Tug of War

Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, providing hope to war-weary Palestinians and family members of Israeli hostages. However, implementation could prove challenging and grim.   Guest: Jeremy Diamond, CNN Jerusalem Correspondent  Follow the One Thing podcast here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East is on edge following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh inside Iran. While Israel hasn’t commented on the strike, it came just hours after the Israeli military took credit for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon. In this episode, we look at the impact of Haniyeh’s death on Gaza ceasefire negotiations and whether the region is about to tip into all-out war.  Guest: Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Senior Investigations Writer  Follow CNN One Thing here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel’s seven-month war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians while reducing much of the enclave to rubble. Meanwhile, Israel believes about 125 hostages remain in Gaza after being captured on October 7th. In this episode, we hear from two people dealing with the fallout of this unprecedented war. First, 19-year-old Mahmoud Jarousha tells us about being displaced multiple times inside Gaza and his frustration with not being able to attend school. Then, CNN’s Bianna Golodryga tells us how the mother of a kidnapped Israeli soldier is coping with the unknown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Monday, the International Criminal Court announced it was seeking arrest warrants against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among other figures, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In this episode, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour tells us about her exclusive interview with the court’s chief prosecutor and explains why the news has outraged both Israeli and US leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the war in Gaza continues, independent media outlets remain barred from entering the enclave without IDF escort, complicating efforts to paint a full picture of the reality on the ground. In this episode, CNN’s Nada Bashir explains how she and her colleagues have been covering the war from afar and the role brave Palestinian journalists on the ground play in that work.   Recorded live at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival on May 4, 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: this episode contains graphic descriptions of injury.  As the Israeli military campaign in Gaza continues, the toll on Palestinian women and children is coming into clearer focus. In this episode, CNN's Jomana Karadsheh and Sarah Sirgany tell us about their trip to a special hospital in Qatar where some of the most vulnerable Palestinians are being treated for war wounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US President Joe Biden says Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches a major invasion of Rafah. It comes as his administration is set to deliver a report to Congress on whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law during its war in Gaza. In this episode, CNN's Kylie Atwood explains how this moment could be a turning point for US-Israel relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday, Israel's military seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, warning its military operation in the southern city would move forward, even as ceasefire talks continue. Airstrikes have rocked eastern Rafah, displacing many fearful Palestinians yet again. Israel meanwhile says the terms of a ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas were "far from" meeting its demands. In this episode, CNN's Jeremy Diamond explains how the military pressure is impacting the ongoing talks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Around the world, some students have staged protests in solidarity with pro-Palestinian protestors on US college campuses – including in Iran. Anger against Israel and the US is still simmering after an unprecedented aerial attack from Iran on Israel was foiled. In this episode, CNN's Fred Pleitgen joins us from Tehran and explains how Iranian military officials are evaluating the latest escalation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hamas is considering a new framework for a hostage release and ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt. It comes amid fears that Israel will launch a ground offensive into Rafah whether or not a deal is reached. In this episode, CNN's Becky Anderson tells us about the parameters and examines a longshot push to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday, Hamas released a video of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, giving his family hope that he is still alive despite being badly wounded when he was abducted on October 7th. However, Israel’s government says at least 129 hostages remain in Gaza with dozens of those feared dead. In this episode, CNN's Jeremy Diamond examines why Hamas released this video now and looks at the state of negotiations over a hostage release and ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli ministers have lashed out against reported plans by the United States to sanction an Israeli military unit for alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The uproar comes amidst an uptick in violence against Palestinians in the territory. In this episode, CNN's Nada Bashir examines why the reported plans have struck a nerve and gives us an update on the dire situation inside Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A US official tells CNN that Israel carried out a military strike inside Iran on Thursday night, the latest dangerous escalation between the two countries. Israel has not commented and Iran has not yet identified the source of the attack. In this episode, CNN's Jeremy Diamond examines what we know and whether this latest round of back-and-forth is over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Iran’s air attack on Israel over the weekend was uniquely brazen, experts say the two nations have been engaged in a ‘shadow war’ through proxies and covert actions for decades. In this episode, CNN's Nic Robertson looks at what two past Israeli attacks can tell us about how they may respond in this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, Israeli officials have been debating how to respond. Meanwhile, members of the Biden administration have told Israel that the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to US officials familiar with the matter. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond tells us how the Israeli war cabinet is thinking about this perilous moment. --  Tug of War has been nominated for a Webby Award in the News & Politics category. Please click on the link and vote for us. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel from Iranian territory in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month. US air defenses jumped in to intercept some Iranian drones in defense of Israel. In this episode, CNN’s Clarissa Ward examines what the dramatic escalation could mean for the region and ongoing war in Gaza.  --  Tug of War has been nominated for a Webby Award in the News & Politics category. Please click on the link and vote for us. Thank you!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Israel has recently made efforts to allow more aid trucks into Gaza, humanitarian groups say the need is still extremely far from being met. Hunger is widespread, and medical facilities continue to operate without basic supplies. In this episode, Arwa Damon, the President & Founder of International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance tells us about her recent trip inside Gaza to help children impacted by the war.  --  Tug of War has been nominated for a Webby Award in the News & Politics category. Please click on the link and vote for us. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After months of fighting, the Israeli military said it has withdrawn its ground forces from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The move follows a frank phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where Biden told Netanyahu he needed to take meaningful action to address the humanitarian crisis or face consequences. In this episode, CNN’s Nic Robertson examines what the military move could signal for the future of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Israel’s brutal onslaught of Gaza continues, millions of Palestinians are caught in the conflict, left desperately looking for reliable shelter, food and medical care. In this episode, we hear directly from students, teachers, and journalists about what their lives look like and what they want the world to know about what they’re experiencing.  Read and see more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran is vowing revenge on Israel after an airstrike on its embassy complex in Syria killed several high-ranking Iranian officials. While Israel is not confirming or denying responsibility, a military spokesperson said Israel believes the building struck is associated with the Iranian military. In this episode, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand examines what the retaliation could look like and tells us why the Biden administration is close to greenlighting a sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, according to three people familiar with the matter, despite concerns over how it is conducting its military operation inside Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rift between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to grow again this week after Netanyahu decided to cancel a planned delegation to Washington, before reversing course a few days later. Meanwhile, tensions between Israeli war cabinet ministers seem to be deepening as well while the brutal war in Gaza continues. In this episode, CNN’s Mick Krever examines plans for a key piece of legislation concerning ultra-Orthodox conscription that is dividing lawmakers in Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recent UN-backed report found that all 2.2 million people in Gaza do not have enough food to eat, with famine expected to arrive in the north any time between now and May 2024. The European Union’s foreign policy chief has accused Israel of using starvation of a weapon of war as it continues to throttle aid deliveries into the enclave. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country’s policy is to let as much humanitarian aid into Gaza as is necessary, aid groups say the evidence on the ground points to the contrary. In this episode, CNN’s Jomana Karadsheh explains how the hunger crisis could impact Gaza long after this latest round of fighting ends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A team of top Israeli officials is expected to visit Washington next week to discuss Israel’s plan for a military operation into Rafah. Biden administration officials say they will lay out options for how to dismantle Hamas in Gaza without launching a full ground incursion into the southern city, which could endanger over a million Palestinian civilians already suffering from lack of shelter and hunger. In this episode, CNN’s Kylie Atwood examines what options are on the table and whether Israel is actually interested in considering them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza deepens, negotiators have returned to the table in hopes of hashing out a hostage release and temporary ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for new elections in Israel, angering Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In this episode, CNN’s Jeremy Diamond tells us how those comments are being received in Israel and explains why a group of Gazans being treated at hospitals in Jerusalem are being deported back into Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As extremist Israeli settlers continue to commit violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, there is another controversial settlement movement getting more attention inside Israel. Some far-right Israelis have plans to reestablish Jewish settlements inside Gaza and displacing Palestinians in the process, prompting accusations of ethnic cleansing. In this episode, CNN’s Clarissa Ward examines the major players behind the idea and looks at how Israeli views have been hardened by the October 7th terror attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 block aid into Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: this episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence and war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 speaking out more forcefully against Israel in recent days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 family sheltering in central Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 came under Israeli fire despite traveling on an approved route.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 language just buys Israel more time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 response in the Red Sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 in the overcrowded city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Rind Guest: Ivana Kottasová, CNN International Senior Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: David Rind Guest: Ivana Kottasová, CNN International Senior Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 advocating for peace amid the current war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Houthis are really after. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 of war could bring and how an unprecedented decision from Israel’s Supreme Court to strike a controversial government plan to limit the powers of the judiciary could impact public sentiment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 military are working together to create a culture of fear amongst Palestinian families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices