Israeli military offensive to occupy Gaza City is underway

The Global News Podcast presents several developing stories, including Israel's wider offensive in Gaza City and the approval of a controversial settlement plan in the West Bank, which is stirring international criticism and threatens the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. The podcast also covers the Taliban's efforts to gain international legitimacy by hosting foreign ministers from Pakistan and China in Kabul, focusing on potential mineral exploitation. Additionally, the podcast addresses the alarming rise in diphtheria cases in Somalia due to aid cuts impacting healthcare and vaccine availability, and the deployment of U.S. warships to the Caribbean in response to drug trafficking in Venezuela, raising tensions with President Maduro. Finally, the podcast touches on lighter news, such as the Air Guitar World Championships in Finland and the debated origin of air guitar playing.