Day: May 28, 2024

Witnesses say Israeli tanks are in the southern Gaza city, despite a global outcry over the killing of dozens of Palestinian civilians after an Israeli air strike. Meanwhile, three European nations have officially recognised a Palestinian state. Also: On the eve of South Africa’s election, we look at the lengths some people go to, to find a home, we have a special report from the besieged Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, and why an album has been given top billing at a museum in Australia.

Increased Russian shelling in the north-east city of Kharkiv has left residents feeling exposed calling into question how far Western allies of Ukraine can support the country by lifting restrictions on armaments.

Also in the programme: a BBC World Service investigation has revealed that children as young as five are working in the fields in Egypt – picking jasmine for a global perfume industry that’s worth billions; and we speak to an Irish Minister about why it’s important for Spain, Ireland and Norway to recognise Palestinian statehood.

Image: Sergii Polituchyi, Ukrainian publisher and businessman, stands between shelves with burned books in his printing house, which was badly damaged by a recent Russian missile strike. Credit: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko