Israel-Gaza, Shaolin Scandals, Axe Murder Priest

The Board of Deputies of British Jews hosted an emergency meeting this week in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A statement followed, which called for, “a rapid, uninhibited, and sustained increase in aid through all available channels”. It goes on to say, “food must not be used as a weapon of war, by any side in this conflict.” We get the latest on the conflict from a correspondent and speak to Phil Rosenberg – President of The Board of Deputies of British Jews.

This week, it’s been announced that Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, is being investigated by multiple agencies for embezzlement, "improper relationships with multiple women" and "fathering illegitimate children". Emily Buchanan speaks to BBC China correspondent Stephen McDonell about the religious significance of the Shaolin temple in China & the reaction on the ground to news of the latest scandal.

The archbishop of Warsaw, Poland, has asked the Vatican to defrock a priest charged with the killing of a 68-year-old homeless man who was beaten with an axe and set on fire. The priest, identified only as Miroslaw M in line with Polish privacy rules, is believed to have had an argument with the victim over housing. The priest admitted the crime after being arrested. Emily Buchanan speaks to Jonathan Luxmoore – a journalist and author who specialises in Catholic Church affairs in Europe and who was based in Poland for more than a decade.

Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Katy Davis Production Coordinator: Liz Poole Studio Managers: Kelly Young & Grant Cassidy Editor: Tim Pemberton