Israel's grinding war on Gaza reaches two-year milestone, and Syria's new parliament

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.