this is bbc news. i'm christian fraser. the headlines: israel condemns a un security council vote — calling for an end to settlements on occupied palestinian land. the actress, carrie fisher, is in intensive care, after a suspected heart attack on a flight from london to la. rail passengers face delays, diversions and cancellations as work starts on a record number of engineering upgrades of the network. theresa may calls for britain to come together as it prepares to leave the eu, in her christmas message. jeremy corbyn pleads for an end to sleeping rough. the search for an elderly british woman missing from the queen mary two ocean liner that was heading to the caribbean has been called off. good morning. in sport, big sam's back. sam allardyce is the new manager of crystal palace, he signs a two and a half year deal replacing alan pardew coming up on bbc news, we look back at the incredible british successes at the rio 2016 olympic and paralympic games. that review 2016, gold rush in rio, with me, nick hope. good morning and welcome to bbc news. israel has angrily rejected a un security council resolution demanding a halt to the building of israeli settlements in occupied palestinian territory. the vote passed after the united states, israel's traditional ally, abstained, rather than using its veto. our state department correspondent barbara plett—usher reports. in a rare show of unity, the un security council passed judgement on israeli settlements.

translation: 14 votes in favour. voting that they had become a serious threat to a viable peace deal with the palestinians. it was that conviction which led the us to withhold its customary protection of israel at the council, although not without much soul—searching. because there are important issues that are not sufficiently addressed in this resolution, and because the united states does not agree with every word in this text, that the united states did not vote in favour of the resolution. the israelis had managed to delay but not prevent the vote. they felt betrayed by their ally, especially angry about condemnation of their construction in occupied eastjerusalem. who gave you the right to issue such a decree, denying our eternal rights in jerusalem? israel has long pursued a policy of building jewish settlements on arab land captured during the 1967 war. it insists it has the legal right to do this, but most of the world disagrees, and the un resolution will make that argument

even more difficult. halting settlements was the focus of president obama's attempts to broker peace. he failed twice. resorting to the un was his final act. the palestinians embraced this as a victory for international law. but they can't expect the same from mr obama's successor, donald trump, who sided with the israeli government on this. the un resolution could become a reference point for further moves against israel in international forums, but not for the next us administration. barbara plett—usher, bbc news, washington. our middle east correspondent yolande knell is in bethlehem. very popular location at this time of year. can you tell us what the reaction of the palestinians has been to this? the reaction of palestinian officials, some of whom have already gathered here in

bethlehem for the christmas procession, is extremely enthusiastic. they have welcomed this from different palestinian factions. the chief negotiator calling it a victory for international law. this is a resolution that says settlements have no legal validity and they should be stopped to salvage the two state solution. the palestinians are hoping that this will help them in international legal cases that they are pushing forward with against israel and its activities in the occupied territories. the israelis of course have condemned this extremely strongly. we had a statement from the israeli prime minister, he said this was absurd and anti—israel as a resolution. he said israel would not abide by its terms and reject the resolution. he was also very critical of president obama, because the us did not wield its v2 power as a custom early does.

he said that actually president obama has colluded with the gang up at the un. he said that he would forward now to working with president elect donald trump, who as we know, has been much more supportive of prime minister right—wing policies and has appointed, nominated, and ambassador to israel, he is critical of a two state solution and is himself even financially supported israeli settle m e nt financially supported israeli settlement building in the west bank in the past. just the edge of bethlehem, to give us a sense that even here it is possible to view one of the settlements, you can see the jewish settlements in the west bank just outside bethlehem. this is one of the largest settlements in the area. in total, there are about 600,000 jewish settlements who live

in the west bank, including in east jerusalem. that has expanded by about a third in the last decade. it is seen as illegal under international law, but as we know, israel disagrees strongly with that. that gives us a very good idea with the picture there. thank you very much for the moment. thank you very much for the moment. the actor carrie fisher is in intensive care in a los angeles hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on a flight from london to los angeles. she is best known for her role as princess leia in the star wars films. ms fisher, who is 60, was flying back after finishing a tour to promote her new autobiography. her fellow star wars actors have been posting messages of support. mark hamill, who played luke skywalker said he was sending all his love, and peter mayhew who played chewbacca, tweeted his thoughts and prayers for everyone's favourite princess. with me is our correspondent angus crawford. we have had a bit of detail about what happened on the flight. what we

think happened was that about 15 minutes before it landed yesterday afternoon, the air traffic control at los angeles international airport received a distress call from the airport saying they had an unresponsive passenger. 0ther passengers on board have said that what they saw was that carrie fisher was being treated by a number of off—duty medical staff, he came to our seat in business class, they performed cpr for about ten to 15 minutes before the aircraft landed. they performed cpr and other medical effects upon her. she was then taken directly to hospital in la where we believe she is now in intensive care. her brother within the last couple of hours has said that she is now stable. he is at her bedside as is her daughter. you wouldn't want this ever to happen on a flight, she was lucky in a sense of their was a

doctor and a nurse on stand—by. indeed. they just happen doctor and a nurse on stand—by. indeed. theyjust happen to be on board. it can happen and does happen on flights. in a sense, you could say that she was fortunate that it happened on the descent into lax. she had prompt medical treatment from the witnesses who have spoken about what they saw, it appears that the medical attention was very swift and was expert and we have heard some of the traffic control conversations talking about needing emergency medical treatment there on stand—by. as the aircraft taxi to the gate. they knew that there would be professional, emergency medical ca re be professional, emergency medical care with the right equipment standing by the date when it stopped. we know that she received the best possible care and we know she's in a stable condition and we are waiting foran she's in a stable condition and we are waiting for an update. mick fingers crossed for her. thank you much. thank you much. extensive railway engineering works are starting across britain today, with 200 different projects being carried out over the christmas break.

passengers in london, manchester and cardiff are expected to be the hardest hit by the work. one of the biggest stations in the capital, paddington, is closed, with passengers being told to go to ealing broadway. smitha mundasad is live from ealing broadway now. houses looking at the moment? so far this morning, we have been seeing passengers coming in with their suitcases and of course, across the country, there will be passengers who have had to make changes to their journeys. cardiff and manchester also affected by these improvement works at network rail. they say that this is a good time to be doing this vast number of projects, because there will be fewer people on the trains. of course, lots of passengers will say these are a really significant journeys we are making at the moment. joining me is the chief executive of network rail. for those passengers who say, is this really

the right time to because in this much disruption and change when we are trying to get our loved ones, you say? i do apologise to everybody who has the journey affected by the works that we are doing, but the reality is that for and people rely on the railway every day normally, but over the christmas period, about half the number of people use the railway. so this is the best time of year to the site of major engineering works that we need to do to improve the railway for the people of this country. the people see the immediate benefits from the destruction are about the experience of the next few days? what's coming up of the next few days? what's coming r? of the next few days? what's coming up for? is a huge projects, the electric purgation of the great western railway. that's the sort of work going on behind us. these projects can take a number of years. the big improvements will be seen in 2018. we are also doing 200 projects

right across the country, putting in new bridges, points and signalling systems, all of which will improve the reliability of the railway. so passengers will see benefits. the reality is, that for years and years we have underinvested in a railway infrastructure and it is creaking at the seams. now we have to pool money in and investment in, because the numbers of people travelling has increased year—on—year. numbers of people travelling has increased year-on-year. it really is 200 projects across different parts of the uk, where is it that people need to look out for and check their travel plans closely? it's really important that people understand that 90% of the network is still running normally, so people can still travel around the network as normal, but please do check before you travel, because a number of stations are closed at different times of the holiday period and on some occasions you may need to start your journey from a some occasions you may need to start yourjourney from a slightly different place, like your instead

of paddington. please check before you travel. a very clear message from network rail, to check your travel plans make this journeys. public thank you very much for that from the moment, we will keep our eye on that for the moment. german investigators are trying to establish whether the tunisian man who carried out the berlin christmas market attack had accomplices. officials say they're also investigating how anis amri managed to ignore deportation orders. he was shot dead by italian police yesterday. lets cross over to berlin and get the latest from our correspondent, bethany bell. they are also looking at this. fit, bethany. it came from hamburg. there isa bethany. it came from hamburg. there is a possibility he had been involved in another attack. the authorities have been asked by germany's chancellor angela merkel to give a detailed analysis of this case and also, they have these big outstanding questions, how it was that he managed to leave germany

when he did, did he have accomplices here in germany? was he going to meet supporters and helpers in italy? angela merkel said that if there were supporters, they would be brought tojustice. there were supporters, they would be brought to justice. the there were supporters, they would be brought tojustice. the bigger questions about, how it was he managed to stay so long in germany, how he ignored deportation orders and many, many questions. we are told that the investigations are continuing at full steam over the christmas period. a lot of questions of course about open borders and effect that he had been able to travel from germany to front and then on to italy. there are those questions, yes. germany is polarised on this matter. there are some here who are colin berry strongly for border controls to be re—establish.

—— calling are very strongly. 0thers say we have to preserve freedoms. it is viewed as one of the big achievements of the european union. it has to be remembered that while angela merkel is has a reputation of being the most pro—refugee leader in europe, she's not entirely open border either. the the border between austria and germany is seen border controls and so, there are questions here. it's about... according to supporters of angela merkel, it's about trying to fine the balance between preserving the liberties and the freedom of movement and also security and that isa movement and also security and that is a debate that is very complicated, very difficult and is likely to go on. when they talk about that debate, you talk about the attachment in germany to be showing in stone. as there are a growing understanding in germany that they will have to look at things like security cameras in the

publication of defects and things are generally helping police? the security cabinet earlier this week has passed things that will allow more cctv cameras. particularly here in berlin, cctv cameras were banned in public places. that looks set to change. there are a number of other measures that angela merkel says the government will have to consider. where do the laws need to be tightened up? it is a very conjugated question. knowing the german government, angela merkel, it is likely to be done in a very methodical way, but yes, there has been criticism of the way the security services handled this. people are asking whether they were caught off—guard, whether they were too slow off the murk to discover the identification documents of anis amri that were found in the track that hit the christmas market. many

questions and a lot of pressure on the government, but i think for now the government, but i think for now the immediate sensation is relief that the threats posed by anis amri, the main suspect, has been removed and people are going about their christmas celebrations last night. there was a concept in berlin, people came out. they said to show that life still must go on. thank you, bethany. thanks for being with us from berlin this morning. the prime minister has called for britain to come together as it prepares to leave the eu. in herfirst christmas message theresa may says the country must prepare to forge a bold new role in the world. meanwhile, the labour leader, jeremy corbyn, has used his message to call for an end to sleeping rough. here's our political correspondent, iain watson. the british people have spoken and the answer is we're out. the eu referendum divided not just politicians but communities and families. so, against this backdrop, it's perhaps not surprising that in her christmas message,

the prime minister appeals for unity. in a separate message recorded for the armed forces, theresa may tells them that the government is on their side. because i want you and all your families to know that this government is on your side. jeremy corbyn says his thoughts are with those experiencing loneliness and despair at this time of year. he recently visited a homelessness charity in london and uses his christmas message to repeat the promise he gave them. labour has pledged to put an end to rough sleeping in our first term of government. we would do that by doubling the number of homes available for people who have been sleeping on the street. lib dem leader of tim farron

filmed his message at a centre for child refugees in france and he called for more tolerance. the least traditional message was from the greens. they say 2016 was rubbish, or words to that effect, and they hoped next year is better. but there's one thing most politicians can agree on and that is to wish their voters a happy christmas. iain watson, bbc news. let's remind you of the headlines here on bbc news. israel condemns a un security council vote — calling for an end to settlements on occupied palestinian land. the actress, carrie fisher, is in intensive care, after a suspected heart attack on a flight from london to la. rail passengers face delays, diversions and cancellations as work starts on a record number of engineering upgrades of the network. sport now and for a full round up, let's cross to the bbc sport centre. thank you very much indeed. sam

halliday says he's ready for the challenge he will face of the new crystal palace manager. they are just one point of the premier league relegation zone after a terrible run of form which has just seen them win one of their last 11 matches. he has signed a 2.5 year deal and replaces alan pardew was sacked on thursday. the figure fortune that someone of his experience was available. he was sacked after a newspaper saying. alligators says he is delighted to be back. it is difficult, as pressurised as it is, it is where have been comfortable for many years now and i have obviously you generally get a newjob on and the clu b generally get a newjob on and the club have decided this is a cuddly side. but my experience. try and get if you results on the board, particularly over christmas and new year to make everybody feel a lot

more comfortable. in the scottish premiership, aberdeen 4.9 second race rangers after a 3— no winner at over motherwell. both sides were awarded penalties, but motherwell miss pears in the game was put beyond them in the final minutes. elsewhere, dundee came from 2—0 nil time to meet hearts. partick thistle ended a seven—game run without a victory to move off the bottom of the table after a 3—1win at ross county. celtic and rangers both play later today. joey barton has been charged by the football association with breaching the rules on betting. it's claimed he placed over 1000 bets over a 10—year period up to may this year. he has until the 5th of january to respond to the charge. last month he was given a one—month suspension by the scottish football association for betting on matches this season while he was with rangers. he was due to read join his

former club burnley injanuary rangers. he was due to read join his former club burnley in january for the rest of the season. world rugby say they want more information from the rugby football union about how the rugby football union about how the hampton handled george northup was my greatest head injury. he had problems with them russian in the past, a panelled rules he won't face any sanctions. —— yet problems with concussion in the past. but hampton ran in three tries against sale sharks. they have now lost seven in a row. in april12, ulster sharks. they have now lost seven in a row. in april 12, ulster move forward from the table after beating conor at 3—0. the cheque tennis player says she is confident of making a full recovery and returning to the court after a knife attack left needing surgery on her left hand. some flash photography coming up. the two—time wimbledon champion was injured as she fought off an

intruder had a knife. she has surgery on her hand to repair nerve and tendon damage and has been ordered to rest for the six months. during a session with the doctor i was able to move the fingers on my left hand, which i think was the biggest gift i could have, to feel the fingers. this was the greatest christmas present i could have wished for. olympic silver medallist del porto will miss the australian open due to injury. the argentinian has struggled with wrist problem since reaching a career—high fourth in 2010. after significant time out in the last two years, he returned this year and reach the olympic final, where he was beaten by andy moray of course. he has withdrawn from a warm up event in new zealand and the australian open is. that's the sport for now, more in the next

hour. thank you very much, richard. meanwhile, more disruption to transport in scotland is expected as a result of storm barbara. winds of up to 120mph were recorded yesterday, and rail, road and ferry travel is again expected to be hampered today by gale—force winds. an amber alert has also been issued for the northern isles on boxing day. the met office has named it storm conor. the search has been called off for an elderly british woman who's presumed to have fallen overboard from a cruise ship off the east coast of the united states. she was a passenger on the cunard liner, queen mary 2, which was sailing from new york to the caribbean. the ship changed course to help the us coastguard look for her, but is now heading for the island of st maarten as planned. throughout 2016 we've heard many accounts of syrian civilians being caught up in the horrors of war. but for one young girl, maimed by the conflict, there's hope of a better year ahead. she's just undergone life

changing surgery in germany. rickin majithia has been following her story. a warning, some viewers may find the images in this report distressing right from the start. fatima is a child of war. at three—years—old, she is to young to understand why her countrymen turn their guns on each other. but not too young to bear the scars. she was seven months old when a tank shell tore through her uncle's home in north—western syria. the fire that followed crippled her right hand, legs and vocal cord. 60% of her body was burned. her father went from hospital to hospital pleading for doctors to save her life. translation: one of the hospitals suggested giving fatima a lethal injection. they said her burns were too severe and that she would be disabled for her whole life. now when i look at her, i thank god that she is alive. she makes us feel happy just by seeing her. a renowned german surgeon heard her story and decided that it could have a happy ending. the professor was instrumental

in bringing fatima and her family to germany. she is now being treated at regensburg university hospital. it is a huge challenge to operate on a child that is heavily underweight. she weighs the weight of a one—year—old child. we cannot wait much longer, because we want to walk as soon as possible. the doctors here have decades of experience, but even for them, this is not an everyday operation. the surgeons are conducting several procedures today. they want to heal some of the scars on fatima's face. and test to see if they can help her hair grew back. the main aim is to help her walk again. they are correcting the position of her foot and using steel pins like these to keep it in place. if all goes well, they hope that she will be able to start walking after three months. three hours later, the operation is finished. doctors say it will be sometime before they determine its success.

it's not only that the mechanics are corrected now, but it's also the psychology of being able to stand on her feet and is to climb and use the feet and to start walking. so we don't know yet. for now, fatima's wounds have been reopened. her mother hopes the tears are worth it. translation: we will walk together, god willing. and i hope she will be in the best condition. fatima has suffered so much as a child. fatima will remain in hospital for many weeks. she will receive physiotherapy and psychological support. doctors hope to operate on her again in the new year. there will be more pain ahead, but the worst is now behind her. the british—born astronaut, piers sellers, has died

of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61. originally from east sussex, he then became an american citizen, which allowed him to join nasa's space programme. he took part in three missions between 2002 and 2010, spending a total of 35 days orbiting earth. and at taronga zoo in sydney there's been an early christmas present. the zoo in australia has welcomed the arrival of a seven—month—old male koala. he emerged from his pouch two days before christmas. he doesn't have a name yet, but is due to spend another three or four months with mum before going it alone. this baby is the second to be born to the mother in sydney. his keeper says its been a little warm in the pouch as it's summer in australia, so this little guy has been spending some time climbing on mum instead. time for a look at the weather.

aldo, is another windy day across the uk. still problems from that wind. snow and ice. 20 showers moving those into northern ireland and even england. hail and thunder possible, too. the rest of england and wales will be quite dry with a bit of sunshine, too. a bite to the wind, especially where it is strongest in scotland. for many of us, it will be turning milder tomorrow. by this evening there will be rain in northern ireland, which will go on to affect parts of scotland, england and wales. a very mild start to christmas day, temperatures widely into double

figures. 0utbreaks temperatures widely into double figures. outbreaks of rain affecting the western powers of the uk. deals again for northern parts of england, scotla nd again for northern parts of england, scotland and northern ireland. showers turning wintry here to give some snow for christmas. hello, this is bbc news, the headlines at 1030am: israel has condemned a un security council vote, calling for an end to settlements on occupied palestinian land. prime minister benjamin netanyahu said that israel would not abide by friday's vote. peace will be achieved through negotiations, not through resolutions and that's why this resolution is bad. carrie fisher, who played princess leia in the star wars films, is in intensive care after suffering a heart attack during a flight. fisher went into cardiac arrest minutes before her plane

landed in los angeles. theresa may calls for britain to come together as it prepares to leave the eu, in her christmas message.