The Briefing Room discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Guests analyze the evidence surrounding the Gaza hospital blast and the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive. They also explore Joe Biden's visit to Israel, Hezbollah's role in Iran's strategy, and the potential for achieving peace in the conflict. The need for international involvement and ensuring a realistic life for the people of Gaza after the war are also discussed.

Dr. Lina Khatib, an expert from Chatham House, shares her insights on the recent US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia. She discusses the significance of Saudi Arabia stepping into the role of a global power broker, particularly amid the Ukraine conflict. The conversation explores the vulnerability felt by Ukraine, as major powers negotiate without its input. Khatib also highlights the balancing act faced by Saudi Arabia, navigating modernization efforts while managing its historical conservatism and international relations.

Lina Khatib, an expert on Middle Eastern politics and director at the SOAS Middle East Institute, dives into the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. She discusses the devastating humanitarian impact, with thousands dead and millions displaced amid recent attacks. Khatib traces the complex history from the Israeli invasions of Lebanon to Hezbollah's rise as a political force. She also evaluates the ongoing conflict, the struggle of Lebanese civilians, and the implications for peace in the region.

In a gripping discussion, analysts David Wood from the International Crisis Group, Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg from Chatham House, and Hezbollah expert Aurélie Daher delve into the implications of Hassan Nasrallah's assassination. They explore Hezbollah's potential leadership crisis and the mixed feelings within Lebanese society. The conversation also touches on Israel's strategic shifts and how Iran's weakened influence might reshape regional dynamics, indicating a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

Shashank Joshi, the defence editor at The Economist, Professor Lina Khatib, Director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS, and Dr. Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow at RUSI, explore the fraught landscape of the Middle East. They discuss the risks of wider conflict stemming from recent uprisings and the complex dynamics between Israel and Iran. With a focus on Hezbollah's capabilities, U.S. foreign policy's potential shifts, and the global ramifications of the Gaza conflict, the conversation is both timely and insightful.