Transcripts For BBCNEWS The 20240703

Israel has confirmed that two american hostages have been released by hamas. Judith and Natalie Raanan, who are mother and daughter, were taken after the hamas attack on israel earlier this month. The groups Telegram Channel says qatar had helped mediate their release, which was done for which was done for humanitarian reasons. President biden says he is overjoyed. Just a few lines to bring you from president macron, whos been speaking in the last few minutes about this. He says he hopes the release of fridays hostages leads to similar operations in the coming days, including for french citizens. He also says the French Military Intelligence Directorate has concluded that the gaza hospital blast, which we report on tuesday, was not due to an israeli strike but probably a misfiring palestinian rocket. That would tend to echo what Us Intelligence is saying. Hes also saying they are going to be supplying more humanitarian aid to the Rafah Crossing to support the aid coming across. Some lines from the french president. Not spring in daniel higari. Translation tonight, judith and Natalie Raanan were released by the Terrorist Group Hamas were released by the Terrorist Group Hamas. They are now with Security Forces hamas. They are now with Security Forces inside israeli territory. The two were forces inside israeli territory. The two were kidnapped by the terrorist group two were kidnapped by the Terrorist Group Hamas and the murderers Surprise Group hamas and the murderers surprise attack at the cookbooks. A coordinator surprise attack at the cookbooks. A coordinator of the kidnapped people with the coordinator of the kidnapped people with the army and Security Forces received with the army and Security Forces received them at the gaza border and they are received them at the gaza border and they are oh received them at the gaza border and they are on their way to their family they are on their way to their famil. ,. ,. ,. , family. The International Committee ofthe family. The International Committee of the red cross family. The International Committee of the red cross that family. The International Committee of the red cross that helped of the red cross that helped facilitate this release. The the release they released a statement earlier. Release they released a statement earlier. , release they released a statement earlier. ,. ,. , earlier. The release of the Hostages Toda Isa earlier. The release of the Hostages Today is a sliver earlier. The release of the Hostages Today is a sliver of earlier. The release of the Hostages Today is a sliver of hope. Earlier. The release of the Hostages Today is a sliver of hope. We earlier. The release of the Hostages Today is a sliver of hope. We are today is a sliver of hope. We are extremely today is a sliver of hope. We are extremely relieved today is a sliver of hope. We are extremely relieved that today is a sliver of hope. We are extremely relieved that the today is a sliver of hope. We are extremely relieved that the families can extremely relieved that the families cah all extremely relieved that the families can all be extremely relieved that the families can all be reunited extremely relieved that the families can all be reunited after extremely relieved that the families can all be reunited after two extremely relieved that the families can all be reunited after two weeksl can all be reunited after two weeks of agony can all be reunited after two weeks of agony we can all be reunited after two weeks of agony. We continue can all be reunited after two weeks of agony. We continue to can all be reunited after two weeks of agony. We continue to urge can all be reunited after two weeks of agony. We continue to urge for. Of agony. We continue to urge for actioh of agony. We continue to urge for action to of agony. We continue to urge for action to protect of agony. We continue to urge for action to protect civilians of agony. We continue to urge fori action to protect civilians affected try this action to protect civilians affected by this devastating action to protect civilians affected by this devastating conflict. Action to protect civilians affected by this devastating conflict. As i action to protect civilians affected by this devastating conflict. As a. By this devastating conflict. As a neutrat by this devastating conflict. As a neutral actor, by this devastating conflict. As a neutral actor, the by this devastating conflict. As a neutral actor, the role by this devastating conflict. As a neutral actor, the role of by this devastating conflict. As a neutral actor, the role of the by this devastating conflict. As a. Neutral actor, the role of the icrc was to neutral actor, the role of the icrc was to transport neutral actor, the role of the icrc was to transport hostages. Neutral actor, the role of the icrc was to transport hostages. We i was to transport hostages. We continue was to transport hostages. We continue to was to transport hostages. We continue to call was to transport hostages. We continue to call for was to transport hostages. We continue to call for the continue to call for the Immediate Release continue to call for the Immediate Release of continue to call for the Immediate Release of eti continue to call for the Immediate Release of all hostages continue to call for the Immediate Release of all hostages and continue to call for the Immediate Release of all hostages and we release of all hostages and we stand ready release of all hostages and we stand ready to release of all hostages and we stand ready to help release of all hostages and we stand ready to help them release of all hostages and we stand ready to help them and ready to help them and their families ready to help them and their families in any ready to help them and their families in any way ready to help them and their families in any way the ready to help them and their families in any way the we i ready to help them and their. Families in any way the we can. Ready to help them and their families in any way the we can. We also urgently families in any way the we can. We also urgently call families in any way the we can. We also urgently call for. Families in any way the we can. We also urgently call for. We families in any way the we can. We also urgently call for. We are also urgently call for. We are ready also urgently call for. We are ready to also urgently call for. We are ready to work also urgently call for. We are ready to work and also urgently call for. We are ready to work and deliver ready to work and deliver lifesaving ready to work and deliver life saving humanitarianl ready to work and deliver life saving humanitarian aid. First responders life saving humanitarian aid. First responders must life saving humanitarian aid. First responders must be life saving humanitarian aid. First responders must be allowed life saving humanitarian aid. First responders must be allowed in. L lets hear from aaron david miller, Senior Fellow at carnegie endowment. Nikki for being with us this evening. Thank you. We were suspecting that maybe american diplomacy in the middle east wasnt what it was given that secretary bullington was kept waking in reality and President Biden was snubbed by thejordanians secretary blinken. What does that tell us about the hope we might have for the other hostages . I tell us about the hope we might have for the other hostages . For the other hostages . I hesitate to speculate for the other hostages . I hesitate to speculate on for the other hostages . I hesitate to speculate on whether for the other hostages . I hesitate to speculate on whether this to speculate on whether this pressures any other negotiation. This was done as a consequence of mediation. But i think the issue is one of hamass calculation, i think here, its a combination of pressure. The external leadership is keeping Hamas Flushing Cash in the last several years with israels acquiescence in order to maintain stability. When they speak and put things on the table, i suspect hamas has to listen. At the same time, i think it was part of a cruelly manipulated Propaganda Campaign in order to use hostages, in order to not only inflict psychological pain because this may now have relationship whatsoever to the hostages certainly the is really hostages. I think hamas was under pressure to improve its image. The statement they issued was a direct message to president vita. We are not a fascist administration. President biden. It may prompt the israelis to delay, perhaps, a campaign to try to determine whether or not theres any space and or time forfurther or not theres any space and or time for further releases. Its so sensitive and so vague, im really hard pressed to speculate. You hardpressed to speculate. You somehow hard pressed to speculate. You somehow answered my next question. There are other injured and badly wounded hostages who were taken into gaza. Clearly, they say in their statement that they released judith because she wasnt very well, but of course she is also american. What secretary bullington said from the podium was that theyre continuing to work on ten other american hostages secretary blinken. He was asked whether the Ground Incursion might have an impact on that negotiation. You can see how hamas is using this to put pressure on the israelis perhaps via The Americans. I on the israelis perhaps via The Americans on the israelis perhaps via The Americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to say americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to say it, americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to say it, but. Americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to say it, but i l americans. I think thats right. Nobody wants to say it, but i think the israelis have a cruel choice to make to theircampaign their campaign not only degrades and undermines hamass Military Capacity and its leadership, but they aim to undermine its sovereignty and its capacity to govern. Thats their priority, and i think that thats. There are all sorts of consequences once background Campaign Begins once background Campaign Begins once that ground campaign. Or maybe the 200 plus or more israelis, americans and other foreign nationals that are being held i must say, theres a coolness in separating The Americans from the israeli jews separating The Americans from the israelijews separating The Americans from the israeli jews a separating The Americans from the israelijews a cruelty. Let separating The Americans from the israeli jews a cruelty. Israeli jews a cruelty. Let me brina in israeli jews a cruelty. Let me bring in our israeli jews a cruelty. Let me bring in our panel israeli jews a cruelty. Let me bring in our panel on israeli jews a cruelty. Let me bring in our panel on that. Israeli jews a cruelty. Let me| bring in our panel on that. Thats really interesting. It will be recognised. Its The Americans that are first released and the israelis continue to be held. Continue to be held. Yes, and i thinki continue to be held. Yes, and i think i said continue to be held. Yes, and i think i said earlier continue to be held. Yes, and i think i said earlier that continue to be held. Yes, and i think i said earlier that this continue to be held. Yes, and i think i said earlier that this is l continue to be held. Yes, and ij think i said earlier that this is a very think i said earlier that this is a very manipulative move by hamas carefutty very manipulative move by hamas carefully timed soon afterjoe bidens carefully timed soon afterjoe bidens visit while the ground visit is app9~ bidens visit while the ground visit is appling. Isnt happening. Weeks is appling. Isnt happening. Weeks after this attack, israel still has weeks after this attack, israel still has not mounted a ground campaign, and it feels to me like hamas campaign, and it feels to me like hamas is campaign, and it feels to me like hamas is trying to complicate the calculations of israelis, as well as americans calculations of israelis, as well as americans. The fact we spent most of this programme talking about the ood this programme talking about the good news that two hostages have been released, but then theres all the other been released, but then theres all the other issues that are now the table. The other issues that are now the table. I the other issues that are now the table, i that will rather show that this is table, i that will rather show that this is designed to grab attention, to profile this is designed to grab attention, to Profile Hamas as potentially having to Profile Hamas as potentially having a to Profile Hamas as potentially having a pair manager inside a humanitarian having a pair manager inside a humanitarian side. And move the discussion humanitarian side. And move the discussion on on issues should there be bombing discussion on on issues should there be bombing campaign. Its very hard to get be bombing campaign. Its very hard to get the be bombing campaign. Its very hard to get the balance right because its excellent news for these individuals and their families, but its a individuals and their families, but its a very individuals and their families, but its a very cruel piece of manipulation. Its a very cruel piece of manipulation. Its a very cruel piece of maniulation. ,. , its a very cruel piece of maniulation. ,. ,. Manipulation. The idea i said today amonu manipulation. The idea i said today amon the manipulation. The idea i said today among the 201 manipulation. The idea i said today among the 201 that manipulation. The idea i said today among the 201 that are manipulation. The idea i said today among the 201 that are left, manipulation. The idea i said today among the 201 that are left, thats| among the 201 that are left, thats the update that we had, there are maybe 20 plus of them who are under the age of 18 and some of them are babies. Some of them are very, very Young Children who are israeli who will still be held in these Tunnels Deep Underground Mall the bombardment continues. What deep underground mall the bombardment continues. What im worried about bombardment continues. What im worried about most bombardment continues. What im worried about most in bombardment continues. What im worried about most in this bombardment continues. What im| worried about most in this moment bombardment continues. What im i worried about most in this moment is whether worried about most in this moment is whether regard worried about most in this moment is whether regard to worried about most in this moment is whether regard to the worried about most in this moment is whether regard to the hostages, worried about most in this moment is whether regard to the hostages, who| whether regard to the hostages, who is taking whether regard to the hostages, who is taking care whether regard to the hostages, who is taking care of whether regard to the hostages, who is taking care of the whether regard to the hostages, who is taking care of the babies, whether regard to the hostages, who is taking care of the babies, who is taking care of the babies, who is taking is taking care of the babies, who is taking care is taking care of the babies, who is taking care of is taking care of the babies, who is taking care of the is taking care of the babies, who is taking care of the children is taking care of the babies, who is taking care of the children that taking care of the children that have taking care of the children that have been taking care of the children that have been thrust taking care of the children that have been thrust into taking care of the children that have been thrust into this have been thrust into this impossible have been thrust into this impossible scenario, have been thrust into this impossible scenario, thisl have been thrust into this impossible scenario, this horrifying situation~ impossible scenario, this horrifying situation i impossible scenario, this horrifying situation. Ithink impossible scenario, this horrifying situation. I think we impossible scenario, this horrifying situation. I think we will impossible scenario, this horrifying situation. I think we will maybe situation. I think we will maybe tearn situation. I think we will maybe learn a situation. I think we will maybe learn a little situation. I think we will maybe learn a little bit situation. I think we will maybe learn a little bit later situation. I think we will maybe learn a little bit later today situation. I think we will maybej learn a little bit later today now that those learn a little bit later today now that those two learn a little bit later today now that those two americans learn a little bit later today now that those two americans from | that those two americans from chicago that those two americans from chicago are that those two americans from chicago are in that those two americans from chicago are in israel, that those two americans from chicago are in israel, theyve. That those two americans from. Chicago are in israel, theyve been taken chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by the chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by the red chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by the red cross. Chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by the red cross. They chicago are in israel, theyve been taken by the red cross. They willl taken by the red cross. They will now be taken by the red cross. They will now be able taken by the red cross. They will now be able to taken by the red cross. They will now be able to share taken by the red cross. They will. Now be able to share whatever they might now be able to share whatever they might know. Now be able to share whatever they might know. But now be able to share whatever they might know, but they now be able to share whatever they might know, but they were now be able to share whatever they might know, but they were kept now be able to share whatever they might know, but they were kept by| might know, but they were kept by themselves might know, but they were kept by themselves with might know, but they were kept by themselves with all might know, but they were kept by themselves with all might know, but they were kept by themselves with all for might know, but they were kept by themselves with all for all themselves with all for all we know themselves with all for all we know its themselves with all for all we know. Its important themselves with all for all we know. Its important to themselves with all for all we | know. Its important to recognise in the past, know. Its important to recognise in the past, hamas know. Its important to recognise in the past, hamas has know. Its important to recognise in the past, hamas has claimed know. Its important to recognise in the past, hamas has claimed to know. Its important to recognise in. The past, hamas has claimed to have it live the past, hamas has claimed to have it live hostages the past, hamas has claimed to have it live hostages that the past, hamas has claimed to have it live hostages that were the past, hamas has claimed to have it live hostages that were already it live hostages that were already dead it live hostages that were already dead we it live hostages that were already dead we dont it live hostages that were already dead. We dont know it live hostages that were already dead. We dont know for it live hostages that were already dead. We dont know for sure it live hostages that were alreadyl dead. We dont know for sure that these dead. We dont know for sure that these 201 dead. We dont know for sure that these 201 figure dead. We dont know for sure that these 201 figure represents dead. We dont know for sure that these 201 figure represents life i these 201 figure represents Life Hostages these 201 figure represents Life Hostages it these 201 figure represents Life Hostages. It was these 201 figure represents Life Hostages. It was known these 201 figure represents Life Hostages. It was known that i these 201 figure represents life i hostages. It was known that blinken said he hostages. It was known that blinken said he believes hostages. It was known that blinken said he believes ten hostages. It was known that blinken said he believes ten americans i hostages. It was known that blinken said he believes ten americans are i said he believes ten americans are unaccounted said he believes ten americans are unaccounted for said he believes ten americans are unaccounted for and said he believes ten americans are unaccounted for and some said he believes ten americans are unaccounted for and some are i unaccounted for and some are hostages unaccounted for and some are hostages inside unaccounted for and some are hostages inside gaza. Unaccounted for and some are hostages inside gaza. The i hostages inside gaza. The implication hostages inside gaza. The implication here hostages inside gaza. The implication here is hostages inside gaza. The implication here is that i hostages inside gaza. The I Implication here is that some of those ten implication here is that some of those ten americans implication here is that some of those ten americans are implication here is that some of those ten americans are dead l those ten americans are dead in israet. Those ten americans are dead in israet. But those ten americans are dead in israel, but their those ten americans are dead in israel, but their bodies those ten americans are dead in israel, but their bodies have i israel, but their bodies have not been israel, but their bodies have not been identified. Its israel, but their bodies have not been identified. Itsjust israel, but their bodies have not been identified. Its just a been identified. Itsjust a reminder been identified. Itsjust a reminder of been identified. Itsjust a reminder of how been identified. Its just ai reminder of how horrifying been identified. Its just a i reminder of how horrifying this been identified. Its just a reminder of how horrifying this is by every reminder of how horrifying this is by every angle reminder of how horrifying this is by every angle. Its reminder of how horrifying this is by every angle by every angle. Its a really good oint. By every angle. Its a really good point the by every angle. Its a really good point. The number by every angle. Its a really good point. The number is by every angle. Its a really good point. The number is devised i by every angle. Its a really good i point. The number is devised upwards every day because theyre still going through that ive identification. Aaron, tonight, theres been a warning to the hospital with around 400 patients told to evacuate. You just said maybe its a Ground Incursion, maybe its Something Else that gets in the way of this ongoing negotiation, but in the arab world, the evacuation or any attacks near hospitals is potentially very, very serious. The dama. E potentially very, very serious. The damage has potentially very, very serious. Tie damage has already potentially very, very serious. Tte damage has already been potentially very, very serious. Tt9 damage has already been done potentially very, very serious. Tt9 damage has already been done as potentially very, very serious. Tt9 damage has already been done as a consequence. What appears to be have been palestinians missile, not an israeli strike. That has reframed the administrations proceedings. It has not received it as an israel only administration. There was no meeting that was cancelled. At the summit in cairo tomorrow to talk about a cease fire and do state solution. The israelis will not be there. Sort of awkward for the United States because i wonder what level the United States will be represented at that meeting if at all. So, the thai here is changing. Americas Capacity Manoeuvre and navigate and list support of its partner and friends. The tides here are changing. I think its more limited as hamass objective seems to be spreading. Riots, attacks by Pro Iranian Militias against American Forces and syria iraq, calibrated escalation on the israeli lebanese border. The whole frame on this is becoming much less trackable and i think more adversarial for any sort of meaningful us role. And the fact that we still do not have a reliable, predictable bridge to surge humanitarian assistance through rafah, despite claims of agreements reached with the un and egypt and israel, further creates a headache for the administration. President invited from the white house, his discussion with Prime Minister netanyahu. He stressed the need to get that aid into gaza. Aaron, thank you very much for being with us on the programme. Around the world and across the uk. This is bbc news. Bbc news bringing you different stories from across the uk. Katies picture will be the next piece in grahams city of portraits project. The idea was to get a maybe 80 on a big canvas, sort of an abstract painting from a distance. And as you get closer, you could actually see all the personalities. But the project grew when the artist lost his love, debbie, a decade ago. So, i was with her throughout the whole process of her passing, really, until she passed, which was very powerful. But i talked about doing the portraits and the idea that, she sort of said to me, if you can do 80 to 200, you know, its quite feasible to paint the city of st davids. Ten years down with half of st davids locals painted, and eventually the final touch will hopefully see these works displayed in the city hall. For more stories from across the uk, head to the bbc news website. Youre live with bbc news. Just looking at a photograph of judith and Natalie Raanan. Its a two. Its quite dark. But both of them walking, which is a good sign, because we are told judith was not in particularly good health. Last night, President Biden drew a direct line between these two conflicts in ukraine and gaza. But now he has the difficult task of Getting Congress to support the Funding Package he has requested. And there will be no resolution until the house has a speaker. This afternoon, things seemed to go from bad to worse. The Hardline Republicanjimjordan lost a third vote to become speaker. In fact, he went backwards. 25 of them voted againstjordan three more than in the second vote. Behind closed doors, republicans then voted to ditch him as their candidate. That leaves the republican conference without a nominee more than two weeks after the ousting of kevin mccarthy. They will return on monday to start the process again. Smack bang in the middle of a crisis. Our us political reporter, anthony zurcher, joins us live from washington. What are the republicans saying about what they do next . What the re about what they do next . What theyre going about what they do next . What theyre going to about what they do next . What theyre going to do about what they do next . What theyre going to do next about what they do next . What theyre going to do next is i about what they do next . Twat theyre going to do next is go home for the weekend and lick their wounds. On monday, they have a Candidates Forum like they had before when it was Steve Scalise and jim jordan. This time, before when it was Steve Scalise and jimjordan. This time, its going to be what looks like kind of a grab bag of candidates. Including the number three republican of the house, and kevin hearn from oklahoma. Theyre going to promote their cases on monday. On tuesday morning, they will have another one of these ballot votes. They� re morning, they will have another one of these ballot votes. Theyre going to have votes until someone among this group gets on the majority in the caucus and then we start back over again with them going to the floor of the house. Floor of the house. Brian, a republican floor of the house. Brian, a republican picker floor of the house. Brian, a republican picker mix. I floor of the house. Brian, a i republican picker mix. Whoever floor of the house. Brian, a republican picker mix. Whoever they choose, can anyone go on the floor and reach the magic number . I dont think they can. And reach the magic number . I dont think they can think they can. There is no republican think they can. There is no republican thats think they can. There is no republican thats going i think they can. There is no republican thats going to | think they can. There is no i republican thats going to get a majority republican thats going to get a majority of republicans. This is a republican embarrassment and also an american republican embarrassment and also an american embarrassment, because at a time of american embarrassment, because at a time of the american embarrassment, because at a time of the stakes are so high, the republican time of the stakes are so high, the Republican Party is frozen, it is stuck Republican Party is frozen, it is stuck i Republican Party is frozen, it is stuck. I think its primarily because stuck. I think its primarily because this is a party led by donald because this is a party led by donald trump and led by Donald Trumps donald trump and led by Donald Trumps supporters, who dont want to be trumps supporters, who dont want to be in trumps supporters, who dont want to be in the trumps supporters, who dont want to be in the majority. They dont actually to be in the majority. They dont actually want to lead, they would much actually want to lead, they would much rather be in the minority. But when much rather be in the minority. But when they much rather be in the minority. But when they are forced to actually be in the when they are forced to actually be in the majority, this is what happens in the majority, this is what happens in the majority, this is what happens chaos and commotion. We are in happens chaos and commotion. We are in for happens chaos and commotion. We are in for at happens chaos and commotion. We are in for at least several more weeks are in for at least several more weeks of are in for at least several more weeks of this. Are in for at least several more weeks of this. Thats the point, is in it, peter . Weeks of this. Thats the point, is in it, peter . Jim weeks of this. Thats the point, is in it, peter . Jim jordan weeks of this. Thats the point, is in it, peter . Jim jordan was i weeks of this. Thats the point, is in it, peter . Jim jordan was once | in it, peter . Jim jordan was once a former speaker, in it, peter . Jim jordan was once a formerspeaker, cited in it, peter . Jim jordan was once a former speaker, cited as a legislative terrorist. I think in 16 years, hes never actually signed onto a piece of legislation thats gone through . I dont think he has. He wasnt speaker material, and yet he was the best they had. And he wasnt speaker material, and yet he was the best they had. He was the best they had. And this is very worrying he was the best they had. And this is very worrying look he was the best they had. And this is very worrying look out he was the best they had. And this is very worrying look out from i he was the best they had. And this is very worrying look out from the | is very worrying look out from the outside is very worrying look out from the outside because is very worrying look out from the outside because we is very worrying look out from the outside because we do is very worrying look out from the outside because we do need i outside because we do need functioning outside because we do need functioning american outside because we do need i functioning American Leadership, outside because we do need functioning American Leadership, and that doesnt functioning American Leadership, and that doesnt just functioning American Leadership, and that doesnt just mean functioning American Leadership, and that doesnt just mean the that doesnt just mean the president. That doesnt just mean the president , it that doesnt just mean the president , it means that doesnt just mean the i president , it Means Congress that doesnt just mean the president , it Means Congress as welt president , it Means Congress as welt weve president , it Means Congress as well. Weve heard president , it Means Congress as well. Weve heard about president , it Means Congress as well. Weve heard about the president , it Means Congress asi well. Weve heard about the hold up in the well. Weve heard about the hold up in the funding well. Weve heard about the hold up in the funding of well. Weve heard about the hold up in the funding of essential well. Weve heard about the hold up in the funding of essential economic and military in the funding of essential economic and Military Support in the funding of essential economic and Military Support for in the funding of essential economic and Military Support for ukraine in the funding of essential economic and Military Support for ukraine andj and Military Support for ukraine and we are and Military Support for ukraine and we are at and Military Support for ukraine and we are at inflection and Military Support for ukraine and we are at Inflection Point and Military Support for ukraine and we are at Inflection Point as we are at Inflection Point as president we are at Inflection Point as president said. We are at Inflection Point as president said. We we are at Inflection Point as president said. We could i we are at Inflection Point as. President said. We could well we are at Inflection Point as president said. We could well find these president said. We could well find these turh president said. We could well find these turn much president said. We could well find these turn much worse president said. We could well find these turn much worse in president said. We could well find these turn much worse in the president said. We could well find i these turn much worse in the middle east if these turn much worse in the middle east if iran these turn much worse in the middle east if iran decides these turn much worse in the middle east if iran decides to these turn much worse in the middle east if iran decides to mix these turn much worse in the middle east if iran decides to mix it these turn much worse in the middle east if iran decides to mix it on east if iran decides to mix it on israels east if iran decides to mix it on israels northern east if iran decides to mix it on israels northern border. East if iran decides to mix it on israels northern border. If the| israels northern border. If the israeli israels northern border. If the Israeli Ground israels northern border. If the Israeli Ground offensive israels northern border. If the Israeli Ground offensive leadsi israels northern border. If the i Israeli Ground offensive leads to further Israeli Ground offensive leads to further casualties, Israeli Ground offensive leads to further casualties, the Israeli Ground offensive leads to further casualties, the streak. Israeli Ground Offensive leads toi further casualties, the streak will become further casualties, the streak will become even further casualties, the streak will become even more further casualties, the streak will become even more angry further casualties, the streak will become even more angry and further casualties, the streak will become even more angry and therell become even more angry and therell be pressure become even more angry and therell be pressure put become even more angry and therell be Pressure Put On become even more angry and therell be Pressure Put On the become even more angry and therell be Pressure Put On the arab become even more angry and therell be Pressure Put On the arab nations. Be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move in be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move in a be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move in a tougher be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move in a tougher direction. Be Pressure Put On the arab nations to move in a tougher direction. All. To move in a tougher direction. All this is to move in a tougher direction. All this is very to move in a tougher direction. All this is very dangerous. To move in a tougher direction. All this is very dangerous. We to move in a tougher direction. All this is very dangerous. We need. This is very dangerous. We need functioning this is very dangerous. We need functioning congress this is very dangerous. We need functioning congress as this is very dangerous. We need functioning congress as well this is very dangerous. We need functioning congress as Well Asi Functioning Congress as well as administration. Functioning congress as well as administration. I functioning congress as well as administration. Ithink functioning congress as well asi administration. I think European Countries administration. I think European Countries are administration. I think European Countries are looking administration. I think European Countries are looking for administration. I think European Countries are looking for that. L countries are looking for that. Thevve countries are looking for that. Theyve been countries are looking for that. Theyve been appeased countries are looking for that. Theyve been appeased to countries are looking for that. J theyve been appeased to see american theyve been appeased to see American Leadership theyve been appeased to see American Leadership so theyve been appeased to see American Leadership so far. I theyve been appeased to see. American leadership so far. This theyve been appeased to see American Leadership so far. This is not time American Leadership so far. This is not time to American Leadership so far. This is not time to have American Leadership so far. This is not time to have congress American Leadership so far. This is not time to have congress in American Leadership so far. This is not time to have congress in this. Not time to have congress in this kind of not time to have congress in this kind of compete not time to have congress in this kind of compete deadlock. Not time to have congress in this kind of compete deadlock. Lett not time to have congress in this kind of compete deadlock. Let me cuickl kind of compete deadlock. Let me quickly show kind of compete deadlock. Let me quickly show you kind of compete deadlock. Let me quickly show you this kind of compete deadlock. Let me quickly show you this picture kind of compete deadlock. Let me quickly show you this picture of i quickly show you this picture of the hostages coming across the border. The person in the middle is the israeli hostage negotiator. Going for that of on screen . Here comes. That is the picture that weve been given. Theyre now being handed over. Sorry we got squeeze tonight. Thank you all very much for your company. Have a very good night. Good evening. Im ben croucher with the latest from the bbc sport centre. Three time champions new zealand are on the verge of booking their place in the World Cup Final. Its been a very one sided semi final, leading argentina 44 6 in paris. Three tries in the first half gave the all blacks a commanding lead at the break with willjordan, the all blacks a commanding lead Jordie Barrett and Shannon Frizell all breaching the pumas defence. All breaching the pumas defence. The second half was barely a minute old when scrum half aaron smith sold a couple of dummies to put the outcome beyond doubt. They progressed to their fifth World Cup Final withjordan the tournaments leading try scorer producing the games best moment to complete his hat trick. Who willjoin them . England and south africa meet tomorrow in a repeat of the 2019 final won by the springboks. Despite being unbeaten, england will be underdogs against the defending champions. If the semifinal. I think that, if thats not enough, i dont know what will be. Everyone is different. We do think. We get that buzz and that feeling and everyone go about their differently. Weve got over 2a hours to do that. Everyone takes their own different plans, but for me, theres no better place youd rather be than a semifinal against south africa. From india to france. The Rugby World Cup to the cricket one where australia have made it back to back wins with a high scoring 62 run victory over pakistan. France to india. Their openers did most of the damage early on as Michael Redford reports. A trophy to look up, but not touch. It is s hopes of lifting it were hanging in the balance after two a loss against pakistan will leave them staring at an early exit something david warner avoided, but onlyjust. He was on ten. He would leave on 163 and endings of power, precision, perfection. But he wasnt alone at the other end. Mitch marsh in more runs. A career best score of 121, this perfect way to celebrate your 32nd birthday. Together, they put on an record breaking 259. Pakistan back in. Copying australias style off to the perfect start. Getting them off to pressure began to turn as australia took control. When picketing hitting Mohammed Rizwan was out, the end felt imminent. It proved australia wrapping up a 62 run victory. That trophy could slowly come back into view. Michael redford, bbc news. Qualifying for sundays us grand prix isjust about to get under way in austin, texas. Max verstappen, who clinched his third world title at the last race in qatar, set the pace in his red bull in first practice, ahead of Charles Leclerc and lewis hamilton. As domestic football returns following the international break, liverpool look set to be without left back Andy Robertson he injured his shoulder on International Duty with scotland last week and is due to undergo surgery. It rules him out of the Merseyside Derby tomorrow lunchtime, but his manager is confident the players who are fit even those whove never played in the fixture before will be up for it. 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Its more trying not to, but there is a lot of noise around it. Its more about i trying not to, but there is a lot of. Noise around it. Its more about our focus noise around it. Its more about our focus to noise around it. Its more about our focus to get noise around it. Its more about our focus to get through. Chelsea the only english side left in the Womens Champions League have found out their opponents in the group stage, following fridays draw. Theyll face real madrid, swedish club bk hacken and french side paris fc, who knocked out arsenal. Defending champions barcelona are in group a alongside fc rosengard, benfica and eintracht frankfurt. The full draw can be found on the bbc sport website. Just tell you a new seal and have booked their place in that rugby World Cup Final new zealand. They will play either england or south africa in the final next weekend. Lots more on the bbc sport website and app. Have a great weekend. Hello there. Storm babet has been pummelling parts of the uk with strong winds and some torrential rain. This was sunderland, and around some of our north sea coasts today, weve had gusts of wind running into the 605 of miles an hour. Weve had gusts of wind running into the 605 of miles an hour. Meanwhile, elsewhere, flooding has been the cause of some major concern, and we still have a number of severe Flood Warnings, a plethora of other warnings still in force across various parts of the uk. Probably the best way to keep up to date with this ever changing situation is looking at the bbc weather website for the latest number of warnings. But looking at the Weather Warnings well, overnight, weve got this warning still in force across the peaks of the pennines, into the scottish borders, and further Warnings Issued into scotland. By saturday, its these scottish warnings thatjust remain in force. Youll notice another red one for parts of angus and aberdeenshire. Remember, theyre the top level warnings. Another 70 100 millimetres of rain expected. Further severe flooding is a certainty for this part of the world. Now, overnight, some of the heaviest rain will continue to drift northwards across from Northern England, into eastern scotland, with the Winds Continuing to be very gusty here. Meanwhile, further south, across the midlands, weve seen lots of Flood Warnings through the day. The rain tending to become lighter and patchier before clearing out of the way, so we should see a modest improvement with the weather here as we go through saturday. The rain eventually turning a bit lighter and patchier as well across Northern England on saturday, but this part of the world, there are some rivers that take quite a while to respond to the rainfall that has fallen, so there could be some communities where flooding gets worse before it gets better. But the main focus of the heavy rain will be across eastern areas of scotland, still with those amber and red Weather Warnings in force throughout the day. Further severe flooding, then, is very likely indeed. As we go through saturday night, finally, the majority of the rain pulls away. Whats left across North East Scotland will tend to be a bit lighter and patchier. A few mist and fog patches elsewhere to start the day on sunday, but sunday is a much, much drier day. Plenty of sunny spells around, and our temperatures quite close to average around 12 15 celsius. But of course, there will still be some areas suffering from flooding even as the sunshine comes out and the rain finally stops falling. It might be a brief hiatus, though, because next week does look pretty unsettled. Low pressure in charge, and that means further rain on the way. At ten, were live injerusalem as two of the hostages being held by hamas in gaza are released. Judith raanan and her daughter natalie, who are american citizens, were handed over to Israeli Defence forces. The white house has welcomed the news. Well assess the significance of the hostage releases, and well look at the efforts to get aid into gaza. Our other main story this evening three people die as storm babet batters large parts of the uk. The red warning of a threat to life in place for a second night in North East Scotland with many forced to spend it away from their flooded homes. These are the flood defences, that wall, which was overwhelmed last night, and there are fears that it might be overwhelmed again before this is over. In england, flooding in the north leads to more evacuations, Road Closures and rail cancellations and the weekend isnt looking much better. Labour overturn large majorities in two traditionally conservative seats. Sir keir starmer says the by election victories signal britain is crying out for change. On newsnight at 10 30pm dramatic developments tonight, as hamas as hamas releases two americans, a mother and daughter, judith and Natalie Raanan, into the care of the red cross after negotiations involving qatar