As Ramadan begins, hunger in Gaza is setting in and there is fear about a possible Israeli ground incursion into the overcrowded city of Rafah. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have gone back and forth in recent interviews over how Israel should handle the operation as the Palestinian death toll mounts. In this episode, CNN’s Clarissa Ward examines the rift between the two men and tells us about her interviews with Israeli protestors trying to...

Earlier this week, the United Nations special envoy on sexual violence in conflict shared her team’s findings about allegations of sexual assault in the aftermath of the deadly Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7th. The response follows months of outcry from witnesses and women's advocates to take the reports more seriously. In this episode, CNN’s Bianna Golodryga examines the findings and explains why the UN team believes sexual abuse of hostages could be ongoing inside Gaza. Note:...

As mediators struggle to broker a deal for a hostage release and temporary ceasefire, the US has taken to airdropping food into Gaza to help stem the massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in the enclave. Meanwhile, Israeli war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has traveled to Washington, DC to meet with high-ranking officials – much to the chagrin of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz’s political rival. In this episode, CNN’s Alex Marquardt explains why Biden administration officials are...

As the Palestinian death toll passes 30,000, scenes of desperation and heartbreak are everywhere in Gaza. Nearly every civilian has experienced death and violence at the hands of Israeli forces or knows someone who has. However, because of frequent communications blackouts and a ban on independent access for journalists, many of these stories go unheard. In this episode, a group of CNN reporters tell us about their investigation into how Israeli forces used indiscriminate fire, killing half a...

In recent days, negotiating parties have met in Paris and Qatar in hopes of reaching a deal on a hostage release and a pause in fighting in Gaza. While two sources familiar with the discussions say Hamas has softened on some key demands, Israel is throwing cold water on the idea of substantial progress. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond brings us the latest and explains how divisions between rival political factions could complicate the postwar reality for Palestinians in the...

Despite heavy Israeli bombardment, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are still living in northern Gaza without basic supplies like food. The United Nations says it has identified acute malnutrition in 16.2% of children there as hunger continues to spread throughout the strip. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups have faced a number of challenges in getting aid into Gaza and are finding even more difficulty delivering it. In this episode, CNN’s Katie Polglase investigates how a UN aid convoy...

As Israel prepares a potential ground operation into Rafah, the US has vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza. Meanwhile, it has proposed its own draft resolution which calls for a ‘temporary ceasefire.’ The diplomatic moves come after Israel’s military raided the largest functioning hospital in Gaza, exacerbating the healthcare crisis for desperate Palestinians. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Roberson explains why the Biden administration’s cautious...

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen continue to target commercial ships and US coalition forces in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s aggression in Gaza. The attacks have disrupted global shipping and escalated tension in the region. While the US continues to respond by striking targets in Yemen, it’s not clear how much of the Houthi’s capabilities have been destroyed. In this episode, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand tells us about her unique experience on board two US Navy vessels leading the...

Israel has announced plans to launch a ground offensive into Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking shelter with nowhere else to go. On Monday, Israel’s military rescued two Israeli-Argentine hostages from the southern Gaza city but killed about 100 Palestinians in the process, local officials say. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Robertson explains why much of the international community is worried this rescue mission could be just a precursor to a much deadlier ground operation...

Thousands of displaced Palestinians in the southern city of Rafah say they are increasingly worried about what will happen when Israel’s military pushes even further into southern Gaza. Four months into the war, aid groups say hospitals are barely functional and full-blown famine is starting to set in for thousands. In this episode, CNN’s Ivana Kottasová tells us why a push into Rafah could be so deadly and examines Israel’s lack of progress in eliminating top Hamas leadership. Host: David...

Four months after the deadly Hamas terror attack on Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in the region speaking to the major players working on a potential hostage release and ceasefire deal. As hostage families continue to wait for news, there are other points of anger being directed at Israel’s government. In this episode, CNN’s Ivana Kottasová tells us about her conversations with Israelis frustrated with how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handled the response. Host:...

As Iranian-backed proxies continue to step up attacks across the Middle East, experts have been closely watching Iranian leadership for their response. Meanwhile, the US continues to weigh its next moves after a recent attack that killed three US service members in Jordan. In this episode, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand explains what new intelligence can tell us about how Iran may adjust its strategy moving forward. Host: David Rind Guest: Natasha Bertrand, CNN National Security Reporter Learn more...

After weeks of negotiations, a broad framework for a new hostage release and potential ceasefire is being considered by Hamas. While details are still being sorted out, the news could provide hope to families of those who have been held inside Gaza for months. In this episode, CNN’s Alex Marquardt lays out the parameters of a potential deal and explains how allegations that staffers from the main UN relief agency in Gaza were involved in Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks could complicate...

As Israeli military operations continue inside Gaza, Palestinians continue to struggle to find food and shelter. Meanwhile, tactics being used by Israel Defense Forces on the ground are coming under scrutiny ahead of an initial ruling from the International Court of Justice in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond tells us about his team’s investigation which found at least 16 cemeteries in Gaza desecrated by Israeli forces. Learn more about your...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for Palestinian sovereignty as Israel fights Hamas in Gaza. The Biden administration continues to push for a two-state solution, as Biden and Netanyahu remain publicly at odds over what will happen to Gaza once the war is over. In this episode, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour explains what a two-state solution could look like and why domestic pressures may be behind Netanyahu’s sharp comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is known as the first Palestinian doctor to hold a staff position at an Israeli hospital, advocating for peace while delivering thousands of babies. Then during fighting between Israel and Hamas in 2009, the Gazan doctor became known for a phone call. After learning an Israeli airstrike had killed his three daughters, he called his friend and TV reporter, who broadcast his anguished call live on the air. 15 years later, we revisit his story — and hear how he’s still...

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to target cargo ships in the Red Sea despite multiple rounds of retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets from a US-led coalition. Meanwhile, Iran itself launched missiles into Iraq and Syria, escalating fears of a wider war in the region amid Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. In this episode, CNN military analyst and retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling explains what the Biden administration is weighing as it navigates the situation and looks at what the...

Hamas has long used an intricate series of tunnels in Gaza to transport weapons and do battle with Israeli forces. A number of Israeli hostages are also believed to be held underground after being kidnapped on October 7th. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Robertson tells us what he saw in one of the tunnels while embedded with the Israel Defense Forces in Khan Younis and how they factor into the next phase of the ground campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Africa has filed an unprecedented genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over its war in Gaza. As court proceedings get underway this week, Israel is slamming the case and defending its methods as it fights Hamas. In this episode, we hear from CNN's Abbas Al Lawati on why while a ruling on genocide could take years and how the case could have immediate ramifications in Gaza and on the world stage.  Subscribe to CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter...

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East for meetings with key players as tensions remain high across the region. As Israel continues to strike inside Gaza, a number of attacks in Lebanon have raised the prospect of a wider war. In this episode, we examine Blinken’s message and political divisions inside Israel’s war cabinet for postwar plans in Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doron Katz Asher describes October 7th as a “war movie.” On that day, she was thrown into the back of a tractor with her 5-year-old and 2-year-old daughters and taken hostage into Gaza. The family spent nearly 50 days in Hamas captivity, which she describes as “psychological warfare.” She spoke exclusively with CNN’s Bianna Golodryga about the harrowing experience and how she and her daughters are coping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Israel Defense Forces say military operations in Gaza will continue “throughout” this year, even as it withdraws a number of reservists from the territory. The move comes as senior US officials anticipate a transition to a lower-intensity strategy that narrowly targets Hamas militants and leaders. However, Palestinians in Gaza continue to experience widespread hunger and displacement as the civilian death toll rises. In this episode, CNN’s Elliott Gotkine examines what the next few months...

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank say they are being forced from their homes due to violence from extremist Israeli settlers and Israeli military actions, which the Israel Defense Forces often says is in response to suspected terror activity. However, some say it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell the two groups apart. In this episode, CNN Chief International Investigative Correspondent Nima Elbagir takes us inside the territory, where she witnessed how settlers and the Israeli...

As Israel continues its military operation in Gaza, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are stepping up their strikes on ships in the Red Sea in retaliation. A senior US military official says the breadth of attacks has not been seen in at least “two generations.” In this episode, CNN’s Katie Bo Lillis explains why the Houthis are targeting ships and how the attacks could continue to snarl worldwide shipping and commerce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, three Israeli hostages in Gaza tried to make contact with their country’s military, waving a white flag and yelling in Hebrew. In response, troops mistakenly shot and killed them. Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is dealing with the fallout – and the continued anger from released hostages and the families of those still held in the strip. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond breaks down how Israelis are reacting, and where hostage talks might go from here. Learn...