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

I'm Paul Moss and in the early hours of Monday, the 22nd of April,

these are our main stories.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that

Israel's military forces will soon step up their attacks on Hamas. Ukraine's

President Zelensky says the new U.S US package of military aid could bring victory over Russia,

but delivery must be rapid.

And a pro-China party has won a landslide victory in the Maldives parliamentary election.

Also in this podcast...

I trust that one can say it without fear of being cavalier.

These concerts simply wouldn't be the same without this rebel here. And yes, it had... We look back at the life of Andrew Davis the accomplished and entertaining classical music conductor.

Is there a new divide opening up between Israel and Joe Biden's administration in Washington?

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nettyahu has warned Israel will soon step up its attacks on Hamas.

Speaking on the eve of the Passover Jewish holiday, he said further painful blows against Hamas were needed to secure the release of hostages being held in Gaza.

That is unlikely to go down well with President Biden, who's continued to urge caution against

using excessive force in Gaza.

And now there are reports that the administration wants to place sanctions on a unit of the Israeli

military.

The Netsa Yuhuda Battalion is accused of being at the center of several incidents of violence

against Palestinian civilians, including the death of an elderly Palestinian-American Omar Assad.

The Israeli Prime Minister called the reported sanctions the height of absurdity.

I will fiercely defend the IDF, our army and our fighters. If anyone thinks they can We're

...