A ceasefire in Gaza is set to begin as the Israeli cabinet in the early hours of Friday voted to accept the framework of the plan for the release of all hostages. With the agreement coming into effect, Israel’s military has 24 hours to move to a pre-determined line within Gaza, after which a 72-hour period begins in which Hamas must surrender living and dead hostages. Foreign leaders convened in Paris to work out postwar plans in Gaza. This episode features Thomas Helm in Jerusalem, Hamza Hendawi in Cairo and Sunniva Rose in Brussels.

Israeli opposition pledges to take down government. There is mounting optimism for a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Nearly 55,000 children under five in Gaza are estimated to be malnourished. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israeli opposition makes plans to bring down Netanyahu within months Top US envoys join Gaza talks in Egypt as optimism grows over deal This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.

A new obstacle to peace is taking root in Gaza. Tension rises in Aleppo. French companies spot an opportunity in Syria. On this episode of Trending Middle East: New generation of militias steps out of Hamas's shadow to fill Gaza power vacuum Frenchman who would build 37 bridges across Syria seeks Gulf financing Syrian defence minister says 'comprehensive' truce agreed with SDF after Aleppo clashes This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Sunniva Rose, Europe Correspondent. Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes October 9.

Today marks two years since the Hamas attack on Israel that started the devastating war on Gaza. Syrian authorities announced the winners of a parliamentary election. Iran said it has no immediate plans to resume nuclear talks with European nations. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Netanyahu insists Israel is winning the war but reality tells a different story Syrian election results confirm new Sunni ascendancy No plan for negotiations, Iran says after backtracking on inspection deal with IAEA This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes Oct. 9.

The search for missing hostages is one of the sticking points in the Israel-Hamas talks. Syria held its first parliamentary elections since the fall of the Assad regime. Fadel Chaker surrenders to Lebanese authorities. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Search for missing hostages among sticking points in Israel-Hamas talks, sources say Apathy and doubts cloud Syria’s parliamentary poll Lebanese singer Fadel Chaker surrenders after more than 10 years on the run This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent. Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes October 9.

There’s been global outrage after Israel intercepted boats of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. At least three people have died after a ramming and stabbing attack at a synagogue in the UK. Dozens of countries are working together to ensure a peaceful race to the Moon. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Nations condemn Israel's interception of Gaza aid flotilla Two dead and suspect shot in Yom Kippur stabbing attack at Manchester synagogue How countries have joined forces to avoid star wars as US and China race to the Moon This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Lemma Shehadi, senior correspondent in London. Editor’s note: Trending Middle East has been nominated for a Signal Listener's Choice Award in the Daily Podcasts category. Please vote for us here. Voting closes on October 9.

Follow the link to vote for Trending Middle East:https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/[…]odcast Follow the link to vote for Beyond the Headlines: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/[…]litics

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to guarantee Qatar’s security. Lebanon and Syria are preparing the ground for rebuilding relations. Iraq's Prime Minister expects to win parliamentary elections in November. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Any attack on Qatar is security threat to US, says Trump 'No drama': Lebanese Deputy PM says resetting ties with Syria on track Iraqi PM 'optimistic' about November elections This episode features 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.

Hamas is not expected to reject the US plan to end the war in Gaza. British ministers have voiced support for the proposal. Afghanistan faces a communications blackout. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Hamas cornered but may drag heels on Trump ceasefire plan UK ministers back Trump plan as Blair is handed role 'We are blind without phones and internet': Taliban cut Afghanistan's telecoms to combat vice This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent, 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.

Donald Trump has unveiled a detailed plan to end the war in Gaza. Gunmen have killed four Alawite workers in central Syria. The UAE has unveiled a series of changes to visas. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: White House releases plan for immediate end to Gaza war Four Alawite villagers killed as Syria seeks greater overseas support for stability UAE launches new AI specialists visa and expands humanitarian permit 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.

The UN has hit Iran with sanctions for the first time in decades. Israel could retaliate against allies who recognised Palestine. A top UN diplomat says the prospects for peace are closer now than ever. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UN sanctions on Iran to add inflationary pressure as currency crisis deepens How Israel could retaliate against allies who recognised Palestine Gaza ceasefire closer than a week ago, says top UN humanitarian diplomat Tom Fletcher This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Hadley Gamble, IMI Chief International Anchor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the UN. The National investigates killings of journalists in Gaza. Donald Trump is expected to meet Ahmad Al Shara. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: 'Palestine is ours,' says Abbas as he condemns Israel and Hamas in UN speech How (and why) Gaza has become the deadliest place in the world for journalists Donald Trump to meet Syria's Ahmad Al Shara, official says This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; Fadah Jassem, Head of Data Visualisation; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: 'Palestine is ours,' says Abbas as he condemns Israel and Hamas in UN speech How (and why) Gaza has become the deadliest place in the world for journalists Donald Trump to meet Syria's Ahmad Al Shara, official says This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; Fadah Jassem, Head of Data Visualisation; 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.

There is growing pressure on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo. The war in Gaza continues after a series of countries recognised the state of Palestine. Israel blames migration to Europe for an increase in criticism. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Syria’s Al Shara warns of regional turmoil without Israel security deal The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer? Isolated Israel blames Muslims for shifting Europe's stance on Gaza This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; 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.

US President Donald Trump delivered an extraordinary attack on the UN during his address to the General Assembly. Iran and European powers engage in a last-ditch effort to avoid the reimposition of UN sanctions. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Trump lambasts friend and foe alike in UN address Iran and European powers to hold talks in New York in bid to avoid restart of sanctions Israel shuts crossing between West Bank and Jordan after deadly shooting 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.  

France has joined a list of countries newly recognising the state of Palestine. Syria's president called for a new chapter in ties with Washington. US special envoy Tom Barrack has said Middle East peace is an illusion. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: UNGA 2025 live: France recognises Palestine at landmark UN meeting Peace in the Middle East is an illusion, says Trump envoy Tom Barrack Syria's Al Shara calls for new chapter in US ties as he meets former battlefield foe This episode features Fatima Al Mahmoud, Foreign Affairs Reporter; and Hadley Gamble, IMI Chief International Anchor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The UN General Assembly high-level talks kick off today in New York. Syria's Druze leadership has invited UN investigators to probe violence in Sweida. Israel's latest offensive in Gaza has added to the burden on the remaining hospitals. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: France and nine other states to recognise Palestinian statehood as landmark UN conference looms Syrian President Al Shara's consolidation drive faces Kurdish and Druze resistance This episode features Adla Massoud, UN and New York 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 talks with Israel could result in something tangible soon. Donald Trump is in disagreement with the Keir Starmer on recognising Palestine. The closure of Carrefour stores across the Middle East could be down to a number of factors. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Syria's Ahmad Al Shara says Israel talks could bring results 'in coming days' Trump 'disagrees' with Starmer on Palestine recognition plan No immediate plan to close UAE's Carrefour supermarkets, Majid Al Futtaim says This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan Correspondent; and Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Egypt is shoring up security in the Sinai and mobilizing its forces. State control of weapons is a top priority for Iraq. A US-brokered deal brings relative peace to Sweida. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: State monopoly over weapons a top priority, Iraqi PM says Egypt seeks US guarantees that Israel will not attack exiled Hamas leaders again Sweida tensions subside but troops remain after US-brokered deal in Syria This episode features Hadya Al Alawi, Assistant Foreign Editor; 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.

Independent experts commissioned by the UN have concluded Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Lebanon marks one year since the so-called pager attacks on Hezbollah by Israel. US President Donald Trump has started his state visit to the UK. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Explained: The four acts of genocide Israel is accused of committing in Gaza Pager attack: Hezbollah fighters blinded by explosions Britain rolls out peak pageantry for Trump state visit This episode features Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent; and Paul Carey, London Deputy Bureau Chief. Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

Qatar has accused Israel of lying and making Gaza unliveable. Arab nations consider a proposal to establish a joint military force. Lebanese authorities foil a drug-smuggling plot. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Qatar summit condemns Israel's 'aggressive practices' as threat to Middle East peace Israel's attack on Qatar is part of 'strategy of expansionist ideology', says Palestinian minister Arab states consider revival of plan to create Nato-style military force Lebanon thwarts attempt to smuggle millions of Captagon pills to Saudi Arabia This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; 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.