Welcome to our viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. As the conflict enters its 11th Day are the hostilities between hamas and israel finally about to end . A senior Hamas Official is predicting a ceasefire within days. It follows us president Joe Biden� s call on israel for a serious de escalation. The conflict has already cost over 200 lives, including dozens of children. Mark lobel reports. More trauma and tears in a gaza hospital. Behind this crowd, a palestinian father killed alongside his pregnant Wife And Daughter after an israeli Air Strike hit their home as they cooked a family meal. Israel continues to shoot down rockets fired from gaza. A near miss here as an israeli family fled this house moments before a rocket struck. The us president Joe Biden has told Benjamin Netanyahu he expects a significant de escalation. I do think that President Biden has been appropriate and actively engaged, although todays public statement may be the first time he is making it clear that he is applying some pressure. The israeli Prime Minister says he is determined to carry on until Calm And Security are restored to israeli citizens. Outlining his strategy for dealing with hamas to foreign ambassadors in tel aviv. There are only two ways that you can deal with them. You can either conquer them, and thats always an open possibility, or you can deter them, and we are engaged right now in forceful deterrence, but i have to say we do not rule out anything. For a watertight ceasefire to emerge soon, israel will want to prove it has deterred hamas from attacking israel for some time, especially after hamas launched Rockets Atjerusalem in solidarity with the wider palestinian cause. But for any endgame on the horizon, a political process will need to rise from the ashes. Translation our work is now focused on stopping the israeli | aggression against our people injerusalem, the West Bank and gaza. And then entering a serious political process under clear international backing that leads to ending the israeli occupation of the lands in the state of palestine. As the conflict enters its 11th Day, its Notjust Arabs in occupied lands who need reassurance but those living within the state of israel. Unexpected violence between israels jewish majority and arab minority is now an open wound that needs serious attention. Mark lobel, bbc news. The bbc� s Rushdi Abualouf joins me now from gaza. What sort of night has it been . Long and very busy for most of the people in gaza, especially in the northern part of gaza city. I can hearfrom my house, the sound of Air Strikes, it has been terrifying this area, smoke was rising up to the sky, according to locals. Some infrastructure, some military sides, presumed to be of hamas were targeted along with a main Road Link with the city. That caused a major Power Cut to most of the city. You can see that as part of the Power Cut. This morning, the Health Ministry released a statement five minutes ago saying that 32 years ago a woman was killed minutes ago. The fighting continues for the 11th Day now. Has hamas been firing more rockets into israel . The continued rockets into israel . The continued to rockets into israel . The continued to fire. Rockets into israel . Tue continued to fire. Yesterday rockets into israel . Tte continued to fire. Yesterday it was intense, about 150 rockets were fired, targeting cities and towns in the south of israel. Hamas, east senior leader, said we were close to a ceasefire. A day in so there is a ceasefire. All the israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said last night said. ~. ,. , netanyahu said last night said. ,. ,. , said. What is that hope that there may said. What is that hope that there may be said. What is that hope that there may be a said. What is that hope that there may be a ceasefire . Said. What is that hope that i there may be a ceasefire . What is it based on . Is it based on . Based on diplomacy is it based on . Based on diplomacy from is it based on . Based on diplomacy from the is it based on . Based on diplomacy from The Americans and most importantly, it egyptians. The Gibson Intelligence Team is working, including with hamas from the very beginning of this fighting. In the last 12 hours, the egyptians are even more optimistic this time that this would end soon. There is no word yet from the egyptians, but i am hearing from many hamas sources that there is something in the last 12 hours that would make it easier for hamas and israel to create a ceasefire. Although, on the Ground Nothing has changed. The Fighting And Firing of rockets continues. The Death Toll is 230, including many children and women, based on what the Palestinian Authority hospitals in gaza are saying. The Palestinian Authority hospitals in gaza are saying. In gaza are saying. The Israeli Reaponse in gaza are saying. The Israeli Reaponse in in gaza are saying. The israeli response in many in gaza are saying. The israeli response in many peoples i in gaza are saying. The israeli i response in many peoples views may be disproportionate, given how many casualties there are in gaza, we have been here so many times before. Is public opinion changing in any area of gaza about the culpability of hamas launching rockets, putting their commanders, putting their commanders, putting their commanders, putting their weapons and stores in areas where civilians are living, and inevitably, civilian deaths and casualties a result of that . A result of that . Yeah, officially. A result of that . Yeah, officially, hamas a result of that . Yeah, | officially, hamas denies a result of that . Yeah, officially, hamas denies they have any military activity from within palestinian civilian areas. People are not free to talk about it. But, like standing up to the roof of our building, we have seen rockets fired from different parts of gaza, the Gaza Strip. We are talking about a tiny bit of land, its about 6 7 kilometres wide, 40 kilometres long, and there are 2 Million people living there. So whenever there is any sort of violence between hamas and israel, all of these civilians are paying the price. All of the civilians are caught in the fire. We are talking about a Hamas Security Compound in the city, outside the city, when they hit a building, when they hit the police station, there are always houses around these places. Thats why we need a high number of kids and women. And also, we have to understand hamas is accusing israel of deliberately targeting innocent civilians, they have fired rockets many times in retaliation over the deliberate killing of civilians. Hamas has said that many times. Civilians. Hamas has said that many time many times. Israel would say hamas is many times. Israel would say hamas is firing many times. Israel would say hamas is firing into many times. Israel would say hamas is firing into israel hamas is firing into israel indiscriminately. Rushdi abualouf, thank you very much for your time. Meeting in iceland the us Secretary Of State, Antony Blinken, and the russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, have sought to ease tensions in their first meeting since President Biden took office. They have said that despite their many differences, the two countries should work together on some issues. Its the most senior in Person Contact yet between the biden administration and the kremlin. And as our correspondent will grant in washington says, It Comesjust months after President Biden called vladimir putin a killer. And i think that really was the initial low point, perhaps President Biden setting out his stool after President Trump was seen as so close to moscow, so close to President Putin personally. And this clearly is an effort to rebuild from that point on some level. The two nations need to work together on a variety of issues and i think this was an opportunity on the sidelines of this arctic Council Summit to actually have a little face to face contact. The Secretary Of State, Antony Blinken, said that what the biden administration wanted with russia was a predictable and stable relationship. Both men then went on to set outjust how difficult that would be, but this was perhaps a first step on that path. But have either side softened their position publicly . America is still very exercised about the Solarwinds Hacking and Nord Stream 2, for example. Crimea, the death of the skripals you name it. Has either side changed . No, its an extensive list when you put it like that. I think the Nord Stream 2, the pipeline to supply russian national gas supplies to germany, a huge and vital piece of infrastructure for both germany and of course for russia, and its at a very developed stage of development. The State Department after this meeting did announce certain restrictions there will be waived, so on the company thats making the pipeline, on its ceo, on a number of its seniorfigures, the sanctions there will be waived, which i think is some form of Olive Branch at the very least. You will likely end up having a slightly illogical situation where ships building the pipeline still have sanctions on them while the company behind the project does not, but, nevertheless, i think its seen as a step in the right direction by moscow. Will grant reporting from washington. Lets move south to texas. A new Law Banning Abortion from as early as six weeks has been signed in. The texas heartbeat act, as its called, bans abortions after the detection of what anti abortion campaigners call a foetal heartbeat. But medical authorities say this term is misleading. And unlike past anti abortion laws, this one gives individuals the right to sue doctors who perform abortions after six weeks. Most women are unaware they are pregnant before six weeks. Elisabeth smith is the chief counsel for State Policy at the center for reproductive rights, which has represented Abortion Providers who have sued texas officials. Shejoins me now. Imean, i mean, what is different this time is in texas, unlike the 12 other states which have the heartbeat law, has a unique twist in this as well. Its going to be difficult for groups like yours, is it not . So, i think the first thing to note thank you for having me on this morning. The first thing to note is every six Week Band in the us that has gone into effect has been blocked by a court. But as you say, this law is unique. Rather than the law is unique. Rather than the law being enforced through criminal penalties, or a fine for Abortion Providers, it would allow anyone, anyone in the state of texas, anyone outside of the state of texas, to sue a doctor for providing Abortion Care after six weeks. Or sue Anyone Else who helped someone access Abortion Care. So, this means that a Protester Outside and Abortion Clinic is now invited to harass the doctors that work inside that clinic by filing a lawsuit against them in a texas court. Or harass the people who drive a friend or loved one to a clinic, by filing a lawsuit against them in a texas court. So, how are you going to challenge this . So, our organisation along with litigating partners are evaluating this law and evaluating this law and evaluating our options to ensure Abortion Care can actually continue in texas. It looks almost like a total ban. And presumably the governor thinks he has public support for this, and you cannot deny that . A, , that . So, actually, studies have shown, that . So, actually, studies have shown, research that . So, actually, studies have shown, research has| that . So, actually, studies have shown, research has shown, over 70 of americans support Roe V wade, Support Abortion rates. ~. , Roe V wade, Support Abortion rates. Roe v wade, Support Abortion rates. ~. ,. , Roe V wade, Support Abortion rates. ~. , | rates. What about in texas . I dont have rates. What about in texas . I dont have the rates. What about in texas . I dont have the figures rates. What about in texas . I dont have the figures from i dont have the figures from taxes, which is actually my home state, in front of me. But it is clear the vast majority of americans want abortion to remain legal and accessible. Great. Elisabeth smith, chief counsel for the States Centre for reproductive rates. Stay with us on bbc news. Still to come we report from japan where opposition to the games is intensifying with the country facing growing numbers of coronavirus cases and stretched medical facilities. This morning, an indian Air Force Plane carrying Mr Gandhis Body landed in delhi. The president Of India walked to the plane to solemnly witness Mr Gandhis final return from the political battlefield. Ireland has voted overwhelmingly in favour of gay marriage. In doing so, its become the first country in the world to approve the change in the national referendum. It was a remarkable climax to what was surely the most extraordinary funeral ever given to a pop singer. Its been a peaceful Funeral Demonstration so far but suddenly, the police are tear gassing The Crowd we dont yet know why the pre Launch Ritual is well established here. Helen was said to be in good spirits, butjust a little apprehensive. In the last hour, East Timor has become the worlds newest nation. It was a bloody birth for a poor country, and the challenges ahead are daunting. But for now, at least, it is time to celebrate. This is bbc world news. The latest headlines Air Strikes in gaza and israeli cities have continued. But a senior Hamas Official has predicted a ceasefire within days. International pressure is mounting. No breakthrough yet but theyve been talking. Us and russia Foreign Ministers meet on the sidelines of the Arctic Council in iceland. The american actor Billy Porter, who stars in the hit show pose, has shared with the world that hes been living with hiv for the past ilt years. In an interview with the hollywood reporter, the emmy winning actor said . La Entertainment Reporter Kj Matthews explains how this announcement will help break down the stigma. It has always been a stigma. If you recall, the biggest star in the united states in hollywood to come out was in 1991 when the great Athlete Magicjohnson revealed he had aids. After that, the biggest announcement would be the Actor Charlie Sheen in 2015. Here in hollywood we would like to think that we have come a very long way, that we are open, that there is no stigma, that there is nothing negative quantitated in revealing the fact that someone has hiv. That simply is not the case and we know that now with Billy Porter. He has been hiding this for m years. You know, he said in the year 2007 he learned he had hiv, he also filed for bankruptcy and during the time that it was revealed he had hiv, did you know that he did not even have health insurance. So it was truly the worst year of his life. I saw that in an interview. But what impact will him announcing this have now, do you think . I think it is huge. It opens a door to so many other people who are suffering from the same illness in hollywood who may feel that their life is over, who make deal that they have to go on all these auditions and try to be in hollywood and hide this because they cannot have a career. Billy porter is proof that you can have a career. He has been living with the disease for m years, he looks great and has had some of the most important Film And Television roles in his life after he was diagnosed with hiv. So what billy wants people to understand is that if he can do it anyone can. He wants to be a beacon of Light And Hope and motivation for people who are in the Dark And Hiding right now, suffering from the same illness. 2007, with his career on the precipice as well and he did not think he had a career left. He also pointed out that perhaps the Covid Pandemic had made people re evaluate things like hiv. It is an interesting point, isnt it . Yes. He spoke about that. He said it was the first time that he came to terms with the trauma that he had been living. When he grew up everyone called him all sorts of horrible names and he was ashamed of what he was and he did not think that god loved him because he was different and he carried the shame for so long until the pandemic where he said he was able to see a Trauma Therapist and get in touch with who he was and come to terms to accepted and, also, finally to reveal it to his mother, the most important person in his life. And a very touching response to that as well. What is the response been in hollywood from fellow actors . Overall it is very positive. Many people were just surprised because, you know, he really is a pinnacle of good health and he is an open book. Billy porter loves to talk and he loves to talk about himself and he is always out there on the Red Carpet and living life to the fullest so i think people thought that if something was going on with Billy Porter, Billy Porter would have said something much earlier than ilt years. So i think people were surprised that he held onto the secret for so long but they are related that he finally feels free enough to come out and all the people i have spoken to so far a positive thing, especially for so many people in hollywood who i really suffering with hiv in the shadows as Well Anything about him in kinky boot, he is not shy about coming forward at all. The international olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has insisted this summers Olympic Games can go ahead safely. Opposition to the games though, is intensifying with the country facing a growing numbers of coronavirus cases and a slow moving vaccination programme. Our tokyo our correspondent Rupert Wingfield hayes reports. Shouting. Never before has the Summer Olympics face such overwhelming opposition from the people of the host nation. As japans Covid Pandemic continues to get worse, the opposition is growing louder and more prominent. This double Page Spread has appeared in several newspapers. Its an old photo from World War ii of japanese Children Training to fight The Americans with Bamboo Spears. Except now the enemy is covid. No vaccines, it reads, no drugs, are we supposed to fight the virus with Bamboo Spears . The head of japanese online retailer, rakuten, is also making headlines. He described holding the olympics now as a suicide mission. Even those who have signed up as olympic volunteers are saying it is time to stop. I dont hear people saying, we should have the event. I never hear about it. Theyre just hoping, you know, that theyre going to cancel the event. I think thats the public main opinion. While the virus is now well into its fourth wave here, japan, has barely begun vaccinations. So far, just 3 received a single shot. This is the city of nagoya, in centraljapan. And ive come here because this city has just been placed under a State Of Emergency because of rapidly raising Covid Infections ive also come because medical workers here are up in arms that they are being requested to volunteer at the Olympic Village in tokyo, when theyre desperately needed in hospitals here. This young nurse who doesnt want to show her face has watched the covid unit in her hospital filled to capacity. This young nurse who doesnt want to show her face has watched the covid unit in her hospital filled to capacity. Translation we already dont have enough staff in hospital beds for covid patients. People are already dying at home because they cant get into the hospital. They want 500 nurses to volunteer for the olympics. That means more covid patients wont get the care they need. Far to the north of the amid the Rice Fields of niigata, the small town of kamo has been preparing to host the russian gymnastics team. Some of kamos young gymnasts are trying out the new equipment, specially installed for the russians. Takashi ikarashi tells me the town spent over a 500,000 us on all of this. Because of covid, the russian team will now never use it. Long timejapan resident and Sports Promoter Robert maes thinks there is one very obvious solution. To delay the olympics again. Whenever you asked the people in charge, why would you not even consider 2022 . Theres really no answer. There is only, like, very direct and firm, we will not organise in 2022, its now or never. I argue for the exact opposite, because i think that everybody involved here is better off with an organisation in 2022. It may already be too late for another delay, it looks like the olympics will either go ahead or be cancelled. But for these young gymnasts in kamo, the excitement they once had a welcoming the world to japan this summer is already a fading memory. Rupert wingfield hayes, bbc news, in niigata, northern japan. States across the united states are racing to come up with creative ways to increase the i encourage Vaccine Sceptics to go and get theirjab. In ohio, you could be one of five people to win a i million lottery prize. In newjersey, and this is something which will appeal to a lot of people working here, anyone who gets theirjab gets a free glass of wine. The Health Campaign Slogan is uncorked the vaccination, and all you need to do is bring your Vaccine Card to a participating New Jersey winery. I can see that one catching on. Plenty more on all of the stories on the website. See you soon. Hello there. Wednesday was another unsettled day. The majority of the showers that formed were across eastern areas through the afternoon, so we had some of these thunderclouds going across the skyline in cambridgeshire. Further west, though, wales and western england, well, it was a largely fine afternoon with some long spells of sunshine at last. But its not going to stay that way. On the satellite picture, weve already got our next weather system. Its been moving quite quickly across the atlantic, but its going to put its brakes on and become really quite slow moving as the low spins its way across the united kingdom. So, weve got rain and strong winds to come for the next couple of days. Now, that rain is already beginning to arrive across westernmost areas, and that process will continue for the next few hours. Whereas across eastern areas, it stays drier. A dry start to Thursday Morning and not particularly cold. The winds picking up across the south west, though, quite quickly in the morning. Bright start across eastern areas, and to be honest, there probably wont be that much in the way of rain across the South East. Northern scotland not faring too bad either. But, otherwise, a lot of rain to come across western areas, with some strong winds blowing into the coast of wales in particular. Gusts here around 50 60mph. Winds that strong will likely bring down a few tree branches. There could be some localised transport disruption. The low pressures still there on friday. Heavier rain this time going in across into the South East of england through the afternoon. And the strongest winds going through the english channel. Again, we could see some localised disruption, but the majority of the rain will start to spin away from northern ireland. Here well see some brighter weather pushing in, but probably with a few showers as well. What about the weekend . Well, the rain clears, showers follow to saturday. And then weve got another dollop of rain for sunday. So, theres no end in sight, really, to this unsettled run of weather. Marginally, saturday looks like being the better of the two days of the weekend, although rain never too far away from the South East of england. And there will be some heavy showers around as well. Still, there will be some areas that get through the gaps between those showers and stay dry with some sunshine. Temperatures continue to be pretty disappointing. Sunday starts off on a promising note across the east, but we do have this band of rain thats going to be pushing in from the west as the day goes by. So, many of us will see some rain at times, and those temperatures still pretty rubbish for may. What about next week . Well, the rain clears, but showers follow. Yes, monday and tuesday looking pretty unsettled. This is bbc news. The Headlines Israel intensifies its attacks on the Gaza Strip as palestinian militants continue to fire rockets at israeli towns. A senior Hamas Official says that a ceasefire might happen soon. Us president , Joe Biden, has told the israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that he expects to see a significant de escalation. In iceland, theres been a thawing in relations between the us and russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on wednesday praised his talks with us Secretary Of State Antony Blinken as constructive and useful, saying both sides understand the need to mend ties. Sergey. The international olympic Committee President , Thomas Bach, is insisting that the tokyo Olympic Games in a couple of months� time can go ahead safely. But opposition to the games is intensifying