Author: BBC World Service

Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December -- but the vast majority of the population can't vote and the president is choosing many of the candidates.

Also, can the US-led peace plan for Gaza work? We'll hear about the key negotiations due to begin in Cairo and ask whether it's feasible to expect Hamas to disarm. And a bigger question: when does anti-Zionism equate to anti-Semitism?

Plus a legendary guitar goes on display in a shop in London.

Picture: Voting begins for representatives of Syria's new parliament in Damascus on October 5, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi)

On Monday, President Trump outlined his proposal for a peace deal in Gaza, a moment he described as ‘potentially one of the great days ever in civilisation’. In a press conference announcing the plan, the President name-dropped Sir Tony Blair and said the former UK Prime Minister would have a key role in the governance of post-war Gaza. Blair has been part of high-level talks with the US and other parties about ending the conflict. To many in the Middle East he remains a divisive figure who is remembered primarily for his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq. So how did Blair become a central figure in this latest plan to end the war in Gaza, and what does this tell us about diplomacy under Trump 2.0? Asma Khalid speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale, who charts the story of Blair’s involvement in the Middle East and his warm relationship with President Trump.

Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Viv Jones Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans

With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Picture: Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

President Trump says Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line in Gaza. He says the details have been shared with Hamas and once the Palestinian group confirms it agrees with the line, there will be an immediate ceasefire and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. Also: Japan is on track to get its first ever female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi; Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for an explosion near a high-security prison in the Somali capital, Mogadishu; anti-government protests in Georgia and Madagascar; we look back at the life of the Czech novelist Ivan Klima, who's died aged 94; the US takes on India at a speed chess tournament; and the British and Irish film festival taking place in Dinard in France.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.

Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said that diplomatic and military pressure have forced Hamas to agree to free the hostages it is holding. As Israel and Hamas prepare to take part in indirect talks in Cairo, Mr Netanyahu thanked Donald Trump for his peace plan.

Also in the programme: protests in Georgia; and 50 years of the Rocky Horror Show.

(Picture: Hostages Square 2-Year Rally - a large banner reads: 'It's Now or Never' - displayed in response to Trump's Gaza peace plan to end the war and the return of all the remaining hostages: The rally was held at Hostages Square to mark two years since the October 7 attacks. Credit: Hostages Families Forum)

Israel's military says it's still operating in Gaza City and has warned Palestinians it's too dangerous to return. Earlier, President Trump told Israel to stop bombing the territory after Hamas said it accepted part of his peace plan -- including the release of all the hostages it's holding. But Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence agency says Israeli attacks continued overnight.

Also in the programme: Japan's governing party has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its leader -- putting her on course to become the country's first woman prime minister; the Czech writer, playwright and former dissident Ivan Klima has died at the age of 94; and Peanuts, the comic strip that gave the world Snoopy and Charlie Brown, is 75 today!

(Photo: There have been regular protests in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, as families of those taken by Hamas demand their return. Credit: EPA)

An 18-year-old entrepreneur who has helped more than twenty thousand teenagers get skills, training and mentoring has been recognised with a global student prize. Adarsh Kumar grew up in poverty in rural Bihar and says he was inspired by wanting to solve the problems he saw around him - and the example set by his hardworking single mother. He plans to use the ten thousand dollar prize to help improve the lives of even more people - and believes the first step in changing the world is to change his home state. Also: we find out how teenagers who've been struggling with school attendance are learning important life lessons - from three year olds. The scheme pairs them with a nursery child to give them a sense of responsibility and helping others. We celebrate the winner of Fat Bear Week in Alaska - which saw tens of thousands of people around the world vote for the brown bear who'd done best at gorging on salmon and berries to prepare for winter. How new technology is helping Premier League football fans with sight problems, the jollof rice wars heat up with a record breaking dish in Nigeria, and the people spreading joy over the internet through memes. Plus an inspirational speech from a 12-year-old who wants to improve understanding about autism. Leo Bird says he's not broken, just different, and that's why his friends love him. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

Presenter: Jannat Jalil. Music composed by Iona Hampson

President Trump tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agrees to release all remaining hostages and seeks further talks on his peace plan. Also: The American rapper, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, is jailed for four years following his conviction on prostitution-related charges; the computers powered by lab-grown mini brains; the cruise company with no ship; and celebrating 75 years of the Peanuts comic strip featuring Snoopy.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

A representative of the organisation told the BBC that Hamas accepted the proposal in principle - but wished to make some changes on a number of key points. We ask the experts what this might mean for a peace deal in the Middle East.

Also in the programme: rap star Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to 50 months on sex-related charges in a New York court; prominent French economist Gabriel Zucman explains his proposal for a wealth tax; and the first female archbishop of Canterbury.

(Photo: Israeli military operation in Gaza City, 3 October 2025; Credit: MOHAMMED SABER/EPA/Shutterstock)