Transcripts For BBCNEWS The 20240703

This is bbc news. The headlines. An air strike on the Rafah Crossing from gaza. Thousands of people are there trying to enter egypt. Israel now believes nearly 200 hostages are being held in gaza Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises to bring them home. The us Secretary Of State Antony Blinken holds more talks with israeli officials and reiterates americas support. Mind that developing straightly brought you just a short time ago, we have an update on some of those hostages that were taken in an attack and setting israel last weekend. In a speech to parliament, uk Prime Minister rishi sunak today confirmed that six british citizens have been killed he set a further ten are still missing. The bbc can now confirm the names of two Young British sisters who are among the missing. They are a 16 Year Old Girl and her sister, their mother, leanne, who was born in britain, Born In The Uk was murdered by hamas and the attacks last week. Now come the family has not released any further details, but they are thought to be from kibbutz. Are one. That is the latest line we have regarding those hostages. We will know overnight, upgrading the number of hostages that are now being held by hamas. We are held from 155 yesterday now closer to 200, so further detail there on the International Nature of some of those hostages who are currently being held. Noiya and yahel. Israel is preparing for a major Ground Offensive, while maintaining a heavy Bombing Campaign of targets, in the hunt for members of hamas. The group has been designated as a Terror Organisation by many western governments, including the uk. The United Nations says israels total siege of gaza, cutting off fuel, food and electricity supplies, is causing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with hospitals close to complete collapse, threatening thousands of lives. Our International Editor jeremy bowen has been giving us the latest from southern israel. Nothing has changed insofar as israel is perfecting its plans, there is training going on for reservists, but an awful lot of troops are already deployed and ready to go. Us Secretary Of State was here today. They released statement afterwards saying, expressing his staunch adamant support for israel and what its planning to do against hamas. And i dont think that the israelis will have moved the tanks and started when he was in the country. It is a question now of when mr netanyahu, the israeli Prime Minister and his generals feel that when they are ready and that the time is right. I think the diplomatic pressure they have been under about the humanitarian situation has, in their minds, slowed things down a bit, perhaps they wanted to try and hope that things might stabilise such will give them a bit Less International flack. Will give them a bit Less Internationalflack. But i will give them a bit Less International flack. But i think at the moment, there are so many people moving there in gaza, the needs are so extreme, the humanitarian needs, the crisis is so deep and getting worse that if they want to go ahead with their attack and i see no reason why they will not, then that will probably run the income of the military timetable will run into that humanitarian timetable that the un and others are working to. Jeremy can ou un and others are working to. Jeremy can you talk un and others are working to. Jeremy can you talk there un and others are working to. Jeremy can you talk there of un and others are working to. Jeremy can you talk there of that can you talk there of that humanitarian crisis and all the while we hear of unconditional support for many western governments. Thinking here of the uk, the United States. At that humanitarian situation gets worse or there is a significant escalation in there is a significant escalation in the number of civilians killed, do we expect that the rhetoric will start to change . We expect that the rhetoric will start to change . Now, i think there will be expressions start to change . Now, i think there will be expressions of start to change . Now, i think there will be expressions of regret. Start to change . Now, i think there| will be expressions of regret. Going on past experience, i have seen most of these recent encounters committees wars between hamas and israel and others. What tends to happen is that, yes, publicly, they will continue to support their ally, israel, but i think that always been, the pressure slowly, slowly, first in private than in public, grows towards a cease fire. Israelis are always conscious that when they start a military operation, the israeli generals, when they start a military operation, they have a certain, if you like, a Military Clock to try to get the job done that they want to hit their objectives. But there is also parallel with that a diplomatic clock, the diplomatic clock ticks down to Win International pressure grows for a cease fire. Now, the absolutely egregious nature of everything that hamas stated, killing so many people, taking at latest count from the israelis 199 people as hostages, i think that. In the israeli calculations means they feel they have more time to do what they want to do. I think people here in israel, if that Ground Offensive doesnt start fairly soon will also be asking, well, hang on, what is happening here . fiur what is happening here . Our international what is happening here . Our International Editor, jeremy bowen, from southern israel. Now, we have looked at the Situation Inside Gaza and the via weve looked at the Situation Inside Gaza and the view from israel, but in the north, the Israeli Army Says its evacuating thousands of people from 28 communities near the lebanese border because of the threat of rocket fire from the iranian backed his brother. They sing. A family says goodbye to theirfallen soldier, murdered by hamas. This womans grief at her nephews death is still raw. And now, shes packing to leave home, too. It isnt safe here any more. Translation we cant stay here now, the bangs are very serious. It is really scary. I have to get out of here. Ive prepared my suitcases and im ready. Nearly 30 israeli towns and villages along the lebanese border are being evacuated. Even the government doesnt know what lies ahead. Mr gantz, bbc. Youre concerned enough to move lots of people from the border, do you think there will be a war with hezbollah here in the north . I hope for them that not, but we do all of precautions needed. Thank you very much. Most people didnt wait for the order to leave. As the firing intensified, day after day, they fled. You can see how empty it is and that is why communities right along the northern border look like this. All way from west to east, people are being told they are not safe. That is why they are leaving in such big numbers. Well, this is the playground. Guy is one of the few that is left. In normal times during this hour, should be packed, especially on vacation time. Its about lunchtime now. There is nobody here. About 80 or 90 of people are left. Its a shame. Its heartbreaking to see this place like see my place like this. Even as Tens Of Thousands of people are moved away, fierce exchanges of fire continue. And despite words of diplomacy, its actions that will decide whether this border ignites. Oui our correspondent there with the latest from the israel lebanon border. Lets take you much further south now, to the situation with the border of egypt. Within the last few hours, wed had news of an israeli air strike of the Rafah Crossing area. Our correspondent there tells us a building on the palestinian side of the crossing has been damaged and that there is also damaged and that there is also damage to the road between gaza and egypt. That is a vital route. Us officials had hoped that the border would be open temporarily today to allow some foreign nationals to leave, but it hasnt happened. The Israeli Government has said that if any aid was brought in, it wouldnt allow that to reach hamas. We understand a small consignment of you will only was allowed into gaza earlier on monday to try to run water and sewage pumping stations. What exactly is at stake . Our correspondent is in cairo and has the latest of the importance of that border crossing. The latest of the importance of that border crossing. Hopes faded in the ve last border crossing. Hopes faded in the very last hours border crossing. Hopes faded in the very last hours after border crossing. Hopes faded in the very last hours after israel. Border crossing. Hopes faded in the very last hours after israel. Hit. Very last hours after israel. Hit the area between the egyptian gate and the palestinian gate in gaza. Hundreds of foreign nationals and hope that it will open after many promises from different parties a partial cease fire which was denied by both sides, israelis and gaza, hamas government, and later by egypt firmly when the egyptian Foreign Minister said it was his french counterpart, that israel didnt shown a sign of cooperation with any moves to open the border on the Gaza Side Orforeign Passport moves to open the border on the gaza side or foreign Passport Holders or even to open the door for humanitarian aid. Later today, just a few hours ago, the United Nations and a spokesperson from the United Nations affirmed that there is no progress on this issue so far between egypt and israel. This there are hopes that after meetings with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the president of israel that it would result in any moves or change at the border, mainly the Rafah Crossing, but nothing changed. So far, things are. There is no significant progress made, but still there are hopes. Physically, some of the tracks that have been carrying the aide and waiting the green light to enter, to return its to its base almost 50 km from the border with gaza. After the air strikes from the israeli side, this is according to the sources we have got the news from very few hours ago. That was our correspondent from very few hours ago. That was our correspondent there from very few hours ago. That was our correspondent there in from very few hours ago. That was our correspondent there in cairo. Our correspondent there in cairo with the significance of that border crossing. We are going to look at some of the phonetic efforts going on behind the scenes to try to prevent this crisis escalating. We will talk about that just a moment, about thatjust a moment, but about that just a moment, but around the world and across the uk, you are watching bbc news. Bringing your different strays watching bbc news. Bringing your different strays from watching bbc news. Bringing your different strays from across watching bbc news. Bringing your different strays from across the i watching bbc news. Bringing your i different strays from across the uk. All residents have Learning Disabilities or autism. Its not easy to recruit because retail and nhs jobs generally pay more. Easy to recruit because retail and nhsjobs generally pay more. It worries me for the people that we support. 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More stories from across the uk, head to the bbc news website. You are alive with head to the bbc news website. You are alive with bbc news. As promised, lets talk about diplomatic efforts, because the us Secretary Of State has been speaking at a News Conference at israels defence minister. Heres what he had to say. You know our deep commitment to israels right, indeed its obligation to defend itself and defend its people. And in and that, you have and always have the support of the United States. Thank you. Thank you very much, sir. That was mr Blinken Reaffirming his support for israel. Its the top us diplomat� s second trip to israel in just a week. The humanitarian crisis in gaza is reaching a critical point, with water, food and medical supplies running low. Diplomatic efforts are focused on trying to open that humanitarian corridor, to allow aid into gaza. 0ur Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale reports. Its called Shuttle Diplomacy for a reason. Antony blinken has dashed from capital to capital across the middle east meeting six arab leaders in four days. Listening and talking, cajoling and warning. And today, he returned to israel to report back on discussions about protecting civilians, securing hostages and, above all, about how best to avoid this conflict escalating. Israeli troops have already been deployed to the northern border with lebanon amid fears that hezbollah and the iranian backed militants there, could use this opportunity to attack israel. Much depends on this man sitting on the left, irans Foreign Minister. Here, Meeting Hamas leaders in qatar in recent days, rallying support for a group that his Government Backs but many in the west say are terrorists. The United States has already sent one Aircraft Carrier group to the region to deter iran and hezbollah. Another carrier on the way so worried is the us about escalation. European diplomats are also engaged. Frances Foreign Minister here on the left was in egypt today, pushing to get aid into gaza and foreign nationals out. And russias president , vladimir putin, had a phone call with the president of syria to discuss his office said, the humanitarian situation. This morning, the Prime Minister visited a Jewish School in london in show of support after recent anti semitic incidents. He said israel had every right to defend itself against what he called hamass barbarity. But. Ive raised with the israeli Prime Minister they need to minimise the impact on civilians as best we can with the humanitarian situation. We will continue to do that with other allies around the region as well, but, again, israel has given people advance notice of whats happening, given them the opportunity to leave, and it is hamas who is now telling people to stay behind. He said no one wanted what he called regional escalation, but in wars, wanting something is rarely the same as getting something. James landale, bbc news. As we reported, the un warned that more help is needed to support the hundreds of thousands of palestinians who have fled to southern gaza. There are those who are refusing to go, saying, as we have seen, that there is local support and aid for them if they do leave their homes. 0ur former Gaza Correspondent has been assessing the dilemma for those in the north. This is jabalia. Once one of the worlds most densely populated neighbourhoods, and where those who have survived are clinging on. Not far away, abu jalil is one of them, trying to squeeze the last drops out of gaza citys water system, cut off for days. We will not leave, he says, we cant. Even if they destroy our homes, where will we go, with a family of five or six . Multiple families are now packed into apartments after their homes were destroyed, but they say it is not safe to move south. The bombing is happening without warning, says this man, and if i leave with 50 members of my family, where are we going to get food and water . And this is where people are being told to go. Amid the destruction in southern gaza, the homeless and the hungry who fled the north in their hundreds of thousands are trying to survive. We have nothing that we need to live, says this man, who fled south. We are living in a dump, and if we move, well die. Amid the detritus, and with too few toilets, many are fearful about the spread of disease. Theres food, but not enough. All this will feed less than 2,000 people, says amir. Just a fraction of those in need. There are long queues to get bread, but its being rationed. Weve been waiting here since six in the morning. He tells us, just to get food to feed the kids. We will run out of flour, the baker says, in two days maximum. Clean water is also in short supply. And all the while the hospitals in the south, like in the rest of gaza, are overwhelmed with patients. From the old to the very young. Born amid the chaos less than a week ago, what kind of life lies ahead of her . Jon donnison, bbc news. A reminder, much more on the bbc website and the lives page that is p website and the lives page that is up and running. Details there. Back to that story short while ago. Here in the uk the Prime Minister has confirmed to mps that six britons are known to have died in the attack on israel and ten are missing. Rishi sunak reiterated his support for both thejewish and muslim communities in the uk. Earlier during a visit to a Jewish School in north london,he said the government would do everything it can to keepjewish people safe. Heres our Political Editor chris mason. From the horrors in the middle east, to communities here feeling under threat. Two schools in london targeted in recent days, by anti semitic vandalism. As the Prime Minister visited anotherJewish School,in the capital. Weve had an appalling rise in anti semitic incidents over the past week. That is something that is tragic. No young person, none of you should have to deal with hate like that. In parliament this afternoon, heads bowed, a minutes silence. And later rishi sunak told mps of the british victims of hamass slaughter. With a heavy heart, i can inform the house that at least six british citizens were killed. A further ten are missing, some of whom are feared to be among the dead. We must support absolutely israels right to defend itself. This must be done in line with International Humanitarian law. As a friend, we will continue to call on israel, to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians. The Prime Minister said the uk would provide an extra £10 million of aid to the palestinians, gone today was the commons at its tribal noisiest. Instead, much reflective agreement. Lets send a strong message westminster is united, britain is united with israel, against terror, for international law, and the protection of innocent lives. We all need to be very very conscious that history willjudge us on our response, not just to these abhorrent attacks but to the humanitarian crisis which is undoubtedly unfolding in gaza. The Prime Minister was asked if israel had acted within international law. He did not offer an explicit answer. Events thousands of miles away, will continue to shape much more discussion here. Chris mason, bbc news, westminster. Away from events there, just time to tell you that the Disability Charity says it has seen a big rise in the level of debt for many disabled people owed to energy companies. From today, lower Income Households will get the letters confirming that they will get an automatic payment of £150 towards their energy bills. Here is our Cost Of Living correspondent. Theyve just been delivered, so i have to restock the french. Everything from medication to her wheelchair french. Everything from medication to her wheelchair needs french. Everything from medication to her wheelchair needs power. French. Everything from medication to her wheelchair needs power. It i to her wheelchair needs power. It has to be kept fully charged. Let me plug that in. Has to be kept fully charged. Let me plug that im plug that in. Living on disability payments. Plug that in. Living on disability payments. She plug that in. Living on disability payments, she cant plug that in. Living on disability payments, she cant cut plug that in. Living on disability payments, she cant cut down | plug that in. Living on disability. Payments, she cant cut down on energy. Iao £145 for my electric. Where my men to get the money for that . Im scared to use anything . Its a living hell, and absolute living hell. The mental anguish that you go through is. Very detrimental. Very detrimental. To your physical being, and if youve got physical health issues, my health has declined a lot in the last year. Bud issues, my health has declined a lot in the last year in the last year. And you felt more alone . These in the last year. And you felt more alone . These frontline in the last year. And you felt more alone . These frontline advisers l in the last year. And you felt more l alone . These frontline advisers say alone . These Front Line Advisers say Energy Arrears have spiralled for those disabilities in the last 12 months. The next they got into debt last year and its just been building as the year has gone on. By, building as the year has gone on. A lot of the families that we are talking lot of the families that we are talking to, lot of the families that we are talking to, it lot of the families that we are talking to, it doesnt lot of the families that we are talking to, it doesnt matter. Lot of the families that we are talking to, it doesnt matter what season talking to, it doesnt matter what season it talking to, it doesnt matter what season it is, talking to, it doesnt matter what season it is, they talking to, it doesnt matter what season it is, they still talking to, it doesnt matter what season it is, they still need talking to, it doesnt matter what season it is, they still need the l season it is, they still need the same season it is, they still need the same amount season it is, they still need the same amount of season it is, they still need the same amount of energy. Season it is, they still need the same amount of energy. Theres something same amount of energy. Theres something every same amount of energy. Theres something every day same amount of energy. Theres something every dayjust same amount of energy. Theres something every dayjust from i something every dayjust from speaking to people who are using candles because they dont want to put the lights on and speaking to people who consider stealing food so they can afford to tap the metre up. Does it feel like there is much you can offer people who are in for help. Theres definitely not as much support this year. There is always that possibility that, potentially, we can identify some income that theyre not receiving. The government promised a consultation about having a cheaper social tariff for those in need, but thats not happened. The governments broken its promise in the long term. A social Energy Tariff is whats needed to support disabled people. In the short term, this winter, there needs to be more financial support. The government says it spent £40 billion helping households last winter and is continuing to help the most vulnerable, but it doesnt feel that way to susan. Its a bit like being on a Life Support Machine and youre just pulling the plug on it. How can we live like this . Colletta smith, bbc news, in east london. Thats all for me for now. Christian is up next. Now heres the weather with sarah keith lucas. Hello. Monday brought us a fairly crisp autumn day with some sunshine, be it a little bit hazy, but its going to be all change. Next day or so, still largely dry with sunny spells and some frost around. But midweek onwards, a real change to increasingly windy weather with some heavy rain as well. And thats all courtesy of our second named storm of the season, storm babet, which has formed close to the canary islands. Its pushing its way now you can see on the Satellite Image towards the bay of biscay. And as we head through the middle of the week, this low Pressure System merging with another one from the atlantic is going to bring increasingly wet and windy weather, especially across parts of scotland. But were all going to be seeing some heavy rain widely between about 30 50 millimetres, but its this zone across central and eastern scotland, you can see on the Rainfall Accumulation Map here, we could see between 150 200 millimetres of rain from wednesday to saturday, enough to cause some flooding issues, therell also be strong winds and big waves, too. Now for the rest of the evening and overnight, then, most of us looking dry, perhaps a few showers close to lincolnshire, norfolk as well. Clearer skies across the northern half of the uk where well see a frost again. But further south, not as cold as last night because weve got more cloud around and slightly milder air too. A bit of rain Tuesday Morning for the likes of cornwall, devon pushing into pembrokeshire as well. Most other areas looking dry. Plenty of sunshine for scotland, northern and Eastern England after any morning mist clears away. Sunny spells for belfast, i think 14 celsius here. But that rain will push across northern ireland. Through into the evening hours and overnight into wednesday, wet weather sweeps up across central parts of scotland, and more showers start to arrive from the south. Itll be a milder night, so temperatures certainly frost free, between about 8 15 celsius, i think, first thing wednesday. So, yes, some mild air with us, but you can see the proximity of the isobars. That means the winds are starting to pick up, and the rain is starting to arrive as well. So wednesday then initially a bit of rain for scotland, looks like well see more rain into parts of southern england. Some of this potentially heavy, could be thundery, and the winds are rotating around that area of low pressure. So gusts widely between about 35 45mph on wednesday. Itll be a bit milder compared to monday and tuesday, so highs between about 10 celsius in the north, still chilly there, to about 17 celsius towards the south. And then its thursday into friday that we see the persistent, at times heavy rain and the strong winds, which are likely to cause some disruption. Bye bye. Hello, im christian fraser. Youre watching the context on bbc news. The crossing was targeted for the third time since october the 10th. The road that leads to the palestinian side to the egyptian side is damaged. Hospitals are running out of fuel, running out of supplies, up in the north, people cant move without help. You know our deep commitment to israels right and, indeed, its obligation to defend itself and to defend its people. The armed wing of hamas said it has fired a Barrage Of Missiles on tel aviv and jerusalem today in response to israels targeting of civilians. The un says the gaza strip is being strangled with the Health System on the brink of collapse. The humanitarian corridor from egypt into gaza, has failed to materialise, with the un saying no progress had yet been made on reopening the Rafah Crossing. We will bring you the latest from across the region tonight