Hamas is not expected to reject the US plan to end the war in Gaza. British ministers have voiced support for the proposal. Afghanistan faces a communications blackout.
On today's episode of Trending Middle East:
Hamas cornered but may drag heels on Trump ceasefire plan
UK ministers back Trump plan as Blair is handed role
'We are blind without phones and internet': Taliban cut Afghanistan's telecoms to combat vice
This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent, and Thomas Harding, security and policy editor.
Editor’s note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
