a second convoy of trucks, loaded with humanitarian aid, has crossed into gaza, as the leaders of israel and the united states promise a "continued flow" of desperately needed supplies. 1a aid trucks crossed the rafah border from egypt into gaza on sunday night, according to the united nations. the day before, a convoy carrying medicines and food were allowed in, for the first time since israel tightened its blockade of the territory more than two weeks ago. the rafah crossing is on the egyptian border, and is the only route into gaza that doesn't border israel. that means it's currently the only entry point for aid. aid has been arriving in egypt from countries including qatar and india, but only a trickle can actually reach the people of gaza. water, food, fuel and electricity are in desperately short supply, with hospitals on the verge of collapse. health officials say more

than 4,600 people have been killed in gaza. that's over the past two weeks since israel launched retaliatory airstrikes, in the aftermath of hamas�*s attack that killed more than 1,400 people in israel. now, israel is warning that its military campaign against hamas could last several months. the idf say the next stage, a widely anticipated ground offensive, would happen "soon". with more, here's our correspondent wyre davis from jerusalem, and a warning, you may find parts of his report distressing. the human toll in gaza is mounting. these casualties brought to the al—aqsa hospital in central gaza are outside the zone from which israel had told civilians to flee. it's not known from where the victims came, but many of the dead and injured are children. some images, too distressing to broadcast, show the bodies of at least a dozen children. translation: we have been here since the crack of dawn l

and the bodies have completely filled the hospital yard. this is in addition to the bodies in refrigerators which are full. we don't have enough shrouds for the dead because the numbers are huge. israeli air strikes in response to the massacres of october 7th are against what it calls strategic hamas targets. they have left parts of the gaza strip looking like a wasteland. such bombing, say palestinians, is indiscriminate by its very nature, resulting in thousands of casualties. no—one's getting out of gaza for now. but through the border with egypt today, more than a dozen aid trucks did get in carrying basic food and medical supplies, after an initial transfer of 20 truckloads yesterday. but the un says it's nowhere near the 500 trucks daily needed to sustain a population of more than two million. 30%, according to our sources, of the infrastructure is already destroyed.

the un says that many who fled south to escape israeli bombing are now heading back to homes in northern gaza towards the shelling, so dire is the humanitarian situation. some people will die if they don't get insulin on a regular basis. there are 50,000 pregnant women in gaza. water is absolutely necessary to keep them alive. but the situation is set to worsen. thousands of israeli troops, tanks and heavy armour are preparing for a full—scale ground offensive in gaza once bombing from the air achieves its objective. it's what israel says it has to do if hamas is to be crushed. i have no doubt that israel will need to go in on the ground to be able to effectively hurt and undermine and weaken hamas, but also to be able to project power in this region and show the world and its other adversaries that are watching that we have capabilities. and i think it's a matter of day or days until that happens. but israel knows a land

invasion of gaza could trigger conflict in the wider region. in the palestinian west bank city ofjenin, israel says it hit a hamas cell preparing for an attack. after cross—border skirmishes, too, in southern lebanon, a warning from israel's prime minister to hezbollah militia and their sponsors, iran, not to get involved. "if hezbollah decides to enter the war, they'll be making the biggest mistake of their lives and hit with unimaginable force," said the prime minister, talking to israeli soldiers in the north today. one factor mr netanyahu can't control is the fate of more than 200 israeli and international hostages held by hamas in gaza, whose families fear an israeli invasion may put their lives in further danger. wyre davies, bbc news, jerusalem. for more on the humanitarian situation in gaza, i spoke to shaza moghrabi,

the world food programme's spokesperson in new york thank you so much for being with us here on bbc news. now the latest that we've been hearing is that around 14 trucks managed to get in today, 20 yesterday, but of course as you know, we've got millions of people in gaza now displaced. so just talk to me a little bit about the aid needs here, particularly when it comes to food. thanks so much for having me. conditions in gaza is nothing short of catastrophic. gaza is running out of food, it is running out of water, it is running out of basic essentials of life. so there's no electricity, there is no fuel, and without fuel, bakeries cannot operate. the food that is inside gaza itself is running dangerously low, we are talking about a matter of days. 0n the border we have about 930 metric tonnes of food,

enough to feed about 400,000 people for a week. and it is important that we have sustained access into gaza for supplies to flow in, but also for humanitarian access to civilians. what happened on friday and today, it's a good start, but it is just that — it's a start. and if it's not followed by continuous, unimpeded flow of supplies into gaza, then is it enough to meet the vast needs? absolutely not, it is a drop in the ocean. it's really, really important that we have this predictable kind of, predictable access into gaza. so you've got this food which is pre—positioned there at the rafah crossing. what have been the hurdles to getting it in? we are focusing on the negotiations for access, focusing on advocating continuing this access rather than point the finger.

there is a multitude of factors, but we are hoping and we are hopeful that in the next couple of days we are able to get some more supplies in and that this will be a start to something that is more continuous. so i want to touch a little bit more on the situation for people inside. they've been on the move, eating very little, drinking very little, dirty water in some cases. what impact is that having on their health, on their bodies? it's catastrophic. we are seeing children who are consuming water that is unfit for human consumption. and let's remember that you know, in gaza, the situation in gaza was already dire before the recent escalation, so, you know, almost 80% of that population was reliant on humanitarian assistance,

food insecurity was rampant. so this escalation is coming on top of the food insecurity crisis already. we are very concerned about the health of the civilians — these are mothers, children, babies who a few days ago were in incubators. the elderly, the sick, cancer patients. it is really important that these civilians are protected and the infrastructure where they receive assistance is also protected. and this includes food distribution sites, food warehouses, hospitals, schools, hospitals, schools, wherever they're receiving assistance, they need to feel safe to do so. and in terms of the need and the scope, we've got colleagues who are enduring tremendous challenges inside gaza, but staying there and delivering, but you know, the needs are immense. so this is why i want

to reiterate the importance of humanitarians to go in gaza so we can make our own assessments on the scope of needs, which i'm sure nobody doubts and nobody would argue has reached an epic level. the rafah crossing at the moment is the only point in 48. the situation could become more volatile, are you worried about the for that to be cut off. —— the for that to be cut off. —— the only point in for aid. does wfp need to find a more sustainable route in? i understand food has been stockpiled in the west bank and jerusalem, could that be another route in? at jerusalem, could that be another route in?- another route in? at the moment. _ another route in? at the moment, we _ another route in? at the moment, we are - another route in? at the l moment, we are focusing another route in? at the - moment, we are focusing on rafah. this is the most feasible option at the moment, but of course we are engaged with stakeholders and actors, even those in the region, our

executive director was in the region, in the united arab emirates, egypt, jordan. really looking into ways of discussing the importance, how we can keep this access flowing. at the moment, we are focusing on rafah, we are hopeful we will be able to get more trucks in. but, you know, any form of access is of course welcome. and we are talking to various stakeholders on that. also important is the financial resources. 0nce important is the financial resources. once we have the access, we cannot worry about the financial resources to fund this flow of supplies into gaza. that is the last thing we need to worry about, so it's really important we have the funds we need to sustain this operation. funds we need to sustain this operation-— funds we need to sustain this oeration. , �* ., , operation. president biden has said the aid — operation. president biden has said the aid effort _ operation. president biden has said the aid effort can - operation. president biden has said the aid effort can only - said the aid effort can only progress if hamas refrains from stealing or diverting aid. how

much is that a concern for wfp? have you seen any evidence of that? ., ., 4' have you seen any evidence of that? ., ., ~ ., , ., that? look, for us, one thing we always — that? look, for us, one thing we always try _ that? look, for us, one thing we always try is _ that? look, for us, one thing we always try is to _ that? look, for us, one thing we always try is to take - that? look, for us, one thing we always try is to take their| we always try is to take their politics out of the humanitarian context. the civilians are our focus, we have to shift it to the people who need our support and assistance. the civilians, the mothers, the elderly, the sick. as far as we are concerned, our operation is based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, operational independence, impartiality and neutrality. so we engage with a multitude of actors, and we dose —— we do so with our partners, ngos and local partners, ngos and local partners, and we ensure aid goes to those it is intended for. our goes to those it is intended for. 0urfocus really are civilians who have gone through

a lot, who are enduring the lack of basic essentials of life. and access to our assistance is not influenced by age, gender or origin. civilians are civilians, whoever and wherever they are, and we have a robust mechanism. we are no stranger to conflict settings and war zones, so we have robust mechanisms and networks to make sure assistance goes to where it is intended. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. the philippines has accused china's coastguard of colliding with a filipino supply boat in the south china sea. manila said bejing's "dangerous blocking manoeuvres" endangered the safety of the crew. however, china said the philippines "deliberately stirred up trouble. " the vessel was on its way to a philippine outpost

in the second thomas shoal. a teenage girl who fell in a coma after an alleged altercation with iranian police on a train over violating the country's hijab law is now said to be "brain dead" according to state media. there was no immediate confirmation of her condition from her parents or activists. a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck nepal on sunday. the epicenter was in the dhading district, about 35 miles west of nepal's capital. the quake and aftershocks reportedly damaged nearly two dozen homes, but there are no reports of injuries so far, according to local officials. you're live with bbc news. argentina's presidential election will go to a run—off next month, after partial results from the first round put the governing party's candidate in the lead.

economy minister sergio messa won the first round, exceeding expectations. he'll face second—place finisher, right—wing populist and outsiderjaiver milei in a november run—off. the vote comes at a crucial time for argentina which is facing a major economic crisis. 0n on sunday, us presidentjoe biden spoke with pope francis about the aid effort and promoting peace as well as the need to prevent escalation. he also had two calls with benjamin netanyahu on sunday, the white house said they agreed that they would be, quote, a continuous flow of assistance into gaza. mr biden also thanked mr netanyahu for his assistance in the release

of two us hostages on friday. the leaders of the us, uk, canada, france and italy spoke on sunday in a call, quote, to reiterate support for israel's right to defend itself, but also for international humanitarian law to be respected, including civilians... several leaders will visit israel in the coming days, including french president emmanuel macron. the family of a british teenager who's been missing since the hamas attacks has confirmed she was killed. the body of 16—year—old noiya sharabi has now been formally identified. the deaths of her 13—year—old sister and mother were confirmed last week. other families are still waiting for news of their relatives who went missing in the attack, as lucy manning reports. a few months ago, mum leanne and her daughters celebrated. now the british—israeli family are all dead, murdered by hamas. 16—year—old noiya

had been missing. as her british family confirmed her body had been identified, they said she was clever, sensitive, fun and full of life, a gifted student and linguist. most importantly, an amazing granddaughter, cousin and niece. "we are heartbroken she has gone," they said, but forever grateful she was here." other relatives have been kidnapped. and in london, the demand was "free the hostages". more than 200 held by hamas. hannah and her british—israeli son — this was the photo hamas posted on her facebook as they kidnapped them, a gunman in the corner. i am worried sick for my mum's health. i don't know how long she can survive without her insulin.

i don't know how long my brother can survive without his medication. these are elderly people. there are children over there, and i want the british government to do everything in their power. her british—israeli brother murdered, shot in the head and back. i haven't grieved him yet. i've lost my brother, but i have to do everything in my power to bring my mother home. do you think the international community are doing enough? i think more can be done. it's a war crime. these are innocent people. they haven't harmed anyone, and these people need to be brought back. this nine—month—old and four—year—old ariel should be playing, not held in captivity. their mum and dad also taken. hamas filmed the kidnap. the family describe it as babies surrounded by terrorists. it is the worst nightmare.

i could never imagine something like this could happen. the entire world should just scream. all leaders of the world should look at his face, this baby's face, and it's a nine—month—old baby who just started to crawl, he should be developing now, not being held in i don't know where, if he is underground, in a cage. i want them to put pressure for any kind of humanitarian organisation to go inside and check on them. and to release them. and you still have hope that you will see them? i have to. i have to have hope. a short while ago, i spoke to daniel 0'shea, a former us navy seal commander and hostage negotiator. i want to start with the latest developments we are seeing in this hostage crisis this week. the release of two american women being released on, quote, "humanitarian grounds". with your experience as a hostage negotiator,

does this give you any kind of indication into the fate of dozens of others who remain in captivity? well, the release of the hostages, it's a bargaining chip for hamas, so it comes across as a humanitarian gesture, but in reality, it's to put pressure from the west, particularly the us, to put pressure on netanyahu to delay the offensive into gaza. every day there is a delay of the idf going in, world opinion turns against violence on the civilians, which these hostages are the very embodiment of. it's not a humanitarian gesture by hamas, it's a tactical move to put more pressure on the idf not to go into gaza, that's exactly what it was. do you think there's any chance the idf does delay its ground offensive, cognisant of the fact, the hope of getting more

of these hostages out alive? it's a planning consideration. there is intense pressure, there's over 200 hostages now. israelis are putting pressure, because of course their family members are going to be caught up in the onslaught into gaza. so there's tremendous pressure on the mission planners for the idf, and again, world pressure as more reports come in about women and children being killed in the bombings. so it's a fight for public opinion and world opinion. and again, hostage terrorism is how terrorist organisations negotiate with the west. right now, these hostages... it's the only card hamas can play to curry world favour and they are willing to do it, so more hostages could be released, butjust as likely, there could be execution videos coming out as well.

just give us an idea, with all of that in mind, the potential for very grim prospects here, as to what will be happening behind the scenes right now in terms of trying to get these hostages out, in terms of the conversations that foreign governments will be having with israel, and intermediaries, the middlemen who speak to hamas? we know qatar is almost presenting itself on the world stage as the switzerland of the middle east, a lot of negotiations behind the scenes, certainly through intermediaries, and outside of gaza itself. that's all behind the scenes. those negotiations and discussions are going on, but it'll be very challenging. the idf have one mission, to wipe out gaza, there is still public opinion in israel that supports that, but the tide is probably turning on the world stage. that is what israel is fighting against — the propaganda.

these hostages and their stories, it's grandparents, children, women. these civilians are innocent, but it doesn't matter, they are now pawns in the great game, and we are seeing it. in terms of trying to get these hostages out, i mean, do you expect to see any foreign forces, the us for example, any specialised hostage teams trying to move in with the israel defence forces, for example, to try and get them out? of course, they are making plans for that. but understand, gaza is not like any place on the planet to pull off a hostage rescue mission. it has been done in iraq and afghanistan in the past, but even in mosul, probably parallel... hamas has had 15 years to plan and prepare for all kinds of things, for an incursion. there will be challenges

around every corner. the fact that israel was caught so blindsided by this attack, it calls into question how strong is their intelligence? do they know where the hostages are being held? there could be 200 locations. this is probably the most challenging hostage rescue environment i have seen in my 20 odd years tracking international kidnappings, especially withjihadist groups. this will be a formidable challenge, and the very best special operations forces on the planet are probably doing their best to plan for this mission, but the risk against a successful operation will be very challenging. and i want to pick up about the risk of going in, because as you point out, about the intelligence failure in the first place on october 7th, when this attack happened, is there the risk that, in going into rescue the hostages, what could those

forces be faced with in terms of a network of tunnels and so on? is there potential they could be ill prepared for what they could find? hostage rescue comes down to three simple things. 0ne — proof of life, you are rescuing hostages that are still alive. two — you need to know exactly what room, what house, what floor, what apartment the hostages are located. the element of surprise is critical. hamas terrorists will be guarding the hostages with an ak—47, and the moment they hear something, they could kill the hostages, so an element of surprise is critical. and that is almost impossible to get, in tunnelling systems or these multilevel apartments. gaza's one of the most densely populated places on the planet, so it's an extraordinary challenge to have the element of surprise and stealth with the infiltration into

the target until the objective can occur and a rescue attempt itself happens. again, hostage rescue missions are no—fail missions, if they are wounded or killed, it's considered a failure, if friendly forces are captured it would be a catastrophic effect. so again, the odds are not in the favour of the hostage rescue forces and 100% in the hostage—takers, hamas in this case. you are watching bbc news. thanks for your company, see you soon. hello. we've got a window of slightly drier, quieterweather at the moment as storm babet has cleared away. but there are still plenty of flood warnings in force, particularly through central parts of england. now, monday will see quite a chilly morning, even some icy stretches, but a largely dry day for many of us once again. now for the rest of the overnight period, the early hours of monday morning, we have got some rain sitting out to the west here.

but for most of us, clear skies, some mist and some fog patches and temperatures even in our towns and cities close to freezing in the north. could be a bit colder than that in the countryside. so certainly a little bit of ice on any untreated surfaces for parts of scotland and northern england too. now through the day, we've got low pressure trying to squeeze its way in from the west. high pressure, though, holding on, a ridge of high pressure across the near continent. so that's how we start the day largely dry under that area of high pressure. mist and fog patches through the central swathe of the uk. a little bit icy in the north at first. any icy stretches, any mist and fog clear away. so some long spells of sunshine, a few more showers into northern ireland, perhaps into cornwall, the isles of scilly as well. most other places seeing a dry day with some sunshine, ii to 16 degrees. but the cloud increases in the south later in the afternoon ahead of this area of rain that pushes in across parts of england. wales also seeing some rain as we head through the overnight period into tuesday. so not quite as cold. certainly temperatures for some of us remaining in double figures as we move through into tuesday morning. now, tuesday's weather dominated by this area of low pressure.

it is the remnants of a storm named bernard by the portuguese met service. so it's brought some pretty wet and windy weather further south across europe. by the time it reaches our shores, i think on tuesday, we're going to be seeing some showery outbreaks of rain. could be a bit more persistent for the likes of lincolnshire, the wash, norfolk as well. either side of that sunny spells, perhaps one or two showers around, but not the persistent heavy rain that we've seen. and temperatures between about 11 to 16 degrees. so fairly typical of the time of year. now heading towards the middle of the week, and wednesday brings a weather front in from the atlantic. so some stronger winds and more persistent rain possible for the south west of england, wales, perhaps northern ireland later in the day. to the north and east of that, again, sunny spells and a few showers around — 10 to 16 degrees. so certainly not completely dry and things are looking quite autumnal and unsettled really through the week ahead. so more rain at times, but we're not expecting the heavy, disruptive rain that we saw during the course of last week with storm babet. bye— bye.

this is bbc news. we will have the headlines at the top of the hour after this programme.

welcome to hardtalk. i'm stephen sackur. in war, not all soldiers are fighting on or for their own soil. thanks to the internet, it has become easier than ever before for foreigners to immerse themselves in conflicts very far from home. my guest today is a young british man, aiden aslin, who has a remarkable story. hejoined the ukrainian army. he was captured, tortured and sentenced to death by putin's forces. he survived thanks to a prisoner swap. but why did he risk everything in someone else's war? aiden aslin, welcome to hardtalk.

thank you.