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.