This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Robin Brandt and at 13 hours GMT on the 20th of October, these are our main stories.

As we record this podcast, President Biden is due to make an urgent budget request to Congress

for billions of dollars in military support for Israel and Ukraine.

The UN Secretary-General has visited the RAFA crossing from Egypt to Gaza and called for aid

trucks to be allowed into the Palestinian territory as soon as possible.

He described this as the difference between life and death for those suffering the effects of

Israel's blockade. And fears are growing with the conflict spreading as Israel evacuates an

entire city near its border with Lebanon and continues its deadly raids in the occupied West Bank.

Also in this podcast. Other countries, the politicians and their partners get

cordon embarrassing situations. Italy, from the ancient Romans through to Silvio Bilesconi,

it's always a bit more over the top.

Italy's Prime Minister Cessi is separating from her long-term partner after comments he made

in a TV studio.

Now, as we record this podcast, President Biden is due to make an urgent budget request

to Congress for billions of dollars in new military support for Israel and Ukraine.

He gave details of the package in a televised address from the Oval Office on Thursday night.

I'm going to send to Congress an urgent budget request to fund America's national security needs,

to support our critical partners including Israel and Ukraine.

It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations.

Help us keep American troops out of harm's way. Help us build a world that is safer,

more peaceful, more prosperous for our children and grandchildren.

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