms This episode features Senior Foreign Reporter Mina Aldroubi, Cairo Correspondent Hamza Hendawi and Turkey Correspondent Lizzie Porter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Criminal gangs are thought to be behind the disappearance of a growing number of Alawite women in Syria. Members of what has been described as a terrorist cell were arrested in Beirut. Hamas officials have said the group is positively engaging with mediators for a ceasefire. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: 'Get the money fast if you want her alive': Syria's Alawite women and girls disappear in abductions Beirut 'terrorist cell' plotted day of attacks mirroring shock of Israel's pager assault, security sources say Hamas says it is 'positively engaging' but fate of Gaza ceasefire lies in US-Israel talks This episode features Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor.