our correspondent joins a us aid drop. presidentjoe biden has been insisting that israel expands eight drops into gaza, but he hasn't been willing to use american arms supplies to post at home. shock in northern ireland following the resignation of the leader of the democratic unionist party, sirjeffrey donaldson. he is to strenuously contest charges of rape and other historical sexual offences. seven regions of ukraine have been hit by power blackouts after a wave of russian missile strikes, the second large—scale attack in a week. previously unheard recordings of late american soul singer marvin gaye have reportedly been found in belgium. we will be speaking to �*80s soul legend ruby turner.

hello and welcome. i'm sarah campbell. we start with the war between israel and hamas, as international pressure mounts for action to address the prospect of imminent famine among palestinians in gaza. we're following a number of developments. the us is said to have authorised the transfer of billions of dollars�* worth of bombs and fighterjets to israel in recent days. the package, reported by the washington post and reuters, comes despite growing calls for us military aid to be linked to changes in how israel conducts the war. it comes days after the un's top court, the international court ofjustice, ordered israel to allow the unimpeded flow of food aid into gaza. israel says un allegations that it's blocking aid are "wholly unfounded". the israeli prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has agreed to send officials to egypt and qatar in the coming days for a new round of talks on a possible ceasefire in gaza.

in the past 2a hours, both the uk and the us military have airdropped food supplies into gaza. our bbc middle east correspondent lucy williamson was on the us plane. aid drops into gaza are expensive, inefficient and increasingly controversial. these ready—prepared meals from the us army are being flown more than 1,000 miles from the us in qatar. there's plenty of food just a short drive from gaza's borders, but this american aid is being flown right across the middle east. 80 crates of food on board two c—i7 transport planes, dropped into a population the un says is on the brink of famine. it's not perfect. we know that there's upwards of 2 million people who need food on the ground who are hungry, innocent civilians who didn't ask for this conflict, and we're dropping meals in the tens of thousands, but at

least it's something. so does it feel like a drop in the bucket? maybe a little bit, but if you're a family on the ground who got some of this aid, it can be a life—saver. 12 people were reported to have drowned this week trying to retrieve packages from the sea, six others crushed in a stampede. what are you doing to try and mitigate those risks? literally everything we can. i know you spoke with the colonel earlier. we use a �*chute that falls at a slower rate to give the gazans more time to see the parachutes and make sure they're out of the way. we also have assets overhead that clear the drop zone, so we will not drop if there are any sorts of groupings of people there. after three hours in the air, the ramp opens on gaza's devastated coastline. they've just opened the hatch, ready to release the aid down into gaza. there's no organised distribution system down there. there it goes. a drop of aid in an ocean of hunger. getting aid in this way is a last resort, but a growing number of countries are doing it.

how much do these eye—catching flights relieve pressure on gaza's civilians, and how much the pressure on governments elsewhere? thousands of protesters in thejordanian capital, amman, have taken part in a sixth evening of protests in support of palestinians in gaza. crowds again gathered near the israeli embassy, demanding that the mission be closed. they also denounced the peace treaty betweenjordan and israel which was signed three decades ago, with some chanting in support of hamas. on tuesday, police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. let's speak to mey al sayegh,

spokesperson for the international federation of the red cross for the middle east and north africa. we will talk about the situation and the difficulties of getting aid into gaza. take us through the logistics. how do you get aid into gaza? we are almost six months into the conflict _ we are almost six months into the conflict. the situation in gaza is beyond — conflict. the situation in gaza is beyond catastrophic. as you have witnessed — beyond catastrophic. as you have witnessed in terms of logistics, we have witnessed a lot of challenges to get _ have witnessed a lot of challenges to get aid — have witnessed a lot of challenges to get aid in. it is difficult to -et to get aid in. it is difficult to get the _ to get aid in. it is difficult to get the aid n and to ensure the safety— get the aid n and to ensure the safety and security of all the humanitarian workers. we have a lot of challenges getting the aid in due

to the _ of challenges getting the aid in due to the long process of checking that is taking _ to the long process of checking that is taking place at the borders. there — is taking place at the borders. there are _ is taking place at the borders. there are four processes of checking _ there are four processes of checking. they sought the aid, prioritise — checking. they sought the aid, prioritise it, then they send it, it will go _ prioritise it, then they send it, it will go through four processes of checking — will go through four processes of checking. some items are rejected. the trucks — checking. some items are rejected. the trucks will have to go back, 100 kilometres — the trucks will have to go back, 100 kilometres. this takes a lot of time while _ kilometres. this takes a lot of time while people are in desperate need. people _ while people are in desperate need. people are — while people are in desperate need. people are lacking the basic services _ people are lacking the basic services. forthem, a people are lacking the basic services. for them, a loaf of bread, cup of— services. for them, a loaf of bread, cup of water, — services. for them, a loaf of bread, cup of water, the main medications,

we have _ cup of water, the main medications, we have seen how this is impacting the lives _ we have seen how this is impacting the lives of— we have seen how this is impacting the lives of people in gaza. fine we have seen how this is impacting the lives of people in gaza.- the lives of people in gaza. one of the lives of people in gaza. one of the issues — the lives of people in gaza. one of the issues that _ the lives of people in gaza. one of the issues that people _ the lives of people in gaza. one of the issues that people have - the lives of people in gaza. one of the issues that people have talkedj the issues that people have talked about is the fact that the items that are banned on the trucks seems to change, so something allowed in one week is not allowed in the next week. , ., ., , , ., week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what — week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what is _ week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what is allowed _ week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what is allowed in _ week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what is allowed in and - week. yes, unfortunately there is no list of what is allowed in and what i list of what is allowed in and what isn't _ list of what is allowed in and what isn't 0he — list of what is allowed in and what isn't. one day these items are on the trucks — isn't. one day these items are on the trucks and they are allowed to -et the trucks and they are allowed to get into— the trucks and they are allowed to get into gaza, another day this is not get into gaza, another day this is hot the _ get into gaza, another day this is not the case. this is placing a lot of pressure — not the case. this is placing a lot of pressure on the egyptian red crescent — of pressure on the egyptian red crescent and they have to get the aid again— crescent and they have to get the aid again back to repackage it. the main _ aid again back to repackage it. the main challenge now for the egyptian red crescent is there is no clear criteria — red crescent is there is no clear criteria of— red crescent is there is no clear criteria of what is allowed in and what _ criteria of what is allowed in and

what isn't — criteria of what is allowed in and what isn't. this places a lot of challenges and burgeon on the team is responding on the ground, be it the palestinian red crescent or the egyptian _ the palestinian red crescent or the egyptian red crescent. the international _ egyptian red crescent. the international court - egyptian red crescent. tie: international court ofjustice has ordered israel to take all necessary measures to ensure food supplies get into gaza. what needs to happen in orderfor that into gaza. what needs to happen in order for that to into gaza. what needs to happen in orderfor that to happen? {lit into gaza. what needs to happen in order for that to happen? of course toda we order for that to happen? of course today we are _ order for that to happen? of course today we are seeing _ order for that to happen? of course today we are seeing they _ order for that to happen? of course today we are seeing they need - order for that to happen? of course today we are seeing they need on i order for that to happen? of course i today we are seeing they need on the groumt _ today we are seeing they need on the groumt iti— today we are seeing they need on the ground. i'llgive today we are seeing they need on the ground. i'll give you an example. during— ground. i'll give you an example. during march there was supposed to be 180 _ during march there was supposed to be 180 trucks a day, but we have witnessed — be 180 trucks a day, but we have witnessed that it decreased dramatically down to ten trucks, and sometimes _ dramatically down to ten trucks, and sometimes there are no trucks getting — sometimes there are no trucks getting into gaza. while we see on the other— getting into gaza. while we see on the other side that the needs are enormous, — the other side that the needs are enormous, people are suffering, we have seen— enormous, people are suffering, we have seen malnutrition, we have seen

that people _ have seen malnutrition, we have seen that people need medical aids and there _ that people need medical aids and there is— that people need medical aids and there is medical equipment needed in hospitals, _ there is medical equipment needed in hospitals, so what we call for the international community, from the beginning — international community, from the beginning of this conflict, we have been _ beginning of this conflict, we have been advocating to get it in. people are starving. their basic needs are not ntet— are starving. their basic needs are not met today. this eight needs to -et not met today. this eight needs to get in _ not met today. this eight needs to get in and — not met today. this eight needs to get in and these were amongst our first cold _ get in and these were amongst our first cold that we need to get more aid in. _ first cold that we need to get more aid in. what — first cold that we need to get more aid in, what we have so far is like aid in, what we have so far is like a drop— aid in, what we have so far is like a drop in— aid in, what we have so far is like a drop inthe— aid in, what we have so far is like a drop in the ocean. it is not enough. _ a drop in the ocean. it is not enough, their needs are huge. and what _ enough, their needs are huge. and what we _ enough, their needs are huge. and what we always call for is unhindered and safe access for the humanitarian workers to get it into all parts _ humanitarian workers to get it into all parts of — humanitarian workers to get it into all parts of gaza, because in northern— all parts of gaza, because in northern gaza the aid is not getting in and _ northern gaza the aid is not getting in and we _ northern gaza the aid is not getting in and we have seen many children

have _ in and we have seen many children have passed away due to malnutrition and the _ have passed away due to malnutrition and the absence of food. we have passed away due to malnutrition and the absence of food.— and the absence of food. we really a- reciate and the absence of food. we really appreciate your — and the absence of food. we really appreciate your time. _ and the absence of food. we really appreciate your time. thank - and the absence of food. we really appreciate your time. thank you i and the absence of food. we really| appreciate your time. thank you for talking to us. now to northern ireland, where politics have been thrown into turmoil following the news that the leader of the democratic unionist party, sirjeffrey donaldson, has resigned after being charged with rape and other historical sexual offences. he was arrested on thursday along with a 57—year—old woman who's been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. they'll both appear in court next month. sirjeffrey is northern ireland's longest serving mp at westminster. he says he'll strenously contest the charges. jennifer 0'leary reports. sirjeffrey donaldson, a leader who, just weeks ago, returned his party to power—sharing at stormont. now his political career appears to be over. in a statement issued at lunchtime yesterday, his party announced his resignation, his political exit prompted

by his arrest and charges of rape and other sexual offences as part of a police investigation spanning months, after two women came forward. in a letter to his party, sirjeffrey donaldson said he will be strenuously contesting the charges. the newly—appointed interim dup party leader, mp gavin robinson, spoke of the shock within the party and beyond. it's a devastating revelation and has caused tremendous shock, notjust for myself personally or my colleagues within the dup, but for the community right across northern ireland, it came as a great shock. but we are a party and individuals that believe in justice. we have faith in our criminal justice system and so, in the coming days and months, i think it is important that none of us say anything or act in any way that would seek to prejudice what is now an ongoing

criminal investigation. in northern ireland, sirjeffrey donaldson is decades—long known for his unyielding defence of the union. he now stands apart from the unionist party he steered back into power—sharing. in a statement, the first minister, michelle 0'neill, said her priority is to continue to provide the leadership the public expect and deserve. sirjeffrey donaldson's resignation comes at a criticaljuncture. the fault lines from this political earthquake go well beyond one man and one party. it creates a fissure at the heart of unionism at a time when some see it under increasing threat from those who want a united ireland. on a bank holiday easter weekend when politics was supposed to be on pause, sirjeffrey donaldson's party political days look firmly in the past. jennifer 0'leary, bbc news.

we can cross live to belfast and our correspondent there dan johnson. it's hard to overstate the shock felt in northern ireland over this news? , :, , felt in northern ireland over this news? , ., ., , news? this was a bolt from the blue that took everyone _ news? this was a bolt from the blue that took everyone by _ news? this was a bolt from the blue that took everyone by total - that took everyone by total surprise. no one was expecting sir jeffrey donaldson such as sudden and shocking political downfall. people are still trying to process what has happened to him, the serious nature of the charges he faces, even though he says he will strenuously contest those charges. the court process will not have to play out. he has stepped down as party leader should people are considering what that means for the future of the democratic unionist party, what impact it could have on the delicate power—sharing arrangements here. politicians here in northern ireland

are same business as usual. they are determined that things will be destabilised here because they have been so determined, working so hard to get the government here in northern ireland working again in the last couple of months after two years of political instability when things weren't working. people are saying they are determined that this won't wreck that is. there are serious risks, no doubt. it is a huge blow. serious risks, no doubt. it is a huge blow— serious risks, no doubt. it is a hue blow. :, ., serious risks, no doubt. it is a hue blow. ., ., ., huge blow. you mentioned there that ower huge blow. you mentioned there that power sharing — huge blow. you mentioned there that power sharing only _ huge blow. you mentioned there that power sharing only been _ huge blow. you mentioned there that power sharing only been back- huge blow. you mentioned there that power sharing only been back on - power sharing only been back on track for the last couple of months, that illustrates the fragility of politics in northern ireland. there must be huge concern about what happens now. must be huge concern about what happens now— must be huge concern about what happens now. must be huge concern about what ha ens now. , ,, ., happens now. yes, it may look like a solid, stable — happens now. yes, it may look like a solid, stable building _ happens now. yes, it may look like a solid, stable building but _ happens now. yes, it may look like a solid, stable building but the - solid, stable building but the politics within it are very delicate, are fragile, it has to be carefully nurtured. sirjeffrey donaldson was so key to putting the deal together that got power—sharing

up deal together that got power—sharing up and running again for the first time in two years. it was so important in bringing his own party into the power—sharing arrangement when there were voices opposing the deal that he had negotiated. he has political interests in london and dublin as well, so it is influence of the table, whether he is found guilty or not, it is what comes in his wake. how long can the interim leader who things together? will he be elected? what happens to the political seat that sirjeffrey donaldson holds? will there be a by—election? what about the deputy first minister that was nominated by sirjeffrey donaldson? with him removed, such a key long—standing figure, he was at the height of his political power is having successfully negotiated the deal that brought the northern ireland executive back into working function here, there are huge questions.

although people say they are optimistic, they are committed to making sure the power—sharing continues here, things are so delicate, people want different things, they see an opportunity and this naturally introduces instability into the picture that means that the future is uncertain and things could play out in different directions depending on which with the democratic unionist party now takes on what that means for the whole genius movement that represents the people who want northern ireland to be part of the united kingdom. seven regions of ukraine are experiencing emergency blackouts after a wave of russian missile strikes. russia launched nearly a hundred drones and missiles across the border on thursday night, the second large—scale attack in a week — hitting power plants in central and western ukraine. president volodymyr zelensky says russia is deliberately targeting energy systems. the white house has called the attacks "a terrible reminder

of vladimir putin's efforts to break the spirit of the ukrainian people". ukraine is facing shortages of ammunition and air defences. meanwhile, poland's prime minister donald tusk has warned that europe is now in what he called a "pre—war" era. mr tusk said the continent had not faced such uncertainty since 1945. he said nobody on the continent would feel safe if russia defeated ukraine. president putin says he has no plans to attack a nato country. with me is kira rudik, a member of the ukrainian parliament and leader of the golos party. thank you very much for coming in here. let's start with the strikes on the energy plants in ukraine. how difficult the living conditions are for ukrainian people at the moment, with blackouts, the lights being

turned out. does it feel like things are getting worse?— are getting worse? thank you for havin: are getting worse? thank you for having me- _ are getting worse? thank you for having me- it _ are getting worse? thank you for having me. it is— are getting worse? thank you for having me. it is a _ are getting worse? thank you for having me. it is a pleasure - are getting worse? thank you for having me. it is a pleasure and i having me. it is a pleasure and privilege to be here. we already survive the winter with the blackouts, the first winter since 2022. it is a huge difference between sitting in a bomb shelter when there are lights, internet and your devices are charged so kids have so to play and being in the dark when it is cold. and it is really dangerous. it feels absolutely like armageddon when there are those blackouts, when it is cold at the attacks continue. this is how it feels in ukraine. we are calling for the world to hear us in the matter that we do need the air defence systems and ammunition. it is a way for us to physically survive and also protect our

critical infrastructure. we have already seen what russia can do and theyis already seen what russia can do and they is never stepped away from their plan to destroy our energy and try to break our spirits.— try to break our spirits. energy seems to _ try to break our spirits. energy seems to be — try to break our spirits. energy seems to be the _ try to break our spirits. energy seems to be the key _ try to break our spirits. energy seems to be the key target - try to break our spirits. energy seems to be the key target at| try to break our spirits. energy i seems to be the key target at the minute. :, , seems to be the key target at the minute. . , ., , , minute. that is absolutely true. this is open _ minute. that is absolutely true. this is open information - minute. that is absolutely true. | this is open information because minute. that is absolutely true. i this is open information because we see particularly where the missiles hit. this energy infrastructure is normally located near people because my combs. 0n the 2nd ofjanuary there was a similar attack and there was an explosion right near the home where i live. my windows were blown away, part of the world was taken down. it was one of the worst experiences of my life. i cannot imagine how people deal with it every single day over and over and over. i am so proud of my fellow ukrainians, but i'm also trying to deliver this message to the world that we will fight, but we'd need to

means to fight with. we can't be facing our enemy empty—handed. means to fight with. we can't be facing our enemy empty-handed. where are ou facing our enemy empty-handed. where are you hoping — facing our enemy empty-handed. where are you hoping the _ facing our enemy empty-handed. where are you hoping the appeals _ facing our enemy empty—handed. where are you hoping the appeals will be listened to?— are you hoping the appeals will be listened to? , ., , , ,, listened to? presumably, the us. the ke laces listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the — listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the us _ listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the us right _ listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the us right now. - listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the us right now. we i listened to? presumably, the us. the key places the us right now. we needj key places the us right now. we need this eight to be voted by the congress. it is already seven months delayed. even if it was voted for today, it will take time for this promises to become weapons and ukrainian soldiers hands. also we are calling for the aitor karanka —— united kingdom and other european countries to use this seized russian assets to help us win the war and rebuilt. can you imagine the amount it will take to rebuild? the energy infrastructure is being destroyed every day. infrastructure is being destroyed eve da . ., infrastructure is being destroyed eve da. ., , . , ., every day. how difficult is it two ears on every day. how difficult is it two years on to _

every day. how difficult is it two years on to keep _ every day. how difficult is it two years on to keep the _ every day. how difficult is it two years on to keep the spirits i every day. how difficult is it two years on to keep the spirits of i every day. how difficult is it two i years on to keep the spirits of the ukrainian people positive? brute years on to keep the spirits of the ukrainian people positive? we have no other choice. _ ukrainian people positive? we have no other choice. we _ ukrainian people positive? we have no other choice. we have _ ukrainian people positive? we have| no other choice. we have absolutely no other choice. we have absolutely no other choice. we have absolutely no other choice. we made a decision to fight two years ago and we will continue doing this. we will not retreat, we will not back down because we are fighting for our own freedom, our own future and we will do that. what we needed some help and the means to do that. let's return now to our top story, the war between israel and hamas, amid reports from the us that the biden adminstration has cleared the way for the transfer of bombs and fighter planes worth billions of dollars to israel in recent days. we can cross live tojerusalem now and our correspondent yolande knell. what we know about what the us has agreed to to israel? 50.

what we know about what the us has agreed to to israel?— agreed to to israel? so, according to these reports _ agreed to to israel? so, according to these reports in _ agreed to to israel? so, according to these reports in the _ agreed to to israel? so, according| to these reports in the washington post and in reuters, they are quoting unnamed state department officials and their centre more than 1800 £2000 bombs, 500 £100 bombs and f 35 fighterjets 1800 £2000 bombs, 500 £100 bombs and f 35 fighter jets have 1800 £2000 bombs, 500 £100 bombs and f 35 fighterjets have been authorised in this latest set of military aid assistance coming across to israel. a lot of this has been initially approved by congress, but the reason this is so interesting in terms of the timing, just after a visit by the israeli defence minister to washington, in recent days we have seen tensions deepening between israel and the us. that reached the lowest moment on monday afterjihad the us extension at the un security council when it came to a resolution being passed on

a ceasefire in the gas award for the first time, israel was very angered about that and there had been calls from senior democrats in the us and from senior democrats in the us and from other groups, like arab americans, suggesting that it military weapons supplies to israel were not going to be cut they should be conditioned by their biden administration. that doesn't seem to have happened. we administration. that doesn't seem to have happened-— administration. that doesn't seem to have happened. we have spoken over the last couple _ have happened. we have spoken over the last couple of— have happened. we have spoken over the last couple of weeks _ have happened. we have spoken over the last couple of weeks about - the last couple of weeks about relations being strained. as you say, widespread calls for the two to be linked, that military aid should be linked, that military aid should be linked, that military aid should be linked to the humanitarian aids, but that doesn't seem to be the case. ~ ., , ., , case. indeed. the white house has been saying — case. indeed. the white house has been saying it _ case. indeed. the white house has been saying it supports _ case. indeed. the white house has been saying it supports is - case. indeed. the white house has been saying it supports is your's i been saying it supports is your's continued right to defend itself. we know that the israeli defence minister in the us had been talking to washington about its declared aim

to washington about its declared aim to keep it real with a qualitative military edge in this region and also talking about notjust waging war in gaza, but the prospect of a possible escalation on the northern border of israel, where in recent months there have been these near daily exchanges of fire with hezbollah. the vatican has played down renewed concern about the health of pope francis after he pulled out of an easter ceremony at short notice. officials said the 87—year—old decided not to take part in the way of the cross in rome on friday to preserve his strength for other easter events. pope francis is due to take part in a vigil on saturday, before celebrating mass on easter sunday and giving his annual blessing.

if you don't like heights, look away now. footage has been shared online showing ski lifts at an italian resort being violently shaken by winds of over 62mph. the area had already been closed to the public due to the weather conditions — those on the lift were the last skiiers leaving the piste for the day. resort operator cervino spa confirmed that all passengers reached their destination safely. stay with us here on bbc news,

hello. today and tomorrow brings a window of quieter weather for many. but it's good news, of course, for the easter weekend. not completely dry. there will be a few showers around, but fewer of them. and with a bit more sunshine, it should feel warmer for many for a time before things change. as we go into monday, especially across england and wales at the moment, the low pressure which has governed things so far, the centre is out to the west. this is where the focus for the heaviest showers are. but we have been drawing up cloud across east anglia southeast. so this is where it's been gray so far today for some brightening up through the rest of this afternoon, there will be a few showers around, particularly across scotland, some heavier ones out towards the west, a rumble of thunder. but through much of southern scotland, england and wales, through the afternoon, very few showers. more of you will spend the bulk of the day, if not all day dry. and as i said, temperatures a little bit higher than recent days at ten to 15 or 15 degrees. into tonight, some thundery showers across the channel islands southwest pushes towards ireland. a bit more of a breeze here. that will stop temperatures dropping too much. but with lighter winds

and clear skies central eastern scotland, northeast england. this is where we could see frost to take us into sunday morning, which of course is the start of british summertime. so get ready to put the clocks forward an hour tonight. it does mean tomorrow evening the sunset will be an hour later. so some longer afternoons and evenings ahead. as for easter sunday itself, well, for many it starts bright. so will be the chance of showers first thing across ireland. more of those could be heavy and thundery, but a grey a day through central eastern england and especially along the coast. that could be quite misty. that's drifting its way northwards into eastern scotland. later, a bit more cloud through central england, a few showers elsewhere, a lot of dry weather. best of the weather across scotland and in the west, we could see highs of 15 or 16 degrees with easterly winds here on monday. this is where the dry is brightest where there will be. but low pressure in the south brings a return of some more widespread rain drifting northwards through the day, breaking up into showers. some of those in the south—west could be heavy and thundery later. get a bit of sunshine though. we could see temperatures 13, 1a degrees around the london area. a cooler day east of scotland, northeast england with a breeze off the sea. but western scotland,

again in the sunshine, could get to around 13 or 1a degrees. quick look at some of the charts to take us into next week. if you're on an extended break, of course, with it being easter, low pressure rules the roost. don't take the weather symbols too literally. there will be rain at times, breezy as well, but it won't be desperately cold, temperatures a little bit above average.

this is bbc news, the headlines the us is said to have authorised

the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighterjets to israel in recent days. this comes as a un—backed report warns of imminent famine in gaza. sirjeffrey donaldson, leader of northern ireland's democratic unionist party resigns — he has been charged with rape and other historical sexual offences. sirjeffrey had said that he will strenuously contest the charges against him. and previously unheard recordings of the american soul singer marvin gaye — who died a0 years ago — have reportedly been found in belgium. we'll be speaking live to �*80s soul legend ruby turner for more on this. more now on the war between israel and gaza, which is overshadowing both ramadan and easter. 0n good friday, fewer christian pilgrims walked the path throutherusalem's walled old city that they believe christ took to his crucifixion. from there, our international editor

jeremy bowen now reports. injerusalem, where tension — and worse — are normal, there is always the consolation of religion. this ramadan, many of those ending a day of prayer at the aqsa mosque were palestinian israelis, around a fifth of israel's population. israel, citing security, restricts access to jerusalem for palestinians from the occupied west bank. just down the road, palestinian christians were deep in their celebration of easter, walking to the old city from the garden of gethsemane, where they believejesus prayed on the night before he was crucified. but in this city, sacred for christians, jews and muslims, religion and politics always mix. all the palestinian people are suffering today. they are suffering from occupation, they are suffering from apartheid, they are suffering from genocide. and today, what we are praying

is to stop this disaster situation here in the land of peace and the land of palestine. and we pray that, asjesus went to the golgotha, to the calvary, walking with a cross, but after that, there was the resurrection, so we are praying to have our own resurrection today, and the resurrection of our land. religion and conflict pervadejerusalem, and six months of war in gaza have deepened every division. this is the essence ofjerusalem — religion, faith and the passion it can generate. but in this city, religion has been linked inextricably with power and with identity for centuries, for millennia. and in more recent times, with the long conflict between palestinians and israelis. since october, reinforced and highly visible israeli security has imposed an uneasy quiet on the occupied eastern side ofjerusalem. the good friday procession along

via dolorosa, where christians believejesus carried his cross, was smaller than usual without foreign pilgrims who cancelled their trips because of the war. the people ofjerusalem of all faiths are locked in a crisis as bad as any since israel's independence war in 1948. religion offers certainty and answers, but in this holy city, prayers and peace plans have not put a dent in this immutable conflict. jeremy bowen, bbc news, jerusalem. let's speak to reverend drjack sara who is the president of the bethlehem bible college — thank you for talking to us. just watching that report there. how different doesjerusalem feel this

easter? different does jerusalem feel this easter? , ,., different does jerusalem feel this easter? , ,. , ., different does jerusalem feel this easter? , ., ., , easter? jerusalem is in a really difficult place _ easter? jerusalem is in a really difficult place now— easter? jerusalem is in a really difficult place now with - easter? jerusalem is in a really difficult place now with all i easter? jerusalem is in a really difficult place now with all the l difficult place now with all the political tension that has been going on almost since day one. so palestinians injerusalem it has been a burden and during the high days, the christian holidays are muslim holidays it intensifies because everything is seen around. you want to go to pray but you see a barrage of army watching you as if you're going to do something wrong so it brings an atmosphere, heavy heart, you know, you are going to pray but at the same time you are scared because of the context that you are going to pray through and of course the disconnect that happens between the west bank and jerusalem, most religious and faithful people who want to pray and walk the way of the via del rossa, the way of the

cross, the one to commemorate what jesus did 2000 years ago here in jerusalem. brute jesus did 2000 years ago here in jerusalem. ~ jesus did 2000 years ago here in jerusalem-— jerusalem. we were hearing that there were _ jerusalem. we were hearing that there were fewer _ jerusalem. we were hearing that there were fewer people - jerusalem. we were hearing that there were fewer people walking | jerusalem. we were hearing that i there were fewer people walking on good friday and also fewer people, normally you would get people from around the world who would come to jerusalem at this time of year? titer? jerusalem at this time of year? very true because — jerusalem at this time of year? very true because most _ jerusalem at this time of year? - true because most tourism has been cut now and you could see few coming but when you talk about over 95% of tourism that happens around easter. jerusalem during easter whether it is the western or eastern easter is a bustling city. i grew up along the via della rossa and i used to step outside my house and i would be in the midst of thousands of the faithful who were walking from all the stations towards the sepulchre and they are not there and it is empty, nobody is there. a week ago the holy of holy sap liquors, i was maybe the only one but maybe a

couple of others in the vicinity and it is extremely hard. everybody here is preying on a daily basis that the work was cease and... loss of sound. we must leave it there with the reverend, but he was telling us what the atmosphere was like injerusalem at the moment. the persian—language news broadcaster, iran international, says one of its presenters — pouria zeraati — has been attacked by unidentified men outside his home in london. the london—based broadcaster say he's currently in a stable condition in hospital. in a statement, the metropolitan police says it's investigating, adding...

parham gbadi is with the bbc�*s persian service — it was announced that the employee was stabbed in southern london by a group of unidentified men. later on the metropolitan police issued a statement saying although the motivation is not clear, because of the nature of the job of this person, a journalist and a prominent journalist and previous dress which is really important, directed towards iran international and other iranian journalists towards iran international and other iranianjournalists in towards iran international and other iranian journalists in the towards iran international and other iranianjournalists in the uk towards iran international and other iranian journalists in the uk they have decided that the metropolitan

police counterterrorism command will be leading this investigation. back to northern ireland, where politics have been thrown into turmoil following the news that the leader of the democratic unionist party, sirjeffrey donaldson, has resigned after being charged with rape and other historical sexual offences. he says he'll strenuously contest the charges. sirjeffrey is northern ireland's longest serving mp, having first taken his seat in 1997. we can speak to dr clare rice, a political analyst specialising in northern ireland and uk politics. good morning to you and thank you forjoining us. first of all put into context have significant sir jeffrey donaldson has been in the politics in northern ireland over the last few years. 1ng politics in northern ireland over the last few years.— politics in northern ireland over the last few years. as you rightly mention he _ the last few years. as you rightly mention he is _ the last few years. as you rightly mention he is one _ the last few years. as you rightly mention he is one of _ the last few years. as you rightly mention he is one of our - the last few years. as you rightly mention he is one of our longest| mention he is one of our longest serving elected representatives in northern ireland. he has been the leader of the dup for the last few years and perhaps better known

within the wider uk political context as the political figure that was instrumental in many ways in bringing about the restoration of the power—sharing agreement and he was head of the party from the power—sharing devolution agreement collapsed many years ago. i think it's fair to say nobody quite foresaw the end effectively of his political career as it has been over the last few years would come about in the way that it has so it has been a fairly shocking piece of news to emerge here in northern ireland and certainly one that has sent ructions through the political spectrum but i think it's important to say at this stage at least a lot of the comments on the efforts from across the political spectrum have been around sustaining power—sharing in northern ireland and keeping the focus on devolution operating here within the region. hopefully at this

stage there is not much cause for concern as to what it will do politically speaking to the dynamics of the politics within northern ireland. :, .,, of the politics within northern ireland. . .,, , of the politics within northern ireland. . ., , ., of the politics within northern ireland. . , ., . ireland. that has been a concern, that power-sharing _ ireland. that has been a concern, that power-sharing only - ireland. that has been a concern, that power-sharing only got i ireland. that has been a concern, that power-sharing only got back| ireland. that has been a concern, i that power-sharing only got back on that power—sharing only got back on track a couple of months ago and now one of the key figures has resigned. and people are concerned that we potentially have another period of instability in northern ireland politics? instability in northern ireland olitics? : :, , politics? and there are mixed views on this, i think _ politics? and there are mixed views on this, i think it's _ politics? and there are mixed views on this, i think it's important i politics? and there are mixed views on this, i think it's important to i on this, i think it's important to say. there are some views who say this is an internal matterfor say. there are some views who say this is an internal matter for the dup and will be relatively contained as long as there is a degree of maturity of sorts amongst the political actors that they can navigate this, it shouldn't impact in terms of devolution and stability more broadly within northern ireland. ~ :, more broadly within northern ireland. ~ ., ., , ., ireland. what does it mean specifically _ ireland. what does it mean specifically for _ ireland. what does it mean specifically for the - ireland. what does it mean specifically for the dup, i ireland. what does it mean specifically for the dup, he ireland. what does it mean i specifically for the dup, he is described as very much the glue that held a party together?— held a party together? absolutely and this was _ held a party together? absolutely and this was the _ held a party together? absolutely and this was the point _ held a party together? absolutely and this was the point i _ held a party together? absolutely and this was the point i was i

held a party together? absolutely i and this was the point i was coming to, for the dup it is a massive shock for unionism and looking ahead towards the general election, it was already a very tumultuous challenge the dup in the context of the protocol and the northern ireland windsor framework and in the aftermath there is a lot of discontent within the dup at the decision to return to stormont, the reason for the collapse was in protest at the northern ireland protocol so there are a lot of internal ructions within the dup and there is a broad acceptance as is my understanding that the interim leader gavin robinson has been appointed to take this role but there is an opportunity for some of those more dissenting voices to start pushing and coming through to the fore within the dup a lot of pressure from the traditional unionist voice party on the dup as there would have been any way going into this election. voices that are heightened and are being seen particularly on social media to be

using this broader set of circumstances as a type of political leader of sorts against the dup so it's leader of sorts against the dup so its setting a very difficult borderline toxic set of circumstances particularly within unionism going into this election. not for the dup will be difficult, on top of managing its internal divisions and on top of having to deal with discontent that there is in certain parts of unionism with the return to stormont also in that sense there a potential challenge to stability of the institutions going forward as a result of this but as long as the political momentum and will remain spirit to push through these and to see the internal dynamics within one of the parties involved in power—sharing we are stable enough the time being. thank ou so stable enough the time being. thank you so much- — japan's health officials have inspected a factory in osaka used by kobayashi pharmaceutical, the drugmaker at the centre of a growing health scare.

five deaths have been linked to one of its health supplements designed to lower cholesterol. the company says a chemical caused by blue mould may be the source of the problems. nearly 700 people in japan have undergone or requested treatment after taking the supplements. the uk's entry for this year's eurovision, 0lly alexander, says he will still take part in the song contest — despite calls for him to boycott it. a group called queers for palestine have written to the singer, urging him to pull out after israel was allowed to compete. our culture reporter noor nanji reports. the countdown to eurovision started in madrid last night.

the spotlight is on nine acts in particular. this year's uk representative 0lly alexander is one of them who has signed a joint statement saying they do not feel comfortable staying silent in light of the war on gaza. they express their wish for peace and an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages. they said they firmly believed in the unifying power of music and said they felt it was their duty to create and uphold the space with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy. the letter fell short of withdrawing from the contest, something that 0lly alexander has been under pressure to do after a50 queer artists signed an open letter urging him to boycott eurovision. in a separate post 0lly alexander said he had been speaking to some of his fellow contestants and they have decided that by taking part they can use a platform to come together and call for peace. in response to the joint statement, eurovision organisers, the european broadcasting union, said...

it added that it believes in the unifying power of music, summed up in its slogan, united by music. this is israel's entry, hurricane by eden golan. its name and lyrics were changed after eurovision organisers rejected her original song titled 0ctober rain which was thought to reference the hamas attacks of october 7th. it was barred for breaking rules on political neutrality. preparations are under way for the contest in may and organisers are aware of the strength of feeling towards israel. we are planning for all sorts of scenarios and we absolutely are prepared that there will be demonstrations in the city and outside the arena. so we are planning for that and even also inside the arena.

at this point all countries are competing and we have a dialogue with all delegations at this point so as of now we have 37 countries going to compete in malmo. the bbc says that 0lly alexander's comments were his own views and were not made on behalf of the bbc nor did they break the broadcaster's social media guidelines. with less than two months to go the issue does not look to be going away anytime soon. noor nanji, bbc news. he was a soul legend who helped shape the sound of the �*60s and �*70s. now, nearly a0 years after the death of marvin gaye — there's a claim that previously unheard music has been found. he lived in belgium towards the end of his life, and now a lawyer representing the people he lived

with says they've found a huge collection of his belongings — including costumes and audio cassettes. kevin connolly reports. # ..to make me blue. # with some other guy that you knew before... marvin gaye, seen here in the legendary performance at montreux, made some of the greatest records in pop history. but what if there are more songs, maybe more classics, that no—one has ever heard? these are the tapes that we found... this belgian lawyer says there is just such a track, although he's keeping it under wraps for now. he'll describe it to us but he won't play it to us. it's an amazing song, a great tune, great lyrics, catchy, and i thought, "this is a planetary alightment moment". i'm interested to hear them.

the jazz musician and marvin gaye expect gary crosby is looking forward to hearing any new songs. undiscovered marvin gaye tapes would be a gift to the world i of music at this present moment — from my perspective, you know? i because we don't know — until we hear the tapes, i we actually don't know. but we are talking about - marvin gaye, one of the greatest artists of all time. there's bound to be - something of value in there. we did, though, hear a sample of ours, of private recordings. # ..but to those who wait and those... marvin gaye's voice is tuneful, his mood sometimes playful. is the telethon? thank god, because is the telethon? thank god, because i would never remember that again!

a vast collection of memorabilia has turned up in belgium because in the early �*80s, the seaside town of 0stend was a place of refuge for marvin gaye, whose life in london had spiralled out of control. when he left, the family he lived with say he left them box after box — audio cassettes, documents, notebooks, lyrics and stage costumes — theirs to dispose of as they pleased. it's a book full. that red jacket is the one marvin wore in montreux. under belgian law, the family's lawyer says they have the absolute right to sell it. the clothes and the accessories, they will be sold. any new music, though, could only be sold with the permission of marvin gaye's children. compromise is called for, says alex trappeniers. i want to reach my hand to the family because when you exploit the copyright which is in the tapes, you can't do that without the authorisation of the estate which is his three children.

if his kids become aware of this — marvin gaye's children, who are heirs — and theyjust say, "that's our dad and, like, and morally, you should give this back"? well, morally, i'd prefer to work with them on this. if there are to be negotiations over any new material, they have yet to start. but there is at least a chance that new marvin gaye music may one day emerge to add to the legend of one of the great names in the history of pop. kevin connolly, bbc news, 0stend. # to keep me from getting to you, babe. let's speak to the singer ruby turner — she's a massive marvin gaye fan and cites him as an influence on her music. listening to his voice there, he just had the most amazing voice. absolutely wonderful. i'm so

intrigued, i really am, as an artist and a fan, someone who grew up on marvin gaye, my musical education backin marvin gaye, my musical education back in the day. i am absolutely intrigued and kind of concerned as to where this is all going. his children, this thing about this moral thing, should be handed back, should it not? i don't know how they are going to solve that little problem. it are going to solve that little roblem. , , ~ are going to solve that little roblem. , , ,, ., ., problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum — problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum but _ problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum but it _ problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum but it must _ problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum but it must be _ problem. it seems like quite a legal conundrum but it must be exciting i problem. it seems like quite a legall conundrum but it must be exciting to think that there are unheard recordings of his music out there to be listened to, if indeed we ever get to listen to them. i be listened to, if indeed we ever get to listen to them.— be listened to, if indeed we ever get to listen to them. i really hope we do. i heard _ get to listen to them. i really hope we do. i heard the _ get to listen to them. i really hope we do. i heard the information i get to listen to them. i really hopej we do. i heard the information last night when i was in italy, i had the information i was going to do this interview today and when i heard things had been found and to me it was almost like, you know, the art world is finding a picasso or a

caravaggio, the art world would be excited and that's how i felt, my goodness, i cannot wait to hear it and that is how i felt and when i found out there was more to it than not, et cetera, i really do hope there will be compromise and i hope there will be compromise and i hope the musicologist and fans like myself will get a chance to hear what he was doing back then. what an icon, an artist and yeah, i really do hope they reach a compromise and we can get to hear it. just do hope they reach a compromise and we can get to hear it.— we can get to hear it. just tell us about what _ we can get to hear it. just tell us about what you _ we can get to hear it. just tell us about what you love _ we can get to hear it. just tell us about what you love him - we can get to hear it. just tell us about what you love him so i we can get to hear it. just tell us i about what you love him so much, what was it about him, was that the songs, the lyrics, what was so special about him?— songs, the lyrics, what was so special about him? might goodness me. special about him? might goodness me- everyone _ special about him? might goodness me. everyone would _ special about him? might goodness me. everyone would say _ special about him? might goodness me. everyone would say marvin i special about him? might goodness i me. everyone would say marvin gaye was special to us. that voice, that liquid gold sound, that charm and sensuality. that gentleness, that vulnerability. and as a performer,

you were engaged with his work, you know? the songs stand the test of time, even now they are still being downloaded every year and now finding new stuff, we are intrigued and we cannot wait to hear what he was doing. but as a kid, a teenager, that was the backdrop to my musical education, the soul vibe and he was part of that package of great artists. i grew up on sam cooke, 0tis redding, ray charles, aretha franklin, bob marley, van morrison, bob dylan, and marvin gaye is right there in the mix as far as i am concerned. in terms of influences on my life and work, the kind of music i listen to. it’s my life and work, the kind of music i listen to. �* , :, my life and work, the kind of music i listen to. �*, ., ., my life and work, the kind of music i listen to— i listen to. it's hard to believe it's 40 years _ i listen to. it's hard to believe it's 40 years since _ i listen to. it's hard to believe it's 40 years since he - i listen to. it's hard to believe it's 40 years since he died? i i listen to. it's hard to believe i it's 40 years since he died? that's what is so — it's 40 years since he died? that's what is so interesting _ it's 40 years since he died? that's what is so interesting as _ it's 40 years since he died? that's what is so interesting as to - it's 40 years since he died? that's what is so interesting as to how. what is so interesting as to how this has been discovered. i'm curious as to why it has taken a0

years for it to come out, these archive things to be found? yes, was devastating when we heard back then that we had lost a soul brother in the music fraternity. it was a hard time and devastating time for his family of course and music fans and those who loved him. it is strange timing because i've been in this industry a5 years so imagine all of that time before i started doing my own thing i was listening to him and learning, we were learning from the master and he was one of them. and yeah, i think, master and he was one of them. and yeah, ithink, it's master and he was one of them. and yeah, i think, it's an interesting time and i really do, coming back to what is going on now, i hope that some kind of compromise is reached between the people who own the stuff on the family and we get to hear what he was doing. i’m on the family and we get to hear what he was doing.—

on the family and we get to hear what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard _ what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard to _ what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard to believe _ what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard to believe if- what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard to believe if there i what he was doing. i'm curious. it seems hard to believe if there are never heard before versions of his voice that they wouldn't be put out in the public domain, that would seem wrong, wouldn't it? i in the public domain, that would seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it would — seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it would do _ seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it would do us _ seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it would do us a _ seem wrong, wouldn't it? i think so. i think it would do us a real- i think it would do us a real disservice and you know, i don't think he would have done all of that if he did not intend for it to be heard. clearly if its rumblings of nothing, that's fair enough but i don't know, what have they got? there was a mention of one particular song he reckons it is better than and i thought really, now you got my attention! you have had our attention, _ now you got my attention! you have had our attention, so _ now you got my attention! you have had our attention, so really - now you got my attention! you have had our attention, so really good i now you got my attention! you have had our attention, so really good to | had our attention, so really good to talk to you and thank you so much. lovely to hear about your recollections and let's hope that these recordings get out there in these recordings get out there in the public domain. thank you for joining us. the public domain. thank you for “oininu us. ,., ., the public domain. thank you for joining us-_ the public domain. thank you for “oininu us. ., . ., ~ joining us. good morning and thank ou. you joining us. good morning and thank you- you are _ joining us. good morning and thank you. you are watching _ joining us. good morning and thank you. you are watching bbc - joining us. good morning and thank you. you are watching bbc news. i time for the weather, with matt taylor.

hello. today and tomorrow brings a window of quieter weather for many, which is good news, of course, for the easter weekend. not completely dry, there will be a few showers around, but fewer of them. with a bit more sunshine, it should feel warmer for many for a time before things change as we go into monday, especially across england and wales. at the moment, the low pressure which has governed things so far, the centre is out to the west, this is where the focus for the heaviest showers are, but we have been drawing up cloud across east anglia and the south—east. this is where it's been grey so far today for some. brightening up through the rest of this afternoon. there will be a few showers around, particularly across scotland. some heavier ones out towards the west, a rumble of thunder, but through much of southern scotland, england and wales through the afternoon very few showers. more of you will spend the bulk of the day, if not all day, dry. as i said, temperatures a little bit higher than recent days at 10 to 1a or 15 degrees. into tonight, some thundery showers across the channel islands and the south—west pushes towards ireland. a bit more of a breeze here. that will stop temperatures dropping too much. with lighter winds and clearer skies, central and eastern scotland, north—east england, this

is where we could see frost to take us into sunday morning, which of course is the start of british summertime, so get ready to put the clocks forward an hour tonight. it does mean tomorrow evening the sunset will be an hour later, so some longer afternoons and evenings ahead. as for easter sunday itself, well, for many it starts bright. there will be the chance of showers first thing across ireland. more of those could be heavy and thundery, but a greyer day through central eastern england, and especially along the coast. it could be quite misty. that is drifting its way northwards into eastern scotland later. a bit more cloud through central england. a few showers elsewhere, but a lot of dry weather. the best of the weather across scotland and in the west we could see highs of 15 or 16 degrees. with easterly winds here on monday, this is where the driest, brightest weather will be, but low pressure in the south brings a return of some more widespread rain drifting northwards through the day, breaking up into showers. some of those in the south—west could be heavy and thundery later. we will get a bit of sunshine, though. we could see temperatures at 13, 1a degrees around the london area. a cooler day in eastern scotland,

north—east england with a breeze off the sea, but western scotland again in the sunshine, it could get to around 13 or 1a degrees. a quick look at some of the charts to take us into next week. if you're on an extended break, of course, with it being easter, low pressure rules the roost. don't take the weather symbols too literally. there will be rain at times, breezy as well, but it won't be desperately cold with temperatures a little bit above average.

live from london, this is bbc news. the us is said to have authorised billions of dollars�* worth of arms to israel, as the un warns of imminent famine in gaza.

0ur correspondent joins a us aid drop. they have just opened the hatch ready to release the aid down into gaza. there is no organised distribution system down there. there it goes. shock in northern ireland following the resignation of the leader of the democratic unionist party, sirjeffrey donaldson. he�*s to strenuously contest charges of rape and other historical sexual offences. power blackouts hit seven regions of ukraine after a wave of russian missile strikes, the second large—scale attack in a week. a treasure trove of never—before heard music from the late american singer marvin gaye has resurfaced in belgium.

hello. i�*m sarah campbell.