i'm helena humphrey. the us has carried out its first airdrop of aid into gaza, using three military cargo planes. us central command said it dropped more than 38,000 meals along the gaza coastline in a joint operation withjordan�*s air force. the uk, france and egypt have already airdropped aid into gaza, but this is the first time the us has done so. negotiations over a temporary ceasefire are expected to restart sunday in cairo. meanwhile, israeli war cabinet member benny gantz will visit the white house monday to meet with us vice president kamala harris. they're expected to discuss a humanitarian truce as well as reducing palestinian civilian casualties and increasing deliveries of aid. inernational calls are intensifiying for accountability for recent violence, including the killing of more than 100 people at an aid convoy on thursday as well as the killing of at least

11 people — including two health care workers — in an israeli raid in the city of rafah — that's according to gaza's health ministry. the bbc�*s diplomatic correspondent paul adams reports from jerusalem. how were so many people injured? were they shot or crushed in a desperate stampede? at gaza's shifa hospital, the un says there's evidence of both. this hospital is treating more than 200 people that were injured. we have seen people with gunshot wounds. you have seen amputees and we have seen children as young as 12. jihad is haunted by what he saw when the convoy arrived on thursday morning. "were the soldiers firing deliberately?" he's asked. "yes. with tanks, soldiers, aircraft". why the shooting started is still not clear. israel says troops felt threatened.

how? these pictures do not show. tanks were present. there's no evidence of aircraft being involved. the un finally reached gaza city yesterday, taking badly needed fuel and medicine to shifa hospital, demanding israel do more to open up the north. today, the first air drops by american planes, 35,000 meals. but these are desperate measures. air drops, no substitute for proper relief. no matter where we go into north gaza from or indeed all of the gaza strip. it could be from air, land, sea. it doesn't matter as long as there's enough aid to help the more than two million people here. israel's closest allies are now sounding increasingly openly frustrated. aid flowing to gaza is nowhere nearly enough. now, it's nowhere nearly enough. the president wants a ceasefire, but in rafah this morning, dreadful scenes outside a maternity hospital.

some images too shocking to broadcast. gaza's health ministry said this was an air strike. but is a cease fire deal getting close? as the families and friends of israeli hostages marched onjerusalem, there's talk of a fresh round of negotiations in cairo tomorrow. paul adams, bbc news, jerusalem. as paul adams mentioned there — a march is taking place injerusalem calling for a ceasefire. and as part of that, people around the world are taking to the streets to stand against the war. this is washington dc, where people are attending the "global day of action: hands off rafah" march. protestors are outside israel's us embassy calling on us leaders for a ceasefire. they also paid tribute to us airman aaron bushnell, who died last week after setting himself on fire outside the embassy to protest israel's bombing of gaza. joining me live is elise labott, a senior adjunt professor at american university's school of international scienece

and she's the author of the cosmopolitics substack. welcome to the programme. the us military air dropping eight on saturday for the first time, what message do you think that sends that israel's closest ally has resorted to delivering aid from the air rather than being able to bring it in underground? fix, rather than being able to bring it in underground?— rather than being able to bring it in underground? a few things, first of all it's a message _ in underground? a few things, first of all it's a message from - in underground? a few things, first of all it's a message from the - in underground? a few things, first of all it's a message from the us i of all it's a message from the us that it of all it's a message from the us thatitis of all it's a message from the us that it is dedicated to getting more aid into gaza. you know that is one of the things the administration has spoken very clearly about, about the need to get more aid in. so there is a lot of discussion about whether it is because the borders are closed or because of breakdown of law and order, and you so what has happened in the last few days inside gaza, with the aid trucks and opened fire. so, the us, israel is not really listening to the us right now about

how many trucks should get in. so the us has resorted to that aid in, also, look, we see what happened here in the united states and how strongly americans feel about getting it into gaza, we saw what happened in the michigan primary, so it's a message to president biden from his domestic supporters that he hears them and is trying to get aid in. . . ., , hears them and is trying to get aid in. . ., .,, _, hears them and is trying to get aid in. that airdrop coming as a top us officials as a _ in. that airdrop coming as a top us officials as a framework _ in. that airdrop coming as a top us officials as a framework for - in. that airdrop coming as a top us officials as a framework for a - in. that airdrop coming as a top us officials as a framework for a deal. officials as a framework for a deal for six weeks cease—fire in gaza is soon to take place. what do we know about that? we soon to take place. what do we know about that? ~ . ., soon to take place. what do we know about that?— about that? we are waiting for hamas to 0k to deal— about that? we are waiting for hamas to 0k to deal with, _ about that? we are waiting for hamas to 0k to deal with, what essays - about that? we are waiting for hamas to 0k to deal with, what essays is - to 0k to deal with, what essays is really more or less has accepted the framework deal. that is a bit fuzzy. there are some basic frameworks of ideal. basically, both sides would and theirfighting, israel might stop aerial reconnaissance for eight hours a day and the main thing is about hostages. harmony is really

hostages would be treated for harmony by civilians. it seems about 40 harmony by civilians. it seems about a0 is really hostages and that includes women, elderly, those really sick, i didn't do vulnerable ones will get out, it looks like a ratio of about one to ten. that means about a00 palestinians. 0ne means about a00 palestinians. one of the sticking point is who those palestinians are. obviously hamas want some of its fighters and people responsible for attacks on israelis to get out, and israel has been firm letting dangerous people out but also being clear on who should be letting out, and other sticking point of hamas is is is really going to withdraw its forces from the north to allow palestinians to return home to the north. as you know, in gaza, and rafah, in the south, it is really chaotic, checksheet, situation —— tragic, and

obviously there will be an advance on gaza by israel when this is all done, so what everyone is hoping at least for now there could be, for ramadan, we are talking about a0 days, where palestinians could get some aid and return home, a return to normalcy, and if there is a return to fighting, that israel it will concentrate on the south. 0ne will concentrate on the south. one of the things hamas would be looking for is a guarantee that after these a0 days there will be talk about a permanent cease—fire. those assurances seem to be fuzzy as well. we are also learning that is really war cabinet member benny gantz is meeting with vice president, kamala harris on monday, what do you think about that meeting? what do you think might realistically come from it? i think might realistically come from it? 4' ,, , ., ., 4' it? i think the us is looking for clear assurances _ it? i think the us is looking for clear assurances about - it? i think the us is looking for clear assurances about what i it? i think the us is looking for -

clear assurances about what israel's plan is, about fighting resuming and the advance on rafah and what is the ease really plan for getting palestinians out of harm's way —— israeli plan, not dismissing them from rafah to some other area. what are the evacuation routes which mark this is what the us is saying. it does not approve of an offensive on rafah until israel gives us assurances. it is interesting that, the harvest will be the one meeting with benny gantz, obviously president biden is busy and is also campaigning as well, but at the same time i think kamala harris has been the one speaking very strongly about humanitarian aid, about what is going on in the palestinians, and i think there's a perception that she might be a bit tougher on benny gantz than president biden. i do not necessarily think that is why she would meet him but you do see her taking a bit of a more visible role in the conflict.—

the commander—in—chief of ukraine's armed forces, general 0leksandr syrsky, has indicated he'll replace some commanders on the eastern front. he said that after spending three days there, it had become clear why some battalions were managing to hold off russian attacks while others were not. general 0leksandr syrsky took on the role of ukraine's top military commander following a significant shake—up of army leadership earlier in february. meanwhile, ukrainian president zelensky renewed his plea to western allies for additional air defence systems, after at least seven people have been killed in a russian drone attack on 0desa. local officials reported the victims of the overnight strike included a baby and a two—year—old child. germany's chancellor says his government is investigating the apparent intercept by russia of a military meeting in which officers discussed the conflict in ukraine — including plans to supply ukraine

with german—made missles. 0laf scholz, who's been meeting with the pope at the vatican , called it a very serious matter. audio of what's believed to be a confidential video conference between german officers was posted to social media in russia. dr thomas withington, an analyst and writer specialising in electronic warfare, spoke to the bbc about the signficance of the apparent hack. it was a discussion i think. assuming it is, it is true and it is indeed an intercept that russia's performed. a very sober discussion regarding the challenges of supplying these weapons, many of which have been already been discussed in the public domain. so i think there was nothing terribly, as i say, revelatory about it. i think the interesting thing is if russia has the capability to regularly intercept german military communications and strategic communications like this, i mean, why leak something relatively anodyne?

former us president donald trump has clinched more wins in the race to secure the republican presidential nomination. his victories in missouri and michigan give him more delegates, and deals another blow to nikki haley — who is mr trump's only remaining challenger in the race for the republican ticket. the biggest day for the two of them this week will be on �*super tuesday', when 15 states and one territory will vote. but with ms haley distantly trailing mr trump, he is already setting his sights on november's general election. a new york times siena poll out saturday says more registered voters would pick donald trump over joe biden if they were the two candidates in a general election held today. mr trump leads mr biden a8—a3. it also says that the share of voters who strongly disapprove of mr biden�*s handling of hisjob has reached a7% — that's higher than at any point in his presidency. that will likely be welcome news to mr trump who is holding a rally

in richmond virginia. live now to bernd debusmann who's in richmond outside of the rally. the to have you with us. just to begin, tell us about the atmosphere there. you spoken to supporters, donald trump supporters, what have the tool do? we donald trump supporters, what have the tool do?— the tool do? i've been here for about eight— the tool do? i've been here for about eight hours _ the tool do? i've been here for about eight hours and - the tool do? i've been here for about eight hours and they're. the tool do? i've been here for i about eight hours and they're still hundreds of people lined up to hear donald trump speak, he supposed to speak shortly, i've spoken to people who have been here since 5am in the morning, and they want to see the candidate they feel it speaks with their issues. i asked him what those issues were, i got different answers. education, the economy, but more than anything i heard concern about the border and perceptions that the border and immigration are driving crime. that something every single person i spoke to discussed, and i think that's is something lots of his supporters here, the ones that make it into seem, would be

looking to hear from that make it into seem, would be looking to hearfrom him tonight. fin looking to hear from him tonight. 0n the stage tonight, what do you think based off previous appearances? this isn't it traditional campaign trail for donald trump right now, but based on messaging from other rallies, what do you think you'll be trying to say to the crowd tonight? earlier today, trying to say to the crowd tonight? earliertoday, he trying to say to the crowd tonight? earlier today, he had another events and touch up on most of the talking points that have come to define his campaign so far. the economy, his perception ofjoe biden and his ability to govern the united states, and he went on at some length about the border. and i think we'll be getting lots of those talking points tonight in richmond, but importantly there will be encouraging his voters to get out and vote. 0ne there will be encouraging his voters to get out and vote. one of the campaign slogans they unveiled was too big to rain. he wants us strong showing on super tuesday which will help with zooming of striking distance of solidifying his position later on in march, so i think you

would be energising his supporters without messaging about the border might be economy and biden, so will hear a bit about that tonight. then. hear a bit about that tonight. then, ou hear a bit about that tonight. then, you mention _ hear a bit about that tonight. then, you mention the _ hear a bit about that tonight. then, you mention the fact _ hear a bit about that tonight. then, you mention the fact that _ you mention the fact that super tuesday, 15 states going to the polls, one territory as well, mathematically speaking, is there the possibility that donald trump could wrap up the nomination at that early stage?— early stage? mathematically speaking. — early stage? mathematically speaking. he _ early stage? mathematically speaking, he cannot - early stage? mathematically | speaking, he cannot officially clench it on super tuesday but a strong showing, which every indication of the moment is there would be a strong showing in his favour, we put them in striking distance of securing, of quenching that. his campaign has been telling reporters that they expected at the student censured by the 12th of march, the latest by the 19th, and a strong showing here will put him in this position of wrapping that up well before the end of the month. he will be hoping for a strong turnout on tuesday here in virginia and the other states that have the

primaries. other states that have the primaries-_ other states that have the rimaries. ~ ., , ~ primaries. then, we know these kind of races, looking _ primaries. then, we know these kind of races, looking ahead _ primaries. then, we know these kind of races, looking ahead to _ primaries. then, we know these kind of races, looking ahead to the - of races, looking ahead to the general election, will be about excitement and enthusiasm for candidates. i know we've spoken to supporters for donald trump, nikki haley, joe biden, tell us more about that excitement and enthusiasm that donald trump supporters appear to have. this donald trump supporters appear to have. �* , ., �* , ., have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to --eole have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to people that — have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to people that today — have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to people that today got _ have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to people that today got here at - have. as i mentioned, i've spoken to people that today got here at five - people that today got here at five a: m., people that today got here at five a:m., just for an opportunity to see him, and i spoke to people who are that enthusiastic about them that they would be here all day, many of them have driven from, i spoke to one man who drove from newjersey overnightjust to get in line early this morning. and i think that shows the level of dedication and commitment and excitement among his core base of supporters. that is what he is a candidate thrives on and that is what is campaign is open will prevail and forward into november. we

will prevail and forward into november-— will prevail and forward into november. ~ ~ ., , ., november. we know he is facing for criminal cases _ november. we know he is facing for criminal cases as _ november. we know he is facing for criminal cases as well, _ november. we know he is facing for criminal cases as well, some - november. we know he is facing for criminal cases as well, some 91 - criminal cases as well, some 91 felony charges. when you speak to people, do they seem concerned about that? , ., �* people, do they seem concerned about that? y ., �* ., , that? they don't. that is something i asked everyone _ that? they don't. that is something i asked everyone i _ that? they don't. that is something i asked everyone i spoke _ that? they don't. that is something i asked everyone i spoke to earlier. i asked everyone i spoke to earlier today, and people do not seem particularly concerned, but the theme and narrative that his campaign is putting on that i let the people here seem to resonate with is that those various court cases are election interference. it's something i heard from most of the people i spoke to today, so there's a perception which works in his campaigns favour that that is kind of because of how he is performing in the polls, and i spoke to a few people that even said they were even more encouraged to vote for him because they see him as being prosecuted by what they see as a whip ionised department of justice. that is something we will also hear about tonight and it is certainly resonated with a lot of the crowd behind me.— certainly resonated with a lot of the crowd behind me. bbc's bended woodsman there, _ the crowd behind me. bbc's bended woodsman there, as a _

the crowd behind me. bbc's bended woodsman there, as a trump - the crowd behind me. bbc's bended woodsman there, as a trump rally i the crowd behind me. bbc's bended| woodsman there, as a trump rally in virginia. thank you. conservatives are leading the initial vote count in iran. voters went to the polls friday to elect members of parliament and the assembly of experts, the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader. the supreme leader — ayatollah ali khamenei, encouraged iranians to disregard prominent activists who had called for a boycott of the election. unofficial results suggest a historically low turnout around a0%. this was the first vote in iran since massive protests in 2022, sparked by the death of 22—year—old mahsa amini in police custody, after she allegedly violated the country's strict hijab laws. iran responded to the uprising with brutality, killing nearly 500 people and arresting approximately 20,000. iran, meanwhile, faces challenges from international sanctions that have hampered its economy. reformist and moderate election candidates appear to have performed poorly. final results are expected on sunday. let's turn to some important news around the world... parts of the sierra nevada range

in northern california are facing an extraordinary amount of snow. national weather service forecasters warn more than ten feet, three metres of snow at higher elevations will create �*life—threatening' conditions for residents around lake tahoe. tens of thousands of homes at lower elevations are also without power amid heavy rain. severe flooding in bolivia has prompted a dire situation. rising waters have deluged homes and farmland, leaving roads impassable and cutting of vital supply routes to villages along a major river. it's exacerbating food security concerns in the region. chad's military leader says he will run in presidential elections in may. mahamat idriss deby itno made the announcement during a speech on saturday, three days after his main rival was killed. the militaryjunta says yaya dillo was killed in an exchange of gunfire after an attack on the country's security agency. dillo's opposition party denies he had a part in the attack, and says he was executed by soldiers

at point blank range. the uk government is expected to lay out measures to tackle what it sees as rising extremism in the uk. it follows a warning by prime minister rishi sunak that britain's democracy is under threat from islamist extremists and the far right. in an address outside downing street on friday, he said the government and country must face them down. mr sunak�*s unexpected intervention follows the by—election victory of far—left politician george galloway. the american businesswoman and fashion model iris apfel has died at the age of 102. the new york socialite originally specialised in interior design, and went on to sign a modelling contract in her 905. she was known for her flamboyant clothes and signature big round glasses — and as graham satchell reports, also for speaking her mind: you're not pretty and you'll never be pretty. but it doesn't matter. you have something much better — you have style. they are the words that came

to define iris apfel, who described herself as a geriatric starlet. she became a global phenomenon at the age of 87 when her extraordinary collection of clothes and accessories were exhibited in new york. she signed a modelling contract when she was 97. i think dressing up should be fun. i think too many women — in america anyhow, i don't know how it is here — just get themselves into such a snit about what to wear and whatnot to wear that i often say it's better to be happy than, well—dressed. apfel made her name as an interior designer, working on projects for nine different american presidents at the white house with her husband, carl. we're not supposed to talk about the white house. they get very upset. we had a problem withjack. stop! listening to apfel was as beguiling as watching her. she was a cross between anna wynter and joan rivers.

in the words of my grandpa, a woman is as old as she looks when a man is never old until he stops looking. apfel would scour flea markets for accessories. her more—is—more approach based on what she loved rather than price. i get more kick out of this because for $a and change, than if my husband took me to harry winston. she had more than three million followers on social media — inspired by her honesty, creativity and razor—sharp wit. fellow designer tommy hilfiger said she was an incredible talent with a huge heart and a magic touch. the huge glasses were iris apfel�*s trademark. she even had her own doppelganger in the cartoon, the incredibles. people would say, "why do you wear them so large?" and i would say, "the bigger to see you," and that would shut them up. iris apfel, who has died at the age of 102. singapore's culture minister has played down reports the city state

paid a substantial sum to secure taylor swift's only live shows in south east asia after a backlash from neighbouring countries. the bbc�*s pierre—antoine denis has more: at the very heart of this political bad blood surrounding taylor swift in south—east asia, a press conference from the prime minister of thailand who said the singaporean government is clever. they told organisers of the taylor swift concert not to hold any other shows in south east asia. so in other words, an exclusivity clause for taylor swift against a hefty price, around £15 million. is the claims that he made in this press conference. the singaporean government neither denied or confirmed the solidarity clause, but did say that the actual amount was nowhere near that price. but has singapore gone above and beyond to get the taylor mania all to itself? looking at the scene all week in singapore, as you can see in these images, one can easily think so, but swifties are loving it.

and, you know, everyone here, you know, even if they're not watching the concert, they still, you know, experienced and enjoyed it. so i do think these activations actually really emphasize that she's actually in singapore because like, it's getting real. so it's like this feeling of like it's getting real. it's getting serious. well, as you can expect, overseas fans have paid a heavy price to be part of the event. our team in singapore has collected a few testimonies, including one from a chinese tourists who said she spent over $900 in flights alone to be at the event. but it seems that there is clearly no bad blood between taylor swift and her asian fans because all of the seats were sold out in a matter of hours as soon as it became public. you can read all about frances moore's feature on our website, bbc.co.uk. animal rights protesters took the spotlight of one of the most highly—anticipated moments of paris fashion week when they disrupted

victoria beckham's show. members of people for the ethical treatment of animals stormed the catwalk to protest against the use of animal skins in the fashion industry. beckham's brand doesn't use fur or exotic skins — but the campaigners say some designs use leather. the group has urged the ms beckham to use more eco—friendly fabrics. beckham made a brief appearance at the end of the show on crutches — due to a recent foot injury. a video of a killer whale off the coast of south africa hunting and killing a great white shark is offering researcher a new glipse into their behavior. scientists say the video shows the exceptional hunting skill of killer whales, and demonstrates how adaptable they can be. previously, orcas — sometimes referred to as "the wolves of the sea" — have only been filmed hunting sharks as a pack. and before we go, singer—songwriter raye has made history at the brit awards tonight — with a record—breaking six accolades, including the awards for best artist and best album. she went up against dua lipa, who won for best pop act and also

opened the awards ceremony. six of the ten nominees in that field were female after the brits came under fire last year for its all—male nominees. stay with us here on bbc news i'm hannah —— helena humphrey in washington,. hello. low pressure has been dominating our weather picture this weekend. and on saturday, we had widespread showers around, the vast majority of them coming through as rain. we did see some snow return to parts of cumbria and also some snowfall from somerset through the west midlands and into parts of wales as well. quite localised snowfall, but a covering in places. cold air, then, firmly in place at the moment, with our area of low pressure spiralling around, with further showers gradually moving their way

northwards for the time being. again, the vast majority of these are coming through as rain. a little bit of sleet or snow mixed in across some of the higher parts of dumfries and galloway. and over the next few hours, we'll also see a bit of snow across higher parts of the grampians. otherwise, any showers will come through as rain. it will then get cold with clearing skies across wales, the middle and southern county of england, lowest temperatures about minus two. so some frost and a few icy stretches to watch out for. sunday morning, few mist and fog patches around as well. by and large, though, a decent kind of day coming up on sunday. there will be some high cloud affecting eastern parts of both scotland and england. the best of the sunshine will be further west, with just one or two showers running through across parts of western scotland, northern ireland, wales and the south west of england. but even here, the showers will be pretty well spaced. so you've got a decent chance of having a dry day. through sunday evening and sunday night time, we'll start to see the next weather system approaching, and that will be bringing more rain our way into monday.

so the rain making inroads in across parts of south west england and wales pretty quickly monday morning. after a dry and bright start in northern ireland, it turns wetter through monday afternoon. we hang on to some brighter weather for scotland and northeast england, that's where the best of the sunny spells will be. temperatures continue to be a little bit below average for this time of the year, with highs between nine and 11 degrees celsius. deeper into next week, areas of low pressure in the atlantic will continue to threaten outbreaks of rain in the west. high pressure close to the jear continent will keep the north and east largely dry. so, we'll see some changes in the weather from place to place. western areas likely to see the heaviest of the rain, particularly towards wales and south west england. the driest, brightest weather is likely to be across more eastern parts of the uk as we go through the week ahead. that's your latest weather. bye for now.

this is bbc news. we'll have the headlines for you at the top of the hour, which is straight after this programme. hello, everybody, a very warm welcome to talking business weekly with me, aaron heslehurst. let's go and take a look at what's on the show. the $300 billion question — should russia's cash be taken away to pay for the war in ukraine? with the fighting into its third year, can the west finally land the financial blow on president putin and finally stop him from affording the war? i'm going to be discussing that with these two — there they are — an eastern european economist who thinks selling the efforts might mean less money for ukraine in the long run, and estonia's foreign minister tells the taxpayers minister tells me taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for the aggression of its next—door neighbour, russia. plus, what about the damage inside ukraine? one of president zelensky�*s top economic advisers tells me about the struggle to keep financing the fighting and why getting millions of ukrainians back from abroad would be crucial

for the country's future. wherever you'rejoining me from around the world, once again, a big hello and a warm welcome to the show. you know, russia's invasion of ukraine is now into its third year, costing tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars. its huge impact has been felt in economies all around the world. it's had consequences for global trade, energy and food prices and, most of all, in ukraine itself. so, can the assets the west has frozen and which belong to moscow be used to pay for the damage and kyiv�*s ability to fight back? ukraine's reconstruction building — it's now estimated at $a86 billion, and there are signs that the west's enthusiasm for providing financial support is waning. translation: putin does not value people's lives. - he doesn't understand

or respect any rules. the only thing that is important for putin is money and power.