Hajj begins today and Syria builds national army

There has been more deadly violence near an aid distribution site in Gaza. Syria has recruited half of its planned national army. The Hajj pilgrimage begins today.

On this morning's episode of Trending Middle East:

At least 27 killed and 90 injured near Gaza aid distribution centre in Rafah

UN calls for investigation into Palestinian deaths near Gaza aid site as Israel pushes back

Syria has recruited half of planned 200,000-strong army, military sources say

Under pressure, Kurdish militia resumes integration talks with Damascus

Mapping the global gathering of Hajj

This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent, and Ali Al Shouk, senior news reporter.

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

Miss Granny

Director: Joyce Bernal

Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa

3/5

(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)

On Women's Day

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

Hajj begins today and Syria builds national army

Yasmeen Altaji gives a round-up of today’s top stories

The candidates

On Women's Day