paula hancocks in abu dhabi. thanks so much. >>> well, israel has likened hamas to isis following the group's brutal october 7th attack on israel. cnn's matthew chance takes a closer look at the tactics of the terror groups, and how they're similar, and where they differ. and we just want to warn you, his report does contain graphic images. >> reporter: it's hard to imagine the sheer brutality of the rampage. in more than 20 israeli communities, hamas gunman moving house-to-house, room-to-room, in an orgy of violence. we can barely show the horrors of october the 7th, but the torture, mutilation, and killing of more than 1,200 people, as well as abductions of hostages still held in gaza point to a radical, gut-wrenching shift in tactics. this is one video shared with cnn by an israeli source that we are showing you. security cameras at the near oz kibbutz in southern israel show a knife-wielding gunman, sawing at the necks of dead israelis. evidence of beheadings cementing in israeli view that hamas is now akin t

paula hancocks is live for us in abu dhabi with more. the white house says the strikes are aimed at ensuring that the middle east conflict doesn't widen and etc. ka ka late. are they meeting that goal at this point? >> reporter: certainly, the immediate view is things are not getting better when it comes to the houthi rebels. with heard the u.s. military on tuesday morning targeted four antiship missiles that were on the launching pad. it was an eminent threat, we're being told. they took those out. but then just several hours later, we saw they did manage to hit a greek-owned flagship, although that was able to keep sailing and had no injuries. but the damage that the houthis are doing to this area, to the commercial shipping industry is significant. we heard from the military they believe back on thursday overnight into friday, there were more than 60 targets hit by the navy. they think they destroyed less than a third of the weapon capabilities of the houthis, which shows how significant the capabilities of this group are. they are be

. >> cnn's paula hancock joins us from abu dhabi with more. what is the reaction from iran? >> well rosemary the denial from iran was fairly swift saying they had no involvement in this attack. it did come from the permanent mission in the u.n. reported by state media but what we heard from the u.s. side is they believe this was an attack that was carried out by iranian backed groups, by the iranian proxies in the region. they believe the drone originated from syria and it's not clear at this point why there were no air defense systems that actually kicked into place to try to intercept this drone. now, we have heard from the islamic resistance in iraq which is an umbrella group for many of these iranian backed and funded and equipped groups in iraq. they have said that they were carrying out a number of attacks on the jordanian and syrian border including on a camp in close proximity to tower 22 where this u.s. outpost is. now, the u.s. personnel we understand from central command were there in order to do an assist mission with jordan. they say that they're there in the re

for more, let's bring in paula hancocks. let's begin with the latest on these discussions. are we any closer to a potential cease fire/release deal? >> reporter: well, it appears that we may be closer than he were with a couple weeks ago, at least now the sides are talking. there was a meeting in paris between the intelligence chiefs of the u.s., israel and qatar. and egypt. and obviously those are the key players for any kind of deal to be done. we were told the meeting was constructive. this was from a statement from israel's prime minister's office. but also said significant gaps remain. we know that there has been tension as well between the players who are trying to negotiate this mediation. for example qatar has been critical of benjamin netanyahu who has criticized qatar for not doing enough and being too much in the camp of hamas and supd r supporting hamas, but not being able to bring the hostages home. so there has been some animosity between the players. but certainly what we heard from israeli prime minister's office was that the talks were constructive. so they

paula hancocks is live for us tracking all the latest developments.cern this morning about u.s. military involvement in the region. where does this all head? >> they are asked whether this means this conflict has widened. you look at what's happened this week, the houthi rebels managed to hit a u.s.-owned or operated vessel for an anti-cruise missile. tuesday they hit a vessel. wednesday they hit a second u.s. vessel. now in all throw of those cases, there were no injuries. there was some damage to the ship itself, but they did manage to continue with their journey. but that just shows what is happening from the u.s. and the uk navy side to try to degrade the ability of the hewouthi rebs to launch these attacks is not working a at this point. we have heard from the u.s. side, the military central command saying they believe last thursday when they had more than 60 targets hit, less than a third of the weapons capability of the youth houthis was destroyed. so we can expect further strikes in yemen. what happened overnight was 40 missiles were taken out

let's bring in paula hancocks. what's your reaction to that? i i thought his hend of his remarks were strikes that his neighbors would ensue after this conflict wraps up tell us about your reaction. >> this is something that the israelis have been told by secretary of state antony blinken when he was in the region just about a week ago. he came to israel saying he had promises, guarantees from some of of the partners in the region who said if they pulled out of gaza, if there was the creation of a palestinian state, there could be normalization. so this is something that the u.s. has been pushing. interesting that you dipped in at that moment when he's asked about the day of the war in gaza. once israel pulls out, what gdos it look like? this is a key question. we have heard from the u.s. said. they want the palestinian authority a at the head of that to be an integral part of this, but there needs to be governance reform. they need to change to be able to be strong enough and organized enough to control gaza. what we're hearing is that they do

we will bring in paula hancocks who is following the developments for us. paula, what can you share about the latest of his condition. >> well, rahel, what we are being told at this point is that he is recovering in intensive care. he has undergone surgery of vein reconstruction surgery we are told. now, when the attack happened, it was believed that he did have damage to his jugular vein, and that is the latest update that we have on his condition, but what actually happened is a brazen attack, rahel. it was in broad daylight, and he was surrounded by the supporters, and by many people, and reporters, and it was all captured live on television. there was an individual in his 60s we are told by the police who approached him as he was talking to the reporters on the camera asking for his autograph. then he lunged forward and attacked lee jae-nyung and we are told that there is a one centimeter laceration in the side of the neck. he collapsed and the assailant was wrestled to the ground and arrested. what the police are trying to find out is what the motive i

. >> cnn's paula hancocks joins us live from abu dhabi with more. paula, what is the latest on this deadly attack and reaction from the region? >> reporter: well, rosemary, it's key that we heard from iran quite so quickly on sunday. this was through state-run media saying the permanent mission in the united nations said iran had nothing to do with the attack, but what we're hearing from the u.s. officials side is they believe this was an iranian-backed group that was responsible. there are a large number of iranian proxies in the region, those that are funded, equipped, trained in some cases by iran and we have seen a significant increase in attacks against u.s. personnel in the region since the gaza war started. in fact, there's been almost 160 attacks on u.s. and coalition forces in iraq and syria by these iranian-backed groups. now we have seen also the u.s. responding. we've seen retaliatory strikes against these groups, but so far there had only been injuries that had been reported at the u.s. bases with coalition forces. so the question, of c

. >>> and paula hancocks is following the developments from abu dhabi. what channels are in place to de conflict the tensionsity moment? >> reporter: well, i think that the very fact that the u.s. secretary of state is on his way to the region always this point is one of those channels. the fact that it is the fourth visit that he will have carried out in the region since october 7 since hamas carried out those attacks in israel, so he will be going to eight different countries. and that really shows you the wide extent of the concerns at that point. how many countries are involved or potentially able to try to deescalate the situation as well. now, when it comes to the state actors we have been looking at, it doesn't appear that there is appetite for a wider conflict. certainly from the u.s. point of view. they have been at pains to try to make sure that that doesn't happen. but it does of course depend on the proxies. iran proxy, iran backed militia groups which the u.s. has been engaged against just yesterday carrying out retaliatory strike against on

paula hancocks in abu dhabi, thank you so much. >>> the u.n. secretary general says opposition to a two-state solution is unacceptable. antonio guterres tweeted saturday that, quote, the right of the palestinian people to build their own state must be recognized by all. that has come after israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu again poured cold water on any notion of a palestinian state. he posted this on social media start, quote, i will not compromise on full israeli security control over all the territory west of jordan, and this is contrary to a palestinian state. now, as cnn reported earlier this week, president biden came away from a phone call with the israeli leaders saying, quote, there are a number of types of two-state solutions possible. eliot gotkin is in london for more on the situation in gaza. so, eliot, the implications of netanyahu's statements and the subsequent reaction continue to reverberate. >> they do, kim. and i suppose domestically, what netanyahu is hoping is that this will help shore up his right-wing base. becau

victor and amara. >> ben wedeman and paula hancock.oth into up next, the final countdown before the new hampshire primary. their hoping to boost their campaigns. what would be considered a success for the two underdogs?s? we'll didiscuss. i'm free to explore. i'm free to learn. i'm free to forge my own path. contra costa college is free for full-time students, which makes you free to explore all the incredible opportunities unleashed by higher learning. start your future and apply today at contracosta.edu/free >>> we're just two days away now from republican presidential contenders stepping up efforts in new hampshire as they make a final push ahead of tuesday's primary. nikki haley emerges as a candidate with the strongest support closely trailing donald trump in the state's polls. joining us now is cnn's chief congressional correspondent manu raju. good morning, manu. so let' talk about nikki haley and can she survive in this race if she loses by double-digits to trump? >> it is going to be hard for her to justify staying in in race.

paula hancocks is joining us. good morning. for weeks the u.s.trying to avoid direct strikes because of the risks of escalation. president biden said last night that he won't hesitate to direct further measures. what is next here? >> reporter: certainly the concern is that this could escalate. we've heard from the houthis themselves in yemen saying that they will retaliation. we don't know in what kind of form that would be because what we don't know is whether or not the u.s. and u kflt militaries were successful in taking out all of the targets that they wanted to destroy. the u.s. military saying that the intention of this was to degrade the houthis' ability to be able to target commercial vessels in the red sea. now, the u.s. has opened the door, left the door open to make sure that they can carry on more attacks. so it may not just be an isolated targeted strike from the u.s. now, the uk defense minister has said at this point there is no imminent plans for further strikes. but of course they will want to see how successful those overnight s

cnn's paula hancocks joins us now.ust start with what we know and get a little into how this gets wider attention in the region. >> reporter: we do have new information this coming from the iraqi military spokesperson saying that it was, in fact, a drone attack that carried out this what we are seeing in the footage. pro iranian militia base in baghdad being targeted. what we are hearing from the iraqi side as well is that they consider it a blatant violation of the sovereignty of iraq. now there hasn't been an admission of who carried out this strike and it's not clear who carried it out, but it's according to that spokesperson who believes that the u.s. coalition, no comment from that side. this point they called it also an unjustified attack, but what we have seen in recent months, in fact, since is those october 7th attacks by hamas is a significant number of attacks by pro militias against u.s. targets in both iraq and also in seyria. is and there has been a significant increase in those attacks. so at this point,

paula hancock joins us, eight countries have stopped funding this agency because of accusations against the 12 workers. israel has accused that agency of colluding with them. >> linda, this is the biggest group that is giving out humanitarian aid in gaza at this point without this agency the situation would be even more dire. we are hearing from the u.n. secretary general antonio gutiÉrrez saying there's about two million people that rely on the aid that is brought in by unrra pointing out the funding won't last through february so next month. it's clear to hear the need for humanitarian aid is desperate. and leaders are calling for more aid to be given to those who need it is most, of course the technicalities and logistics of trying to reach those who need aid are very challenging. now, we don't know the exact accusations that israel has made and they have not made them public. they have been given those allegations to the u.s. and to the u.n. itself and they were the nature that unrra fired the workers and said the investigation would go immediately but the secretary general and the

. >>> paula hancocks there in abu dhabi for us thank you. polo >>> houthi militants are lashing ants against the u.s. and uk over the strikes, one senior leader issued a statement saying quote we will confront america, make it new and burnt it's battleships and all its bases in everyone who cooperates with it no matter the cost who see leader also called on the world to prepare, for americas defeat and vowed not to abandon the people of gaza now to watch and i want to bring in cnn military allen is a retired, air force colonel cedric leighton good to see you sir do you expect this to be short sharp and focus or or could it broaden? >> i think it could broaden the pentagon is optimistic that they will have a shortened seat so to speak effect on the houthis and make them, really in essence stopped the type of activities that they've been doing in the red sea but i don't think the way who these are going to handle is, what they will do is they will try to redouble their efforts there will have to be some re-strikes, and there will probably be s

and paula hancocks is following developments. she joins us live from abu dhabi. good to see you.est on the u.s. and uk strike on houthi militants? and what's the biden administration saying about what these strikes actually achieved? >> well, the biden administration, rosemary, is defending its decision to once again use the u.s. military to try and target the houthi rebels. now we know in the early hours of tuesday morning, the u.s. military targeted, they say they struck and destroyed four houthi air ship missiles which were in preparation to launch. they said there was an imminent threat from those launches, and they took them out. now we have heard from the military as well that they believe that their first strike, this was become on thursday into friday overnight last week, they struck more than 60 targets. but even then they believe that they probably destroyed less than a third of the houthis' military capabilities. so that really highlights how difficult it is for the u.s. and uk navies and those affiliated to be able to try and neutralize the threat of the houthis conti

i want to bring in elliott gotkine and paula hancocks to talk about some of these documents. what do we know about the attack on refugees if in gaza? >> reporter: we've had an update from the u.n. office that handles palestinian refugees. and they say that there are been some u.n. personnel that have managed to reach that area of kahn yunis where this took place. and they say that at this point they believe 12 people were killed, 75 plus were injured. and they have managed to bring some medical supplies to that area and to take some of the more seriously critically wounded just further south to rafah where it is a little safer. but we have heard from thomas white, director, saying that the situation in kahn yunis underscores a consistent failure to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. this is something we're hearing consistently from u.n. members on the ground, that building with the u.n. flag should be protected, that hospitals should be protected as well. but we are seeing them come under fire on a fairly regular basis. now, he also says that

. >> ben wedeman and paula hancock, thank you so much. >>> still ahead, the numbers say the u.s. economy is getting better. so why are so many americans struggling? cnn spoke with two families fighting to preserve their american dream. >>> so the economy seems to be stabilizing with inflation at its lowest level since december of 2020. but many families are still feeling the financial crunch. >> millennials in particular. studies say they're worse off than their parents. we sat down with two millennial families who said the traditional path to the american dream is just not working for them. >> i see 400 $400 toward my stu loan and the hoa and groceries averaging about $150 a week. for my wife's retirement portfolio looks great, but we need to get there first. we heard how metlife stadium is preparing for the world cup final. >> reporter: danny did not plan to be a tiktok creator. >> if fifa decided to sell -- >> reporter: that is not his goal when he graduated from the university of virginia and started working at a nonprofit. >> i was at the $60,000 mark of my salary and the on

paula hancocks joins us from abu dhabi. israel's defense minister p proposed they not return to homes until the hostages are freed. where does the u.s. stand? >> this is an issue that has proved controversial. there have been many, including the u.s. and the u.n., that have criticized the sheer all the of displacements that has happened within gaza itself. remember early on in the grand invasion, there was some 1.1 million people who were told to go from the north of gaza, to the south where they would be safer, and that in many cases turned out not to be the case. so clearly, this is not going to have widespread support. what we're seeing from the u.s. secretary of state and what we're hearing from officials is what we're focused on meeting from benjamin netanyahu at the moment and also with many other ministers and the war cabinet is to make sure that civilian casualties are kept at a mi minimum. 1 in every 100 people in gaza at the moment has been killed according to health ministry figures within the enslave. a staggeri

. >> paula hancocks is following developments for us. the meetings in israel, talks with palestinian authority, even though there's control outside gaza. >> that's right. the secretary of state will be speaking to the palestinian authority leader, and what we are hearing from blinken himself and u.s. officials is that one of the topics of conversation will be governance reform. so pushing the palestinian authority to change the way it operates potentially change those at the top. what we know at this point is the u.s. would like them to play a role in the day after the war in gaza ends. to be able to govern the people of gaza, but israel said that's not going to happen. they don't believe the authority has the credibility or the power to be able to prevent a resurgence of hamas or other militant groups within gaza itself. so the problem for the u.s. secretary of state is he has been very clear to israel that a two-state solution is the only way forward to secure the support of arab countries around the region. but at this point, he need

paula hancocks joining us live from abu dhabi. you get the sense these talks will be more tense than the previous ones. >> reporter: this is the fifth time that the u.s. secretary of state has been in israel since those october 7th attacks. but what we're hearing from u.s. officials at least ahead of time is this is really going to focus on what is happening in gaza and how the israelis and the defense force can try and minimize civilian casual tus. the number of those being killed in gaza is significant. those figures coming from the health ministry in gaza itself. so what we're understanding that the secretary of state will be really pushing this time is to protect civilians and to make sure that when israel says it is going to have a lower intensity for its operations, it is going to downgrade its operations in gaza that actually happens. at this point, it's not the evidence despite saying it is transitioning to a less intense operation. of course, what we are seeing is in central gaza, in southern gaza, those operations are ge

and paula hancock with us in dubai. good to see you as we continue to follow developments. iran continues to play a pivotal role. what are they saying about that strike in syria? >> well they have said through the presidents at the top, there will be repercussions. pay back for what happened. and what we are seeing is a continual between the u.s. and israel. and iran backed proxies on the other side. there is much talk about whether or not this represents the fact that the conflict in gaza has spread to the wider middle east. we heard from the pentagon they don't believe this is a representation of the conflict spreading but we are certainly seeing a significant number of attacks on both sides. this one striking at the heart of damascus. this was believed to be instigated by israel which they have not admitted to. they rarely do in these cases. and there were five members as you say of the revolutionary guard who were killed. one of them a particularly high level target we understand. so what we are hearing from iran's pat is there will be repercussions. >> the continuation

paula has paula hancocks is live for us. how is this adding to the wider fear of conflict in the region? >> reporter: it is adding to those fears. this is exactly what many were concerned about, that given the fact these near daily attacks against u.s. troops in iraq and syria, almost 160 since the gaza war started, there was a concern that there would be loss of life and then there would be more pressure on the u.s. president joe biden to do more. now, there have been u.s. retaliatory strikes against some of the iran proxies, some of those iranian funded groups in both iraq and syria, but of course the pressure is for you on for the u.s. president to do more and the question is how much more will he feel the need do. u.s. troops are in these areas we understand, so that they can fight against isis. they were in this particular tower 22, 350 u.s. personnel correspond to central command, so that they could assist with the u.s. ally jordan. and this is just on the bowrder with syria. we've heard from the islamic resistance in

>> significant,, thanks to paula hancocks in abu dhabi, appreciate that. houthi militants are lashing out against the u.s. and uk strikes, one senior leader issued a statement saying, we will confront, america make it kneel down and earn it's -- all it's bassist evan who cooperated with it no matter the cost. meanwhile saudi arabia is calling for restraint urging all parties to avoid escalation. joining me now from canberra, australia, markham davis was a senior analyst of defense capability and strategic capability at the australian strategic policy institute. thank you so much arena here with us again. so first, early for a full assessment of, course but what impact do you think these u.s. -led strikes might have had, how successful where they do you think? >> look, i have no doubt the worst successful. the goal here was to degrade houthi capabilities to carry on attacking commercial shipping in the red sea. i think given the nature of the capabilities that were available to the u.s. and uk, in terms of air delivery position, weapons, and also long-range

. >> paula hancocks is there for us. the white house is clear this is to protect economic value if you like, because this is a shipping lane, but you also heard there from someone in congress suggesting that the risk is that it will be interpreted as getting involve in the middle east crisis and the war. >> reporter: that's correct, max. it is a risk that at this point the u.s. deemed was necessary and a risk that had to be taken given what they say had been happening from the houthi rebels. the attack on tuesday by houthi rebels. we understand from a senior administration official that those 21 drones and missiles that were shot down by u.s. and uk navy assets in the red sea, that was actually targeting a u.s. commercial vessel. so this was really the tipping point from washington's point of view, but they did have the support of the uk and other countries who believe that this was necessary. now, we've heard from uk junior armed force minister that no more attacks are immediately planned. but the u.s. has left the door

paula hancocks joins us.know about this and how it fits into a broader instability in the region right now? >> reporter: the latest information we have from a source within the base itself is that it was a drone attack. now we have those images coming into us just now showing the aftermath of the strike itself. we're being told from within the base that one commander was killed and another fighter also killed. and this does come as we have seen a significant step up of attacks against u.s. forces in iraq and syria by these pro-iran militia. many of them based in iraq. this particular one, we understand, was in eastern baghdad. and we have seen just last month u.s. forces did carry out a retaliatory strike against one of these pro iranian militias that were carrying out these attacks. at this point, there's no claim of responsibility. we have not been able to get any comment as to who may have carried this out. but it really does add to a number of attacks that we have seen in recent days and weeks since those

cnn's paula hancocks joins us, live, from the controversy and the need for aid in gaza. good to have you with us, paula. eight countries have stopped funding because of the accusations against the 12 workers. israel, of course, accused of colluding with hamas. what does this mean, really for the people in gaza, who rely on this agent which employs about 13,000 people in gaza? >> well, linda, this is the biggest source of humanitarian aid for those in gaza, who desperately needed. at this point we heard from the u.n. secretary-general, antonio gutierrez, saying that there are some 2 million people who are currently relying on what he provides. it is the biggest group and the main way that some aid is getting into gaza. we have heard u.n. officials warning that there could be a looming famine and warning of catastrophic consequences if this age does not get in. there is a widespread understanding that not enough is getting and as it is. now we heard from the secretary- general saying that at this point unrwa has funding, but it won't last until the end of february, so, giv

. >> paula hancocks is following develops from abu dhabi and is joining us live. a lot of different things happening right now. and there is a concern that it does suggest a wider conflict. but how are you reading it? >> reporter: well, max, this couldn't have come at a worse time. there is already very high tensions across the region. and there are concerns that this could just add to concerns, that it spreads even wired. when it comes to the deadly twin blasts in iran, no one has claimed responsibility yet. we have heard though from the iranian side from the iranian president specifically that he blames israel. listen to what he said. >> translator: i warn the zionist regime, don't doubt it, you will pay the price for this crime. this crimes that have been committed, you will deeply regret. >> no comment from israel. we've heard from the u.s. state department saying that the u.s. was not involved. there is no reason to believe that israel was involved. and cnn has also heard from another u.s. official saying that they believe that this has all the hallmarks of a

paula hancocks is watching this story for us. what's the latest? >> he's covering in intensive care, we're being told, after he had vein reconstruction surgery. he was flown to seoul on the south coast for that emergency surgery. what we know happened because it was captured, as you say, on camera. he was touring a new airport that was being built on the south coast. and he was giving comments to reporters on camera. at that point, an individual, police say a man in his 60s stepped forward and asked for his autograph. the he then attacked him with the knife and caused that damage to his neck. he fell backwards and collapsed before the individual was wrestled to the ground and arrested. now at this point, police say that they don't have a motive, they don't know exactly why he did this, but he is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. now it was a braise attack. it was really in the middle of the day in broad daylight. coming just a few months before local elections here. so there are now concerns for high-profile individuals who are going to

paula hancocks is joining us from abu dhabi. we've seen no claim of responsibility here.nian president is blaming israeli. the idf told cnn they had no comment. the blast comes obviously as tensions are so high, fears of a wide conflict in the region. where does this stand? >> reporter: this comes at a time of heightened tensions as it is. we've seen being a increase in skirmishes between for example israel and iranian backed groups, hezbollah in particular, this comes at a time when there are concerns that this regional conflict could expand. so what we know about what happened in iran, the deadly twin blasts, there has been no claim of responsibility at this point, but iranian president was clear about who he blamed, he said he blamed israel. >> translator: i warn zionist regime, don't doubt it, you will pay the price for this crime. this crime that you have committed, you will deeply regret. >> reporter: now, the u.s. has said it played no part in this attack. it said it had no reason to believe that israel had played a part either. one u.s. official telling cnn that t