the political blocs which came second and third in pakistan's election say they'll work together to try to form a government. and the finals of the africa cup of nations is under way in abidjan, with hosts ivory coast taking on former champions nigeria. nigeria leads 1—0 at the end of first half. i'm with friends cheering on ivory coast and nigeria for this year's africa cup of nations final. hello, i'm azadeh moshiri. welcome to the programme. we begin with israel's planned offensive in rafah. prime minister benjamin netanyahu has insisted it will go ahead — despite the fact that more than half of gaza's population has taken shelter there. he says israel will give civilians safe passage to areas

they've cleared north of rafah. and he claims israel's army has killed one hamas fighter for every civilian. the army has continued to target the city with air strikes, which medical workers say killed more than a0 people in the last day alone. the armed wing of hamas says israeli strikes have also killed two hostages in the last four days, and seriously injured eight others. and a senior hamas official has threatened to halt hostage exchange negotiations if israel goes ahead with the assault on rafah. meanwhile, us presidentjoe biden has told benjamin netanyahu israel should not proceed with the offensive in rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of the huge number of palestinians sheltering there. with the latest here's our international editor jeremy bowen. at the southern end of gaza, this is the heavily guarded borderfence with egypt. for palestinian refugees

there is no further to go. leiua fled here with her two handicapped daughters. getting on for 1.5 million palestinian civilians have been forced into southern gaza, living in dreadful conditions. now israel says it will attack this area, claiming it will find a safe haven for civilians in one of the most dangerous places for them on earth. translation: every day we have been on the run, i can't carry my daughters, we are not moving again. in can't carry my daughters, we are not moving again-— moving again. in israel, which feels a world away. _ moving again. in israel, which feels a world away, the _ moving again. in israel, which feels a world away, the prime _ moving again. in israel, which feels a world away, the prime minister'sl a world away, the prime minister's allies are backing his demand for total victory. allies are backing his demand for total victory-— allies are backing his demand for total victory. history is 'udging us and if we don't h total victory. history isjudging us and if we don't eliminate - total victory. history isjudging us and if we don't eliminate himarsj and if we don't eliminate himars macro_ and if we don't eliminate himars macro if— and if we don't eliminate himars macro if a — and if we don't eliminate himars macro if a terrorist entity continues controlling territory beside — continues controlling territory beside -- _ continues controlling territory beside —— mas. beside israelwhether in the _ beside —— mas. beside israelwhether in the north_ beside —— mas. beside israelwhether in the north or the south, then we haveni— in the north or the south, then we haven't done del on our moraljob towards _ haven't done del on our moraljob towards our— haven't done del on our moraljob towards our population. haven't done del on our moral 'ob towards our population.i towards our population. israel's parliament _ towards our population. israel's parliament in _ towards our population. israel's parliament in jerusalem, -

towards our population. israel's| parliament in jerusalem, strains towards our population. israel's i parliament in jerusalem, strains of parliament injerusalem, strains of war are showing. an mp who supported the genocide case against israel has been accused of treason and faces expulsion. been accused of treason and faces exulsion. , ., , ., , �* expulsion. defending oneself doesn't cive one expulsion. defending oneself doesn't give one the — expulsion. defending oneself doesn't give one the right _ expulsion. defending oneself doesn't give one the right to _ expulsion. defending oneself doesn't give one the right to kill _ expulsion. defending oneself doesn't give one the right to kill other- give one the right to kill other people, especially innocent civilians. it's very clear. everybody, myself and my comrades, we were of course totally against the terrible carnage that himars macro carried out. but we said from the beginning that the solution is not retaliation, it's not revenge. and it's not war. —— in northern gaza there is no police, no law and order and food convoys are attacked and it is even worse in the south, with looters threatening to paralyse the entire aid operation. to paralyse the entire aid operation-— to paralyse the entire aid oeration. ~ . , ., operation. we have seen it growing over the last _ operation. we have seen it growing over the last weeks _ operation. we have seen it growing over the last weeks and _ operation. we have seen it growing over the last weeks and i _ operation. we have seen it growing over the last weeks and i think - operation. we have seen it growing over the last weeks and i think is i over the last weeks and i think is the situation and people become more

desperate, _ the situation and people become more desperate, as opportunities appear we see _ desperate, as opportunities appear we see the attacks on the trucks and vehicles, _ we see the attacks on the trucks and vehicles, and now the attacks on drivers— vehicles, and now the attacks on drivers and — vehicles, and now the attacks on drivers and so it has become a very lawless _ drivers and so it has become a very lawless area — drivers and so it has become a very lawless area for people to operate in. lawless area for people to operate in and _ lawless area for people to operate in and for— lawless area for people to operate in. and for us to operate in that it is impossible, actually. we in. and for us to operate in that it is impossible, actually.— is impossible, actually. we can't aet into is impossible, actually. we can't get into gaza's _ is impossible, actually. we can't get into gaza's chaotic, - is impossible, actually. we can't i get into gaza's chaotic, desperate, tent cities to check israel's claims that hamas is stealing the food. the they say it is young men, mostly unarmed. the us says it must not attack here in rafah unless it keeps civilian say. one question, is israel listening? jeremy bowen, bbc news, jerusalem. let's speak to former pentagon official and middle east advisor — jasmine el gamal. you just heard from our editor saying presidentjoe biden has warned prime minister netanyahu not to proceed with this offensive until there is a plan to protect the

palestinians there. but if you are benjamin netanyahu, why listen to him? . �* , benjamin netanyahu, why listen to him? ., �*, , benjamin netanyahu, why listen to him? ., �*, my him? that's exactly the right ruestion him? that's exactly the right question to _ him? that's exactly the right question to ask. _ him? that's exactly the right question to ask. we - him? that's exactly the right question to ask. we have - him? that's exactly the right i question to ask. we have seen him? that's exactly the right - question to ask. we have seen these warnings and circle frustrations from the american administration at the israeli prime ministerfor months now. they continue to get stronger and this is for sure the strongest wording that the president has used. but the president also has not brought to bear anything he might do if prime minister netanyahu refuses to heed his advice. if i were president netanyahu i would say no one has really stepped in to stop me for the last four months, why would they do so now? and that's where we are in this incredibly critical juncture where we are in this incredibly criticaljuncture in the war right now. you have 1.5 million palestinians, many of them displaced several times over from the north down south to khan younis, and now

further south to rafah who literally have no place to go as the prime minister of israel is saying we now want to evacuate you and start further operations there. jasmin, washington _ further operations there. jasmin, washington sends _ further operations there. jasmin, washington sends about - further operations there. jasmin, washington sends about $3.8 - further operations there. jasmin, i washington sends about $3.8 billion in military aid to israel each year, around £3 billion, is that a card president biden would ever use, that financial aid? president biden would ever use, that financialaid? is president biden would ever use, that financial aid? is there any card he would pull at all? it’s financial aid? is there any card he would pull at all?— financial aid? is there any card he would pull at all? it's very hard to see president _ would pull at all? it's very hard to see president biden _ would pull at all? it's very hard to see president biden doing - would pull at all? it's very hard to see president biden doing that. l see president biden doing that. there was a moment in the last four months when he said something off—the—cuff about conditionality may be something we can think about at some point but he has never seriously stated that there would be on the table. there are some senators, some members of the us congress who have started calling for a review of us assistance to israel based on its conduct over the last four months. however, president

biden has stopped short of saying anything that would firmly signal to prime minister netanyahu would take concrete steps if this operation goes ahead and puts the civilians further at risk than they already are. , �* ., , ., f are. president biden has reaffirmed israel's are. president biden has reaffirmed israel's right _ are. president biden has reaffirmed israel's right to _ are. president biden has reaffirmed israel's right to self-defence - israel's right to self—defence throughout this. some of our audiences may be wondering looking at a country like the united states, global superpower, why is it they would be so hesitant? part of that is the intelligence that israel provides in that region, correct? not quite. the us and its partners the uae, egypt, jordan, there is no real intelligence value that i would say that is unique in terms of what israel is able to provide to the us. the fact is that us support to israel has historically been a bipartisan issue in the us. it is

built on things like so—called shared values, although i find it hard to believe that at the moment there are shared values between the two countries. there are things such as historical ties. there is certainly security cooperation, but again nothing in my mind, and i say this as someone who worked at the pentagon for years, that there is nothing in my mind that would justify continued us support to israel in the face of the amount of civilian casualties and death and destruction that we are seeing in gaza. notjust because of a humanitarian issue and the humanitarian issue and the humanitarian aspect, it is probably the most strategically unsound step that israel and the us have taken together in the region. the ramifications of this war of the last four months are going to be incredibly wide reaching, decades long, and it's is going to come at a

great cost to israel, the us, certainly the palestinians command across the region.— across the region. jasmine 'ust to reca- across the region. jasmine 'ust to recap that. — across the region. jasmine 'ust to recap that, because * across the region. jasmine 'ust to recap that, because that h across the region. jasmine 'ust to recap that, because that ish recap that, because that is fascinating coming from your perspective having been a former pentagon official, this really come in your view, this staunch support the us and the uk are showing towards israel, is because of long—standing ties because of this cultural connection between them? is there not a red line of some sort that you believe could break the camel's back in some ways? we that you believe could break the camel's back in some ways? i've been asked this question _ camel's back in some ways? i've been asked this question for— camel's back in some ways? i've been asked this question for the _ camel's back in some ways? i've been asked this question for the last - asked this question for the last four months and every time i answer the same. if this is not a red line, if what has happened so far has not been a red line for the united states with all of the values that the united states claims to represent in the global community and as a global leader, what is that line? we have 1.5 million people stuck in tent here in rafah right

now with nowhere to go, basically starving with no fuel, food, water or medicine to sustain them. if this isn't a red line for the united states, i would certainly like to know from my former colleagues and employers what is.— know from my former colleagues and employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank ou employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank you for— employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank you for that _ employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank you for that and _ employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank you for that and for _ employers what is. jasmine el gamal, thank you for that and for your - thank you for that and for your insight. we appreciate it. thank you so much. now over in the us, former president donald trump says he would encourage russia to quote "do whatever the hell they want" to nato countries that haven't invested enough in their militaries. that's been met by a fierce response from nato's secretary general. jens stoltenberg says any attack on nato would be met with a united and forceful response. and that "any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security." nato countries are supposed to spend 2% of their gdp, their economic output, on defence. but not all of them do. at a campaign rally in south carolina, mr trump said he wouldn't defend nato members who don't meet their financial obligations to the alliance.

nato was busted until i came along. i said, everybody�*s got to pay. they said, if we don't pay, are you still going to protect us? i said, absolutely not. they couldn't believe the answer. they asked me that question, one of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, "well, sir, if we don't pay and we are attacked by russia, will you protect us?" i said, "you didn't pay, you're delinquent?" he said, "yes, let's say that happened." "no, i would not protect you." in fact, i would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. you've got to pay. you've got to pay your bills. with me is our security correspondent frank gardner. frank, thank you forjoining us. given what is going on in ukraine right now and the conflicts elsewhere, how will this be received by president putin? he elsewhere, how will this be received by president putin?— by president putin? he will love this, this is _ by president putin? he will love this, this is grist _ by president putin? he will love this, this is grist to _ by president putin? he will love this, this is grist to the - by president putin? he will love this, this is grist to the mill- by president putin? he will love this, this is grist to the mill for| this, this is grist to the mill for the kremlin because donald trump is

a disrupter. and anything that threatens to weaken the nato alliance is good for moscow. they see the world as a zero—sum game, what is bad for america in the west is good for russia and vice versa. there are two ways of looking at this, you could say this isjust donald trump, loves to be provocative and grab the headlines, upset his critics and thrill his supporters. but actually, as i think you are hinting at, these are pretty dangerous times, ukraine war is waging, ukraine isn't winning, it's offensive last summer failed. the russians are still occupying most of four provinces in the south, they are rearming, russia has put itself onto a wharf footing, its economy at least, 40% of national income is now devoted to defence. nato isn't doing anything like that. what president trump is saying is he is rehashing a party made in 2018 when he was president that countries that don't commit, orthat president that countries that don't commit, or that don't actually spend 2% or more of their gdp, their gross

domestic product, on defence, they are letting themselves and nato down and why on earth should america carry the burden of that? that plays very well at home with lots of his supporters saying, why should they? look at the cheers he got at the end of that. but this is extremely threatening for nato because nato's entire deterrent value rests on something called article five of nato's constitution which states that if one member is attacked, then it can call on the whole alliance to defend it. in other words, to put it down to a practical basis, if russia decided to finish the war in ukraine, three years down the line, decides to send tanks across the border into estonia, a tiny country, most people haven't been there, but that would be an attack on the whole of nato which in theory would call for us defence. president trump is saying if a country doesn't pay its 2%, why should i defend it? why mackie did have that confrontation with angela merkel back then when he was in office and urged her to meet

her commitment. i suppose that is where, despite the security implications of his comments, when you think of the fact that a country like germany, europe's largest economy, is not meeting its 2% commitment, is he presenting a legitimate concern? he is absolutely. i don't think anybody sensibly approves of the way he's framed it in encouraging russia to attack... the white house called it appalling and something else, irresponsible or something, which it is. but the fact is that there are many large rich countries in nato that are not paying anything like the 2%. and yet they are expecting america all the way on the other side of the atlantic to be paying for their defence. you know, he has a point in that sense. germany has agreed that it is going to raise defence spending. germany has had a kind of conversion. they have turned from being an incredibly peaceful

country into one that is very now aware of the strategic threat from russia. there is a fear amongst many countries, voiced by a number of nato chiefs recently, that if russia prevails in ukraine, despite what president putin said in the so—called interview with tucker carlson, but nevertheless he is going to have a go at some european countries because russia is kind of rebuilding and president putin has this vision of rebuilding a great mighty russia, and possibly retaking some of the lands. there is nothing russia has done to prove that but thatis russia has done to prove that but that is the fear. you russia has done to prove that but that is the fear.— that is the fear. you mentioned tucker carlson. _ that is the fear. you mentioned tucker carlson. if _ that is the fear. you mentioned tucker carlson. if you - that is the fear. you mentioned tucker carlson. if you are - that is the fear. you mentioned - tucker carlson. if you are president putin looking at the events of the last week or so, you are thinking former president trump has made these comments, tucker carlson just gave him two hours of airtime and then ukraine funding is also in question in congress, is there some momentum here that's going to was

president putin's propaganda campaign at the very least? i think there is, campaign at the very least? i think there is. you _ campaign at the very least? i think there is, you are _ campaign at the very least? i think there is, you are absolutely - campaign at the very least? i think there is, you are absolutely right, | there is, you are absolutely right, but this is where the danger in comments like this by trump light because it's easy to dismiss them, as the czech foreign minister has done, saying we're not that fussed about it, nato is stronger than it has been and we are all united. but the danger of something like this is that it leads to a miscalculation, and the kremlin decides nato is weak and the kremlin decides nato is weak and we could do this and they will not do much about it. look at the miscalculation they made two years ago. putin's intelligence chief said they will welcome you with open arms and flowers in ukraine, you can take even three days.— even three days. didn't really work out. even three days. didn't really work out- frank. — even three days. didn't really work out. frank, thank _ even three days. didn't really work out. frank, thank you _ even three days. didn't really work out. frank, thank you so _ even three days. didn't really work out. frank, thank you so much - even three days. didn't really work out. frank, thank you so much for| out. frank, thank you so much for your time. let's look at finland now. finland's former prime minister alexander stubb has won the country's presidential runoff. mr stubb — from the centre—right national coalition party — declared himself the winner with 51% of the vote.

his rival, ex—foreign minister pekka haavisto from the green party has already conceded. the president heads up foreign and security policy, acts as commander in chief of the military and represents finland at nato, which the country joined last year, after russia's invasion of ukraine. now it's time for a look at today's sport with lizzie. thank you. we start with football. the africa cup of nations final is under way, as hosts ivory coast take on nigeria, who have taken the lead. the super eagles are looking for a fourth title, while the ivorians have won it twice. it's early in the second half in abidjan — currently 1—0 to nigeria. william troost—ekong with a brilliant headerfrom a corner, just before half—time. there was a record—breaking score for arsenal today, as they thrashed west ham 6—0 for their biggest away win in the premier league. amongst the scorers, england's bukayo saka got two, taking him past his half century goal tally for the club. former west ham star declan rice ignored earlier boos

and scored arsenal's sixth goal, although he didn't celebrate. the result leaves arsenal still in third place butjust two points now behind leaders liverpool. while the pressure is mounting on west ham who are winless in six matches in all competitions. it shows the consistency that we have to hit and we have to demand of ourselves and today we have done it. and now we have to do it again against burnley. really pleased the way we performed, the way we played, the approach we had right from the beginning and the team wanted it more, they showed a lot of quality in the right moments because it's not easy to do what they have done against this team. it was only a month ago that we won at the emirates 2—0, and missed a penalty at the last minute to win it 3—0. we have beaten them in the league cup. we have had two good results against arsenal. if you had offered me that,

i would have shaken your hand. whatever has happened today has gone. we have to try and pick up the pieces from it and get back on the horse again and show everybody what we can do. in the other game in the premier league, manchester united boosted their chances of qualifying for a champions legaue place with a 2—1win at aston vila. rasmus hojlund's first—half strike was cancelled out by douglas luiz. but a late winner from scott mctominay means united have narrowed the gap to villa in fifth in the table to five points. it cost them a lot of power to get the equaliser and they dropped also after the equaliser back and it gave us some space to breathe and after that point i think we controlled the game. we got more possession and we scored a great goal from one of those attacks. on to rugby union's six nations and ireland are still on for back to back grand slams after an easy win over italy. they scored six tries in the home match in dublin. and, despite italy's impressive performance against england last week,

they failed to score a single point. it finished 36—0. we got what we wanted out of the game, a bonus point win, and keeping them to zero is very pleasing. some nice tries, nice performances by individuals, etc. got a bit clunky in parts. but they are tricky enough to play against, they have changed the way they play, a little more pragmatic, so you have to find different ways to get the ball back. now super bowl 58 is almost here. in just over two hours' time, the kansas city chiefs face the san francisco 49ers, and for the first time it's taking place under the lights of las vegas. all eyes will be on the two quarter—backs, patrick mahomes and brock purdy. the two—time super bowl champion payton manning says he's been impressed with them. they are both great stories, right? they both have earned the right to be here. patrick, this is getting to be kind of old hat for him. i think he books a reservation for the super bowl every year for his family. and brock has had an incredible

year, he has done a greatjob, doing what kyle shanahan has asked him to do and playing great quarterback, especially down the stretch in the play—offs. that's why it's going to be two good teams in the super bowl. looking forward to that. a quick update from the afcon final. nigeria leading 1—0, two thirds of the way through the final in abidjan against ivory coast. thank you, lizzie. king charles has attended church in sandringham, in his first public outing since buckingham palace announced his cancer diagnosis. the king, who's 75, has thanked people for their many messages of support, which he said were "the greatest comfort". around 100 well—wishers gathered on sunday as the king walked into church. our correspondent louisa pilbeam has this report. well, we saw king charles walk into sandringham church with his wife, queen camilla. they walked in and king charles waved once or twice to a crowd that had gathered. there were around 100 people who had come up to the gates

here on the sandringham estate and were hoping that he might come and speak to them, so that they could give their warm, kind words that they wanted to, to the king. but he went straight in, he spoke to the vicar and then he went into the church service. on the way out, the security here had actually opened the gates, and then there was some hope and quite a lot of excitement, actually, that they might be able to speak to the king and give them their warm well wishes. but on the way out, the king and queen camilla actually went past, gave a couple more waves and then went back to the private sandringham estate. so people here, perhaps a little bit of disappointment, they told me, that they didn't get to speak directly to the king. but a sense of understanding that perhaps he wanted a private day. and also perhaps the king felt that he had given his warm message from the heart. he released a statement last night saying that he was, he felt gratitude to people for their warm wishes and said that it meant a lot to him that he has this support from the public.

that was louisa pilbeam. millions of people around the world will tune in to watch the super bowl later. this year, the kansas city chiefs are taking on the san francisco 49ers. las vegas is hosting the sporting event, and fans have been pouring into the city. but what makes the super bowl so popular? sofia bettiza reports. the super bowl is the most watched sporting event in the world. it is broadcast in over 130 countries and in more than 30 languages. so what makes it so popular? well, is about so much more than sport. first of all, this may sound surprising, it is the commercials. they have become a cultural phenomenon. and so many people watch the game because they want to see commercials like these. then of course there is the

half—time show when a famous musician gets on stage to perform will stop and just to give you an idea, when rihanna performed last year, more than 121 million people tuned in to watch. and over the years, some of the biggest stars in the world have performed, including shakira, jennifer lopez, prince and madonna. on top of all that, there is something different this year. and that is the taylor swift effect. she is in a relationship with travis kelce who is a player for one of the teams competing at the super bowl. and of course taylor swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. she has a huge fan base. and that means that she brings in a new, younger audience, especially means that she brings in a new, youngeraudience, especially women. younger audience, especially women. and youngeraudience, especially women. and so because of that this year the super bowl could break all sorts of social media and viewing records.

that was sofia bettiza. well, taylor swift has been stealing all the pre—game headlines. she's behind the umbrellas there — after racing back from her tokyo concert to watch her boyfriend chiefs star travis kelce play in the big game. and a baker in the uk has created something sweet for the occasion — a life—sized taylor swift cake. it took 38 hours to make. no surprise when you look at it there. using almost 130 kilos of ingredients. stay with us here on bbc news. hello there. very pleased to say it's been a quieter weekend of weather for most of us, but there's still a lot of waterlogged fields and pavements out there, as you can see by this weather watcher picture sent in from hull a little earlier on. now, as we go through the week ahead, we might start off quite

optimistic with some sunny spells around, but it will turn increasingly unsettled, with the showers turning to longer spells of rain, breezy at times, but it will be mild, particularly through the middle part of the week. this has been the story today. we've had some nuisance rainjust clinging on to the far east coast of scotland and northeast england. some brighter spells and a few scattered showers out to the west. now, those showers will continue to feed in across west—facing coasts overnight. but with some clearer skies, temperatures are likely to fall away. it's going to be a chilly start to our monday morning. low single figures for many, perhaps in rural parts of scotland, below freezing, a touch of ice not out of the question where we've got those lingering showers. low pressure dominates the scene as we move into monday, the wind direction coming from a northwesterly, slightly fresher source and that's going to continue to drive in plenty of showers closest to that area of low. so northern ireland, scotland, perhaps northwest england as well. and some of the showers to the tops of the mountains once again could be wintry in nature.

but there will be some sunshine elsewhere and those temperatures are likely to peak between six and ten degrees. as we go through monday evening and into tuesday, we've got this little ridge of high pressure keeping things quiet. but all the time this weather front is approaching from the southwest, that is going to gradually spill in more cloud ahead of it. so after a bright start, clouding over. a few scattered showers in the far northwest, more persistent showery rain develops across the channel islands, south west england, wales and eventually into the midlands, north west england and northern ireland by the end of the afternoon. 7 to 11, our overall highs. so as we move out of tuesday into wednesday, it's here where the showers potentially could merge to longer spells of rain as it stays pretty unsettled. the wind direction though coming from a south—westerly, so a very mild direction, and that is going to just push that milder air further north across the country. so it does mean that we could see temperatures perhaps into the mid—teens as we go through the middle part of the week.

but it stays pretty unsettled for many of us. take care.

this is bbc news. the headlines: president biden tells israel's prime minister not to press ahead with an offensive in rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of the one and a half million palestinians sheltering there. the head of nato slams donald trump for saying he would encourage russia to attack any nato ally that doesn't

spend enough on defence. a vigil held in memory of brianna ghey, a year the finals of the africa cup of nations is under way in abidjan, with hosts ivory coast taking on former champions nigeria. and we'll talk american football, the half—time show and taylor swift, with only hours to go for nfl super bowl in las vegas. former us president donald trump says he would encourage russia to quote "do whatever the hell they want" —— he would encourage russia to, quote, "do whatever the hell they want" to nato countries that haven't invested enough in their militaries. that's been met by a fierce response from nato's secretary general. jens stoltenberg says any attack on nato would be met with a united and forceful response and that "any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security." nato countries are supposed to spend 2% of their gdp — their economic output — on defence.

but not all of them do. at a campaign rally in south carolina, mr trump said he wouldn't defend nato members who don't meet their financial obligations to the alliance. nato was busted until i came along. i said, "everybody�*s got to pay." they said, "if we don't pay, are you still going to protect us?" i said, "absolutely not." they couldn't believe the answer. they asked me that question, one of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, "well, sir, if we don't pay "and we are attacked by russia, will you protect us?" i said, "you didn't pay, you're delinquent?" he said, "yes, let's say that happened." "no, i would not protect you." in fact, i would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. you've got to pay. you've got to pay your bills. let's speak to rose gottemoeller, former deputy secretary general of nato from 2016 to 2019, now a lecturer at stanford university's freeman spogli institute for international studies and research fellow at the hoover institute.

rose, thank you so much for giving us your time. i wonder, first, given your previous history at nato, what your previous history at nato, what your reaction is listening to the former president of the united states there?— former president of the united states there? first of all, these were very _ states there? first of all, these were very familiar _ states there? first of all, these were very familiar talking - states there? first of all, these | were very familiar talking points during his first term in office, and he referred to that period. to be frank with you, secretary—general stoltenberg at the time, we welcomed his, i will put it this way, strong urging of the allies to step up to the 2% of gdp commitment that you mentioned, that they did make to counter, to be prepared to counter russian aggression, when the russians first you invaded ukraine in 2014. so these are familiar talking points to a certain extent. what really concerned me was that he went on to say, and i would encourage putin and russia to do whatever they want, to me, this is egregious, and egregious affront to the notion that we have joint and

mutual security in europe and we do everything we can to defend ourselves. ijust everything we can to defend ourselves. i just understand everything we can to defend ourselves. ijust understand the presidents campaigning —— just don't understand president campaigning and saying that kind of thing. in understand president campaigning and saying that kind of thing.— saying that kind of thing. in your view, saying that kind of thing. in your view. you're _ saying that kind of thing. in your view, you're saying _ saying that kind of thing. in your view, you're saying it _ saying that kind of thing. in your view, you're saying it is - saying that kind of thing. in your i view, you're saying it is egregious, how do you expect was in moscow? i will take note of the interview between president putin and tucker kherson this week, which was supposed to be quite exciting but in the end of the day, the president of russia, hejust lectured the end of the day, the president of russia, he just lectured tucker carlson about russian history, so i am not sure exactly what messages are getting through to putin at this point, but on the other hand, i do think that in general, many of the russian elite, those who support the war, in ukraine and are supporting russian aggression, will be pleased to hear this kind of message. find to hear this kind of message. and ou said to hear this kind of message. and you said there _ to hear this kind of message. and you said there that, in fact, un sector general stonebrook at the time, back when mr trump was in office, were pleased by the fact he was urging countries to meet their

commitment —— secretary—general stoltenberg. you are saying that part of the argument is legitimate, right, that when only 11 out of 31 numbers are meeting that commitment, is fair to numbers are meeting that commitment, is fairto urge numbers are meeting that commitment, is fair to urge them to step up? definitely. it is fair to urge them to step up, and i will say that after the wales summit in 2014, i do believe that certain nato member states were not taking that 2% commitment, they were not taking it seriously, so it helps to have president trump at a time urging them and really saying that they had to step up, they had to make those investments, and in fact that was the other part of secretary—general stoltenberg's message today, when he said it is high time that nato be ramping up its own defence industry capabilities in order not only to support ukraine but also to restock after many nato weapons and pieces of equipment were sent to ukraine at the outset of the war, so these are

good messages overall, the trouble with trump and his presentation is it is so egregiously business deal, right? if you don't pay off, we are not going to support you, and to my mind, this is what is egregious and damaging to security overall for the alliance. if the allies are working hard to get to 2% of gdp, that is the right direction of travel. hard to get to 296 of gdp, that is the right direction of travel. rose, that wales summit _ the right direction of travel. rose, that wales summit you _ the right direction of travel. rose, that wales summit you mention i the right direction of travel. rose, - that wales summit you mention wasn't when he 14, after russia's illegal annexation of crimea, and they were given a decade, members were given a decade, to me that 2% are, so why is it a controlling germany, the largest economy in europe, would not meet it by now?— meet it by now? there are many factors that _ meet it by now? there are many factors that are _ meet it by now? there are many factors that are difficult - meet it by now? there are many factors that are difficult to - factors that are difficult to enumerate in a short period of time, but i do want to note that the current german coalition government is very committed and has made the right decisions for example on

acquiring the aircraft to keep the nuclear mission viable, and so i do think that the germans have gotten the message and are moving forward in the right way at this time. rose gottemoeller, _ in the right way at this time. rose gottemoeller, thank _ in the right way at this time. rose gottemoeller, thank you - in the right way at this time. rose gottemoeller, thank you so - in the right way at this time. rose gottemoeller, thank you so much for your time. gottemoeller, thank you so much for our time. ., �* _, let's look at pakistan now. against the odds, independent candidates backed by pakistan's jailed former prime minister, imran khan, have won the most seats. but the second and third largest political blocs say they have started formal discussions about forming a government together. the two parties, led by nawaz sharif and bilawal bhutto zardari, formed an alliance to oust mr khan from power in 2022. they've issued a statement saying they plan to work together to bring political stability. if they do form a government, it's likely to anger mr khan's followers.

his pti party was barred from taking part in the election, forcing its candidates to stand as independents. our correspondent caroline davies has more. two sides are claiming victory in pakistan, but there is still no new government. both need more seats to get a majority. this is part of imran khan's pti party's plan — protests like these in karachi. accusing the authorities of rigging the vote, they are challenging them in court and on the streets. this is the road outside the election commission here in rawalpindi, and a few hundred protesters have gathered. this is not a mass level at the moment, but the idea is it keeps pressure up while the pti try to work out what to do next. in the crowd was aftab alam from oxford. this country has been in this situation for the last decade, and it's been going on like this. imran khan is the only hope now for this country to get out of this mess. why did you want to come down here today? it's just to aid our peaceful protest that we need to have a respect for the people's mandate.

the people have shown their desire, they want imran khan. meanwhile, imran khan's political rival nawaz sharif is publicly looking for alliances. today, his brother met bilawal bhutto from the ppp to start formal discussions about forming a government. the two parties previously ruled together after ousting imran khan in a vote of no confidence. will they join up again? as the political wrangling continues, frustration is growing among the many imran khan supporters. just over an hour and a half into the protest in rawalpindi, suddenly the mood turned and a decision was made. so we havejust been pushed back by a cloud of tear gas that was used on the crowd of protesters that were outside. they're now being completely dispersed.

you can see the reaction of everybody behind me as well. pakistan has already faced months of political instability with no answer yet to who will lead the country. caroline davies, bbc news, rawalpindi. here in the uk, four boys aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of rape. greater manchester police say they were called to reports of a rape in rochdale early on saturday evening. the suspects are in police custody and the victim is being supported by specialist officers. here, labour's candidate in the forthcoming rochdale by—election has apologised for what he's called "deeply offensive" comments, having reportedly said israel had allowed hamas to carry out its october 7 attack in order to provide justification for invading gaza. according to reports, azhar ali was recorded making the comments at a community meeting. he remains the party's candidate for the by—election, which was triggered by the death

of sir tony lloyd. the rochdale by—election is on the 29th of february — a full list of candidates can be found on bbc news online. so, please do go check it out. here in the uk, a vigil has taken place in warrington to remember the murdered teenager brianna ghey. her family, friends and teachers were among those in attendance. brianna, who was 16, was stabbed to death in a park near the town a year ago today. two teenagers have beenjailed for life for her murder. a man and a woman have been arrested after an 8—year—old boy was seriously injured in bootle when he was bitten on the head by a dog, believed to be an xl bully. merseyside police say the boy was attacked yesterday afternoon. he's in hospital in a serious but stable condition. the two people arrested are not related to the child.

let's look at something quite different now. as we heard in sport, it's an exciting night in ivory coast, where the final of the africa cup of nations has now kicked off. the score is currently 1—1. this was the reaction at rival watching parties in london when nigeria scored first. nigeria fans there on the left, ivory coast on the right. the super eagles are aiming for a fourth afcon crown, while the ivorians are looking to add to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015. the mood really picked up — as you can see — when ivory coast scored their goal in the 62nd minute. it looks like a nightclub over there. let's go live to our news reporter simi jolaoso. simi, do we have you? yes, we do! i can hearyou now and simi, do we have you? yes, we do! i can hear you now and i simi, do we have you? yes, we do! i can hearyou now and i can simi, do we have you? yes, we do! i can hear you now and i can hear the

noise behind you. what is the atmosphere like there now? it has been crazy. _ atmosphere like there now? it has been crazy. to _ atmosphere like there now? it has been crazy, to say _ atmosphere like there now? it has been crazy, to say the _ atmosphere like there now? it has been crazy, to say the least, - been crazy, to say the least, especially after ivory coast scored another goal, keeping up with nigeria. initially william troost—ekong scored the first go for nigeria and then ivory coast came strong with franck kessie scored another goal, so it is equalised at the moment. the last time ivory coast be nigeria was in 2008, and nigeria beat ivory coast in the group stage... it looks like... cheering i don't know if you can hear me right now, but it seems like ivory coast is getting a penalty! cheering a lot of celebration _ coast is getting a penalty! cheering a lot of celebration here. _ chanting i have got with me diane, and ivory

coast fan, her brother plays for ivory coast. there you go! and she actually has been watching him play over the last few weeks and has come to see him in the final. are you proud of your brother and how he has performed so far? i am proud of your brother and how he has performed so far?— performed so far? i am so proud of my brother- _ performed so far? i am so proud of my brother- it _ performed so far? i am so proud of my brother. it has _ performed so far? i am so proud of my brother. it has been _ performed so far? i am so proud of my brother. it has been a - performed so far? i am so proud of| my brother. it has been a long time coming _ my brother. it has been a long time coming i_ my brother. it has been a long time coming i am — my brother. it has been a long time coming. i am so proud to see him... such— coming. i am so proud to see him... sucha— coming. i am so proud to see him... such a bride — coming. i am so proud to see him... such a bride to — coming. i am so proud to see him... such a pride to me and the family, the nationat— such a pride to me and the family, the national team stop you what you thin- the national team stop you what you thing about the elephant performance so far. _ thing about the elephant performance so far, especially making the final -- what _ so far, especially making the final -- what do — so far, especially making the final —— what do you think about the elements— —— what do you think about the elements performance? in life, you have to believe in godm — in life, you have to believe in god... , god... cheering ivory _ god. . . cheering ivory coast - god. . . cheering ivory coast has i god... cheering | ivory coast hasjust god... cheering - ivory coast hasjust scored god... cheering _ ivory coast hasjust scored again! ivory coast has just scored again! now too— to ivory coast. —— 2—1.

look at the fans go. you can see, they are all excited.— they are all excited. cheering i don't they are all excited. cheering i don't know — they are all excited. cheering i don't know if _ they are all excited. cheering i don't know if anybody - they are all excited. cheering i don't know if anybody had - they are all excited. cheering i i don't know if anybody had such high affectation for ivory coast. they thought ivory coast could win, but i have passed all ex petitions here. the nigerian fans will be so disappointed. the score, regarded as the biggest threat to nigeria tonight, and he has proven exactly why. it is 2—1 to ivory coast. i just thought they scored again, but they did not. it is 2—1 to ivory coast on macro cheering chanting

you can hear the celebration. simi, thank you. i almost want to leave them. ifeel like i'm going to miss another goal! thank you so much for that. we are going to come back to you, i am sure. millions of people around the world will tune in to watch the super bowl later. this year, the kansas city chiefs are taking on the san francisco 49ers. las vegas is hosting the sporting event, and fans have been pouring into the city and — in the past few hours — the stadium where the match is due to kick off in around two hours' time. let's speak tojez braithwaite, who is a big fan of american football but based here in the uk, where he will be watching the game in a pub with friends. thank you so much for your time. first, i have to ask, who are you actually rooting for? it is first, i have to ask, who are you actually rooting for?— actually rooting for? it is tough one. but actually rooting for? it is tough one- iout i _ actually rooting for? it is tough one. but i think— actually rooting for? it is tough one. but i think i've _

actually rooting for? it is tough one. but i think i've got - actually rooting for? it is tough one. but i think i've got to go l actually rooting for? it is tough i one. but i think i've got to go with the chiefs. my team that i follow, the chiefs. my team that i follow, the giants, we have got a bit of history with the 49ers in the playoffs, going back to the 80s and a bit in the early to thousands, so, yeah, i think i'm ready for the chiefs. �* yeah, i think i'm ready for the chiefs. ~ ., ., , ., yeah, i think i'm ready for the chiefs. ~ ., ., ., ., chiefs. and that has got nothing to do with taylor _ chiefs. and that has got nothing to do with taylor swift, _ chiefs. and that has got nothing to do with taylor swift, i _ chiefs. and that has got nothing to do with taylor swift, i am - chiefs. and that has got nothing to i do with taylor swift, i am assuming? absolutely nothing to do with taylor swift. in the nineteen nineties... no, ijust want swift. in the nineteen nineties... no, i just want to see a swift. in the nineteen nineties... no, ijust want to see a good game, not interested in half—time and all that. not interested in half-time and all that. ~ . not interested in half-time and all that. . ., ., , , ., ., not interested in half-time and all that. . ., ., ,, ., ., ., that. what appealed to you about the su er that. what appealed to you about the super ibowl? — that. what appealed to you about the super bowl? because _ that. what appealed to you about the super bowl? because it _ that. what appealed to you about the super bowl? because it is _ that. what appealed to you about the super bowl? because it is growing i that. what appealed to you about the super bowl? because it is growing in| super bowl? because it is growing in popularity around the world, but it is still not as big here in the uk as it is in the us.— as it is in the us. no, it is a weird one, isn't _ as it is in the us. no, it is a weird one, isn't it? - as it is in the us. no, it is a weird one, isn't it? you - as it is in the us. no, it is a i weird one, isn't it? you could as it is in the us. no, it is a - weird one, isn't it? you could go out any sunday night while the nfl regular season is on and go to a bar on the street i am on now, and there would be no one here, and then super bowl, it is hard to get a table, you have to pre—book, we pre—booked like a month in advance, so, yeah, i

think it isjust a month in advance, so, yeah, i think it is just the spectacle of the super bowl. people are inclined to watch it and whether taylor slipped as brought a few more bums on seats, it is a possibility, i suppose. —— taylor swift. on seats, it is a possibility, i suppose. -- taylor swift. would you exect the suppose. -- taylor swift. would you expect the tentative _ suppose. -- taylor swift. would you expect the tentative defect - suppose. -- taylor swift. would you expect the tentative defect is - expect the tentative defect is popular for the sport? expect the tentative defect is popularfor the sport? or expect the tentative defect is popular for the sport? or is expect the tentative defect is popularfor the sport? or is in a distraction —— expect the taylor swift effect is popular? it is distraction -- expect the taylor swift effect is popular?- distraction -- expect the taylor swift effect is popular? it is a bit of both. taylor _ swift effect is popular? it is a bit of both. taylor 50s _ swift effect is popular? it is a bit of both. taylor 50s a _ swift effect is popular? it is a bit of both. taylor 50s a household | of both. taylor 50s a household name, patrick mahomes and travis kelce are probably not household names, but money is not an issue, is it, in america? they are not struggling for money, and the game stops every three seconds to put in their advert —— put another advert on. forthe their advert —— put another advert on. for the players? their advert —— put another advert on. forthe players? orto their advert —— put another advert on. for the players? or to say, really for it is such a big spectacle anyway, i don't know. yeah, and there will be the nfl lending games. i wonder whether you think perhaps one day, london should

be the first non—us city to host the super bowl? apparently that ideal start about by the commissioner at one point? start about by the commissioner at one oint? ., ., ., , ., one point? yeah, that does not a- eal one point? yeah, that does not appeal to _ one point? yeah, that does not appeal to me — one point? yeah, that does not appealto me at— one point? yeah, that does not appeal to me at all. _ one point? yeah, that does not appeal to me at all. it - one point? yeah, that does not appeal to me at all. it is - one point? yeah, that does not appeal to me at all. it is an - appeal to me at all. it is an american sport, keep it all in the states. i picked the team, if there was a london—based team, i would not be inclined to start supporting them just because they were london—based. i think it would be weird, it would be like if man united, man city, played in france or something, it would be bizarre. london games are a spectacle and brings on the different to the game, it gives us fan a chance to see the teams we support and we follow as well. week in, week out, we don't get that opportunity somewhat you're on live television, this is recording —. what is your production for the game.

—— prediction for the game? i -- prediction for the game? i think i will no -- prediction for the game? i think i will go chiefs. _ -- prediction for the game? i think i will go chiefs. it _ -- prediction for the game? i think i will go chiefs. it will _ -- prediction for the game? i think i will go chiefs. it will be _ -- prediction for the game? i think i will go chiefs. it will be close. - i will go chiefs. it will be close. one score in it. we will go like 28-24 one score in it. we will go like 28—24 chiefs, we will say. we 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have not that 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, _ 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, it _ 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, it is _ 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, it is on - 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, it is on tv, - 28-24 chiefs, we will say. we have got that recorded, it is on tv, let i got that recorded, it is on tv, let us find out if you are right! have a good night, thanks so much. you too, cheers! we mentioned it to —— taylor swift there. she has been stealing all the pre—game headlines. she's behind the umbrellas here — after racing back from her tokyo concert to watch her boyfriend chiefs star travis kelce play in the big game. and a baker in the uk has created something special for the occasion — a life—sized taylor swift cake. yes, that is the cake right there. it took 38 hours to make, using almost 130 kilos of ingredients. we wa nted we wanted you to have a good look.

tens of thousands of people have turned out across the uk to see colourful dancing dragons and celebrate the lunar new year. in london, they were treated to a blaze of red and gold, with elaborate costumes, chinese performers, street food stalls and chinese arts and crafts, as chinatown hosted a day of family—friendly activities. here's tolu adeoye with this report. off with a bang, london's chinese new year parade, as the lunar calendar goes from the year of the rabbit to the year of the dragon. and there was a clear favourite draw for those who came to watch. what do you like? the dragons. the dragons — they've been pretty awesome, haven't they? the dragons at the front, - where they come up to your face. the dragon. this is thought to be the largest chinese new year celebration outside of asia. it takes about eight months to plan. it's a very, very big party. there are quite a lot of different groups of lion dancers and dragon dancers, but they're actually normal, working people who do this in their spare time as a hobby.

all these costumes were actually shipped over from china, and it's made by the ladies in their village, and they very kindly lent us the costumes that we could use. it's my first time doing this. going to be back next year? i would love to come back. today's free event drew hundreds of thousands of people into central london's chinatown. it's nice to celebrate things in london, especially as well because it's free. i like to get the children experiencing new cultures other than our own, so it's nice. their first chinese new year, and we're just so lucky that they get to immerse in so many cultures in the city of london. the last day of the chinese new year is marked by the festival of lanterns. that's not for another couple of weeks, so there's time for people to come down to enjoy this extra special time of year here in london's chinatown. really proud and also really great to be here and to wish all the people and wish everyone good luck and fortune for the year of dragon. tolu adeoye, bbc news.

could it be third time lucky for carey mulligan at next month's oscars? she's one of only two british actors to be nominated for an academy award this year for her performance in maestro, about the complicated life of the composer leonard bernstein. the film is co—written and directed by bradley cooper, who also plays bernstein. carey mulligan has been speaking to our culture editor katie razzall. oscar—nominated first for best actress in an education... it was a rehearsal. how old am i? ..then more recently for promising young woman... what's my name? hello, i'm lenny. hello, felicia. ..could it be third time lucky for carey mulligan in maestro? and while she says she doesn't choose roles with awards in mind, she's frank about how much fun it can be. it is really exciting, principally because you get to be in a room with people that you really admire, directors you want to work with, writers you want to work with. i've introduced myself to everyone the last couple of months.

i've been like, "hi, jesse armstrong! "we've never met, but i'm a big fan of succession." she's a fan, too, of bradley cooper, nominated for acting and writing maestro — which he also directed — about the complicated love story between the conductor and composer leonard bernstein and his wife, the actress felicia montealegre. i've been in some incredible kind of overtly feminist films, which i've absolutely loved and relished being in, like promising young woman, she said and suffragette. i have resisted playing the wife to the great man. but what was amazing about this was that they wrote this character, who was so well written, fully fleshed out, complicated, and that in itself is such a feminist statement. yeah, i have heard actresses talk in the past about how, actually, it's very depressing to always get the script, which is, you know, "the wife of", "the wife of", and is that changing? looking at this year, there are extraordinary roles for women. and i do think progress isn't a straight line, but everything is moving in the right direction. and i see it definitely in the writing.

so how long do we have to do this for? maestro is up for a best make—up oscar, despite the criticism from some about bradley cooper's prosthetic nose. did it worry you? you know, there was sort of claims it was anti—semitic. you know, bradley's whole focus from the offset was, "how do i make this as real as possible, to people who knew him, "didn't know him, to his kids?" and part of that was the look. so i wasn't worried because i knew that when people saw the film, they would realise that this was, you know... and the family felt like, "yeah, he looks like our dad. "that's amazing." your truth makes you brave... preparation for their roles included five days of dream workshops, in which these actors bared their souls. a little bit la woo woo? or did you think, "this works"? i think there's la woo woo, but it's also... you know, we're actors! it's all quite woo—woo anyway. we're dressing up and pretending to be other people. you can't go too far, really. as long as you're nice to people, do whatever it takes! so does maestro have what it takes to woo oscar voters? katie razzall, bbc news.

before we go, let's bring you some live pictures of his neck watch parties for the africa cup of nations —— two watch parties. that is ivory coast celebrate them because right now they are leading 2-1. because right now they are leading 2—1. just earlier, we saw them score two goals and it was a big reaction, and yet it is not quite the same impression there for nigeria. stay with us here on bbc news. let's see how that develops. hello there. very pleased to say it's been a quieter weekend of weather for most of us, but there's still a lot of waterlogged fields and pavements out there, as you can see by this weather watcher picture sent in from hull a little earlier on. now, as we go through the week ahead, we might start off quite

optimistic with some sunny spells around, but it will turn increasingly unsettled, with the showers turning to longer spells of rain, breezy at times, but it will be mild, particularly through the middle part of the week. this has been the story today. we've had some nuisance rainjust clinging onto the far east coast of scotland and northeast england. some brighter spells and a few scattered showers out to the west. now, those showers will continue to feed in across west—facing coasts overnight. but with some clearer skies, temperatures are likely to fall away. it's going to be a chilly start to our monday morning. low single figures for many, perhaps in rural parts of scotland, below freezing, a touch of ice not out of the question where we've got those lingering showers. low pressure dominates the scene as we move into monday, the wind direction coming from a northwesterly, slightly fresher source and that's going to continue to drive in plenty of showers closest to that area of low. so northern ireland, scotland, perhaps northwest england as well.

and some of the showers to the tops of the mountains once again could be wintry in nature. but there will be some sunshine elsewhere and those temperatures are likely to peak between six and ten degrees. as we go through monday evening and into tuesday, we've got this little ridge of high pressure keeping things quiet. but all the time this weather front is approaching from the southwest, that is going to gradually spill in more cloud ahead of it. so after a bright start, clouding over. a few scattered showers in the far northwest, more persistent showery rain develops across the channel islands, south west england, wales and eventually into the midlands, north west england and northern ireland by the end of the afternoon. 7 to 11, our overall highs. so as we move out of tuesday into wednesday, it's here where the showers potentially could merge to longer spells of rain as it stays pretty unsettled. the wind direction there coming from a south—westerly, so a very mild direction and that is going to just push that milder air further north across the country. so it does mean that we could see temperatures perhaps into the mid—teens as we go through the middle part of the week. but it stays pretty unsettled for many of us.

take care.

live from london, this is bbc news. president biden tells israel's prime minister not to press ahead with an offensive in rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of the 1.5 million palestinians sheltering there. the head of nato slams donald trump for saying he would encourage russia to attack any nato ally that doesn't spend enough on defence.

finland's conservative former prime minister, alexander stubb, has won the country's presidential election. the political blocs which came second and third in pakistan's election say they'll work together to try to form a government. and the final of the africa cup of nations is over, with hosts ivory coast having won. with fans cheering on ivory coast and nigeria at the africa cup of nations. hello, i'm azadeh moshiri. welcome to the programme. we begin with israel's planned offensive in rafah. prime minister benjamin netanyahu has insisted it will go ahead — despite the fact that more than half of gaza's population has taken shelter there. he says israel will give civilians safe passage to areas

they've cleared north of rafah. and he claims israel's army has killed one hamas