Israel has approved 22 more settlements in the occupied West Bank. Authorities in Saudi Arabia are making arrests for abetting unauthorised pilgrimages this Hajj season. Syria has signed billions of dollars worth of energy deals with international companies led by the Qatari UCC Holding.

On today's episode of Trending Middle East:

Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements in major blow to prospect of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia arrests 26 people for transporting illegal Hajj pilgrims

Syria signs $7bn Qatari-led deal to double power supply

This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Nada Maucourant Atallah, Beirut Correspondent.