Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire comes with great uncertainty for the future. In Yemen, the Houthis are abducting humanitarian workers and journalists in a witch hunt for alleged spies. And in Syria, a new and unstable political landscape could go either way.

“It's not easy to build peace. It's much easier to stop a war,” says Martin Griffiths, executive director of Mediation Group International.

The former under secretary general for humanitarian affairs at the UN speaks to The National’s editor-in-chief Mina Al-Oraibi in this special episode of Beyond the Headlines.

They discuss the instrumental role of mediation, not only to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, but to ensure peace will follow. Mr Griffiths draws insights from his decades-long career in the humanitarian field to reflect on current events in the region. He talks about the diplomacy model set by Gulf countries and about opportunities to reform a UN in crisis.

Episoder(476)

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

Violence, gunfire and annexation: Palestinian olive farmers under attack

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Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

Who will fill the security vacuum in Gaza?

World leaders gathered in Sharm El Sheikh on Monday to sign a declaration of peace in Gaza. But the resurgence of armed militias brings a new threat to the strip. Clashes have broken out between these...

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What we know so far about the Gaza ceasefire breakthrough

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Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Stolen moments: Two years of war in Gaza

Almost 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war in Gaza began two years ago after Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel. About 90 per cent of residential buildings have been damaged or ...

7 Okt 202520min

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

Reading between the lines of Trump’s Gaza plan

US President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the war in Gaza and prepare for the day after has divided opinion. After two years of failed ceasefire talks, it is the only prospect within reach now that ...

3 Okt 202522min

Vote for Beyond the Headlines in the Signal Awards

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Follow the link to vote for Trending Middle East: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting?utm_campaign=signal4_finalists_finalistnotification_092325&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cio#/2025/[…]odcast F...

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The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer?

The question of Palestine: Is recognition the answer?

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a milestone for the region. After years of being the exceptions, several western countries have joined more than 140 others in recognising...

23 Sep 202523min

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