Global News Podcast

Antonio Guterres has invoked a rarely used article, urging the Security Council to act immediately to achieve a truce. Also: President Biden makes an impassioned plea to Republicans to approve funding for Ukraine's war effort. And Time Magazine names the American singer Taylor Swift its Person of the Year.

A journalist in Khan Younis told the BBC the ground has been shaking. The UN human rights chief Volker Türk says there's a heightened risk of atrocities. Also: the former British prime minister, Boris Johnson, says sorry to the Covid inquiry into the pandemic, and the BBC has spoken to one of the few families to escape from North Korea this year.

Residents in Khan Younis have told the BBC they're scared and hungry and don't know what to do. Also: Washington is to refuse visas for extremist Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians, and we hear about the rise of Rolex ripping in central London.

The World Health Organisation says the situation in Gaza is getting worse by the hour. Also: Britain and Rwanda agree a new treaty aimed at getting the British government's centrepiece asylum policy operational, and 26 years after Grand Theft Auto was first released, it has a female main character.

Washington says it's too early to say if Israel is heeding US advice to protect civilians as Israel's offensive in southern Gaza continues. Also: the president of the UN climate summit says he's dismayed by what he called the constant attempts to undermine his work, and fears for the future of the Commonwealth Games as Australia's Gold Coast pulls out of hosting them in 2026.

The call comes as Israel presses ahead with its military operations in southern Gaza. Also, the harrowing testimony of a Ukrainian soldier on the banks of the Dnipro, and why there will be no giant pandas left in Britain.

The head of the military says the operation will be no less powerful than in the north of the enclave. Also: Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say they've attacked two ships in the Red Sea, and a leading figure in Hong Kong's democracy movement goes to Canada to avoid the threat of arrest.

Civilians in parts of southern Gaza have been told to evacuate as Israel's renewed bombardment continues. Also: Russia media say police raid gay clubs in Moscow, and how does art affect our brainwaves?

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, how hope and perseverance prevailed in the rescue of 41 workers trapped in a tunnel in India. Also: a set of earbuds that could revolutionise wheelchair mobility. And celebrating 100 years of Scottish dancing.

The Israeli military says it has struck hundreds of "terror targets" in Gaza. Also: George Santos expelled from US Congress in historic vote, and Putin's favourite conductor is to run the Bolshoi theatre.

The IDF said the fighting resumed after it intercepted a rocket from inside the Gaza strip, while Hamas say Israel refused to accept offers to release other hostages. Also: world leaders address climate change at COP28, and author Omid Scobie denies naming two senior royals in controversial book.

The US secretary of state says damage to hospitals and water supplies seen in the north of Gaza must not be repeated in the south. Also: surprise climate cash win for poor at COP28, and Russian court bans "LGBT movement".

Three people were killed by Hamas gunmen in Jerusalem hours after the ceasefire in Gaza was extended into a seventh day. Also on the programme: the UN climate summit begins in Dubai, and the former top US diplomat Henry Kissinger dies aged 100.

Thirty Palestinian prisoners are also due to be freed from Israeli jails. Also: US says it has foiled alleged plot to kill Sikh activist, and astronomers discover "the perfect solar system".

The IDF says it has killed two Palestinian militant commanders. Also: An EU report lists who experiences the most online hate, and why there's a new dress code in Kenya's Parliament.

Amid scenes of jubilation, the operation was finally completed despite numerous problems and setbacks. Also: Hamas releases 12 more hostages and Israel hands over 30 more Palestinian prisoners on day 5 of a temporary truce, and the wolf spider that decided to lay its eggs in a cruise ship passenger's toe.

An evacuation pipe has been inserted into the collapsed tunnel, where the men had been trapped for more than two weeks. Also: the truce in Gaza appears to be holding for a fifth day - after a swap deal between Israel and Hamas was extended, and the first transatlantic flight powered by an alternative fuel has taken off from London.

The Israeli army says that eleven hostages released by Hamas from Gaza are now in Israeli territory. In return, thirty-three Palestinian prisoners are being freed. Also: The government of Sierra Leone blames renegade soldiers for a series of attacks in Freetown on Sunday that left twenty people dead, and the festive video by a family-run pub in Northern Ireland that's getting rave reviews and giving big retailers a run for their money.

Israel's allies and neighbours are hopeful that the pause in fighting can be extended beyond the fourth exchange of hostages and prisoners. Also, environmental activists say they're shocked at claims the United Arab Emirates has used its role as host of UN climate talks to make oil and gas deals. And six former pupils at a school in France go on trial over their alleged links to the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty in 2020.

Hamas and US President Joe Biden say they'd like an extension of the current four-day truce that's seen dozens released, but Israel's Prime Minister says that after the truce, his country will return to war. Also: The government of Sierra Leone says it's back in control, after gunmen attacked a barracks and several prisons in the capital, and The Irish writer Paul Lynch wins this year's Booker prize.