Yossi Mekelberg and Patricia Cohen look at the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Europe’s reaction to the trade deal with the US, Moscow’s launch of direct flights to Pyongyang and “Ghosts of Iron Mountain”.

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As the “gifts to reduce the public debt” website causes a stir in the US with a new payment method, Monocle’s in-house team joins to discuss splitting the bill.

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As Brussels and Beijing mark 50 years of diplomacy, we discuss how simmering tensions might scupper progress.

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As the Knesset votes in favour of imposing “Israeli sovereignty” on the West Bank, we discuss how this symbolic gesture could eventually result in concrete action.

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As indirect talks between Syria and Israel resume, we discuss what lies ahead for the country’s interim leader as the fragile Druze-Bedouin ceasefire holds.

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As Israel launches an offensive in Deir al-Balah, we discuss the US’s waning patience with Benjamin Netanyahu. Then: India and China repair ties and European nations look to incentivise a return of their diaspora.

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After a dramatic week in Ukraine, we discuss what futures lie ahead for the country’s struggle against Russia.

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The UK’s Keir Starmer and Germany’s Friedrich Merz reach a security pact and pledge mutual defence. Can they help Europe step up after a deal to purchase US weapons and steer them towards Ukraine?

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