BBC

wo years ago a group of Jewish and Palestinian peace activists stood almost alone in Israel in calling for a ceasefire, as Israel launched a massive offensive on Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks of 7th October 2023. Emily Wither returns to hear how the lives of these activists have changed. She explores whether their message of peace and coexistence is breaking through at a time when societal divisions are deeper than ever.

The group Standing Together, known for their matching purple t-shirts, is a group of Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel (referred to by the state as Israeli Arabs, the country’s largest minority making up over 20% of the population).

It is unusual in either Israel or Palestine to find a mixed group working together for a shared cause and advocating for coexistence. Standing Together has received criticism from both sides of the conflict; with many Israelis calling them traitors and some Palestinian groups calling for a boycott of the movement. Despite all this the group say the only way to achieve a lasting peace is for the communities to work together.

This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.

Paramount is back, challenging Netflix in a takeover battle for Warner Brothers Discovery that could reshape the global streaming industry. What could the bidding war mean for Hollywood? We'll get reaction from an Oscar-winning producer.

And as Syria marks a year since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, we hear why its economy remains extremely fragile.

And while China’s exports are booming, many US farmers are feeling the strain — hit by low prices and years of disrupted sales to China. Now President Trump has announced a twelve-billion-dollar aid package to support them. We hear the reaction from the soybean farmer.

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Syrians are out on the streets across the country, celebrating a year on from the end of a fifty-year dictatorship. But with economic issues and sectarian violence persisting, how can Syria move onto a brighter future?

Also in the programme: A new gene therapy proves promising for blood cancer patients; President Trump announces a $12bn support package for US farmers; and Paramount battles Netflix with a new bid to buy Warner Bros.

Syria celebrates a year since the fall of Assad, and an end to a brutal fifty-year dictatorship. But what sort of rule and what sort of future does Syria face?

Also in the programme: Ukraine's President Zelensky pleads for Europe and the US to remain to united over ending the war with Russia – we hear from former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt; how China's trade surplus hit a trillion dollars; and the blind football fan who says that, thanks to a virtual reality headset, he can for the first time literally watch a game.

(IMAGE: People gather during a parade marking the first anniversary of the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Idlib, Syria, 08 December 2025 / CREDIT: BILAL AL-HAMMOUD/EPA/Shutterstock (16051801r))

How do you feel about snakes? What about highly venomous ones?

For Mark O’Shea, close encounters with the world’s most rare and deadly snakes are not only his profession, but his passion.

Mark is a Professor of Herpetology - the area of zoology focusing on reptiles and amphibians - at the University of Wolverhampton.

After dropping out of college in his teens, Mark's life could have taken a very different direction; but prompted by a fascination with reptiles that started with a childhood trip to the zoo, he's gone on to have a career spanning research, international expeditions and broadcasting. He's also worked with international medical teams, studying deadly species and helping to generate antidotes for some of the world’s deadliest venoms.

In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Mark reveals the challenges around generating antivenom for countries that need it, the pros and cons of keeping snakes as pets, and what you need to know if you ever get bitten...

Presented by Jim Al-Khalili

Produced by Lucy Taylor

The Maliks have a dilemma on their hands, and Ben's nursing skills are put to the test.

A year after the fall of the brutal Assad regime in Syria, tens of thousands of people have been celebrating - both in Syria itself and abroad. There's been a military parade around the main square in Damascus watched by jubilant flag-waving crowds. Despite his former links to Al-Qaeda, the new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, now has the support of the White House, but he still faces many challenges. Also: Nigerian state secures release of 100 out of 265 kidnapped schoolchildren; a woman who blackmailed the South Korean footballer, Son Heung-min, gets four years in jail; using tech to combat dementia in Japan; and could offering smaller, cheaper portions in restaurants and supermarkets cut obesity?

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.

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Paramount Skydance is launching a hostile bid worth more than 100 billion dollars in a last ditch effort to stop its sale to Netflix. Leanna Byrne asks, what does Netflix need to do to get the deal done?

Also, China is running a massive trade surplus, and other countries aren't happy about it.

And Elon Musk escalates his clash with the European Commission after an EU fine over blue tick badges.

What does the coup attempt in Benin mean for the West African nation and its citizens? President Patrice Talon has assured the nation that things are 'under control' after the government thwarted Sunday's military takeover. About a dozen soldiers believed to be the leaders of the mutiny have been arrested.

Also, did you know dog meat is a staple in some parts of Nigeria, Africa's biggest population? We take you inside one of the largest dog meat markets in the country.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya

Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru

Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga

Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Syrians are holding celebrations to mark the first anniversary since Bashar al-Assad was toppled from power after a lightning rebel offensive. Also on the programme, President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet key European leaders in London amid peace negotiations; and, the making of the very first dictionary of ancient Celtic.