mali hotel siege hostages are freed but 27 are dead and two gunmen have been killed. this is al jazeera live from london. the state of emergency to be extended. ministers agree to tighten checks on people entering and leaving the border. jonathan pollard is freed from the u.s. after 30 years in jail.

a group linked to al-qaeda has claimed responsibility for a hostage stand off at an upmarket hotel in mali's capital which left 27 people dead. gunmen burst through the entrance to the radisson blu hotel and took 170 people host inning. troops assisted by french special forces entered the hotel. all the remaining hostages were freed but it's unclear whether gunmen were remaining on the top floors. the u.n. peace keeping commission are also on the ground. forces were going room to room. >> reporter: soldiers help an employee of the radisson blu out of the build after a hostage situation that lasted many hours. gunmen had managed to get inside shouting god is great in arabic

before taking around 170 people hostage. the full extent of the attack became claw p clear, many were in shock. as the malian president cut short a trip and flew home he tried to aassure people. >> according to the information we have, men were able to walk into the hotel. we activated our crisis scroll. the cell includes heads of military and officials from foreign affair. we have deployed on-site to cordon the hotel >> reporter: following an assault, the united nation troops as well as malian special forces reports were coming of dead bodies found inside the hotel. one of those who made it out alive told television it took a while to understand what was happening. >> translation: at the

beginning he says i thought it was fire crackers. i didn't think it was a hostage situation. then it continued and we heard it around the hotel. an armed group which split from al-qaeda north after road accident ca's branch two years ago said it carried out the attack. the group al-mourabitoun said it wanted its fighters freed from the prisons and the attacks against northern malians to stop. mali attacks led to french involvement. many of those inside the hotel were working for foreign companies including national airlines. friday's deadly events will raise new questions about how stable this question really is our reporter nicholas heart is on the line from bamako. what details do we have? it was an ongoing security operation but what's the situation now?

>> reporter: it still is an onsituation. the police are-- an ongoing situation. police are going from room to room. it is a very big hotel. there were 140 or so people inside of it. it's a seven-; torey high hotel. you have both french and malian security forces inside. as each floor is cleared, you have the tactical police who are responsible for the investigation. i'm just metres away from the entrance where it all started, where the gunmen walked inside. there is still a car parked just in front of it. cans of soda on the floor. you can sense something went terribly wrong just a few hours ago. this is - the question on everybody's lips is why did this happen, how could this have

happened right in a place that's supposed to be the most secure area in bamako. nearby you have the u.s. embassys around, diplomatic enclave. inside there was a conference about mining and so there were many foreign guests there for business. there's a lot of questions. how could gunmen actually walk into this hotel and create such carnage what else do we know about the potential attackers, at least there has been a claim of responsibility. >> reporter: yes. so there is kind of a claim of responsibility from someone that was formerly close to al-qaeda. now, you have to bear in mind that there are many groups operating in mali that have in the past claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks. in bamako itself, this year there has been at least two or three terrorists attacks, one on

a café, a bar that was - that had lots of expat guests and in another in a hotel just outside of bamako where there were a lot of development and u.n. workers. both of them were claimed to be by different groups. the situation in the north of the country in 2012, there has been quite a lot of volatility and there's still a peace deal that needs to be involved in northern mali. some of the people that were negotiating stayed in the radisson blu hotel. we don't know if it was linked to that. some of the rebels close to government in bamako that were staying in the hotel were perhaps who the terrorists were

after. it's still in the early stages. there is investigation still going on. the people who have claimed responsibility for this attack, al-mourabitoun did it on twitter-- announced on twitter that they were the one responsible for this attack. a few hours ago the president of mali landed and said we will not give in to the fear that the terrorists are trying to create in bamako. in fact, when we were driving around the area just after rush hour, we could see malians going about their daily business. the investigation is ongoing. there are lots of security officers inside the hotel right now. it's still very much in operation outside that hotel in bamako where 27 ilpeople were killed

today. nicholas, thank you. the french president francois hollande has said their support for mali. the woman who died in a police raid in the city on wednesday didn't blow herself up. 26-year-old was a woman who was killed, one of three killed in the apartment in st denis. the third body hasn't been identified yet. >> reporter: these were the dreadful moments when it appears i.s.i.l.'s focus on french targets may have gone global. gunmen entered a five star hotel popular with foreigners and diplomats in the capital of the former french colony. they took hostages. there have been a number of deaths. francois hollande said the

forces on the ground would do what they can to help. >> translation: wents again terrorists want to mark their presence in every location where they can kill, impress and murder. we need to be firm and show our solidarity to our friend the country of mali. in this hotel there are tourists, different nationalities. mali needs their support to rebuild and develop. >> reporter: at home in france another police raid more people taken away under expanded security powers for questioning. this is said to be the mother and brother of the woman killed on wednesday when police raid an apartment in the paris suburb of st denis. the paris prosecutor has identified her, possibly a cousin of abdel hamid abaaoud, also killed in wednesday's raid and identified as the likely architect of last friday's attacks. a neighbour says she had been ill treated as a child before

being removed from her parents by social services. >> translation: she was treated badly since her childhood. she slept attached to a radiator. she was electricuteked. >> reporter: in a further twist, the prosecutor says a third body was discovered in the rubble of st denis. the identity as yet unknown. it was good intelligence that led police to the building in st denis and the death of abdel hamid abaaoud but an apparent lack of intelligence allowed the attacks to happen in the first place. something the french p.m. has admitted poses serious questions. >> translation: we've learned that he was in the rubble of that apartment in st denis. the investigation has to continue to understand exactly why this man that was the subject of an international warrant issued by belgium could

cross so many borders in this way. >> reporter: in brussels meanwhile european union interior and justice ministers have rallied to france's call for help meeting after the france invoked the e.u. assistance pact for the first time ever. >> europe is standing by france in the solidarity and compassion. this meeting is of great importance today. first of all, let me remind you, that afti proposed the creation a counter terrorism center. i believe it is a moment to make one more step forward and put the basis for the creation of a european intelligence agency. >> reporter: paris is back to business as usual in the rain, but everyone who passes the

various attack site takes the time to stop and look, perhaps light a candle, or leave a message in utter silence. life goes on, of course, but the awful events of a week ago, the deaths of so many, have triggered consequences in france and abroad that are only beginning to unfold the french senate has voted to extend the country's state of emergency for three months. it means police have more powers to carry out arrests appeared conduct raids without warrant. the restriction of movement and people is also available. european union interior ministers meeting in brussels have agreed to tighten checks at the borders. france demanded those changes after the ring leader of last friday's attack was able to slip into greece.

after the meeting the french interior minister also said the creation of european intelligence agency. >> translation: the strengthening of external border controls particularly in light of the heightened terrorist threat is indispensable for site zens. we have been asking for this which is why the commission is going to draft one by the end of the year to allow for systematic and checks to be carried out at all our external borders and on all people entering the area, including those who benefit from the freedom of moecht. this is a crucial change and there once more a strong demand of france has been satisfied. information system as well as database as to flag up the movement of terrorists. there have to be a better exchange of information between states and we need to have real time uploading of data to flag

up foreign fighters at fry's prayers preachers at mosques did condemned last week's paris attacks. the mosque association have asked preachers to renounce terrorism. >> reporter: under extremely tight security and at a distance from the cameras they entered paris's grand mosque. for the faithful, it was a day to let their prayers be heard. >> translation: we want to live in piece in a- - peace in a better world for everybody, no matter their religion >> reporter: it was abundantly clear for how many faith was being tested. >> translation: we were attacked because of what we are because we're muslims, but we don't pay attention to the attacks. we have to stay calm. the best muslim is the one who

can stay calmest even in the worst situation, the one who can remain patient while facing these tests >> reporter: despite the cold and the rain be, wore shippers who couldn't fit inside nonetheless prayed outside. >> reporter: the prayers not just they condemn the attacks, but also adhere to the values of the french republic. even though they came in peace, some would have been happy to fight >> translation: i love france and if someone asked me tomorrow to go make war against those terrorists, fanatics who attacked paris, i would >> reporter: whyalla lee generals to god - while allegiance to god and france, compassion will be needed more than before it has about exactly a week since the attacks in paris.

the bataclan was one of the venues that wag targeted. -- was targeted. a vigil is being held there to remember the victims. what is the mood like a week on? >> reporter: as you would expect, a very somber mood here in paris tonight exactly a week on after those devastating attacks. here we are outside the bataclan theatre, the scene of horror and carnage a week ago when those gunmen stormed the building over to my right. there were, of course, stories of heroism, of ordinary people trying to help those people trapped inside. all week there has been people coming to here. you may be able to see the stream of lights, will the candles being lit. people coming here, placing flowers, looking at the photos of the victims and reflecting what happened here. there is a sense of defiance. a couple of hours ago it marked

the moment exactly seven days ago when those attacks happened and there has been a call-out on social media to make noise and people came here, it was very emotional. there was a round of aplays and that was a sign-- applause that was a sign of defiance in the light of what happened here. in the last few minutes we've seen motorbikes streaming past with a french flag making an awful le lot of noise, but there are many questions about how this happened and obviously people are still very worried here live from the center of paris near the bataclan. thank you emma. still ahead here, the sos village built to help the children left or fanned by the deadly owe bowl owe virus-- ebola virus. virus.

>> we start with breaking news. >> let's take a closer look.

welcome back. top stories now. the united nations said 27 people have died in the mali hotel attack. two hostage takers were clear. it's unclear whether the government remained in the house, but the white house says the attack is over. dramatic pictures are coming through of troops entering the hotel. this is what it looked like. the group has links with al-qaeda has claimed responsibility. the french president has condemned the attacks in mali. it comes as the country has an

extension of the energy state. the group claiming responsibility for the mali attack. al-mourabitoun is a group has been involved in hostage taking in the region. it is heard that it has fought in afghanistan and was a leader of the al-qaeda but split in 2012 to form his own group. it has different factions. it is loosely connected. some groups that rose against the president. it went on to join the group boosting its numbers. up united states citizen spying for israel has been released from prison after spending 30 years before bars. jonathan pollard was found

guilty of selling secrets to the israelis. he was sentenced to 30 years. his case has been a long-term cause of stress between the two nations. >> reporter: he left a federal prison in the cover of darkness. his parole came almost 30 years to the day after his arrest for selling a vast amount of highly classified intelligence to israel. he later appeared in new york accompanied by his wife whom he married while in prison. he must check in with a parole officer weekly and may not leave the u.s. for five years. his case became public when the israeli president path hailed his release. >> i longed for this day. now after three long and difficult decades, he is being

released. >> reporter: many people advertise he was punished too harshly. >> i think he has served so many years in a prison with no real reason. >> reporter: over the course of 18 months he delivered tens of thousands of top secret classified documents to israeli agents in washington. israel paid him thousands of dollars to betray his country. he was arrested and agreed to plead guilty to a single charge of conspiracy in hopes of getting a lighter sentence. but u.s. secretary of defense wrote a 46 page classified letter to the judge detailing the severe damage that his activities had wrought.

he was sentenced to life. many israelis would no doubt like to give him a heros welcome as soon as possible, but the israeli government was not always so welcoming. back in 1985 as his spying scheme was unravelling and with the f.b.i. hot on his heels, he sought refuge at the israeli embassy in washington but he was turned away and arrested leaving the spy out in the cold i.s.i.l. has claimed responsibility for an attack on the yemeni army that killed 29 fighters, including up to 14 yemeni forces. one i.s.i.l. fighter also died in the attack. a new case of ebola has opinion defraud in liberia which had been declared free of the

decease. sierra leone were decleared ebola free aa week ago. >> reporter: this girl is nine years old. she has been staying with a foster family after both her parents died from ebola. >> translation: i want to be a nurse when i grow up. i wish i was one so i could have saved my mum and dad >> reporter: it's estimated there are almost 6,000 orphans in sierra leone due to ebola. the outbreak le led to an increase in orphans. the ministry of social welfare has worked to encourage relatives to take them in. they offer some financial assistance to families, but it still creates a challenge. >> we don't want the situation we are in. we ha that is why we keep on

monitoring. >> reporter: orphans from across the country are getting a second chance. in this welcoming ceremony they're introduced to an sos village. these very well villages exist worldwide and are an alternative to or fannages. >> reporter: not only will they live here, but there is a place for them to play and a school that they can attend. there's still a concern for other orphans. more than half have been placed with relatives and other are waiting in care centers. some of those caring for orphans lack proper parenting skill. >> there is child abuse in our society. these children are actually in a very difficult situation and sierra leone faces a lot of

challenges on that. >> reporter: ministry has changed staff to do joy reach on orphans of the counselling have been offered to these children too. for now these children are in a safe haven with hopes of a better future new zealanders have begun voting in a referendum to choose a potential new flag. five options are under consideration. the country is considering developing britain's union jack. the exercise is costing a massive 16 million dollars, an amount that critics say which could be spent in far better ways. >> reporter: who thinks next year thinks we should change new zealand's flag in interesting. >> reporter: for these primary school school children the answer to that question is a

resounding yes. >> i like black and white because i think it represents like all blacks and stuff like that. >> reporter: but getting consensus for a new flag on a national level is more difficult. >> with new zealand the way it is, there are a whole lot of other things that are more important than changing aing flag. >> we need to focus on getting something that is instantly recognizable as a new zealand as a kiwi icon. >> we have moved a long way from our british roots and it might be a time for change but that's not the public is saying. >> reporter: the country's flag, the country's third, has been running high for 113 years. >> it's stirring my heart and it is recognizable all around the world >> reporter: john keith is one of the biggest reasons to change the flag is because it's often confused it the australian one. >> it's new zealand's time. we're coming out from under

australia's wing and that's why this debate has been so good. this is our chance now to say this is what we are, this is our new brand, we're not little australia >> reporter: 12 known well-known new zealanders picked four flag designs from over 10,000 submitted. a fifth one dubbed red peek was added after social media. a popular choice in this classroom where the fern came out on top after a mock referendum >> i have chosen the black and blue silver fern one because the black goes with the silver fern and the blue looks cool on it >> reporter: new zealand is only a handful of countries left in the world with the union jack still on the flag. the flag design that have the most votes will go against the current new zealand flag in a second referendum in march next year. then the country will truly know which flag will represent it going forward.

the old or the new you can find out plenty more on our website, the address is aljazeera.com. we will have all the latest in the aftermath of that attack in mali. north carolina. >> they made me the scapegoat because they had no one to blame. >> at his trial, an fbi scientist testified that hairs found at the crime scene were 'microscopically alike' to joseph's. just months ago, joseph was released from prison, after serving almost forty years behind bars. dna teg