Valerie Sanderson

The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Valerie Sanderson. Until next time, bye-bye.

The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Valerie Sanderson. Until next time, bye-bye.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Valerie Sanderson, and in the early hours of Friday, the 17th of January, these are our main stories. Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamir Ben-Gavir, threatens to resign from the government over the Gaza ceasefire deal.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Valerie Sanderson, and in the early hours of Friday, the 17th of January, these are our main stories. Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamir Ben-Gavir, threatens to resign from the government over the Gaza ceasefire deal.

We hear from Israel and Gaza on people's fears for their future, with the agreement due to be ratified by Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition on Friday. In Cuba, the jailed dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, is released from prison. Also in this podcast, North Korea opens its borders to tourists from places other than Russia. And we meet the volunteers who are working to clean up the Ugandan capital.

We hear from Israel and Gaza on people's fears for their future, with the agreement due to be ratified by Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition on Friday. In Cuba, the jailed dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, is released from prison. Also in this podcast, North Korea opens its borders to tourists from places other than Russia. And we meet the volunteers who are working to clean up the Ugandan capital.

There have been serious disagreements in Israel's cabinet ahead of a vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The vote is due to take place on Friday, a day later than expected. But Israel's far-right security minister, Itamar Ben-Gavir, has said he'll resign if the government approves the deal, describing it as a reward for Hamas.

There have been serious disagreements in Israel's cabinet ahead of a vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The vote is due to take place on Friday, a day later than expected. But Israel's far-right security minister, Itamar Ben-Gavir, has said he'll resign if the government approves the deal, describing it as a reward for Hamas.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says he's confident the six-week truce, during which Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are to be freed, would begin on Sunday as planned. I asked our Middle East regional editor, Seb Asher, for more details on Mr Ben-Gavir's statement and what impact it may have.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says he's confident the six-week truce, during which Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are to be freed, would begin on Sunday as planned. I asked our Middle East regional editor, Seb Asher, for more details on Mr Ben-Gavir's statement and what impact it may have.

And what effect do you think this might have on the ceasefire deal, which has not yet been ratified by the Israeli cabinet?

And what effect do you think this might have on the ceasefire deal, which has not yet been ratified by the Israeli cabinet?

But do you think it underlines how fragile the deal is? Yes.

But do you think it underlines how fragile the deal is? Yes.

Sebastian Usher. Well, since the deal was agreed, there have been more Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. People on the ground say dozens were killed on Wednesday night, among them many women and children. Our international editor, Jeremy Bowen, sent us this report.

Sebastian Usher. Well, since the deal was agreed, there have been more Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. People on the ground say dozens were killed on Wednesday night, among them many women and children. Our international editor, Jeremy Bowen, sent us this report.

Jeremy Bowen, we heard there from people in Israel and the occupied West Bank about the uncertainties ahead. But what about in Gaza itself? Well, there were celebrations when a ceasefire deal was announced, but concerns too about what happens next. Our correspondent Rushdie Abu-Alouf has been speaking to people there.

Jeremy Bowen, we heard there from people in Israel and the occupied West Bank about the uncertainties ahead. But what about in Gaza itself? Well, there were celebrations when a ceasefire deal was announced, but concerns too about what happens next. Our correspondent Rushdie Abu-Alouf has been speaking to people there.

Rushdie Abu-Aloof. The ceasefire deal allows for 600 truckloads of relief supplies to cross into Gaza every day. Before the war began, 500 trucks would enter the territory daily. But at the beginning of January, it was averaging just 51 per day. Fergal Keane has been travelling with an aid convoy from Jordan.

Rushdie Abu-Aloof. The ceasefire deal allows for 600 truckloads of relief supplies to cross into Gaza every day. Before the war began, 500 trucks would enter the territory daily. But at the beginning of January, it was averaging just 51 per day. Fergal Keane has been travelling with an aid convoy from Jordan.