this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm... israeli strikes destroy another time block in gaza amid warnings of a full—scale war by the united nations. translation: what should i say? this is a crime. they were civilians, a woman, her children, a barber into shop owner. they didn't hit a militant nor unofficial. we are civilians sleeping in our homes. fix, unofficial. we are civilians sleeping in our homes. a barrage of rockets has — sleeping in our homes. a barrage of rockets has been _ sleeping in our homes. a barrage of rockets has been fired _ sleeping in our homes. a barrage of rockets has been fired from - sleeping in our homes. a barrage of rockets has been fired from gaza i rockets has been fired from gaza into israel, mostly aimed at tel aviv. translation: why do they want to kill us? it's madness, this thing! this can't be! people lost their lives here. the

united nations _ people lost their lives here. the united nations -- _ people lost their lives here. the united nations —— the united state says it's sending a top diplomat to the middle east to urge both sides to calm the violence. also tonight... borisjohnson announces a full public inquiry into response of the coronavirus pandemic. it will start next spring. tributes to jordan banks killed by lightning after he was hit during a training on a football pitch in blackpool. the plans for a national emergency service memorial in westminster to honour all of those who worked on the front line during this pandemic. good evening and welcome to the bbc news at 6pm. the un says it fears a "full—scale war" as the deadly clashes between the israeli forces,

and palestinians, continue to escalate. the united states is sending a senior diplomat to the middle east to urge israelis and palestinians to de—escalate violence. at least 53 palestinians and six israelis have been killed since monday. in the past few days palestinian militants have fired a mass barrage of rockets into israel, mostly on tel aviv. and israel has carried out a heavy bombardment of gaza, launching hundreds of air strikes. tensions have been growing in jerusalem throughout the muslim holy month of ramadan — partly fuelled by a long running threat to evict palestinians from their homes in eastjerusalem. it all came to a head on friday at al—aqsa mosque — the site where it stands is highly sensitive, sacred for both muslims and jews. israeli police used cs gas and stun grenades at the mosque and palestinians threw rocks at them. hundreds were injured. from jerusalem — here's our middle east correspondent tom bateman.

the world's asking if the region is on the brink of war. people who woke to this feel it's already here. palestinians in gaza faced the fiercest israeli bombardment since the last all—out conflict. israel says it's going after militant leaders. some were killed in their homes. but civilians died in this strike, say palestinian health officials. in gaza, a territory under blockade, grief quickly turns to anger. translation: dozens have now died since the violence _

dozens have now died since the violence erupted on monday. rocket fire from gaza has continued deep into israel, and the sirens are near nonstop in towns close by. sirens wail. ok, that's an interception — let's get in. as we've heard air strikes pound the gaza strip just a couple of miles away throughout the course of this morning and into the afternoon, more retaliation, more fire, from gaza. underfire, asha and his son ran for the safe room. but their neighbour, an 89—year—old woman, didn't make it. she is seriously injured. her carer died in the strike.

there are growing international calls for restraint, but for now it seems that no one here is listening. it is the intensity of these attacks that has led both sides to say they will step up their strikes in retaliation. a descent into much further violence seems inevitable. more rockets are shot down in israel's skies, and the streets are burning too. a wave of palestinian rage that stemmed from jerusalem has spilled out to the occupied territories and to within israel itself. there has been violent confrontation in the mixed jewish—arab town of lod, where a state of emergency has been declared. israel's leader has described it as anarchy and sent in police reinforcements. there is plenty of talk about when all this might de—escalate, but for now it seems there's only preparation

for the next phase of fighting. tom bateman, bbc news. a little earlier our reporter rushdi abualof visited the scene of the airstrikes in gaza city and sent this update. as you can see behind me in the last hour or so, a is—storey building was completely destroyed. this is the main commercial street in central gaza city. it's completely empty. the building was completely destroyed as a result of the latest israeli air strike. hamas in response i've fired over 100 rockets. they say they fired a rockets. they say they fired a rocket in retaliation to the destroying of the building, but also for the killing of one of the top hamas military commanders who was killed by israel this afternoon. israel said that he is responsible

for many attacks against israel and how must describe him as one of the senior leaders, and historical founder of against the military wind of hamas. i'm joined now by lieutenant coloneljonathan conricus, the international spokesperson for the israel defense forces. thank you very much for speaking to us this evening. i'm just advancing for the time difference. it's late evening on israel, correct? it is 10pm and israel.- evening on israel, correct? it is 10pm and israel. and the latest situation? _ it is 10pm and israel. and the latest situation? the - it is 10pm and israel. and the | latest situation? the situation it is 10pm and israel. and the i latest situation? the situation is as follows. _ latest situation? the situation is as follows, terrorists _ latest situation? the situation is as follows, terrorists in - latest situation? the situation is as follows, terrorists in gaza - latest situation? the situation is. as follows, terrorists in gaza have fired more than 1100 rockets at our civilians. we are defending ourselves against this attack and we have said very clearly from the beginning to hamas and everybody else who is interested in listening that the attack on jerusalem, else who is interested in listening that the attack onjerusalem, our capital and the continued relentless rocket fire against our civilians is something that we will not and cannot tolerate. we are responding

to that aggression. i5 cannot tolerate. we are responding to that aggression.— cannot tolerate. we are responding to that aggression. is supposed the difficul is to that aggression. is supposed the difficulty is that _ to that aggression. is supposed the difficulty is that this _ to that aggression. is supposed the difficulty is that this can _ to that aggression. is supposed the difficulty is that this can cause - to that aggression. is supposed the difficulty is that this can cause a - difficulty is that this can cause a catalyst for lots of other things as well. we have a statement, for example, tonight from the chief who says he is worried about some street attacks that have been happening in israel itself. a fit of the population is arab, and that has caused a lot of tension with those mixed communities. so what happens between gaza and israel is then replicated inside israel and mixed communities. he said he is worried that people are taking the law into their own hands. from that point of view, that must wear you. fill" view, that must wear you. our rima view, that must wear you. our primary concern _ view, that must wear you. our primary concern is _ view, that must wear you. our primary concern is the - view, that must wear you.

attacking military targets, not civilians, but military targets inside gaza. 0utcome after all is our obligation. that is what we are here to do, and as long as hamas continues to fire together with other terrorist organisations at our civilians that is what we will keep on doing. civilians that is what we will keep on doinu. ., ., ., .. , civilians that is what we will keep ondoinu. ., ., , ., on doing. you would accept though that ou on doing. you would accept though that you are _ on doing. you would accept though that you are targeting _ on doing. you would accept though that you are targeting mentally - on doing. you would accept though that you are targeting mentally or| that you are targeting mentally or terry targets, civilians have been killed as a consequence of that targeting. we killed as a consequence of that taruuetin. ~ ., ., ., ., killed as a consequence of that tariietin, . ., ., ., ., , targeting. we are aware of reports coming out — targeting. we are aware of reports coming out of _ targeting. we are aware of reports coming out of gaza. _ targeting. we are aware of reports coming out of gaza. it _ targeting. we are aware of reports coming out of gaza. it should - targeting. we are aware of reports coming out of gaza. it should be i coming out of gaza. it should be said that the reports are based on the hamas —controlled ministry of health, so i would like to put it? about the veracity of those reports, but nevertheless, and he reports of civilian casualties and fighting, we take them seriously, and i can assure you that related to the previous report that was previously showed him building that we struck, that specific building was used by hamas for intelligence and communication purposes. we attacked it after we made sure that there

were no civilians inside them and that everybody had evacuated. figs were no civilians inside them and that everybody had evacuated. as you sa , there that everybody had evacuated. as you say. there was — that everybody had evacuated. as you say, there was no _ that everybody had evacuated. as you say, there was no warning _ that everybody had evacuated. as you say, there was no warning to - say, there was no warning to evacuate. i will not argue with you about that, but when you say can medications and all the rest intelligence, what you mean is in office, basically. people don't fire rockets from offices. ida. office, basically. people don't fire rockets from offices.— office, basically. people don't fire rockets from offices. no, but they collect intelligence, _ rockets from offices. no, but they collect intelligence, they - collect intelligence, they communicate, they manage operations and they plan attacks from that. don't think of it as an office, think of it as a headquarters, a military headquarters. it looks like an office because that's what hamas wants it to look like so that we can stand here and ask ourselves questions of what the building is. i'm telling you based on... i’m questions of what the building is. i'm telling you based on... i'm sure and i hepe — i'm telling you based on... i'm sure and i hepe you _ i'm telling you based on... i'm sure and i hope you always _ i'm telling you based on... i'm sure and i hope you always ask- i'm telling you based on... i'm sure and i hope you always ask yourselfl and i hope you always ask yourself questions about what a building is before you target it, but let me pick up something that was said by the defence minister who is ultimately your political boss, your military boss, but your political boss, he said the idea for continuous operations until complete and long term quiet has been achieved. isn't the difficulty with that as a strategy, as an objective,

that as a strategy, as an objective, that you are asking to achieve something that will only be achieved by a political settlement, not a military one, because if this was a question of a military settlement, israel would've achieved it years ago. you're militarily a superior organisation to hamas because hamas is whatever you want to college, it is whatever you want to college, it is not the army of the country. you are the army of the country, you are an impressive military force. there is no argument about that. if it was simply a military solution, you would have done it, therefore it is a political solution that has to be sorted, isn't it?— sorted, isn't it? well, iwill be five to politicians, _ sorted, isn't it? well, iwill be five to politicians, and - sorted, isn't it? well, iwill be five to politicians, and i - sorted, isn't it? well, iwill be five to politicians, and i will. sorted, isn't it? well, i will be. five to politicians, and i will say that we are of course executing the commands of the political and israel. �* .,, commands of the political and israel. �* _, . commands of the political and israel. �* . ., israel. but if those commence are not achievable, _ israel. but if those commence are not achievable, what _ israel. but if those commence are not achievable, what is _ israel. but if those commence are not achievable, what is the - israel. but if those commence are j not achievable, what is the point? well there is a point. imagine having isis at your doorstep firing rockets at london? that is what we are dealing with. it may sound bombastic to you and it may sound like a different type of g howdy extremist, but in essence, it isn't, really. we have a bloodthirsty g

heidi organisation that is using its own civilians for the purpose of firing rockets at our civilians, and their outspoken goal is to eradicate israel, like he rightfully said, yes, we are strong enough to deal with those threats and we are militarily superior and we are very happy to be that, but at the end of the day, we are dealing with a fundamentalist organisation that has a sworn goal to destroy us. it is difficult to conduct diplomacy without type of organisation. and i don't see global, i don't see the international community engaging isis in flattery and words. you engage terrorists with military might. that's how you engage violence, that is how you defend yourself. that is unfortunately what we have to do. let yourself. that is unfortunately what we have to tie-— yourself. that is unfortunately what we have to de— we have to do. let me ask you finall , we have to do. let me ask you finally. what — we have to do. let me ask you finally, what is _ we have to do. let me ask you finally, what is your _ we have to do. let me ask you | finally, what is your anticipation for the coming days?— finally, what is your anticipation - for the coming days?- clearly for the coming days? because clearly the un is worried _ for the coming days? because clearly the un is worried that _ for the coming days? because clearly the un is worried that this _ for the coming days? because clearly the un is worried that this may - the un is worried that this may accelerate and may deteriorate, the law of unintended consequences, if you like, we end up in the situation

where we have a full—scale military conflict. fin where we have a full-scale military conflict. ., ., ., �* conflict. on the one hand, we don't seek to escalate _ conflict. on the one hand, we don't seek to escalate the _ conflict. on the one hand, we don't seek to escalate the situation, - conflict. on the one hand, we don't seek to escalate the situation, we i seek to escalate the situation, we have said that from the get—go, and it has been very clear, and we didn't start, we were not the ones who attacked from the beginning. 0n the other hand, since hamas continues to fire rockets at our civilians, we are left with no choice but to continue our operations and to prepare for an escalation. those are our directives that have been given by the security cabinet. that is what we're doing. and we have him as he set correctly, the capabilities, the manpower and the capabilities, the manpower and the equipment to do so. let's hope for the sake of the region and from my perspective first and foremost the is really civilians that that does not in effect happen, and that's calm her minds on the palestinian side, and the guys outside will decide that this is enough and that they have gone way beyond the borders with their aggression against israel, and then maybe things would be from a military perspective, ourjob is to

defend, ourjob is to be ready for whatever these terrorists try to do against our civilians, and that is our focus. against our civilians, and that is our fewe— against our civilians, and that is our focus. ., ., g ., ., ., ., our focus. coloneljonathan of the israel defence _ our focus. coloneljonathan of the israel defence forces, _ our focus. coloneljonathan of the israel defence forces, thank - our focus. coloneljonathan of the israel defence forces, thank you l israel defence forces, thank you very much for being with us on bbc news this evening. joining us they're from tel aviv. i should say that at half past 8 we'll be speaking to a former advisor to the palestinian leadership in ramallah. so so do stay with us on bbc news. the prime minister has announced a full independent public inquiry into the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. borisjohnson said it would start next spring and would put the state's actions "under the microscope". the labour leader, sir keir starmer, welcomed the inquiry — but said it should begin as soon as possible. 0ur deputy political editor, vicki young, reports. after more than a year of covid trauma, what are the lessons the country must learn? the uk now has one of the highest covid death rates in the world. why weren't we better prepared for a pandemic? were the right decisions made at the right time... you must stay at home.

..to protect the most vulnerable? and why did some things go better than others? when you get the call, get the jab. will lessons be learned ? today we are a step closer to learning some answers. amid such tragedy, the state has an obligation to examine its actions as rigorously and candidly as possible, and to learn every lesson for the future, which is why i've always said that when the time is right, there should be a full and independent inquiry. the inquiry is due to start next spring, and evidence will be given under oath. fran had been married just three weeks when her husband steve died of covid last year. she told me she was pleasantly surprised when she heard today's announcement, but questioned the timing. what we would like to have is a rapid review, and that is something that can be done in a matter of weeks. that wouldn't tie up people's time to the degree that a fulljudge—led

inquiry would involve, and that would hopefully begin to get some quick answers to some of the very pressing questions that need to be resolved so that other families don't have the same experiences we've had. but the government says doing it now would distract those still dealing with the pandemic. when it comes to the scope of the inquiry, the labour leader had this request. this inquiry will only work if it has the support and confidence of the families. and i urge the prime minister and the government to consult the families at the earliest possible moment. the government should also consult those on the front line who have done so much, whether in the nhs, social care or other front lines. the families of those who have died want answers, and the prime minister has promised transparency. ministers and officials will be quizzed in public, thousands of documents will be published. but inquiries like this are never quick. it could be years, probably after the next election, before conclusions are reached. the hope is that looking back and learning lessons will mean no

more names are added to this wall. but today an international panel highlighted serious failures across the globe and said without urgent change the world will be at the mercy of another disease outbreak. vicki young, bbc news, westminster. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake is in westminster. jonathan, given that both sides have agreed that there will be this inquiry, what is controversial? what still has to be ironed out that may cause the government problems, do you think? cause the government problems, do ou think? ~ . , cause the government problems, do ou think? ~ ., , ., you think? well as we heard in the re orts, you think? well as we heard in the reports. the _ you think? well as we heard in the reports, the timing _ you think? well as we heard in the reports, the timing is _ you think? well as we heard in the reports, the timing is the - you think? well as we heard in the reports, the timing is the most - reports, the timing is the most controversial factor at this stage, bill, seems the government and the prime minister has made up his mind that it prime minister has made up his mind thatitis prime minister has made up his mind that it is going to be spring of next year before this inquiry properly gets under way. sir kier starmer was trying to clarify whether that would be preparatory work or the actual hearings starting time and seem from borisjohnson�*s answer the preparation if not has already begun will be done before

then, and it will be well into the early part of next year before the public inquiry into coronavirus, the government's response to coronavirus begins. there are, though, still calls from the family to undertake something a bit more rapid to get something a bit more rapid to get some answers to some of the more pressing issues and questions that they have raised in terms of the government's response, the procurement of ppe early on in the pandemic, the test and trace system, and also other aspects of the government's response which didn't necessarily go as well as they could've done. but it does seem that the government has got its sights set on that timescale which i just mentioned, but as vicky said in her report there, these public inquiries tend to take a very long time, it will be months, years, probably before there are any formal conclusions, and i think those who are pressing for something to be brought forward sooner and for

investigations to be done sooner, perhaps wary about memories will fade, and the pressing urgency of trying to establish what went wrong in terms of some aspects of the uk's response to coronavirus and why it saw one of the higher death tolls to cope 19 perhaps will fade and perhaps will lose some of that urgency would certainly families of those who have died and lost their lives to coronavirus would like to see answered sooner rather than later. , ., ., ., �* ., ~ see answered sooner rather than later. ., ., �* .w ., later. jonathan blake at westminster, _ later. jonathan blake at westminster, thank - later. jonathan blake at| westminster, thank you later. jonathan blake at - westminster, thank you for later. jonathan blake at _ westminster, thank you forjoining us. i'm joined by professor sian griffiths, a public health expert who co—chaired the 2003 sars inquiry for the hong kong government. professor, good to speak to again. first thing we should about perhaps is the inquiry that has already been conducted and completed by the world health organization which was published today led by ellenjohnson for the former president of liberia. what would you pick out from that

thatis what would you pick out from that that is likely to be relevant for any investigation that we conduct? aha, any investigation that we conduct? a key message is from this report that came _ key message is from this report that came out— key message is from this report that came out today, basically, it's called — came out today, basically, it's called covid—19, make this the last pandemic — called covid—19, make this the last pandemic. ed's highlight some of the issues _ pandemic. ed's highlight some of the issues if— pandemic. ed's highlight some of the issues if you look globally about how to — issues if you look globally about how to answer the question how well did we _ how to answer the question how well did we do? _ how to answer the question how well did we do? and the answer is not very well— did we do? and the answer is not very well globally pandemic preparedness was inadequate, the who is too slow— preparedness was inadequate, the who is too slow to act. most countries didnt— is too slow to act. most countries didn't act— is too slow to act. most countries didn't act during february 2020, didnt— didn't act during february 2020, didn't take steps that were necessary to control the pandemic, so a set _ necessary to control the pandemic, so a set of— necessary to control the pandemic, so a set of criticisms that the report— so a set of criticisms that the report is— so a set of criticisms that the report is very forward—looking and it makes— report is very forward—looking and it makes recommendations, it's makes recommendations about immediate recommendations, which include seeking — recommendations, which include seeking vaccine equity, making sure that we _ seeking vaccine equity, making sure that we get— seeking vaccine equity, making sure that we get global distribution of vaccines— that we get global distribution of vaccines so that involves richer

countries — vaccines so that involves richer countries putting money into the kovach _ countries putting money into the kovach system, which is run by the wh0i _ kovach system, which is run by the who, and — kovach system, which is run by the who, and ensuring that the 92 countries — who, and ensuring that the 92 countries on that list for kovacs do .et countries on that list for kovacs do get the _ countries on that list for kovacs do get the vaccine, so that is a very important — get the vaccine, so that is a very important issue. sharing the science, _ important issue. sharing the science, increasing the manufacturing capacity and lower middle _ manufacturing capacity and lower middle come —— lower middle income countries, _ middle come —— lower middle income countries, and as well, quite a critique — countries, and as well, quite a critique of— countries, and as well, quite a critique of the world health organization of how some of the mechanics of the world health organization make it too difficult for her_ organization make it too difficult for her to— organization make it too difficult for her to respond openly, transparently and it is seen as underpowered and underfinanced. so, some _ underpowered and underfinanced. so, some of— underpowered and underfinanced. so, some of the _ underpowered and underfinanced. so, some of the recommendations as i say are about _ some of the recommendations as i say are about immediately addressing vaccine _ are about immediately addressing vaccine in — are about immediately addressing vaccine in equity, and then the longer— vaccine in equity, and then the longer term recommendations are about— longer term recommendations are about establishing a global health threats— about establishing a global health threats council which will bring together— threats council which will bring together senior leaders, senior government leaders, leaders of countries — government leaders, leaders of countries to take this pandemic

seriously— countries to take this pandemic seriously if there should be signs of any— seriously if there should be signs of any threats emerging in the future, — of any threats emerging in the future, and ensuring preparedness across— future, and ensuring preparedness across all— future, and ensuring preparedness across all countries and actually making — across all countries and actually making sure that the pandemic awareness doesn't slip once we are through— awareness doesn't slip once we are through the covid problems facing at the current— through the covid problems facing at the current time. so it's a forward—looking plan, and asks for a particularly — forward—looking plan, and asks for a particularly to strengthen the world health _ particularly to strengthen the world health organization commander think that is— health organization commander think that is a _ health organization commander think that is a message that will be taken away and _ that is a message that will be taken away and discussed obviously the next world health assembly. now the difficulty with — next world health assembly. now the difficulty with the _ next world health assembly. now the difficulty with the domestic _ next world health assembly. now the difficulty with the domestic inquiry i difficulty with the domestic inquiry is that the politics are that much more kind of confrontational, potentially. because it sounds like this inquiry that the who has been even of the debbie which even critical of the debbie which are itself has been quite candid in that sense. are you worried, i mean from your conducted an inquiry for a government, be of the hong kong government, be of the hong kong government, are you worried at all about our motives and wanting to have this inquiry, whether there is the mixed desire which is we want to

learn lessons, but we also want to blame someone. yes, and i think what we learned in hong _ yes, and i think what we learned in hong kong, — yes, and i think what we learned in hong kong, we were an international group _ hong kong, we were an international group who— hong kong, we were an international group who went into hong kong and we were very— group who went into hong kong and we were very clear right from the start that we _ were very clear right from the start that we weren't going to be looking for blame — that we weren't going to be looking for blame. what we were going to do, 'ust for blame. what we were going to do, just as _ for blame. what we were going to do, just as the _ for blame. what we were going to do, just as the inquiry for the who, we were _ just as the inquiry for the who, we were going — just as the inquiry for the who, we were going to look at events, look at the _ were going to look at events, look at the chain— were going to look at events, look at the chain of events, see where we could _ at the chain of events, see where we could think— at the chain of events, see where we could think of improvements and make recommendations, and we were able to find a _ recommendations, and we were able to find a whole _ recommendations, and we were able to find a whole series of areas. i meani _ find a whole series of areas. i mean, there wasn't one that was perfect, — mean, there wasn't one that was perfect, and we were very clear that we were _ perfect, and we were very clear that we were making recommendations for the future _ we were making recommendations for the future so that should there be another— the future so that should there be another pandemic, the response would be better, _ another pandemic, the response would be better, so if you look at how some _ be better, so if you look at how some of— be better, so if you look at how some of the countries who suffered from sars — some of the countries who suffered from sars in 2003, if you look at how they— from sars in 2003, if you look at how they did respond, their responses generally accepted within this report that came out today as being _ this report that came out today as being better because of their

awareness, their willingness to act more _ awareness, their willingness to act more quickly, and their understanding of the threat of the pandemic. so i think in any inquiry, it is not— pandemic. so i think in any inquiry, it is not about blame, it is about what _ it is not about blame, it is about what can— it is not about blame, it is about what can we learn? how do we look forward? _ what can we learn? how do we look forward? how do we prevent problems in the _ forward? how do we prevent problems in the future?— in the future? professor, thank you very much- — borisjohnson has told mps that the covid variant first identified in india is of "increasing concern" to the government — and that scientists are studying the data closely. our medical editor fergus walsh explained more about what is known about the variant that is formally known as b1617.2. more than 500 cases identified in the uk, many in the bolton area, and many linked to travel from india before it was put on the red list for hotel quarantine. now, we know it's at least as transmissible as the kent variant, which is the dominant version of coronavirus here. but the key question is, would it make vaccines ineffective? now, the answer is probably not,

but we don't really have the data either way yet. on monday, the government's chief medical adviser, professor chris whitty, said it seemed less likely to be able to escape vaccines than the south african variant, another variant of concern, and that one has never really taken off here in the uk. it is vital to stay on top of these variants of concern. they are a surge testing for covid in the bolton area, and many of the cases are in people under 25, and that's prompted the mayor of manchester to ask for vaccination now to be opened up immediately to all those over 16. now, variants of concern of the big unknown, they are the one thing that can derail the return to normality, but we know that vaccines can be tweaked. there is a plan in place for a booster third dose this autumn, but we don't know yet whether that will be needed. fergus walsh on that variant.

surge testing is to be deployed in redditch, worcestershire, following the identification of multiple confirmed cases of the south african variant. everyone who lives or works in the targeted areas is strongly encouraged to take a covid-19 pcr test, whether they are showing symptoms or not. the confirmed cases have self—isolated and their contacts have been identified. let's now look at the latest data on coronavirus. and figures out this afternoon show there were 2,284 new covid infections reported in the past 2a hours — with 11 deaths recorded. more than 35 point seven million people have now had their first dose of a vaccine. that's over 67% of the uk's adult population. the government's now inviting 38 and 39—year—olds to book their first jabs. almost 18 and a half million people have now had both jabs, so 35% of all adults are now fully vaccinated. the downing street tonight headset he apologised on behalf of the uk

government, forgive me, we have moved onto another story can i do beg your pardon, now, borisjohnson says he has apologised unreservedly on behalf of the british government for the events which took place in ballymurphy in west belfast in 1971 — when ten people were killed in the wake of an operation by the british army. yesterday the families of those who died won a 50 year fight to clear their names when a coroner ruled they had been "entirely innocent." our ireland correspondent, emma vardy is at stormont and gave us this update. well, those verdicts are by the coroner yesterday. all of those findings provided a huge sense of vindication for the families of the victims here. it was a big moment for northern ireland. their loved ones names were publicly cleared and the coroner found that in many cases, the soldiers used disproportionate force. almost immediately after that moment yesterday, there were calls for an official apology. sinn fein's michelle o'neill saying she was pressing the prime minister to say sorry. now, what we understand has happened today is that there was this virtual meeting between the first

and deputy first ministers of northern ireland and borisjohnson, and we usually get a readout from 10 downing street as a result of these conversations, a summary of what was said, and in that we are told that the prime minister did apologise. the readout says that he apologised unreservedly for the events that took place and the huge english that the lengthy pursuit of truth has caused the families of those killed. but there's been a rather underwhelmed response to that here in northern ireland. the initial reaction from families of the ballymurphy victims is that they would've rather had an apology more directly to them rather than in the private phone call with political leaders. they certainly don't see it as a public apology. and we also get the same sense from sinn fein to that they certainly don't see this thousand official apology as such. in such was the scale of the tragedy in ballymurphy and the conclusive findings of the coroner yesterday that the victims were wholly innocents, you can expect there to be many more calls

here in northern ireland for borisjohnson to go much further. emma vardy emma va rdy reporting emma vardy reporting there. coronavirus restrictions saw the economy shrink at the start of 2021 — but the hit was smaller than first feared as growth rebounded in march. the office for national statistics says that gross domestic product — a measure of the size of the economy — fell by 1.5% betweenjanuary and march — during lockdown. but improved performance in march eased the blow, with gdp rising by 2.1% month—on—month, helped by schools reopening and retail spending. figures indicate the economy in march was nearly six % lower than before the pandemic. our economics editor, faisal islam, reports. in milton keynes, as around the country, the curtain is about to rise again on our big screens, preparing for their grand reopening, testing the projectors, prepping the ticket machines, a symbol of normality and of economic recovery. we know there is pent up demand.

people have really been on their couches for too long and they want to come out and experience films on the big screen with the big sound and comfy seats, with cinema food and beverage. today, it was confirmed that lockdown saw a marked fall in the economy in the first three months of the year but that a rebound had begun by march. while any fall in the economy is clearly disappointing, this does reflect what was happening during the second lockdown in the first couple of months of this year. more up—to—date data shows the economy starting to rebound. the bank of england's debit and credit card spending levels are at about 99% of where they were before the pandemic. if you look at the number of people on the high street, the footfall data is at about three quarters of normal levels as the recovery starts to take hold. and then there is the housing market

where, during the pandemic year, house prices have gone up by a five year high, record mortgage lending, leaving average house prices at over a quarter of £1 million, also a record. visiting a brewery in east london that, thanks to the furlough scheme, had kept all its staff and now employed more, the chancellor said the recovery was on track and he would stick to his tax rise plans. almost a year ago we set out our plan forjobs. what today's figures show is that plan is working and that is great to see. with regard to the decisions we've made, i think those were the right decisions. it important we have borrowing and debt levels that are sustainable. here optimism about reopening but also caution, given all that has happened over the past year with the pandemic and coping with some post—brexit trading costs. we did lose about 10% of our customers who had close their doors for good.

so that pain has already been met for some people. we appreciate how tough this has been for our customers. we didn't want to have to pass those on but it has been... we've have had to swallow a lot. we've seen some issues over the border as well with ordering stuff in. exports to the eu were well down over the first three months of new trading arrangements but ministers pointed to some recovery back towards more normal levels by march. the return of normality from trips to the cinema to trade with neighbours is right now the great hope for the economy. faisal islam, bbc news in milton keynes. now it's time for a look at the weather with ben rich. hello. the kind of weather we've had through today and over the last few days is the kind of weather we'll see over the next few days — a mix of heavy downpours and spells of warm sunshine. some slightly more persistent rain across some southern parts of england and the south of wales as we head through this

evening and tonight. a lot of cloud across the north and the east of scotland. but in between, northern ireland, southern scotland, northern and eastern parts of england will see some clear skies. most of the daytime showers will fade. and it will get a little bit chilly in places, but the vast majority, the vast majority will avoid a frost. tomorrow, then, we'll see cloud and outbreaks of rain across southern england and parts of wales, tending to break up into showers through the day. elsewhere, it's another sunshine and showers day, although for northern and north—eastern parts of scotland and north east england, we will see more cloud pushing down from the north. and a slightly chillier feel here as well, just ten degrees in aberdeen. a lot of cloud for many places on friday. still some showers, and then we're back to sunshine and heavy showers for the weekend. hello this is bbc news. the headlines.

israeli strikes destroyed another tower blocking gaza amid warnings of a full—scale war from the un. what should i say, this is a crime. this was a civilian, a woman, children of barbara to shop warner. they did not hit a militant or an official. we are civilian sleeping in our home. fired from gaza into israel mostly aimed at tel aviv. why do they want to kill us? it is madness, this thing. this cannot be. people lost their lives here. the prime minister _ people lost their lives here. the prime minister announces a full inquiry into the response of the coronavirus pandemic that will begin next spring. attributes are being paid tojordan banks, the nine—year—old boy killed yesterday by lightning after being hit during training on the football pitch in

blackpool. and plans for national emergency services memorial to honour that all of those who worked on the front line during this pandemic. let's return to our top story and the deadly exchange of fire between palestinian militants in the gaza strip and the israeli military. the un has said it fears a 'full scale war�*, following a significant escalation of tensions over the past few days. joining me now from washington is khaled elgindy a senior fellow at the middle east institute. jerusalem is a centre of the israeli—palestinian conflict it is always have the capacity to spark violence. with depressing familiarity, it has yet again. so, what is behind this latest escalation? tension has been mounting for weeks. one big grievance with the palestinians was the threat the dozens of families would be evicted from their homes in

an area just outside of the old city. in favour ofjewish settlers. there have also been clashes between police and palestinians angry about restrictions on them gathering at the entrance of the old city at sunset. and then, on the last weekend, kim clashes. —— came. sing the palestinians have been throwing stones. the accused worshipers of preparing to attack a planned march by it's really hard liners. and troops stormed into the holy compound. hamas rituals the gaza strip has called itself the protector ofjerusalem, the protector ofjerusalem, the protector ofjerusalem, the protector of muslim worshipers. so, why does jerusalem protector of muslim worshipers. so, why doesjerusalem matter so much? the importance ofjerusalem is perhaps the one thing the two sites can actually agree on. it has both

religious and national significance. the israelis see it as the eternal undivided capital and the palestinians wanted as the capital of their future state. this dangerous escalation has now moved way beyond jerusalem. this is now the biggest explosion of violence since the war in 2014. a deadly tit—for—tat with neither site showing any sign of backing down. and it is civilians on both sides paying the price. joining me now from washington is khaled elgindy a senior fellow at the middle east institute. he previously served as an advisor to the palestinian leadership in ramallah on permanent status negotiations with israel. thank you forjoining us. this is a very distressing time for everyone who cares about what happens in the middle east and in the palestinian territories. what do you think to be done at the stage to try to

de—escalate? done at the stage to try to de-escalate?_ done at the stage to try to de-escalate? ~ ., , ., , de-escalate? well, what needs to be done is third — de-escalate? well, what needs to be done is third parties _ de-escalate? well, what needs to be done is third parties need _ de-escalate? well, what needs to be done is third parties need to - de-escalate? well, what needs to be done is third parties need to see - done is third parties need to see where they have influence and clearly, the united states has considerable influence with israel. the egyptians and some others have influence with hamas and gaza. and we need to really put pressure on all sides to immediately de—escalate and then to begin to tackle the root causes for this sort of violence that we see recurring and gaza in particular. it is almost on a regular basis. and that is because we have situations where palestinians and gaza are faced with tremendous pressure by israel, very aggressive campaigns in different ways and both of those parts of

palestine and eastjerusalem, it is a settlement, home takeovers, evictions, land confiscations. demolition of homes and closure of palestinian institutions and in gaza, you have this blockade that is unlivable for 2 million palestinians and this is the festering wounds of the conflict that the international community is basically neglected and left to israel to deal with and imposed its own realities on the ground. let's not forget, there is an enormous asymmetry of power here. israel is the occupying power and it controls everything between the jordan river and the mediterranean sea, including eastjerusalem and including the gaza strip and someone

has to weigh in with the israelis. and therefore, you think that it's the third party death influence as well�*s the inequality is in terms of force and is obvious. talking about the israeli defence force, their spokesperson who was there international spokesperson talking to me about the kernel. but that makes it all the more bizarre to the point of being kind of, almost a self—inflicted wound, doesn't it. for hamas to be firing rockets on israel. which would provoke them to attack military targets with the possibility of civilian casualties as a result of that because it is a crowded populated very small space. what do they think they're doing, you think? what do they think they're doing, ou think? , ., , , ., you think? obviously, there are clearl a

you think? obviously, there are clearly a lack — you think? obviously, there are clearly a lack of _ you think? obviously, there are clearly a lack of leadership - you think? obviously, there are clearly a lack of leadership on i you think? obviously, there are i clearly a lack of leadership on the palestinian side. a political vacuum and. it palestinian side. a political vacuum and. , ., , palestinian side. a political vacuum and. , ., palestinian side. a political vacuum and. ., ., palestinian side. a political vacuum and. , ., ., and. it is worse than that because ou have and. it is worse than that because you have hamas— and. it is worse than that because you have hamas on _ and. it is worse than that because you have hamas on one _ and. it is worse than that because you have hamas on one side - and. it is worse than that because you have hamas on one side that| and. it is worse than that because i you have hamas on one side that has motivations on conflicts in the middle east. the strings are pulled not from within the palestinian communities but from outside, from iran. on other hand, you have a man elected with the extended unilaterally his term in office and we are taught there will be elections this year but we have been told that before, we have divided leadership on the palestinian side initially that weakens them and there's nothing to help the ordinary palestinians, the man or woman you're talking about was having a miserable existence as a result. that is absolutely true. the divided and dysfunctional palestinian leadership is not only bad for palestinians, it is highly destabilising. which is one reason why the international community should not be acquiescing to israel

he attempts to keep palestinians divided. now, clearly this division and fragmentation of palestinians is to a very large extent, self—inflicted. but let's not forget that israel is a major player here in israel puts a lot of effort into maintaining that division between gaza and the west bank and keeping palestinians fragmented. and there is a role to play here and clearly for all sites, we cannot have a credible response to palestinian actors emerge if the situation of death and destruction. there needs to be a third—party intervention, particularly by the united states to rain in israel others like egypt can influence hamas decision—making and

people need to start addressing the underlying causes which is 53 years of occupation that five and a half million palestinians live under and thatis million palestinians live under and that is just not sustainable indefinitely. so, we have people that are denied their freedom for generation after generation, you are going to get periodic episodes of violence because people will resist repression. violence because people will resist reression. ~ , ., violence because people will resist reression. ~ i. violence because people will resist repression-— repression. when you say that and the will repression. when you say that and they will contend _ repression. when you say that and they will contend the _ repression. when you say that and they will contend the description l repression. when you say that and | they will contend the description of repression. for example, the restrictions that they have imposed as a result of that but we will leave that for another day. you cannot answer for the israeli government. but what would you say, you heard the defence minister when they said that the operation into a complete and long—term quiet, won't you say to israelis who just want a

quieter life? i you say to israelis who 'ust want a quieter not you say to israelis who 'ust want a quieter neat you say to israelis who 'ust want a quieter treat quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to _ quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to have _ quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to have a _ quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to have a quieter- quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to have a quieter life i quieter life? iwould say, israelis deserve to have a quieter life as| quieter life? i would say, israelis i deserve to have a quieter life as to palestinians but the reality is living under occupation is not a quiet life. occupation is a form of violence. it is imposed by force, a blockade which israel controls everything that goes in and out of gaza if building settlements, evicting people from their homes is not required. so, the perverse logic of asymmetric warfare is that the weaker party will inflict pain on the stronger party, even if it means absorbing even greater pain because the idea of simply letting things be, where there is no cost to israel for maintaining this very painful status quo for millions of palestinians, is not sustainable. and so, we cannot call a period of

ongoing occupation and repression and confiscation, home demolition and confiscation, home demolition and eviction and blockade, those are not moments of calm. those are forms of violence. it is only when the violence is reciprocated and by palestinians, then people start to notice. ., ., palestinians, then people start to notice. ., ~' , ., , palestinians, then people start to notice. ., «i , ., , . in the last few days, more than 2,000 migrants have arrived on the mediterranean island of lampedusa off the coast of italy — seen as the gateway to europe. it's six years since the first migrants made the crossing — and there are fears that over the hot summer months, when the waters are calmer, more people could arrive in search of a better life. mark lowen reports. shadows seeking the light of europe. after days at sea, each step

on land is controlled. they risked a perilous crossing from libya, buffeted by high winds. and even though they're detained here in italy and taken to guarded camps, they're safe and alive. by day, too, they arrive. more migrants picked up at sea aiming for the island of lampedusa. over 2000 landing here since the weekend. this gateway to europe is under renewed pressure, battling the pandemic while carrying the hopes of the desperate. six years since the height of europe's migrant crisis, they are still coming. in lesser numbers now, but this is a third straight day of arrivals. the question is whether this is just a temporary spike or whether it is the start of a summer rush to europe's shores. for the eu's frontier countries like italy, migration remains an intensely political issue, and for some here, the hospitable

welcome has worn thin. translation: it's time to say enough after 30 years. - i wanted the camp to be closed immediately and a naval blockade so that they can't access the island. they should be helped in their own countries, not come here where the authorities spend millions on them, but let us die. through europe's outer door into a waiting room. but with the camp full, dozens are left outside. many here will have asylum claims rejected, but it's unclear how many of those will actually be sent back. you speak some english, yes? some. ok. we can't speak to people? no, no. 0k, we're being told that we can't speak to the migrants. but from inside the camp, the stories came to us. i want to work. i want to feed my family, they are dying. i lost about four sisters all because of hunger.

the robbers come to your house, my own house in libya, and robbed me. even now, i can't use this hand. what about people who would say to you that you have come in an illegal way? no problem, let them say i come in an illegal way, because they don't know what happened. so let them say that. but if they ask me, they hear the story, they'd understand my pain. it's hands to mouth here, but for some, this is better than what they left behind. and as long as dreams of europe remain, many more will follow in their tracks. mark lowen, bbc news, lampedusa. the former bosnian serb leader and convicted war criminal — radovan karadzic— is to serve the rest of his life sentence in a britishjail.

the 75—year—old was convicted in 2016 of crimes including genocide, which he carried out during the conflict in the former yugoslavia. the foreign office said he would be transferred to a uk prison from a un detention unit in the netherlands. the family of nine—year—old jordan banks — who died after being struck by lightning during a football coaching session — have described him as their 'brightest star.�* he was hit while training last night on a football pitch in lancashire. from blackpool, nick garnett reports hello, everyone! i am so happy and grateful for the donations. young and full of life. jordan banks raising money to help others. from first thing this morning, tributes to the little boy have been left at the pitch where the young footballer played the game he loved so much. the nine—year—old had come to the playing fields for a private training session when the storm moved in. he was only a few metres from the relative safety of the car park when he was struck down. despite paramedics and the air ambulance coming, he couldn't be saved.

local people joined friends and family to pay their respects at the football ground. we was in the same class. very happy person, very kind and caring person. how important was football to him? very. he loved it. he played it every day at school. with me. it has shocked everyone. it's a tragic shock. we didn't realise it was cj's best friend. he has took it bad. this evening, the family of the little boy described how their world has stopped. "we've lost our brightest star. he was our everything". nick garnett, bbc news, blackpool. twenty—nine men have been charged in connection with child sexual exploitation in calderdale in west yorkshire. the allegations date from 2003 to 2010 — and are against one female victim — who was aged between 13 and 20 at the time. most of the offending is alleged

to have taken place in calderdale, but some offences are said to have occurred in the bradford district. name for an unpaid debt of 535 pounds. a county courtjudgment has been registered against borisjohnson's name for an unpaid debt of 535 pounds. the court order was made in october, according to a database ofjudgments. the creditor and the nature of the debt are not included in the record, which was first reported by private eye magazine. a no ten spokesperson told the bbc, "an application will be made for an order to set aside the defaultjudgment, to strike out the claim and for a declaration that the claim is totally without merit." it's one of the most famous names on the high street. but all debenhams stores will close for good this weekend after 250 years of trading. the new owner boohoo said the business will now run online—only. a number of them closed today. our business correspondent emma simpson has been speaking to two workers who've been with the firm for more than 20 years.

it is the end of an era. it was a great place to work. totally lost its way, - totally lost its way and this is the result of it. like many towns, debenhams was mansfield's department store, a big corner of a shopping centre, and these are its final few hours. the end of a chapter forjulie and glenys, too. 75 years of service between them. i have to think about it and think, god, it's been my whole life there, you know? like i say, i grew up there and i've grown old there stop i think it became like a family unit, yes. they and their former colleagues like to remember the good times. janice was the store director's secretary. when the store was first opened in 1976, there was fitted kitchens, carpets. glenys has even reminded me we used to sell greenhouses! in the early '80s onwards, when the mines, the industries,

debenhams was the harrods of this area because of course the money was so affluent. it was so thriving i in the '70s and '80s. tougher times now with the retail shake—out sweeping through britain's high streets. it is like many other towns, it's exactly the same. and ijust hope the high street can be reinvented to get some sort of feeling back. those final few hours are going to be hard? it's hard. and it is... because, a, it's the heart and soul of the town. b, it's the heart and soul of our colleagues. cheering and applause. we will go out with a smile on ourfaces. they did just that as the shutters closed for the final time. emma simpson, bbc news, mansfield.

it is going to be reborn under the name is used to treat under for almost 60 years. bobby's, as it was called back in 1950, is going to be backin called back in 1950, is going to be back in letters on that building and if you been to bournemouth, it is a very identifiable building on the square and burma. very prominent location and it is sad to see the end of it but they will be cheering the return of bobby and co. to bournemouth. a service has been held at westminster abbey this afternoon to pay tribute to the efforts of nurses and tireless work they have done throughout the pandemic. it comes amids plans for a national emergency services memorial in westminster — a series of statues — dedicated to all emergency workers. but organisers still need to raise millions of pounds and are asking the government to help. daniela relph reports.

honouring the challenges they've faced, and the care they've given. at westminster abbey it was a service for nurses after a year of extraordinary strain. the gratitude of every home throughout the world goes to nurses... and a permanent tribute to the work of medics. this is the first figure made for a planned monument in central london to emergency workers. every detail carefully sculpted. only the eyes visible on the masked face. the gloves being wearily peeled off at the end of a long shift. a feeling familiar to so many nurses. applause. and nanchirira is one of them. a nurse for 50 years and a covid survivor. last year her colleagues saved her life.

thank you. we took nancy to see the statue and cast a critical eye. it is amazing. amazing. do you think that this figure represents the feelings of medics over the past year with what they've had to cope with? does it capture that? it is etched in that face. it is etched in that face, and in those eyes. deep, piercing eyes, looking at the human being helpless on the ward and wondering whether we are going to pull through. a sense of what the final monument will look like. the plan is to call it a 999 cenotaph, but the project is way off the £3 million it needs. organisers want the government to now fund this lasting memorial to the bravery and sacrifice

of emergency workers. daniela relph, bbc news, west sussex. now it's time for a look at the weather. hello there. the kind of weather we've had today and yesterday and over the last few days is the kind of weather we're going to continue to see over the next few days. the rest of the week will bring further heavy downpours, but some spells of warm sunshine in between. and it is all because of low pressure still sitting overhead providing those showers or even longer spells of rain at times. this little frontal system here is providing some more persistent rain across some southern parts of the uk as we head through this evening and tonight, especially across the west country, into parts of south east wales, the south west midlands. could see some outbreaks of rain developing across the south east of england as well. quite a lot of cloud across the northern half of scotland, but elsewhere for northern ireland, southern scotland, northern

and eastern parts of england, we'll have clear skies. in one or two places, it'll get a little bit chilly. the vast majority will avoid a frost. and then into tomorrow, we start off with cloud and outbreaks of showery rain across southern england and the south of wales. a lot of that will tend to break up into a mix of sunshine and showers. and elsewhere, after a fine, dry start, you can see those showers getting going through the late morning into the afternoon. some heavy with some hail and some thunder. in most places, temperatures up to14, 15 or 16 degrees, although it will be a little cooler for some of these northern and eastern coastal areas as more cloud rolls its way in. now, for friday, we will find ourselves between weather systems — low pressure to the east, low pressure to the west — but in between, we're in something of a no man's land. we start to see a northerly wind trying to establish itself. it's not going to have much luck. it's not going to bring a big cold arctic blast or anything like that, but it will bring a chillier feel to northern and eastern areas of the uk as we head through friday.

and quite a lot of cloud here as well, whereas for the south west of england, wales and northern ireland, once again it's a mix of sunny spells and heavy, thundery showers. temperatures for most up to 14—15, but where you're in that northerly flow, maybe just ten for aberdeen, 11 for newcastle. and then through the weekend, a band of rain will sweep its way eastwards through friday night into saturday. and then low pressure will assert itself once again, and that means the sunshine and showers theme will continue. now, the showers will be quite well scattered. some places will avoid them, others will see quite a few. some of them will be heavy with some and thunder mixing in, but in between the showers, there'll be some spells of sunshine. and in that sunshine, it'll feel fairly warm.

this is bbc news — hour by hour, missile—by—missile — the fighting between israel and the palestians gets more deadly. until now the force has rained down from the sky. the concern at the un is that this becomes a full blown war. another tower block in gaza is destroyed — israel's prime minister warns palestinians this is just the beginning — as his military launches hundreds more air strikes. meanwhile — a barrage of rockets are fired from gaza into israel — mostly at tel aviv. stripped of her position, but not of her voice. republican liz cheney hits back after her own party kicked her out of leadership.

also in the programme.... could we have seen it coming?