the hamas—run ministry of health in gaza publishes a detailed list of the more than 7000 people it says have been killed since israel's bombardment began, but tonight, the us government says that while a signifcant number of people have died, it still doesn't trust the figures from hamas. tonight, we will look at the lessons learnt from the costly battle with isis in iraq as israel prepares for the next stage of its military operation in gaza. and also check in on the diplomatic efforts under way at the united nations and in brussels, where eu leaders have been discussing action on the israel—gaza conflict. we will also be live in lewiston, maine, after a gunman opened fire at a bowling alley and a restaurant, killing at least 18 people and sparking a massive police manhunt. police say the ao—year—old suspect is still armed and dangerous. the situation in gaza is growing more desperate by the hour, with humanitarian supplies critically low and the death toll jumping by hundreds every day. the hamas—controlled health ministry has published details of what it says are the more than 7000 people who have been killed in israeli strikes, almost 3000 of them children. more than 11100 people were killed in israel during hamas�* attack on october the 7th, including many women and children. these are the latest pictures showing the destruction in the gaza strip. as you can see, entire blocks of buildings have been destroyed. these satellite images from maxar show the area before october the 7th. and this is after. you can see the extent of the damage. the israeli military says its ground forces carried out a significant incursion in gaza overnight to attack hamas positions. it released this video showing tanks and armoured bulldozers crossing the perimeter fence. israel's prime minister netanyahu says his aim is to destroy hamas. an israeli defense force spokesman told the bbc that soldiers carried out the tactical raid towards central gaza to "prepare the battlefield for future operations". we began our coverage with this report from our international editor jeremy bowen. for hours, we could hear the explosions around ten kilometres away in israel. it was the biggest israeli raid into the gaza strip so far in this war. the army released this video, it said of the battlefield being prepared, presumably for the invasion of gaza that the government says is coming. the soldiers pulled back into israel sometime before dawn. in khan younis in southern gaza, more raids and death in a place where israel told palestinians to go to be safe. "we want to live beautiful lives," said this girl, "not have rockets hitting our heads." "the building fell on our heads." the un says nowhere is safe in gaza and the siege violates the laws of war. israel has killed thousands of palestinian civilians. just a few miles away in israel, sally lives in one of the communities hamas attacked. she has photos of some of the friends hamas killed. this is me, this is one of my friends, gil, and he was murdered. i'm all the time thinking what they did to them, how they suffered. with so much loss, whole families, she is furious that israel's response has been questioned. this time we realise that, after that, it's us or them. if it is, as you say, us or them, is it ok to ignore international humanitarian law? i'm tired of it, of what the law, the international law said. the international law didn't prevent these murders, these brutal murders. where was the world? people was happy about it, people celebrated. along the gaza border, civilian volunteers are bringing home comforts to the troops. the soldiers�* commanders say they're ready and that it's a waiting game until the war cabinet orders them into gaza. the men i spoke to are certain that israel's actions since hamas attacked were legal, morallyjustified and vital for the security of their families. most of the soldiers here were reservists, called out of civilian life. you said you're a social worker. yes. you must deal with people with trauma. how long will it take israelis to process this national trauma, if ever? generations. i think something is broken here. we want to protect. we don't want to fight. we don't want to kill. but if we need to do it, - so here we are, here we are. if you're truly a western person, if you believe in human rights and freedom, then it's very obvious that you should side with israel. i mean, do you want to side with people that are like you? we are the same. we have the same values of freedom, of free speech, women rights, lgbtq rights. ahead is complex urban warfare. when might depend on the success orfailure of talks to free the hostages. israelis get behind their soldiers, especially at times like this. almost everybody has been in the military or has a son or a daughter in uniform. it's a different thing when it comes to politicians. taking israel to war is a new experience for the prime minister. benjamin netanyahu's tough talk — he said hamas were dead men walking — will not impress his many political enemies. israelis, though, are united in their fight against hamas, but the country faces big challenges, and their leader is under crushing pressure. jeremy bowen, bbc news, in southern israel. israel's military has raised the number of people confirmed to be held hostage in gaza to 224 and says that number could rise further. so far, four hostages have been released by hamas, which is designated a terror organisation by the uk and many other countries, but the armed wing of hamas says as many as 50 of the hostages have been killed in israeli air strikes. a hamas spokesman has told the bbc that the group's attack on israel was a military operation, denying it was intended to target civilians. he was talking to our middle east correspondent hugo bachega. there was no command, no command to kill any civilians. you say this was a military operation, but the result of it was that hundreds of civilians were killed. because the area is very wide and there are many people there and there was clashes and confrontations. it's not confrontation. you invaded houses. i don't have the details of what happened inside, but i can tell you that we didn't have any intention or decision to kill the civilians. how do you justify killing people as they sleep, families? how do you justify killing hundreds of people? i want to stop this interview. the hamas—run ministry of health in gaza has published a detailed list of more than 7000 people it says have been killed since israel's bombardment of the gaza strip began. it includes more than 6700 registered names and refers to 281 unidentified bodies. the bbc is not currently able to verify the accuracy of the document. it comes after us presidentjoe biden said on wednesday that he was sure "innocents have been killed", but he had "no confidence in the numbers that hamas is using" for the death toll in gaza. in the last hour, the white house national security spokesperson john kirby had this to say. we absolutely know that the death toll continues to rise in gaza. of course we know that. but what we're saying is that we shouldn't rely on numbers put forth by hamas and the ministry of health. so they say it's more than 7000. is there any way to assess how many it is? are you...? i mean, the president said... it was a pretty dramatic moment when he said, "yeah, we don't have any confidence in that." we respect that you can't take hamas at its word, but it does appear by all independent journalism, including that by a lot of people in the room, that thousands of palestinians have been killed. would you agree? we would not dispute that. let's hear from our diplomatic correspondent paul adams in jerusalem. you have read that list that's been released by hamas. you have a cease and the comments he had me coming out of washington as well. what do you make of it all?— you make of it all? look, clearly hamas decided _ you make of it all? look, clearly hamas decided to _ you make of it all? look, clearly hamas decided to publish - you make of it all? look, clearly hamas decided to publish this i you make of it all? look, clearly. hamas decided to publish this list today— hamas decided to publish this list today in_ hamas decided to publish this list today in an — hamas decided to publish this list today in an obvious _ hamas decided to publish this list today in an obvious repost - hamas decided to publish this list today in an obvious repost to - hamas decided to publish this list today in an obvious repost to joel today in an obvious repost to joe biden _ today in an obvious repost to joe biden it — today in an obvious repost to joe biden it is — today in an obvious repost to joe biden. it is worth _ today in an obvious repost to joe biden. it is worth noting - today in an obvious repost to joe biden. it is worth noting that- today in an obvious repost to joe biden. it is worth noting that in. biden. it is worth noting that in the past, — biden. it is worth noting that in the past, the _ biden. it is worth noting that in the past, the figures _ biden. it is worth noting that in the past, the figures released i biden. it is worth noting that in. the past, the figures released by the past, the figures released by the ministry— the past, the figures released by the ministry of _ the past, the figures released by the ministry of health _ the past, the figures released by the ministry of health in - the past, the figures released by the ministry of health in gaza . the ministry of health in gaza had generally— the ministry of health in gaza had generally turned _ the ministry of health in gaza had generally turned out _ the ministry of health in gaza had generally turned out to _ the ministry of health in gaza had generally turned out to be - the ministry of health in gaza had generally turned out to be prettyl generally turned out to be pretty accurate — generally turned out to be pretty accurate yes. _ generally turned out to be pretty accurate. yes, the _ generally turned out to be pretty accurate. yes, the ministry- generally turned out to be pretty accurate. yes, the ministry is . generally turned out to be pretty. accurate. yes, the ministry is part of any— accurate. yes, the ministry is part of any administration _ accurate. yes, the ministry is part of any administration that - accurate. yes, the ministry is part of any administration that is - accurate. yes, the ministry is part of any administration that is run . accurate. yes, the ministry is parti of any administration that is run by hamas _ of any administration that is run by hamas yes. — of any administration that is run by hamas yes. we _ of any administration that is run by hamas. yes, we cannot— of any administration that is run by hamas. yes, we cannot say- of any administration that is run by hamas. yes, we cannot say with l of any administration that is run by. hamas. yes, we cannot say with any certainty— hamas. yes, we cannot say with any certainty that — hamas. yes, we cannot say with any certainty that hamas _ hamas. yes, we cannot say with any certainty that hamas officials - hamas. yes, we cannot say with any certainty that hamas officials have . certainty that hamas officials have not tried _ certainty that hamas officials have not tried to — certainty that hamas officials have not tried to manipulate _ certainty that hamas officials have not tried to manipulate or- certainty that hamas officials havel not tried to manipulate or massage those _ not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers _ not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers. all— not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers. all we _ not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers. all we can - not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers. all we can say- not tried to manipulate or massage those numbers. all we can say is l those numbers. all we can say is that past— those numbers. all we can say is that past record _ those numbers. all we can say is that past record has _ those numbers. all we can say is that past record has shown- those numbers. all we can say is that past record has shown that. those numbers. all we can say is i that past record has shown that the officials _ that past record has shown that the officials who — that past record has shown that the officials who are _ that past record has shown that the officials who are in _ that past record has shown that the officials who are in that _ that past record has shown that the officials who are in that ministry, . officials who are in that ministry, who are — officials who are in that ministry, who are hot _ officials who are in that ministry, who are not necessarily- officials who are in that ministry, who are not necessarily hamas . who are not necessarily hamas members. _ who are not necessarily hamas members. have— who are not necessarily hamas members, have issued- who are not necessarily hamas members, have issued fairly. who are not necessarily hamas - members, have issued fairly accurate materiat _ members, have issued fairly accurate materiat and — members, have issued fairly accurate materiat and you _ members, have issued fairly accurate material. and you are _ members, have issued fairly accurate material. and you are right, - members, have issued fairly accurate material. and you are right, we - members, have issued fairly accurate material. and you are right, we will. material. and you are right, we will never _ material. and you are right, we will never be _ material. and you are right, we will never be able — material. and you are right, we will never be able to _ material. and you are right, we will never be able to verify _ material. and you are right, we will never be able to verify this - material. and you are right, we will never be able to verify this or - material. and you are right, we will never be able to verify this or it - never be able to verify this or it is going — never be able to verify this or it is going to _ never be able to verify this or it is going to be _ never be able to verify this or it is going to be extremely- never be able to verify this or it l is going to be extremely difficult. this is— is going to be extremely difficult. this is a — is going to be extremely difficult. this is a war— is going to be extremely difficult. this is a war zone _ is going to be extremely difficult. this is a war zone and _ is going to be extremely difficult. this is a war zone and will- is going to be extremely difficult. i this is a war zone and will continue to be _ this is a war zone and will continue to be a _ this is a war zone and will continue to be a war— this is a war zone and will continue to be a warme— this is a war zone and will continue to be a war zone for a _ this is a war zone and will continue to be a war zone for a very, - this is a war zone and will continue to be a war zone for a very, very. to be a war zone for a very, very longtime — to be a war zone for a very, very long time. records— to be a war zone for a very, very long time. records and - to be a war zone for a very, very long time. records and graves. to be a war zone for a very, very. long time. records and graves and homes _ long time. records and graves and homes and. — long time. records and graves and homes and. you _ long time. records and graves and homes and, you know, _ long time. records and graves and homes and, you know, all- long time. records and graves and homes and, you know, all traces l homes and, you know, all traces people _ homes and, you know, all traces people frankly _ homes and, you know, all traces people frankly are _ homes and, you know, all traces people frankly are going - homes and, you know, all traces people frankly are going to - homes and, you know, all traces people frankly are going to be i people frankly are going to be obliterated _ people frankly are going to be obliterated in _ people frankly are going to be obliterated in the _ people frankly are going to be obliterated in the coming - people frankly are going to be . obliterated in the coming months people frankly are going to be - obliterated in the coming months we will never— obliterated in the coming months we will never probably— obliterated in the coming months we will never probably get _ obliterated in the coming months we will never probably get to _ obliterated in the coming months we will never probably get to the - obliterated in the coming months we will never probably get to the truth l will never probably get to the truth of exactly — will never probably get to the truth of exactly how _ will never probably get to the truth of exactly how people _ will never probably get to the truth of exactly how people have - will never probably get to the truth of exactly how people have been i of exactly how people have been killed _ of exactly how people have been killed in — of exactly how people have been killed in that. — of exactly how people have been killed in that. but _ of exactly how people have been killed in that. but |_ of exactly how people have been killed in that. but i thought - of exactly how people have been killed in that. but i thoughtjohn| killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirhys— killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirby's leisure _ killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirby's leisure mark _ killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirby's leisure mark at - killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirby's leisure mark at the - killed in that. but i thoughtjohn kirby's leisure mark at the end i kirby's leisure mark at the end there — kirby's leisure mark at the end there was— kirby's leisure mark at the end there was quite _ kirby's leisure mark at the end there was quite telling. - kirby's leisure mark at the end there was quite telling. joe - kirby's leisure mark at the end i there was quite telling. joe biden may say— there was quite telling. joe biden may say we — there was quite telling. joe biden may say we have _ there was quite telling. joe biden may say we have no _ there was quite telling. joe biden may say we have no confidence . there was quite telling. joe bidenj may say we have no confidence in there was quite telling. joe biden- may say we have no confidence in the numbers, _ may say we have no confidence in the numbers, irut— may say we have no confidence in the numbers, but he— may say we have no confidence in the numbers, but he did _ may say we have no confidence in the numbers, but he did not _ may say we have no confidence in the numbers, but he did not dispute - may say we have no confidence in the numbers, but he did not dispute that| numbers, but he did not dispute that thousands— numbers, but he did not dispute that thousands upoh _ numbers, but he did not dispute that thousands upon thousands _ numbers, but he did not dispute that thousands upon thousands of - numbers, but he did not dispute that thousands upon thousands of people| thousands upon thousands of people are being _ thousands upon thousands of people are being killed. _ thousands upon thousands of people are being killed. and— thousands upon thousands of people are being killed.— are being killed. and indeed the humanitarian _ are being killed. and indeed the humanitarian situation - are being killed. and indeed the humanitarian situation in - are being killed. and indeed the humanitarian situation in gaza l humanitarian situation in gaza remains a huge concern, paul. i have just been reading that martin griffis, who is of course the un humanitarian chief, has posted an update on what was formerly twitter saying that eight is barely trickling into gaza and he says that the world is failing to meet the bare entitlements of a part of humanity. we have been speaking to you at night after night and keep repeating that things are getting worse and that getting aid to people who need it remains a big challenge. is there going to be any movement on that? is much more aid likely to go through? that? is much more aid likely to go throu~h? , ., , , ., that? is much more aid likely to go throu~h? , , ., , through? there is absolutely no sign ofthat through? there is absolutely no sign of that at the — through? there is absolutely no sign of that at the moment. _ through? there is absolutely no sign of that at the moment. convoys - through? there is absolutely no sign | of that at the moment. convoys have .one of that at the moment. convoys have gone in _ of that at the moment. convoys have gone in for. — of that at the moment. convoys have gone in for. what. _ of that at the moment. convoys have gone in for, what, the _ of that at the moment. convoys have gone in for, what, the past _ of that at the moment. convoys have gone in for, what, the past five - gone in for, what, the past five days— gone in for, what, the past five days maybe, _ gone in for, what, the past five days maybe, but _ gone in for, what, the past five days maybe, but it's— gone in for, what, the past five days maybe, but it's been- gone in for, what, the past five days maybe, but it's been 15. gone in for, what, the past five - days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, _ days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, 25— days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, 25 trucks. _ days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this _ days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is- days maybe, but it's been 15 trucks, 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an - 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an absolute — 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an absolute minuscule _ 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an absolute minuscule amount. 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an absolute minuscule amount of| 20 trucks, 25 trucks. this is an - absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely— absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able — absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able to _ absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able to change _ absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able to change the - absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able to change the dial - absolute minuscule amount of aid. barely able to change the dial in l barely able to change the dial in terms _ barely able to change the dial in terms of— barely able to change the dial in terms of what _ barely able to change the dial in terms of what is _ barely able to change the dial in terms of what is needed. - barely able to change the dial in terms of what is needed. and i barely able to change the dial in| terms of what is needed. and so barely able to change the dial in - terms of what is needed. and so the situation _ terms of what is needed. and so the situation is _ terms of what is needed. and so the situation is simply _ terms of what is needed. and so the situation is simply getting _ situation is simply getting worse every— situation is simply getting worse every day — situation is simply getting worse every day. the _ situation is simply getting worse every day. the un _ situation is simply getting worse every day. the un says- situation is simply getting worse every day. the un says it - situation is simply getting worse every day. the un says it is - situation is simply getting worse . every day. the un says it is having to limit _ every day. the un says it is having to limit the — every day. the un says it is having to limit the services _ every day. the un says it is having to limit the services that _ every day. the un says it is having to limit the services that it - every day. the un says it is having to limit the services that it is - to limit the services that it is providing _ to limit the services that it is providing it— to limit the services that it is providing. it is— to limit the services that it is providing. it is not— to limit the services that it is providing. it is not yet- to limit the services that it is - providing. it is not yet apparently completely— providing. it is not yet apparently completely ruh _ providing. it is not yet apparently completely run out _ providing. it is not yet apparently completely run out of— providing. it is not yet apparently completely run out of fuel, - providing. it is not yet apparently completely run out of fuel, but it| completely run out of fuel, but it says that — completely run out of fuel, but it says that those _ completely run out of fuel, but it says that those stocks _ completely run out of fuel, but it says that those stocks of- completely run out of fuel, but it says that those stocks of fuel - completely run out of fuel, but it| says that those stocks of fuel that it has _ says that those stocks of fuel that it has are — says that those stocks of fuel that it has are so — says that those stocks of fuel that it has are so low— says that those stocks of fuel that it has are so low that _ says that those stocks of fuel that it has are so low that it's - says that those stocks of fuel that it has are so low that it's having . it has are so low that it's having to really— it has are so low that it's having to really look— it has are so low that it's having to really look and _ it has are so low that it's having to really look and see _ it has are so low that it's having to really look and see what - it has are so low that it's having l to really look and see what things continue to— to really look and see what things continue to run— to really look and see what things continue to run i— to really look and see what things continue to run i want to - to really look and see what things continue to run i want to have - to really look and see what things continue to run i want to have toi continue to run i want to have to stop— continue to run i want to have to stop doing _ continue to run i want to have to stop doing ami _ continue to run i want to have to stop doing. and just— continue to run i want to have to stop doing. and just every- continue to run i want to have to stop doing. and just every day, i stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing — stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if— stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if you _ stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if you look— stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if you look at _ stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if you look at the - stop doing. and just every day, we are seeing if you look at the data l are seeing if you look at the data published — are seeing if you look at the data published try— are seeing if you look at the data published by the _ are seeing if you look at the data published by the health - are seeing if you look at the data| published by the health ministry, you are _ published by the health ministry, you are seeing _ published by the health ministry, you are seeing a _ published by the health ministry, you are seeing a chart, _ published by the health ministry, you are seeing a chart, a - published by the health ministry, you are seeing a chart, a graph . published by the health ministry, | you are seeing a chart, a graph of rising— you are seeing a chart, a graph of rising casualties _ you are seeing a chart, a graph of rising casualties with _ you are seeing a chart, a graph of rising casualties with as _ you are seeing a chart, a graph of rising casualties with as many asl rising casualties with as many as 700 people _ rising casualties with as many as 700 people killed _ rising casualties with as many as 700 people killed a _ rising casualties with as many as 700 people killed a couple - rising casualties with as many as 700 people killed a couple of- rising casualties with as many as i 700 people killed a couple of days a-o, 700 people killed a couple of days ago. arouhd — 700 people killed a couple of days ago. around 450 _ 700 people killed a couple of days ago, around 450 killed _ 700 people killed a couple of days ago, around 450 killed yesterday. | ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there _ ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there is _ ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there is absolutely— ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there is absolutely no _ ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there is absolutely no way- ago, around 450 killed yesterday. there is absolutely no way the - ago, around 450 killed yesterday. j there is absolutely no way the un and there is absolutely no way the un ahd other— there is absolutely no way the un and other agencies— there is absolutely no way the un and other agencies operating - there is absolutely no way the un and other agencies operating in. there is absolutely no way the un i and other agencies operating in gaza can and other agencies operating in gaza cah remotely— and other agencies operating in gaza can remotely keep _ and other agencies operating in gaza can remotely keep up _ and other agencies operating in gaza can remotely keep up with _ and other agencies operating in gaza can remotely keep up with the - and other agencies operating in gaza can remotely keep up with the pace. can remotely keep up with the pace of events— can remotely keep up with the pace of events and — can remotely keep up with the pace of events and the _ can remotely keep up with the pace of events and the scale _ can remotely keep up with the pace of events and the scale of- can remotely keep up with the pace of events and the scale of what - can remotely keep up with the pace of events and the scale of what is l of events and the scale of what is heeded~ — of events and the scale of what is needed. . ~ ., , of events and the scale of what is needed. . ~ . , g needed. paul adams in jerusalem, thank ou needed. paul adams in jerusalem, thank you very _ needed. paul adams in jerusalem, thank you very much _ needed. paul adams in jerusalem, thank you very much for _ needed. paul adams in jerusalem, thank you very much for the - needed. paul adams in jerusalem, i thank you very much for the moment. live now to samuel katz, an author who's written more than 20 books on middle east security issues and counter terrorism. thank you very much forjoining us here on the bbc. so we were saying earlier in the programme that the idf conducted what they said was a targeted rate last night in gaza. you follow these issues quite closely. when you look at what happened last night, where do you see things going next in terms of that larger ground incursion? weill. that larger ground incursion? well, i don't that larger ground incursion? well, l don't think— that larger ground incursion? well, i don't think that _ that larger ground incursion? well, i don't think that that _ that larger ground incursion? -ii i don't think that that incursion was the first one that has happened, and i'm certain that it will be the last. i think that the idf is repairing its list of targets, its objectives, and it will operate on a timetable that ensures the safety of its troops, the minimisation of the civilian casualties and that its ultimate aim — to decimate hamas's military capabilities and to make sure that what happened on october the 7th never occurs again — it will be established for now and for the long—term. its. be established for now and for the long-term— long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago — long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago just — long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago just after— long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago just after the - long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago just after the 7th - long-term. a few weeks ago, two weeks ago just after the 7th of. weeks ago just after the 7th of october, everyone was anticipating 0ctober, everyone was anticipating an imminent large—scale ground offensive from israel. that's yet to happen. why do you think that's not come yet? happen. why do you think that's not come et? ~ ., �* ~' come yet? well, i don't think the military planners _ come yet? well, i don't think the military planners are _ come yet? well, i don't think the military planners are using - come yet? well, i don't think the military planners are using the i military planners are using the timetables set forth by all the world's new screws that are in israel at the moment. the hostages complicate matters immensely, and it is absolutely imperative for the state of israel and for the nations whose citizens are also hostages that they be returned safely and quickly. in those channels are being exhausted at the moment. and israel is continuously, it is provided israel with a bit of time to selectively hit military targets by the air and make the effort on the ground a little easier. and it's also put a lot of political pressure on hamas because the longer the captives are held in prison, the less it is able to count on future political support if any from its benefactors in qatar and throughout the middle east. find benefactors in qatar and throughout the middle east.— the middle east. and i'm 'ust readina the middle east. and i'm 'ust reading and i the middle east. and i'm 'ust reading and coming �* the middle east. and i'm 'ust reading and coming in h the middle east. and i'mjust reading and coming in from l the middle east. and i'm just l reading and coming in from the reuters news agency that around 900 additional us troops are heading to the middle east or have nearly arrived there to bolster air defences to protect us personnel amid a surge of attacks in the region by a rainy and affiliated groups. that's come from the pentagon. that'sjust groups. that's come from the pentagon. that's just come groups. that's come from the pentagon. that'sjust come in. what do you make of that?— do you make of that? well, what ha--ened do you make of that? well, what happened and — do you make of that? well, what happened and was _ do you make of that? well, what happened and was happening - do you make of that? well, what happened and was happening inl do you make of that? well, what - happened and was happening in gaza, the skirmishes along israel's northern front, are part of what many think was going to be a coordinated strike against israel from hamas a hezbollah. and the fact that the attack happened on october the 7th at a time when politically in israel things were getting quite difficult with political strife between the left and the right and those who opposed netanyahu and those who opposed netanyahu and those who opposed netanyahu and those who supported him, one has to assume that the timing of the attack and everything to do with the advancement of israel— saudi peace talks. peace talks that would have established a new middle east, one that would've taken the islamic argument away from hamas and the islamichhad and turan and it would have really rendered obsolete. and that in many ways was a point of no return for them, and they embarked on this horrific attack and the consequences are being felt now. sam, thank you very much for sharing your perspective on that story. thank you. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. constance marten and her partner mark gordon have pleaded not guilty to charges over the death of their two—month—old baby. victoria's body was discovered on the 1st of march in a brighton shed after a weeks—long police search for the family. appearing at the old bailey on thursday, the couple pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. the government is facing legal action after it excluded some health workers from a one off. it was part of a pay deal that recognised the pressure of the covid pandemic on staff, but thousands of outsourced staff — such as community nurses and physiotherapists — will not receive it, a decision described as an ' injustice" the jury in the new york fraud trial of sam bankman—fried was sent home after the founder of the now—bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange ftx took the stand to testify, but did not speak. he was instead asked to testify in private, with the judge deciding which parts of his testimony are admissible before the jury returns on friday. those are some of the other stories we have been taking a you're live with bbc news. now let's turn to another big story, this time in the us, where at least 18 people have been killed and 13 injured in a mass shooting. it happened in the city of lewiston, in the state of maine on the east coast. police say the gunman targeted multiple locations, including a bowling alley and a bar and grill, and is still at large. a massive manhunt is under way across the state for a 40—year—old us army reservist, who's believed to be suffering from mental health issues. the area was placed under lockdown, with residents told to stay indoors. 0ur correspondent nomia iqbal is live for us in lewiston. bring us up—to—date on the latest. in lewiston at the moment, there is a lot that in place. basically there is an order called shelter in place. people cannot leave their homes. they are advised to stay at home and keep safe. lots of businesses have already closed for the day and also school. there is a very famous liberal arts school that has a shut down. there are people walking around and taking their dog for a walk in cycling but generally it's much more quiet than you would expect because of course police are, hundreds of officers are trying to find the suspect robert card. in terms of where i am, behind me is a hospital where about 30 people who were injured are being treated. the town is pretty small. we have driven around a bit and have been to the locations that you mentioned, the bowling alley and the bar, about four miles between them where that shootings took place. as of yet, though, they have not found the suspect and the coastguard has confirmed to bc the that they are also involved in the search for robert card. also involved in the search for robert card-— robert card. ok, the very latest from lewiston, _ robert card. ok, the very latest from lewiston, thank— robert card. ok, the very latest from lewiston, thank you - robert card. ok, the very latest from lewiston, thank you very l robert card. ok, the very latest - from lewiston, thank you very much for the moment. so, as we've been discussing, more than two weeks on from hamas' attack in israel, and the israeli government says it's still planning a ground offensive to destroy hamas. we still don't know when that might come, but military experts concede it's a mission fraught with challenges. some have drawn comparisons with the operation against isis in the iraqi city of mosul in 2016, saying it's a similar—sized urban battlefield, home to a similar number of civilians who it's feared could get caught up in the conflict. so what lessons can be drawn from then? well, michael knights is a defence expert who has travelled extensively across the middle east and has written about this. he's a fellow at the washington institute for near east policy. thanks very much forjoining us. you have written about this. what lessons do you think can be learned from what happened in mosul? the first lesson from what happened in mosul? tie: first lesson is if from what happened in mosul? ti9: first lesson is if you are from what happened in mosul? ti9 first lesson is if you are going to try and take the entire city down to the last block, you are going to have an extremely high level of civilian casualties and tremendous level of devastation. there is no way to avoid that in a dense modern city where the enemy is fanatical and holding hostages. find city where the enemy is fanatical and holding hostages.— city where the enemy is fanatical and holding hostages. and in terms ofthe and holding hostages. and in terms of the populations _ and holding hostages. and in terms of the populations that _ and holding hostages. and in terms of the populations that we - and holding hostages. and in terms of the populations that we are - of the populations that we are looking at, it's a similar size of population and mosul to the people living in the southern part of gaza at least. 50 living in the southern part of gaza at least. 9 , ~ at least. so western mosul where most of the _ at least. so western mosul where most of the fighting _ at least. so western mosul where most of the fighting happen - at least. so western mosul where most of the fighting happen is - most of the fighting happen is with the same size as gaza city, where the same size as gaza city, where the israelis are going to be constraining at least the first part of their offensive. and it has about the same number of people so it took about 180 days to clear western mosul and well over half the housing stock in the city was destroyed. when we talk about urban warfare in some of the challenges, you've been running about some of the things it could be challenging as the israeli fighters go door—to—door to houses. just explain some of that. fine fighters go door-to-door to houses. just explain some of that.— just explain some of that. one of the thins just explain some of that. one of the things is _ just explain some of that. one of the things is a — just explain some of that. one of the things is a real _ just explain some of that. one of the things is a real challenge - just explain some of that. one of the things is a real challenge in l the things is a real challenge in gaza, unlike other modern battlefields in cities, is that there are around 60 buildings six stories or taller in gaza, which we did not have in mosul or rocco or any of the other places. and there is also a very large and fully understood subterranean tunnel system underneath the city that hamas is at around 15 years to develop. hamas is at around 15 years to develo -. 9, hamas is at around 15 years to develo -. . , ., ., ., ~' hamas is at around 15 years to develo -. . i. ., ., ,, . ,, develop. ok, and when you look back at how long — develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it — develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it took _ develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it took for _ develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it took for mosul - develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it took for mosul to - develop. ok, and when you look back at how long it took for mosul to be i at how long it took for mosul to be taken from isis, what do you think can be drawn on the timescale once israel decides to begin its large—scale ground offensive? and of course the prime minister of israel says he is in game is to destroy hamas. 9 ~' ., says he is in game is to destroy hamas. 9 ,, ., ., ~.,, hamas. well, we know that if mosul had been fought _ hamas. well, we know that if mosul had been fought a _ hamas. well, we know that if mosul had been fought a bit _ hamas. well, we know that if mosul had been fought a bit slower, - had been fought a bit slower, we might have been able to reduce the number of civilian casualties and the level of destruction, so was important not to rush these things. the israelis thing to be taking a slower, partial approach at this meeting they will take a number of bytes at gaza city instead of trying to go in a state in a one major operation with no breaks. this might reduce the level of destruction, give citizens more time to get out of the area and allow the israelis to stop, think, since the area, plan a new operation before they moved to their next bite.— their next bite. another thing ou've their next bite. another thing you've talked _ their next bite. another thing you've talked about, - their next bite. another thing you've talked about, you - their next bite. another thing you've talked about, you saidj you've talked about, you said tactics, timing and troop quality matter. do you think the israelis have those three things and how it does hamas compare?— have those three things and how it does hamas compare? hamas is a lot more of a formidable _ does hamas compare? hamas is a lot more of a formidable opponent - does hamas compare? hamas is a lot more of a formidable opponent than l more of a formidable opponent than the islamic state was in mosul. they are much better armed and they are trained in part by the iranians and they have been preparing for this for a very long time. but the israelis defence forces are also more professional and well—equipped than an hour a syrian partnerforces when we hit places like mosul and raqqa. so we expect the israelis to do better to limit casualties because of body armour and field hospitals and pretty good tactics. 0k, thank you very much for bringing us some insight and drawing some parallels on what's happened in the past. we have to leave it for this half hour. i will be back after a short break, but do of course there with us here on the bbc and their explain more in the meantime on the bbc news website. hello there. good evening. well, it's been a very wet 0ctober so far. not for all of us, but certainly for many of us, especially across eastern areas of scotland, such as here in aberdeenshire. more wet weather here today, and there'll be higher rainfall totals to come as we head through the next few days yet again. so not a lot set to change for the rest of the month. it stays unsettled across the uk with more heavy showers to come and also some longer spells of rain, too. and if we just take a look at the rainfall accumulation chart over the next few days, you can see those bright colours starting to emerge again in eastern scotland. parts of the higher ground could see as much as 50—100 millimetres of rain. it's falling on saturated ground. could cause some more problems maybe. why's it happening? well, low pressure is out towards the west, which is where it's going to stay. more showers spiralling around it. a south—easterly wind brisk towards the east coast of scotland just driving those showers further onshore. and then overnight tonight, there will be some clear spells developing, i think, further south for england some mist, some low cloud possibly forming, showers out towards the west. so not completely dry and temperatures to start the day will be on the mild side, certainly frost—free, 6—10 celsius. and then into friday, again, nothing much changes. the low pressure still out towards the west, the showers spiral around it. we've still got that brisk south—easterly wind for eastern scotland, acting as a sort of conveyor belt, just a constant stream of showers. a lot of the rain will tend to be quite light and patchy, but it'll be pretty relentless i think as we head through the day and the rainfall totals will start to rack up once again. further south, there will be a lot of dry weather, some sunny intervals, but also some heavy, possibly thundery showers, maybe a flash or two of lightning. temperatures once again peaking between 10—15 celsius, a little above the average towards the south. and then on saturday, well, it's more of the same. we'll still see these showers across eastern scotland driving a little further westwards perhaps, the wind picking up towards the south coast of england. by the end of the day, expect to see some heavy, persistent outbreaks of rain. by the time we get to the end of the afternoon here, there are localised weather warnings in force, and that rain is going to be pushing further northwards. as we head through saturday night and into sunday, again, falling on saturated ground in some places. still some uncertainty on the timing. low pressure still with us into next week, staying unsettled. bye— bye. hello, i'm rajini. you're watching the context on bbc news. the israeli and palestinian ambassadors to the united nations make passionate speeches at an emergency un general assembly. more on that shortly — but first it's time for some sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's lizzie. thanks, we're starting with a busy night of european football.