The Conflict
The Conflict is a BBC News podcast devoted to the Middle East, examining the wars, politics and diplomatic struggles shaping the region. It is hosted by Jonny Dymond, a veteran BBC correspondent, who unpacks the latest developments and the forces behind them. Each episode offers context and analysis rather than daily headlines, drawing on the BBC's correspondents and experts. The show is aimed at listeners who want a deeper understanding of a region that dominates world affairs.
Episodes
The Global Story: A Ceasefire in Gaza
Following intense negotiations, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal to end more than 15 months of war in Gaza. All Israeli hostages being held by Hamas will be released, while Israel’s soldiers will withdraw fully from Gaza, and allow 600 aid trucks per day to enter the devastated territory. In the hours after the deal was announced, Jonny Dymond spoke to the BBC’s Chief International
Six Day War (1967): What Next For Syria and Israel?
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week, Jonny is joined by Tom Bateman, the BBC’s State Depa
Leaders: What Is Ariel Sharon’s Legacy?
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully curated panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the Middle East.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And, what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week, Jonny is joined by Dr Ahron Bregman, from King’s
Leaders: What Is Yasser Arafat’s Legacy?
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And, what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week, Jonny is joined by Dr Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Researc
The First Intifada (1987): What impact did the Palestinian uprising have?
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully curated panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And, what can history teach us about what might happen next?
This week, Jonny is joined by BBC security correspondent Fra
Israel Declares Independence (1948): Why did Britain leave its mandate in Palestine?
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region. What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And, what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week, Jonny is joined by senior BBC correspondent and Mi
Operation Opera (1981): How Important Is the Israel-America Relationship?
What can history teach us about the conflict in the Middle East? We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.This week Jonny is joined by Dr Giordana Pulcini, who teaches History of Transatlantic Relations at the Universi
Israel withdrawal from Gaza (2005)
We look back on the region’s history and discuss what it can teach us about the future.Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week Jonny is joined by Orla Guerin, the BBC’s senior inte
The Iranian Revolution (1979)
What can history teach us about the conflict in the Middle East?
Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully curated panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.
This week’s panel includes Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, a lecturer at the University of St Andrews, and Dr Roham Alvandi, expert in Iran and modern Middle East history.
They revisit February 1979,
Israel Strikes Iran
Adam Fleming and Laura Kuenssberg talk to the BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent Paul Adams.
The 1972 Munich Massacre
What can history teach us about the conflict in the Middle East?
Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.
This week, Jonny's joined by Nomi Bar Yaacov, Associate Fellow at Chatham House and Dr Aviva Guttman, a lecturer in Strategy and Intelligence. Plus, Ronen Bergman, an Israeli investigative journ
Israel Kills Hamas Leader
Today, Israel confirmed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed in Gaza.For this extra episode, Newscast's Adam Fleming speaks with the BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen about his death and what it might mean for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Israel-Lebanon (1982)
What can history teach us about the conflict in the Middle East?Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.What has happened in history to lead us to this point? And, what can history teach us about what might happen next?This week, Jonny is joined by Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle E
One Year On
Journalists from across the BBC reflect on the war in the Middle East.Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet is joined by International editor, Jeremy Bowen, Middle East correspondent, Anna Foster, and Gaza reporter, Rushdi Abualouf.Please note, both Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated terrorist organisations by Western states, Israel and some Arab countries.This episode was made by Ke
Is The Iran-Israel Attack A Turning Point For The Middle East?
After an extraordinary weekend in the Middle East we are bringing you a special episode of The Global Story, where Lyse Doucet shares her reflections on the significance of Iran's first ever direct attack on Israel.Israel says 99% of the missiles and drones fired by Iran on Saturday night were intercepted without hitting their targets. Iran said the assault was in response to a deadly attack on an
Ten Weeks Of War
The Conflict’s Lyse Doucet and Newscast’s Adam Fleming look back at the past 10 weeks of the Israel-Gaza conflict and discuss the challenges and considerations facing BBC journalists while they report on the war. Revisiting powerful moments from interviews with the BBC’s Gaza Correspondent, Rushdi Abualouf, Anna Foster, Middle East Correspondent and International Editor, Jeremy Bowen - they descri
Is Israel Losing International Support?
We speak to the BBC’s North America Correspondent, Anthony Zurcher about the UN General Assembly vote on a ceasefire in Gaza. As America warns Israel that the continuous attacks on Gaza are alienating allies, we look at what diplomatic solutions are being discussed.
Today’s episode is hosted by Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent
Guest: Anthony Zurcher, North America Corresponde
War Intensifies
We speak to the BBC’s International Editor, Jeremy Bowen as he returns to Israel to report on the war. With the humanitarian crisis worsening, he discusses what is happening on the ground in Gaza.
Today’s episode is hosted by Lyse Doucet
GUEST:
Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bb
The Truce
We speak with the BBC’s Gaza correspondent Rushdi Abu Alouf, who’s now in Istanbul. He reflects on his experiences reporting in Gaza, the Israel-Hamas truce, and the hostage deal.
HOST:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondentGUEST:
- Rushdi Abu Alouf, BBC Gaza correspondent
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.
The Hostage Deal
But does it go far enough?PRESENTERS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Frank Gardener, BBC security correspondentGET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.co.ukTEAM:This episode was made by Beth Ashmead Latham and Karen Marshall in London. The Technical producer was Ben Andrews. The senior news editors are were S
Inside The Al-Shifa Hospital
The BBC goes inside the main hospital in Gaza City with the Israeli army. HOST:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondentGUEST: - Lucy Williamson, BBC middle east correspondentGET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.co.ukTEAM:This episode was made by Beth Ashmead Latham in London and Scarlett Barter in Israel. The Technic
The Today Debate: What Happens When The War Ends?
Radio 4's Mishal Husain hosts The Today Debate in front of an audience in London. HOSTS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Mishal Husain, BBC Radio 4 hostGET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.co.ukTEAM:TEAM: This episode was made by Beth Ashmead Latham in London. The Today Debate was produced by Sinead Heekin
The End of Gaza’s Most Beautiful Neighbourhood
Israeli bombs flatten 25 apartment blocks in the neighbourhood of al-Zahra. Lyse speaks with BBC international reporter Alice Cuddy about her recent story on the residents of the upscale Gazan neighbourhood of al-Zahra. HOST:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondentGUEST: - Alice Cuddy, BBC international reporter GET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123
Jeremy Bowen inside Gaza
Jeremy Bowen returns from his time embedded on the frontline with the Israeli military. He tells us what war in Gaza looks like and feels like, close-up…PRESENTERS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editorGET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.co.ukTEAM:This episode was made by T
One Month of War
John Simpson on what’s happened since Hamas attacked Israel and what might happen next?PRESENTERS: Adam Fleming, host of the BBC’s daily news podcast Newscast
John Simpson, BBC world affairs editor GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Email theconflict@bbc.co.ukTEAM: This episode was made by Bethan Ashmead Latham and Joe Kent. The senior news editor
Israeli Strikes Intensify
Rushdi Abualouf in Gaza and Anthony Zurcher on the US Secretary of State’s Middle East visit; reflections from our correspondents as Lyse readies to leave JerusalemFEATURING:
Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
Rushdi Abualouf, BBC Gaza reporter
Anna Foster, BBC correspondent on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon
Jon Donnison, BBC correspondent and former BBC Gaza correspondent
What does Hezbollah want?
Today eyes were on two men who have the power to shape what happens next - possibly how this might all end. Neither of them from Israel. Neither of them from Gaza.Lyse speaks to Paul Adams about what we learnt from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s latest visit to Israel and from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s first public comments since the start of the conflictPaul also explains the hi
Gaza City ‘encircled’
Israel's military says it has "completed the encirclement of Gaza City" and has been attacking outposts, headquarters and other Hamas infrastructures there.We look at what Israel taking the area would mean for the next stage of the war.REPORTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Jon Donnison, BBC correspondent and former BBC Gaza correspondent GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a messag
Israel’s Military Strategy
What will it take to defeat Hamas inside one of the most densely populated place on earth? A long war. That’s the warning from Israel’s leaders.As Israeli forces take the fight deeper inside Gaza, Lyse is joined by the BBC’s defence correspondent to discuss the strategy for a risky ground war that means more casualties among Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians.REPORTERS:
• Lyse Doucet, BBC
Israel’s president speaks
Isaac Herzog talks to Lyse about his country’s right to self-defence after the Hamas attacks of October 7th.We also hear about a major Israeli attack on a refugee camp in Northern Gaza. Israel says Hamas leaders were the target.REPORTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Alex Lederman, BBC Washington producerGET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44
What we know about the ground offensive
Lyse unpicks what we know about Israel’s ground operation in Gaza with Newsnight’s diplomatic editor Mark Urban, who’s monitoring the military manoeuvres. They also reflect on the rescue of a female soldier in Gaza who was taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October.PRESENTERS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Mark Urban, Newsnight’s diplomatic editorGET IN TOUCH:- Send us a message o
Israel Ground Operation in Gaza
Lyse speaks to Newscast host Paddy O’Connell and special correspondent Fergal Keane as Israel says it has started its ground operation in Gaza. PRESENTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Paddy O’Connell, BBC Newscast host
- Fergal Keane, BBC special correspondentGET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Or Email theconflict@bbc.c
The Conflict x Global News Podcast: The World's Response
Lyse and Frank answer your questions about the Israel-Gaza conflict, with analysis on the responses of Iran, Russia, and the rest of Europe.FEATURING:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent
- Jackie Leonard, presenter of the BBC’s Global News PodcastGET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Email the
Taking the long view with John Simpson
Lyse speaks to veteran correspondent John Simpson about lessons from the past and about the role of the US and Iran in the current conflict.John reflects on the pressure Israel is under from its allies, how the presence of hostages could impact military decisions and the dangers Israeli troops face going into Gaza.PRESENTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- John Simpson, BBC
The Battle Over Disinformation
How two 4 year-olds were killed and how social media denied it.Marianna Spring tells Lyse about her investigation into the stories of two young boys, one Israeli, one Palestinian, whose deaths in the opening days of the war became part of ugly false claims on social media.PRESENTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Marianna Spring, BBC disinformation correspondent GET IN TOU
Rushdi Abualouf On Reporting From Inside Gaza
Lyse speaks to Rushdi Abualouf, the BBC’s reporter in Gaza.He tells us what it’s like trying to get to the truth while keeping his family safe, as well as what living conditions are like as water, food and electricity supplies run increasingly low.And - a released Israeli hostage speaks about her experience in captivity.REPORTERS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Rushdi Abual
Agony and Hope for Hostage Families
Another two hostages have been released by Hamas, more than two weeks after they were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, less than a mile from the Gaza border.Lyse speaks to the BBC’s Anna Foster in northern Israel from her current base in the south of the country to discuss the hostage situation. We hear from the family of a hostage still being held and the anguish felt by his family.Meanwhile, the human
The Conflict x Global News Podcast: Two Hostages Released
Lyse and Jeremy answer your questions about the Israel-Gaza conflict – including its history, potential solutions and what we know about the first hostages released by Hamas.
FEATURING:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent
- Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor
- Jackie Leonard, presenter of the BBC’s Global News Podcast
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice not
Aid and Air Raids
In collaboration with Newscast, Lyse is joined by Chris Mason and Jeremy Bowen, to discuss the aid trucks waiting to cross into Gaza, and the West’s response to the crisis.Plus Lyse shares what it’s like living through several air raid sirens a day.PRESENTERS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- Jeremy Bowen, BBC international editor
- Chris Mason, BBC Political EditorGET IN TOUC
Gaza Hospital: Chaos, claim and counter claim
Amid claim and counter claim about the deadly blast at a hospital in Gaza, Lyse Doucet and Jo Floto take a step back, debrief and try to make sense of what’s happening. They assess the mood in the region, reflect on US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel and discuss how journalists are still able to report in Gaza. HOSTS
BBC International Correspondent Lyse Doucet
BBC Middle East Bureau Chief J
The Gaza Hospital Strike
A huge blast at a hospital in Gaza City is reported to have killed hundreds. Recorded at just before 10pm in Israel, BBC International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and her colleague Anna Foster grapple with the breaking news and the claims and counter claims as protests break out across the region.
HOSTS:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent
- An
Confusion at the Rafah Crossing
Why is the border crossing Gaza’s lifeline?Thousands gather near the Gaza-Egypt border desperate to leave, but the frontier remains closed and humanitarian aid shut out.Lyse and Jeremy give us an update from Southern Israel where the situation remains tense.And we hear about the intense diplomatic efforts by the US secretary of state to prevent the situation spreading.PRESENTERS:- Lyse Doucet, BBC
Fleeing Northern Gaza
Thousands on the move as the new deadline to evacuate Northern Gaza elapses. We get the latest and hear about an expected Israeli ground assault against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group from defence correspondent Jonathan Beale.Lyse takes cover as air raid warnings sound in southern Israel but she continues broadcasting as she co-hosts with Paddy from Newscast. WITH:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC Chie
The Conflict x The Global News Podcast
Your questions answered on the Israel-Gaza conflict and on the geography, history and politics of the region.FEATURING: - Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent
- Jeremy Bowen, BBC International Editor
- Jackie Leonard, presenter of the BBC’s Global News Podcast
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
- Email theconflict@bbc.co.uk
TEAM:Th
The Israel Hostage Crisis
Where are the 150 hostages? Lyse Doucet and Tom Bateman debrief on the latest in the Gaza-Israel conflict.Lyse has been reporting from the Israeli border town of Sderot. She speaks to the Mayor about how he wants his country to respond to the Hamas attacks. And Tom reflects on seven years living in Jerusalem and how this latest conflict feels in the context of his time in the region.REPORTERS:- L
Gaza Without Power
As Israel prepares for an expected ground offensive, Gaza’s only power station runs out of fuel.
Lyse and Jeremy try to make sense of what’s happening on the ground in their usual clear and considered way.
BBC Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, has spent the day on the edge of Israel’s closed military zone on its southern border. Where Hamas rockets continue to streak above. And I
The Kibbutz Killings
Lyse Doucet and Jeremy Bowen are back to take a closer look at what’s happening on the ground.Jeremy has been in Kfar Aza, a small border village where Israeli soldiers told him Hamas had stormed in, burning homes and killing families, including babies in their bedrooms.We also hear BBC reporting inside Gaza, where our correspondent says the bombings were the worst he’d seen in 20 years. REPORTERS
The Conflict Erupts Into War
What’s happening now and what could happen next? Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, provides context and clarity on the events in Israel and Gaza.In this first podcast of a new series, she’s joined by international editor Jeremy Bowen, who like Lyse, lived and worked in Jerusalem in the 1990s and has covered all of the conflicts since.They talk about why the latest attacks f
