welcome to bbc news, i'm david eades. our top stories: israel's prime minister warns the operation against hamas in gaza will take as long as needed to restore calm. at the un, france pushes for a resolution but washington says it wants to pursue talks behind the scenes. the prime minister of spain vows to restore order to its territories in north africa, where thousands of migrants have crossed from morocco. morocco stands accused of allowing this unprecedented influx. . , allowing this unprecedented influx. ., ., influx. last month it warned sain of influx. last month it warned spain of consequences - influx. last month it warned spain of consequences amid influx. last month it warned i spain of consequences amid a diplomatic row. it seems this is what they were talking about. and — a self portrait like no other. but who is the artist behind this ground—breaking exhibition?

welcome to our viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. how much longer will the violence between israel and palestinian militants last? france is now trying its hand at calling for a un security council resolution in an effort to increase pressure for a ceasefire. the body has held its third meeting in a week — but the united states is still holding back, claiming a "public pronouncement" would not help calm the crisis. in the latest violence, three palestinians have been killed and many others injured in clashes between protesters and israeli security forces in the west bank. israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu has repeated his warning that the operation against hamas will take as long as needed to restore calm,

as a barrage of rockets was fired into israel killing two thai workers and injuring seven others. now from jerusalem. and just a warning — there are some images you may find upsetting. explosion the israeli army blow up the car of a man who attacked them with grenades. soldiers shot him dead. it was the centre of hebron where soldiers protect a jewish settlement in the heart of a palestinian city. chanting last night, a group called the al—aqsa martyrs' brigade showed off their weapons in ramallah on the west bank. they have been quiet since the end of the last armed uprising around 16 years ago. their return, if that's what it is, is a sign of the hardening mood on the palestinian side, and competition between rival factions to confront israel. this morning the al—aqsa brigade and israeli troops exchanged fire near ramallah.

the israelis said two of their soldiers were wounded. this was at the damascus gate intojerusalem's old city. egypt blames heavy—handed israeli pressure injerusalem for what it calls palestinian retaliation. the egyptians have used unusually harsh language to condemn israel's behaviour. that matters because egyptian mediators are a critical part of ceasefire negotiations. much more anger in more places is on display in the palestinian territories than during previous wars between israel and hamas. this was bethlehem just outsidejerusalem. this kind of thing just doesn't build up overnight. it comes after years of settlement expansion, land confiscation. what happened injerusalem

and what's happening in gaza was the last straw. it's about, for these people, years of israeli pressure. inside israel, jaffa is shared byjews and palestinian arabs. arab businesses across israel were closed in a general strike that was also solid on the west bank. in the last week, coexistence between israel's arab and jewish citizens has broken down, a disaster for national cohesion. explosion hamas is still hitting israeli towns. this was ashdod. all the pounding of gaza, this was an american—made israeli bomb, has not stopped hamas firing back. that could be an incentive for israel to respond to pressure from its allies for a ceasefire. jeremy bowen, bbc news, jerusalem. one country that plays an important role in any

mediation betweeb israel and hamas is egypt. the country's sinai peninsula shares a land border with the gaza strip, the only way into gaza without having to pass israeli checkpoints. in times of war the injured are evacuated through rafah to an egyptian hospital. and underneath the border wall there are tunnels, through which a lot of things are smuggled. everything from food, to medicines, to arms — and rockets. the egyptians have confirmed they are in direct contact with hamas — they are the only country that has that kind of direct communication. here's the bbc�*s sally nabil in cairo. so far, mediation talks have not achieved any progress. no official statement from the egyptians saying that a ceasefire is expect

quite soon. a minister refused to disclose any details regarding mediation talks at the moment, but we know that the foreign ministry has been in touch with many regional and international parties, russians, americans, israelis, palestinians. they tried to convince all the parties to the conflict to agree on a ceasefire but that so far has not been successful and israel has reportedly rejected an earlier egyptian suggestion of a ceasefire. to the moment, mediation efforts are under way but they have not yet succeeded on reaching a truce or a ceasefire. of the middle east programme at the centre for strategic and international studies and also worked at the us department of state under the administration of george w bush. he gave me more details on the diplomatic moves to end the conflict.

this is sad and it feels like it is following a script, the script we saw in 2014 and 2008 and what happens is that there is growing international pressure that israel continues to degrade hamas infrastructure and we reach a point, as i said, i think we are days away from the point, where israel says enough, hamas says enough and there is a peace, truce or something and then decides go back to the hostility they had previously. to you think there is more than that in a sense, you have used the phrase of mowing the grass, that is how the israelis look at this. that from time to time they need to put hamas in check and that is what seeing here because benjamin netanyahu's language has been forthright. he points to the need for considerable degradation, as he puts it, of hamas forces.

i heard israelis use that phrase 15 years ago and they use it more and more. many israelis felt that with the trump administration and the peace deals with the united arab emirates and bahrain that the palestinian—israeli conflict had gone away and they did not have to worry about it. and i think you saw increasing pressure, sorry, increasing tensions which the israelis were not responding to in the last few months because they felt they could put pressure on palestinians with impunity. clearly hamas took the opening to turn what had been an israeli—palestinian confrontation into something that involved hamas and then i think it will take some time to reach an agreement when the violence stops. israel has been taking the opportunity, they have been developing target sets for years, taking out tunnels and communications and

making hamas think they have penetrated the communications. they have to build a whole new communications network. but the israelis assume there will a confrontation with hamas and they have been working towards this for years. what chance, when we hear of the french president saying that we are making a push for a resolution at the un, or that make any difference? it is part of the script that people follow, that the us view for many years that the security council is not the place to resolve issues between nonstate actors like hamas and israel. i think the us will veto it but it will be part of this growing sense that the us will support, that we have to begin winding this up within days and then we moved to whatever piece that follows.

spain says its has returned half of the record 8,000 migrants who crossed into the spanish territory of ceuta from morocco this week. moroccan guards have reportedly begun closing the border again after more than a day in which they turned a blind eye to the crossings. some migrants have also returned voluntarily. earlier, the spanish prime minister vowed to restore order during a visit to ceuta. from there, nick beake reports. this was the day spain sent tanks to its beaches to hold back a human tidal wave. the border with morocco under strain like never before. hundreds of troops scrambling to block the final steps to european soil. the pleas and the prayers, they didn't work. so different 2a hours earlier when the first of 8,000 people simply walked or waded round the border post at low tide. moroccan officials seemingly did nothing to stop them. some families took with them what they could, saying they were driven by desperation and the hope of a more

prosperous future. translation: when you have no money and you have - to pay your rent and you have to take care of your children and parents, you can't afford to be scared. translation: no, i'm not afraid. - i have to leave to save myself. spain's prime minister flew in and was welcomed by local officials. he warned this was a significant crisis, notjust for spain, but for europe. shouting but he was given a furious reception by local residents in ceuta who feel abandoned and want tougher action. translation: this surge of irregular migrants - represents a serious crisis for spain and also for europe. in the name of the spanish government, i want to convey to all spaniards, especially to those living in ceuta in their city and at our borders with the utmost speed.

there now more than 1500 members of spain's security forces on the streets and as well as that, hundreds of young men. morocco stands accused of allowing this unprecedented influx. it warned spain of consequences amid a diplomatic row, it seems this is what they were talking about. this evening, the main reception centre is overwhelmed, even though thousands of new arrivals have already been forced back. spain says children are being allowed to stay. they now await their fate. but some have seen enough and are now taking their chances, believing a new life is within reach. the indian navy has intensified its search for more than 90 people, mostly oil workers, still missing at sea after cyclone tauktae slammed into the west coast on monday.

more than 20 people have died in the cyclone, the worst in the area for two decades. rajini vaidyanathan reports from delhi. in a nation already battered by covid came this — cyclone tauktae, a powerful storm which has hit western india with great ferocity. wind speeds of up to 160 kph have left a trail of destruction. translation: the strong winds came from this side j and went towards the west, damaging many trees and houses. in the city of mumbai, this is all that remains of a covid vaccination centre, the immunisation programme in the city suspended for two days. off the city's coast, the indian navy said it rescued more that 150 people on board a barge. the race is on as hundreds more remain stranded at sea, some off the coast of gujarat. in recent days the storm has

claimed lives in kerala, karnataka and goa as it advanced up the coast. the timing could not have been worse — as india battles a second wave of coronavirus, nature has shown no mercy. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: the rise of the android artist — aan ultra—realistic robot puts on a self—portrait show —— an ultra—realistic robot puts on a self—portrait show at the london design museum. this morning, an indian air force plane carrying mr gandhi's body landed in delhi. the president of india walked to the plane to solemnly witness mr gandhi's final return from the political battlefield. ireland has voted overwhelmingly in favour of gay marriage. in doing so, it's become the first country in the world to approve the change in the national referendum. it was a remarkable climax to what was surely the most extraordinary funeral

ever given to a pop singer. it's been a peaceful funeral demonstration so far! - but suddenly, the police - are tear—gassing the crowd — we don't yet know why! the pre—launch ritual is well—established here. butjust a little apprehensive. in the last hour, east timor has become the world's newest nation. it was a bloody birth for a poor country, and the challenges ahead are daunting. but for now, at least, it is time to celebrate. this is bbc world news. iam i am david iam david eades. the latest headline: israeli air strikes on gaza and rocket fire by palestinian militants towards southern israel have continued

after a day of protests in the occupied west bank. the prime minister of spain vows to restore order to its territories in north africa, where thousands of migrants have crossed from morocco. for the first time, the international energy agency has declared countries must stop approving new coal—fired power plants and oil and gas projects — to avert devastation caused by climate change. we've heard this before from environmentalists and climate groups, but never from the iea. it's an intergovernmental body. and that's significant — because it's not an environmental group. in a moment we will go live to australia for reaction on this, but first we can update you on federal government plans to spend $600 million on a new gas fired power station north of sydney in kurri kurri. that announcement was made on the same day as the iea report, which recommends against this type of

investment. nicki hutley is an australian economist and expert for australian climate council. u nfortu nate unfortunate timing? the unfortunate timing 7 the australian unfortunate timing? the australian government couldn't have known what the international energy agency would come up with, such a radical statement7 would come up with, such a radical statement?- would come up with, such a radical statement? they may not have known _ radical statement? they may not have known about _ radical statement? they may not have known about the _ radical statement? they may not have known about the iea, - radical statement? they may not have known about the iea, but . have known about the iea, but they have from their own energy security expert here, report saying gas—fired power is not economical, as well as being environmentally less than optimal. so, really, they should have known a lot better. isn't the point about gas, though, that it is seen by many countries around the world as the, if you like, the transition energy, the transition energy, the transition fuel, and in terms of emissions it is far less damaging than cold, than oil, and you can't go from something to nothing? it's a slow process? so you are going to need gas7 process? so you are going to need gas?— process? so you are going to need as? ~ ., �* need gas? well, we don't need it anymore- _ need gas? well, we don't need it anymore. we _ need gas? well, we don't need it anymore. we did _ need gas? well, we don't need it anymore. we did think - need gas? well, we don't need it anymore. we did think that l it anymore. we did think that 15-10 it anymore. we did think that 15—10 years ago. gas was seen

as less bad than called. what we now know as australia, with the most windy and sunny climate per capita in the world, is absolutely right for renewables, which have fallen genetically in price. we can invest in battery storage, whether batteries or hydro, and we can do better than gas. more jobs, growth, less emissions. and it isjust jobs, growth, less emissions. and it is just a jobs, growth, less emissions. and it isjust a win— win— win all around. and it isjust a win— win— win allaround. in and it isjust a win— win— win all around. in anything stopping it happening appears to be ideology. that stopping it happening appears to be ideology.— to be ideology. that is interesting. _ to be ideology. that is interesting. as - to be ideology. that is interesting. as you - to be ideology. that is| interesting. as you put to be ideology. that is . interesting. as you put it, to be ideology. that is - interesting. as you put it, the option is there, the opportunity is there. what is the government's argument, then, for saying we really do need this? because this is a pretty big operation.- need this? because this is a pretty big operation. they say that as pretty big operation. they say that gas will be _ pretty big operation. they say that gas will be reliable - pretty big operation. they say that gas will be reliable and l that gas will be reliable and more of it will lower electricity prices. again, we know the experts say that is not the case because when you

build a new gas—fired power station, the costs are way too high. it is only used in peak demand, and an we think this may be used only i% of the time. it would need to drive up prices to become economical. it doesn't make any sense. it's a very odd decision when there is so much evidence that suggests from an economic and environmental perspective. this is what the new south wales government itself is doing, attracting renewable energy zones, they declined to co— fund this power station. they are looking at renewables. you talk about _ are looking at renewables. you talk about renewable opportunities, and australia gets a lot of sunshine. it does stand out as an opportunity. but this has been a country with a government that has been, but assay, climate change reluctant in some respects. is the infrastructure, the potential are actually there in australia to make those

transitions straight to renewables and straightaway7 look, it will take time. that is true. we do need more investment in our critical transmission and distribution infrastructure. we do need more investment in storage. within 5-10 investment in storage. within 5—10 years, we could be well on the way towards a net zero sector. and this is what consumers and businesses are demanding. so the government standing in the way doesn't make a great deal of sense. nicki hutley, thank you very much indeed.— in kenya, the government says it could run out of covid—i9 vaccines as early as next week. the country was allocated about 3 million doses under the covax scheme, but received just overi million and has nearly used it all up, meaning that only 2% of the country received a jab. it means pressure on hospitals and oxygen capacities. the bbc�*s lisa—marie misztak reports.

0n the top of the roof of this hospital, a brand—new oxygen production has been installed, with capacity to produce up to 600 litres of oxygen per minute. the hospital accelerated plans to produce its own oxygen after supplies were squeezed during its third wave of covid—i9 infections in march. kenya has been scrambling to increase capacity. 0fficials scrambling to increase capacity. officials at the hospital want to avoid an oxygen crisis. what did happen was our reserve dwindled and it decreased to the point where we were collecting oxygen 21w. 0ur vehicles of transit going to suppliers, getting oxygen on a continuous basis. we're down to six of reserve. and that was a very, very worrisome

situation. a very, very worrisome s“nation-— a very, very worrisome situation. at the cost of1 million us _ situation. at the cost of1 million us dollars. - situation. at the cost of1 million us dollars. the . million us dollars. the availability of medical oxygen has become a critical issue in many countries, especially africa. shortages in the democratic republic of the congo, and now in nigeria. until recently, india and africa had been spared the worst of the pandemic due to relatively low rates of infection.— relatively low rates of infection. ., , ., ., ., infection. canyons have gone to india for treatment _ infection. canyons have gone to india for treatment don't - infection. canyons have gone to india for treatment don't make | india for treatment don't make to see the health systems there overwhelmed makes us worry. if thatis overwhelmed makes us worry. if that is a place you have been going to, and they can't, what happens if we have the same problem? and this also did happen in the first wave. kenya has so far _ happen in the first wave. kenya has so far vaccinated _ happen in the first wave. kenya has so far vaccinated more - happen in the first wave. kenya | has so far vaccinated more than i has so far vaccinated more than i million people against the virus. and as many await their

jab, life—saving oxygen supplies affect the infected and unaffected like. 0ne one of the tallest skyscrapers in china have had to be evacuated as the building began to shake. people were obviously scurrying to safety. this is in shenzhen city, the tower itself is over 20 years old. it's home to an important electronics market with dozens of offices inside. with a good eye, a pencil and a bit of imagination, anyone should be able to create art of a sort. but what if the eye is a camera belonging to a robot? this is ai—da — the world's first humanoid robot artist, which does draw portraits and is about to open her first major exhibition at london's design museum. but is she truly creative7 david sillito has been investigating.

meet ai—da, the robot artist. it's a slow and steady process, but effective. these are a few of her recent self portraits. and what's more, she's happy to have a chat. how are you today? i am well, thank you. how would you rate yourself as an artist? i love to be creative. i enjoy being someone who makes people think. she answers questions. each painting is different, and a surprise. you could almost say she has a personality. fundamentally, that's a funny question. i think the prospect of getting to know her is hilarious, but at the same time, i mean, peering over at her now, i think her makers probably considered that they have some form of relationship, whether that's reciprocated or not.

ai—da, could you look across there to the camera? we are all used to, these days, talking to machines and our phones. but creativity, that's a rather different question. and this is meant to be a little bit unsettling, a little unnerving. the thing that concerns us about technology is the fact that we don't know the domino effect of it. so ai—da foreshadows many technologies coming through, and she opposes those questions by her artwork to say, this is what's coming through, are we happy with that? so, ai—da, the artist. it's painting today. who knows what tomorrow? david sillito, bbc news. supermodel naomi campbell has welcomed an addition

to herfamily. posting on instagram, she said: "a beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, so honoured to have this gentle soul in my life." goodbye for now. hello. although the weather will be a little quieter across the uk overall today, in contrast to recent days, it's not settling down properly any time soon. the end of the week looking very stormy indeed, and that will be thanks to this area of low pressure barreling in on thursday and friday. we've kind of got a weak area of low pressure still with us for today. it's going to feed in a band of more organised showers to the south for first thing. this should clear the south—east, though, by the time we get to lunchtime. cloud and some patchy rain drifting south across scotland, and then through the afternoon, livelier, thundery showers develop, particularly across eastern scotland and the eastern side of england. a few elsewhere towards the west, but generally much drier for wales and the south—west and many parts of the midlands than it has been of late. as we move through the overnight period, clear skies and light winds, actually pretty chilly

into the small hours of thursday with a risk of a few pockets of ground frost, particularly for central and eastern areas. in the west, the wind will already, though, be starting to pick up, the cloud piling in and this deep area of low pressure starts to make itself felt first thing on thursday. wind and rain into the west, spreading to all areas through the day. yes, there will be some heavy rain, but potentially not as heavy as some of us have seen out of the recent showers. the big issue is likely to be the wind, particularly gusty in areas adjacent to the irish sea, gusting 45—50mph, strong enough to do some damage and cause some disruption. 0ur temperatures still very unremarkable for the time of year, at least a couple of degrees below where we'd expect to see them. thursday into friday, the area of low pressure continues its progress across the uk, so another windy day on friday.

perhaps a little bit drier towards the far south and to the far north, but overall, plenty of showers still set to swirl around that low. and the biggest headache yet again will be the winds. very strong gusts across southern britain on friday. and still our temperatures, well, we're barely scraping into the mid—teens. for the weekend, it looks like things will become somewhat quieter, certainly on saturday, perhaps some dry weather towards the west. yet more showers, though, on sunday.

israeli air strikes on gaza and rocket fire by palestinian militants towards southern israel have continued after a day of protests in the occupied west bank. three palestinians were killed in clashes with the israeli security forces in ramallah and nearby israel's prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, says palestinian militants have been �*set back many years' by nine days of israeli bombardment. in new york, the latest meeting of the un security council has failed to reach consensus. spain has deployed troops after 8,000 migrants entered its north african enclave of ceuta from morocco. spanish officials say the migrants either swam around the border fences thatjut out into the sea or walked across at low tide. spain's prime minister has vowed to restore order.