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

I'm Gareth Barlow, and at 13 GMT, on Thursday, the 19th of October, these are our main stories.

The British Prime Minister arrives in Israel amid another flurry of diplomacy,

as preparations continue for the reopening of the crossing between Egypt and Gaza,

through which aid will be transferred.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela calls for the U.S. to continue easing sanctions in return for democratic reform.

Also in this podcast,

the EU's Human Rights Prize has been awarded to the late Massa Amini,

and the Iranian women's protest movement.

And we hear about the man who created the world's most high-tech, dangerous and popular 3D-printed gun.

But first, after President Biden of the United States,

the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, becomes the latest world leader to visit Israel

after the deadly Hamas attacks of October 7th.

He's been meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a joint news conference, Mr Sunak confirmed Britain's support for the Israelis.

Mr Netanyahu meanwhile stressed the importance of the military operation

and thumped the lectern as he invoked the spirit of Britain's struggles during the Second World War.

80 years ago, Prime Minister, the civilized world stood with you in your darkest hour.

This is our darkest hour.

It's the world's darkest hour.

We need to stand together and we win a win.

That means that this is a long war and we'll need your continuous support.

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