Voices from Gaza and Israel

Kate Adie presents stories from Israel, Gaza, Germany, New Caledonia and Hungary.

Public pressure is growing on Israel’s prime minister to secure the release of more than 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Lucy Williamson has been talking to one man whose family was taken captive from Kibbutz Be’eri.

Deirdre Finnerty spoke to an Irish-Palestinian family, who were visiting relatives in northern Gaza when the conflict began, and fled to Khan Younis. She hears about the struggle to access basic supplies and the risks faced on a daily basis.

The German government has staunchly backed Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of the 7th October attacks by Hamas. Israeli security is, in fact, a cornerstone of German foreign policy. Some pro-Palestinian demonstrations have even been banned because of concerns about anti-Semitic slogans. That’s led to clashes with police and debates about freedom of speech as Jessica Parker reports.

New Caledonia is home to a small and diverse population. One of its many communities is made up of the descendants of Algerian exiles, who were deported in the late 19th century after uprisings against French colonial rule. Many lost their lives on the gruelling sea voyage from North Africa. Those who survived and settled brought their religion, customs and ancestral memories with them. Chahrazade Douah reports.

The conservative British philosopher, Roger Scruton was a great personal friend of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest, on the intellectual love affair between the two men, and how ‘Scrutopia’ now serves the Hungarian leader.

Producer: Viv Jones Editor: Bridget Harney Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman Photo by MARTIN DIVISEK/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock