Open appeal to EU over Middle East two-state solution

Middle Eastern countries are still on the fence when it comes to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Their citizens are pointing out the West's double standards around conflict and refugees. Should Europe be worried?

A clip circulating online that social media users claim is of Palestinian actors creating a “fake killing” at the hands of Israeli forces, is actually from a short film by a Palestinian director called “Empty Place,” based on real events.

A clip that social media users claim is of Palestinian actors creating a "fake killing" at the hands of Israeli forces is circulating online. But the images are actually from a short film by a Palestinian director called "Empty Place”, based on real events.We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.

One would assume that archaeology, the study of the human past through material remains, is a relatively neutral field. But in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, archaeological excavations have been used to dispossess disenfranchised communities. The Israeli NGO Emek Shaveh monitors and documents how numerous archaeological sites have been used to infringe on Palestinian property and cultural heritage rights. Its Executive Director Alon Arad joined us for Perspective.

During his campaign for the US presidency, Joe Biden described Saudi Arabia as a 'pariah state' in the aftermath of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But since taking office, Biden's language has changed. This week, he is making his first trip to the oil-rich kingdom as president, as global energy prices soar in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To discuss the trip (which also includes Jordan and Israel), we talk to Middle East expert and former CIA officer Douglas London, who is adjunct associate professor at the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University.

US President Biden said efforts to secure a two-state solution must continue despite appearing far off. Palestinian President Abbas said there was a narrowing window to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A summit with leaders from six Gulf Arab states, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq saw the US president walking a tightrope to bolster Washington's influence in the Middle East.

Relatives of the late journalist Shireen Abu Akleh pressed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for accountability. The US-Palestinian reporter was killed as she covered an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.

The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad appears to be holding. The cease-fire follows three days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants that left dozens dead, hundreds injured.

The small militant faction has often been overshadowed by Hamas, but Israeli officials describe it as one of the most dangerous Palestinian armed groups.

Despite the potential for abuse and exploitation, Middle Eastern countries continue to attract hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrant workers every year.

According to the report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is warming almost twice as quickly as the global average and is especially susceptible to the effects and impacts of climate change, including extreme water scarcity.