live from southern israel... this is bbc news... israel steps up its airstrikes on gaza — as the army says it's expanding ground operations. this is the scene live in gaza — where israel says it's hit 150 underground targets overnight. the un general assembly votes to adopt a resolution — put forward by arab countries — calling for a humanitarian truce. i'm lukwesa burak in london. our other main story... the man suspected of killing eighteen people in a mass—shooting in the us state of maine has been found dead. hello.

i'm anna foster. we're live in southern israel, near the gaza border, where there's been a significant intensification of israeli airstrikes over gaza, with bright flashes and huge explosions overnight lighting up the night sky above the territory. it comes after the israeli army said that it was expanding its ground operations there. it comes after the israeli army said that it was expanding its ground operations there. a spokesman for the israeli government would not confirm that this heralded the start of a much—anticipated ground offensive against hamas. the armed wing of hamas, which is a proscribed terror organisation by the uk and the usa, has said it is involved in violent confrontations with israeli forces in northern and central gaza.

there has also been rocket fire from the territory into southern israel. this is the scene live in gaza. the united nations has warned of what it described as an unprecedented avalanche of human suffering there — and the un general assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce. these are some of the latest developments in the last few hours. the israeli military says it has hit 150 �*underground targets' in the north of gaza overnight. that may refer to tunnels, although that has not been specified. israel hasn't said how it carried out the attacks, nor if there were any casualties.

the israel defence force says it also carried out a targeted strike, which killed a senior hamas military leader. it claims asem abu rakaba took part in planning the attacks in israel on the 7th of october. hamas has not confirmed this. hamas says its fighters have been clashing with israeli troops in two parts of gaza — beit hanoun in the north east, and al bureij in the central area. and the palestinian red crescent says israeli bombardments have led to phone and internet services being cut off overnight. some humanitarian organisations were concerned that they could not contact their personnel overnight. our correspondent in gaza, rushdi abualouf has described the scene in total chaos — saying there's panic everywhere.

our correspondent wyre davies has this report. the night sky over gaza lit up by what israel says is an intensification of air strikes against hamas positions. a relentless barrage from the air and according to hamas it was fighting israeli troops on the ground as well. israel says these are targeted attacks against specific hamas positions and its network of tunnels below gaza city. bombing that is undoubtedly causing widespread damage on the ground. but which israel says is a necessary part of its ultimate goal to eradicate hamas as a fighting force. translation: over the last few hours l we have intensified our bombing over| gaza. the ground forces are also extending their operations this evening. from gaza, too, hamas continues to fire rockets towards israeli cities including tel aviv and ashkelon. most are intercepted by the iron dome missile defence system, but some still get through.

the intensifying israeli offensive is making a dire humanitarian situation on the ground in gaza even worse. thousands of gazans are, in effect, trapped with nowhere to go. according to aid agencies on the ground who say that nowhere in gaza is safe. in conditions like this it's hard to get even the most basic humanitarian aid to those who are in desperate need. there should be consideration made right now for humanitarian pauses. these are localised, temporary, specific pauses on the battlefield so that humanitarian assistance can get into people that need it or they, the people, can get out of that area in relative safety. that's what a humanitarian pause is and we think it's an idea worth exploring. in recent days, israel has publicly acknowledged several ground incursions into gaza by land and the sea, hitting specific hamas targets and preparing the ground for what may be to come next.

there are more than 220 hostages still being held by hamas inside gaza — israelis and many foreign nationals. some relatives are worried that a full—scale israeli invasion may jeopardise their safety and want israel to negotiate their release. others support their government's actions. we can't wait any more. if we want them back safe and sound we have to get in and make sure that hamas will be demolished and make sure that they will go down on their knees and beg us to stop. israel continues to enact its revenge and its avowed aim of crushing hamas three weeks of the deadly attacks of 7 october, when 1,400 people were killed by hamas gunmen streaming across the border fence. more than 7,000 palestinians are reported to have since been killed in gaza, many of them children. international calls for a ceasefire or a humanitarian pause are being drowned out by the intensity of the bombing. wyre davies, bbc news, jerusalem.

this is the scene in glass are just now. and we can actually see smoke starting to rise. you can see some of the damage as well. even as i'm talking to you, you will hear these continuing explosions across the perimeter there in gaza. there's been an intensification of air strikes overnight. one person we've been hearing from a sad correspondence in gaza who moved from gaza city with his family but is continuing to report there. there

was no internet reception, communications were cut off. this morning, we've received this report. within the last hour, our gaza correspondent rushdi abualouf was able to send us this update from khan younis. there's been no communication for the last ten hours. israel have cut two main mobile carriers so we were unable to communicate with each other. a state of panic, fear and chaos. chaotic scenes in the street. i've been driving through the city this morning. less people but more panic and people don't know what to do in these circumstances. they can't establish communication with friends and family and even in the hospital, the ambulance services are facing a very difficult situation

dealing with the continuous israeli air strikes but most importantly, it's gaza city in the north where most of the israeli operations are taking place. a local radio station are still functioning and is talking about huge explosions in the north—west of gaza city and north—west. four different areas that israel has been hitting hard. people are telling the local radio station that this is something they've never ever heard of, the scale of the explosions, the intensity of the air strikes in the area. people say they've never seen anything like this before. we lost all connection with a local authority here and in hospitals, so we have no update for the figure of

the number of people killed but it's close to 8000 people, according to the data of this hospital in the city. people are extremely worried about what's going to be happening next and if israeli tanks will start to advance into parts of gaza strip. at their record —— a very difficult situation. the humanitarian situation. the humanitarian situation is getting worse with very few trucks, a few trucks from egypt being allowed through. the government have said it's a drop in the ocean and can't feed the i million displaced persons in various areas of gaza. that's from our

correspondent in gaza and he was describing things there. this is a point in time where we are trying to get more information about what went on overnight. as he was describing, communications were cut. it means as the morning goes on in southern israel, we are waiting to hear more detailfrom the israeli defence forces. we know that they targeted 150 sites overnight. we are talking about underground sites as well. earlier, we heard from israeli government spokesman, eylon levy. we have been very clear that we can live no_ we have been very clear that we can live no longer with this jihadist organisation on our borders. the organisation on our borders. the organisation who burned, tortured, raped _ organisation who burned, tortured, raped and _ organisation who burned, tortured, raped and mutilated its way through southern _ raped and mutilated its way through southern israel. hamas have started this wan _ southern israel. hamas have started this wan it's—

southern israel. hamas have started this war. it's not a war we wanted or expected — this war. it's not a war we wanted or expected but it's now one that we are determined to win. the general secretary of the palestinian national initiative, mustafa barghouti, gave his reaction to what israel has called an expansion of its operations in gaza. the total amount of bombs and explosives that have been thrown on gazais explosives that have been thrown on gaza is very close to the amount of the bomb power that was used with the bomb power that was used with the nuclear power, nuclear bomb on hiroshima injapan. just to get an idea of what's going on. it's a very dangerous development and we've just received alert from medical relief societies, from red crescent complaining that medical workers paralyse because the cut—off of telecommunications in gaza. live now to our correspondent wyre davies, in jerusalem.

asi as i was reflecting there, we are trying to find out this morning exactly what happened. what did the israeli defence forces have to say about the operation overnight? me’ee about the operation overnight? we've not a lot about the operation overnight? we've got a lot more — about the operation overnight? we've got a lot more details _ about the operation overnight? we've got a lot more details this _ about the operation overnight? -- got a lot more details this morning. quite clearly they've admitted stepping up not only their bombardment that we've seen from the pictures, the night sky lit up in gaza. another night of heavy shelling and attacks from the air but also on the ground. the israeli army have released a video showing a significant number of israeli tanks and armoured vehicles going into gaza. ground troops have gone in and have been fighting in gaza itself. to repeat the top lines from that briefing this morning, we are progressing that state of the war, troops are still in the field and will continue the war. it's not

clear whether israeli troops have withdrawn from gaza as has happened previously or if they've withdrawn from bases within gaza and then are going to progress from there. it neutralised several hamas commanders. one is the leader responsible for drones and hamas air defences. significantly, about 130 to 150 tunnels under gaza city and other parts of the strip which israel says it is used the command centres and training bases, it says it's specifically targeting those with bombing a significant uptake. a limited incursion or another invasion, it's a significant uptake

of israel's attacks on military bases belonging to hamas in gaza. they have have been... it bases belonging to hamas in gaza. they have have been. . ._ bases belonging to hamas in gaza. they have have been... it early days for international _ they have have been... it early days for international reaction _ for international reaction particularly from the united states. their foreign secretary james cleverley has said that they support israel buzz right to self—defence but there is increasingly international concern about the humanitarian situation in gaza. european nations, some of those countries in the un voted for that ref resolution, clearly they want a ceasefire and an open humanitarian corridor and as we hearing from our own correspondent, state in many cities is absolutely dire. clearly not enough aid getting through.

ceasefire isn't a word that the israelis are using.— ceasefire isn't a word that the israelis are using. thank you. our correspondent _ israelis are using. thank you. our correspondent in _ israelis are using. thank you. our correspondent in jerusalem - israelis are using. thank you. our correspondent in jerusalem with i israelis are using. thank you. our. correspondent in jerusalem with the correspondent injerusalem with the latest and we are looking at that briefing from this morning. let's hear now from the israel defence forces — whose spokesperson daniel hagari has been talking to the media... good morning. in gaza we are continuing with the objectives of the war. last night the ground forces entered and continued expanding the ground forced operations. infantry, engineering and artillery are accompanied by heavy gunfire. they are all

participating. the idf is continuing with its evaluation, continuing lean massively with air strikes. during the night, our general security services targeted killing there really is senior members of hamas, including a senior official who was responsible for the preparation of the massacre and we have continued killing various brigade officers and others. they are literally the spearhead of the hamas operatives. and we see this as good progress for what we are aiming for against a much more weakened enemy. the forces are still in the field, in the arena

and continue. we have no casualties after the activities were carried out tonight. we are continuing to preserve our forces. out tonight. we are continuing to preserve ourforces. to return our hostages. these are all part of our hostages. these are all part of our considerations and evaluation and these are part of the decision making, with the chief of general staff and all of the others and the various commands, altogether working. we will take the decisions and the objectives are our compass. we will continue revealing and talking about and exposing what we did with the hospital, because they are using the civilian, the forces

as a human shield. we will continue giving humanitarian, letting humanitarian aid in. we will continue to call upon the evacuation of the residents. we want residents to be in shielded areas. anyone moving into those areas will receive medications, water and food. last night, in the north, we retaliated against an attack in due dear and we are responding with a high level of preparedness. that's what's happening in all the arenas. we are looking at on the regional threats, just as we did yesterday, in the red

sea, intercepting their threat. just as we did yesterday, in the red sea, intercepting theirthreat. i'm calling upon all the public to a to the directive of the home front command, these are life saving and we will continue to coordinate with the local authorities and all mensa polities and at the end of the sabbath we will update the public about what's happening and what's going to happen. please adhere to all these instructions. they are life—saving. up until now, we have notified 311 families of the idf fatalities, 229 families of hostages held. yesterday, there were rumours in the press because there are various vested interests of hamas specifically to terrorise our public hearing such sensitive and

vulnerable positions. do not listen to these rumours. we are in close contact with other families and, of course, our security council in order to pass on information when we have that information and we will pass it on. the return of the hostages home is one of the greatest, loftiest efforts that we will be exerting. thank you very much. i will update you again in the evening. than much. i will update you again in the evenina. �* , ., ., evening. an update there from the israeli defence _ evening. an update there from the israeli defence forces, _ evening. an update there from the israeli defence forces, bringing - israeli defence forces, bringing people up—to—date with that intensification of the operation in gaza and we saw for the third night in a row, israeli ground troops are moving in with tanks and artillery. we saw an intense bombardment of gaza overnight from the air and if we look at pictures of what is happening now, you can see the smoke

on the horizon. you'll be able to hear as i'm speaking to you the regular sounds of mortar fire and artillery fire. you can see the damage which is evident now after three weeks of bombardment across gaza. we will continue to bring you those life pictures but i to speak to the israeli justice minister —— former israeli justice minister. let's speak to yossi beilin who was israel'sjustice minister from 1999 to 2001. he's now a peace negotiator who co—founded the geneva initiative — an israeli—palestinian initiative to help end the conflict. he also instigated the oslo peace process. thank you for being with us. when you see what is happening here now and what's happened in the last three weeks, it must feel a world away from the optimism that so many people had in the 1990s that this would be different? we people had in the 1990s that this would be different?— would be different? we live in a nightmare _ would be different? we live in a nightmare. you _ would be different? we live in a nightmare. you want _ would be different? we live in a nightmare. you want to - would be different? we live in a nightmare. you want to get - would be different? we live in a nightmare. you want to get up. would be different? we live in a l nightmare. you want to get up in would be different? we live in a - nightmare. you want to get up in the morning and see that this is not the

reality and you will find the reality and you will find the reality even worse than in your dreams. so, it is too early to judge but what i can say is that from the darkest moments of history, people find themselves in a new era and sometimes ready for agreements and for peace. so my opinion is that there is a very strange and crawl world after the massacre in south israel by hamas. even that conflict will be conducive to emitting between the parties, not to hamas, they are not a party and never will be but with the palestinian authorities and the arab countries. those countries will understand that

managing the conflicts is... because it's unrealistic. but we will come to the solution. we know the solution, it's a two state solution. changes of the boarders. and the solutions for... there are those who support this solution and those who oppose it but nobody can say that he or she doesn't know what is the solution. i believe that it is possible. solution. i believe that it is possible-— solution. i believe that it is ossible. , , , , , , possible. just very briefly because there is only _ possible. just very briefly because there is only a _ possible. just very briefly because there is only a minute _ possible. just very briefly because there is only a minute or- possible. just very briefly because there is only a minute or so - possible. just very briefly because there is only a minute or so of- possible. just very briefly because there is only a minute or so of a i there is only a minute or so of a programme left, do you think the political leadership will encourage that, certainly on the israeli side it's believed discussions of a long

way away. his it's believed discussions of a long wa awa . ., , it's believed discussions of a long wa awa. ., , way away. no way. this government will not continue, _ way away. no way. this government will not continue, will _ way away. no way. this government will not continue, will not _ way away. no way. this government will not continue, will not prevail - will not continue, will not prevail politically one day after the end of the conflict, the current war. there is no chance for benjamin netanyahu to be prime minister. there will be a new government based on the centre left and hopefully they can negotiate, with the palestinian authority and the president and continue, the moment, the point will be actually than negotiating table about ten years.— be actually than negotiating table about ten years. thank you so much for “oininu about ten years. thank you so much forjoining us- _ about ten years. thank you so much forjoining us. we _ about ten years. thank you so much forjoining us. we appreciate - about ten years. thank you so much forjoining us. we appreciate your i forjoining us. we appreciate your time. thank you for being with us on bbc news. you can see the scene in gaza here, after that intensified

air bombardment. we will continue to bring you the latest on our bbc website and hear on bbc news. hello. it's a story we've heard many times before this october, but the unsettled theme is set to continue. yes, we are likely to see showers and longer spells of rain and it will be quite blustery at times. let's take a look at the culprit. still low—pressure out to the west with more of an organised frontal system pushing into the south—west later on and that will bring some heavy, persistent rain and some gale force gusts of wind on the south coast. the brighter colours note the intensity of the rain towards dorset and the capital by the end of the afternoon. sunny spells, scattered showers, some of those bales intense in northern ireland and into eastern

scotland. a blustery afternoon for many, gusts of wind up to 30—a0 mph at times. that easterly wind continuing to feed in the rain off the east coast of scotland. top temperatures 10—16 c. through the night tonight, that rain in the south—west will continue to drive its way steadily northwards. a blanket of cloud with it so temperatures going up in northern ireland but grinding to a cult in southern scotland. we will see this relentless... sunny spells, scattered showers, breezing into northern ireland and south and west facing coast. another blustery day. gusts of winds up to a0—15 mph in

the north west of scotland. temperatures just where they should be at this time of year but with showers and rain around, fairly academic. as we move into next week, academic. as we move into next week, a little bit of a breatherfor academic. as we move into next week, a little bit of a breather for that beginning of the week but more wet weather allows the floodgates to open again with low pressure waiting in the winds. pretty unsettled as we close out october and we start the new month of november. take care.

this is bbc news — the headlines... israel steps up its airstrikes on gaza — as the army says it's expanding ground operations. this is the scene live in gaza — where israel says it's hit 150 underground targets overnight. the un general assembly votes to adopt a resolution — put forward by arab countries — calling for a humanitarian truce. i'm lukwesa burak in london — our other main story... the man suspected of killing 18 people in a mass—shooting in the us state of maine has been found dead. these are live pictures coming to us from gaza —

there's been a significant intensification of israeli airstrikes over the region there, with huge explosions lighting up the night sky above the territory. the israeli army says it's hit 150 �*underground targets' in north gaza overnight. this comes after the israeli army said that it was expanding its ground operations there. hamas says its fighters have been battling israeli soldiers in the north and centre of the gaza strip as an internet and phone service blackout continues. for a long period of the night,

humanitarian groups as well out of communication. the israeli military says its forces have entered the northern gaza strip — with infantry, armoured vehicles and artillery forces taking part. the israeli military says its forces have entered the israeli defence forces have released this video — showing what appears to be an armoured column advancing into gaza. their spokesperson says they are also continuing with what they describe as �*very significant attacks from the air and sea.�* and they added that they are expanding a humanitarian effort for gaza, promising to bring in more supplies of food and water and medicine today. something that is desperately needed in that gaza at the moment.

we were talking about that communications blackout which i know has been a problem for many humanitarian organisations overnight. have you been able to make contact with your staff to check that everybody is safe and to see what level of need they are dealing with this morning? irate see what level of need they are dealing with this morning? we have lost contact — dealing with this morning? we have lost contact with _ dealing with this morning? we have lost contact with our _ dealing with this morning? we have lost contact with our staff _ dealing with this morning? we have lost contact with our staff in - dealing with this morning? we have lost contact with our staff in the - lost contact with our staff in the ground in gaza. communication lines are still down across gaza and we are still down across gaza and we are incredibly terrified about the situation, especially after the heavy bombardment that was reported last night in gaza. it has been said that on a scale never seen before. as this communication blackout took place in gaza, the israeli bombardment intensified and people could not call for help or reach front line responders to receive emergency support so it is

incredibly worrying and now that the israeli ground operation expands further into gaza, we are really, really concerned about the further widespread civilian bloodshed. what widespread civilian bloodshed. what are the main — widespread civilian bloodshed. what are the main area _ widespread civilian bloodshed. what are the main area of _ widespread civilian bloodshed. what are the main area of work that your staff are doing at the moment, as you say, there is a lot to do, so what other immediate priorities right now? tlil" what other immediate priorities riaht now? , ., , ., right now? our staff are terrified, the are right now? our staff are terrified, they are under — right now? our staff are terrified, they are under constant _ right now? our staff are terrified, they are under constant is - right now? our staff are terrified, they are under constant is really i they are under constant is really bombardment and it is too dangerous for them to move they are protecting their families, for them to move they are protecting theirfamilies, they for them to move they are protecting their families, they are trying to access water and food, they have had to ration water and food because aid supplies going into gaza incredibly low. the aid going into gaza at the moment is severely inadequate and this is why we are calling on israel to lift the siege on gaza to allow

all crossings to be opened so that urgent water, food and medicine, but also fuel, can enter into gaza. now with this is really a military ground operation, we really fear about the intensification of the fighting in the conflict. we feel that it will lead to further destruction of civilian infrastructure and the loss of civilian life, so this is why we urgently call for a ceasefire. we need allies of the italy government, like the uk, like the us, to push urgently, urgently for a ceasefire to take place so that we can get aid in so that civilians can be protected and lives can be saved. the israeli military have said this morning they are expecting more aid to enter today. they were talking specifically about food and water and medicines. give us a sense of what is getting in there at the

moment, we know it is a small amount, what is getting in the moment compared to what normally passesin moment compared to what normally passes in a normal day or week? the aid that is passes in a normal day or week? tie: aid that is getting passes in a normal day or week? t'te: aid that is getting in passes in a normal day or week? tt9 aid that is getting in is severely inadequate. we understand that food and water and medicine is reaching people in southern gaza but not northern gaza. before the conflict, we saw at least 108 aid trucks are day entering gaza and now with the constant bombardment and the destruction of civilian infrastructure over widespread areas, we need that to be urgently scaled up. we also need fuel. fuel is crucial to keep hospitals running, to keep bakeries running to provide crucial bread and food for people, and to ensure water pumps can be operated. so the situation on the ground is just worsening by the day and we really do urge the international community to step up

and step up fast. international community to step up and step uo fast-— international community to step up and step pp fast-— and step up fast. thank you for “oininu and step up fast. thank you for joining us- _ meanwhile, the un general assembly voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution — put forward by arab countries — calling for a humanitarian truce in gaza. it�*s not binding — but steps up the pressure for a solution to be found to the conflict. the vote has been angrily criticised by israel�*s ambassador to the un. they said israel would continue to defend itself and its work to eradicate hamas altogether.

120 nations from every corner of the globe adding their weight to the increasingly desperate pleas of the un and palestinians. after the un security council failed to act. only 14 security council failed to act. only 1a countries noting against it. while the resolution is not binding, the palestinian ambassador celebrated the outcome. today, the general assembly _ celebrated the outcome. today, the general assembly declared - celebrated the outcome. today, the general assembly declared that - celebrated the outcome. today, the general assembly declared that a i general assembly declared that a call to stop the war and stop it now, sentry monetary and assistance now, sentry monetary and assistance now and also to stop the ethnic cleansing and the killing and protect the palestinians, protect this silly and is full to the resolution has divided western nations. ,, , :, �* , resolution has divided western nations. ,, , :, �*, , :, : , nations. the us, israel's staunchest all , voted nations. the us, israel's staunchest ally, voted against _ nations. the us, israel's staunchest ally, voted against it, _ nations. the us, israel's staunchest ally, voted against it, and _ nations. the us, israel's staunchest ally, voted against it, and canada, i ally, voted against it, and canada, the uk and several european nations abstained, wanting a direct condemnation of hamas in the text. but other europeans supported it,

such as ireland, spain, france and belgium. israeli ambassador claimed in the chamber after the vote that there was no humanitarian crisis in gaza and attacked the un�*s legitimacy. gaza and attacked the un's legitimacy-— gaza and attacked the un's legitimacy. gaza and attacked the un's lecitima . :, :, legitimacy. this organisation was founded in the _ legitimacy. this organisation was founded in the wake _ legitimacy. this organisation was founded in the wake of— legitimacy. this organisation was founded in the wake of the - legitimacy. this organisation was - founded in the wake of the holocaust for the purpose of preventing atrocity. yet, the spectacle we just saw proves beyond a doubt that the un is committed, sadly, tragically, not to preventing, but ensuring further atrocities.— not to preventing, but ensuring further atrocities. whether action here in the _ further atrocities. whether action here in the general— further atrocities. whether action here in the general assembly - further atrocities. whether action - here in the general assembly changes anything is debatable. still, just blocks away from the un, hundreds of protesters wanting a ceasefire shutdown grand central terminal. another indication of that calls for an end to the war are growing, as are fears that it could spread further into the region.

that division has existed for so long and it continues and it does raise questions about how the moment the two sides could even begin to come together and to discuss what to do next. what prospect is therefore a piece here in the middle east? we are perhaps further away from it and we have been for a long time. let�*s speak to eyal mayroz, a senior lecturer in �*peace and conflict studies�* at the university of sydney. as we continue to see these live pictures of gaza and as we continue to hear that bombardment continuing, i think for many people around the world, they would look at the situation and think, where do we even begin? what are your suggestions�*s i think there are two points that need to be taken care of. , :, :, of. one is the immediate one. sto -|n~ of. one is the immediate one. stopping the _ of. one is the immediate one. stopping the fighting, - of. one is the immediate one. | stopping the fighting, stopping of. one is the immediate one. - stopping the fighting, stopping the violence. palestinian children�*s

lives are as important as is really children�*s lives in the international community is not doing enough and the decision at the general assembly is non—binding and really, the only country that can make a difference is the us. i would also add that 45 or thereabouts countries, europeans and others, have abstained from the vote because they did not like three things that were missing for them in that resolution which was mentioning hamas but also mentioning israel�*s right to defend itself in the third was the hostages. but because it was wrapped around the military in ceasefire, which everyone supports, thatis ceasefire, which everyone supports, that is why the resolution has passed. the only way to really change things is much more international pressure, american pressure, on both sides on israel to allow more humanitarian aid, to stop

the bombing of places where the civilian population is still, still has not moved to the south, and hamas to stop firing from centres of populated centres as well as to push hamas to get into some kind of agreement over the hostages because if the ground invasion continues, then there is to the hostages is enormous. then there is to the hostages is enormous-— then there is to the hostages is enormous. :, :, ,, :, enormous. how do you assess that oint that enormous. how do you assess that point that israel _ enormous. how do you assess that point that israel made _ enormous. how do you assess that point that israel made in _ enormous. how do you assess that point that israel made in the - enormous. how do you assess that point that israel made in the wake | point that israel made in the wake of that vote yesterday evening when they said very clearly that when they said very clearly that when they talked about the nazis, they talked about isis and they said that in the past, when these kinds of threats have been present, countries were backed to be able to take affirmative action against them. what is your assessment of that is really position?—

really position? israel is in a terrible or _ really position? israel is in a terrible or very _ really position? israel is in a terrible or very difficult - really position? israel is in a - terrible or very difficult situation in terms of its decision—making. if it goes ahead with the ground assault, then as we know, very high numbers of casualties among the israelis, among the palestinians, much more so among the civilian population. there is no guarantee that it will succeed in destroying hamas. there is a risk of escalation, regional escalation stop his brother in the north and so on, so the stakes are enormous and high risk to the hostages, over 200 hostages, but if it does not, and it has lost its military deterrence which were israel is incredibly important in terms of its sense of security, in terms also of the silly public would be very angry because the south of israel would become

uninhabitable in the sense that it�*s would just be afraid to live there next to a ham back run gaza. so no good solutions there. they are iugghng good solutions there. they are juggling hundreds of factors that we don�*t know about and this is a really difficult situation. don't know about and this is a really difficult situation. thank ou for really difficult situation. thank you forjoining _ really difficult situation. thank you forjoining us. _ let�*s get some analysis from nour odeh, a political analyst based in ramallah and former spokesperson for the palestinian task force on public diplomacy. thank you forjoining us. i am sure you will have concerns, as do many palestinians this morning, about people you know how you perhaps have tried to get in touch with in gaza and this black out of committee occasions overnight has made it very difficult to do so.—

difficult to do so. absolutely, we have not been _ difficult to do so. absolutely, we have not been able _ difficult to do so. absolutely, we have not been able to _ difficult to do so. absolutely, we have not been able to reach - difficult to do so. absolutely, we have not been able to reach our| have not been able to reach our families, friends or loved ones since last evening and it is crushing agony, really, for anybody who wants to get in touch with people in gaza to make sure they are still alive, people in gaza to make sure they are stillalive, knowing people in gaza to make sure they are still alive, knowing there is no way to get them. it is a complete blackout. they cannot reach the world and we cannot reach them so it is a blackout both ways and it is very intentional. irate is a blackout both ways and it is very intentional.— is a blackout both ways and it is very intentional. we were talking 'ust then very intentional. we were talking just then about _ very intentional. we were talking just then about israel's _ very intentional. we were talking just then about israel's position i very intentional. we were talking i just then about israel's position on just then about israel�*s position on these continuing attacks, continuing strikes on gaza. israel saying it needs to eradicate hamas for its safety. from the palestinian perspective, what is your response to that? :, , , :, :, , to that? two things, israel treats the un as a _ to that? two things, israel treats the un as a punching _ to that? two things, israel treats the un as a punching bag - to that? two things, israel treats the un as a punching bag and - the un as a punching bag and continues to attack the united nations and human right organisations. it kicked out human

right a few years ago and it once its supporters to believe that all of these experts are wrong and israel is right and that all of these palestinian civilians who are being killed by its really bombardments are justified because israel can get away with it. the fact is, eradicating hamas, which is a political group that has an ad i ology, that has a following, not just in gaza, is an impossible goal, it is meant to rally support, to dehumanise an entire population, to give a false analogy that this is somehow a few people, or a number of people who can be eliminated, who can be killed on the problem would be solved. israel knows and its allies know very well but this problem did not even start with hamas. it is a decades long conflict and at the core of it is the fact

that israel holds the palestinian people captive. it refuses to let them go. it refuses to let them go and to give up its control over their lives, over their territory, over the resources. it doesn�*t want to end that occupation and it continues to find excuses and ways... continues to find excuses and wa s... y continues to find excuses and wa s... , , continues to find excuses and was... , , :, :, continues to find excuses and wa s... y , :, :, ways... sorry, i 'ust want to say, riaht ways... sorry, i 'ust want to say, right now, — ways. .. sorry, ijust want to say, right now, israel— ways... sorry, ijust want to say, right now, israel is _ ways... sorry, ijust want to say, right now, israel is levelling - ways... sorry, ijust want to say, right now, israel is levelling that| right now, israel is levelling that right now, israel is levelling that right back at hamas and saying if hamas generally cared at all for the palestinian civilian population in gaza, then it would not have carried out these atrocities in the first place, which were always going to bring some sort of reaction. they would be doing things very differently now to make sure that this billions who were trapped in the middle of all of this were able to get aid. they say that hamas has a big part to play in all of this and what could hamas be doing to try and what could hamas be doing to try

and protect their own civil that is very convenient, isn�*t it? it and protect their own civil that is very convenient, isn't it?- very convenient, isn't it? it also misses the _ very convenient, isn't it? it also misses the fact _ very convenient, isn't it? it also misses the fact that _ very convenient, isn't it? it also misses the fact that israel - very convenient, isn't it? it also misses the fact that israel has i misses the fact that israel has missed —— might killed 110 palestinians in the west bank and it has demolished several homes, it has detained about 1,500 palestinians, including journalists, in the west bank since october seven. it has dispossessed an entire community just in the past three weeks, it has dispossessed more than eight communities, ethnically cleanse them out of their homes in the west bank over the past three weeks. this is not about hamas, is about an agenda to maintain colonisation, to maintain dispossession, to rally support around it by dehumanising palestinians and calling them animals, and to find a way to continue doing that... but you cannot, continue doing that... but you cannot. you — continue doing that... but you cannot. you say _ continue doing that... but you cannot, you say there - continue doing that... but you cannot, you say there that - continue doing that... but you | cannot, you say there that this continue doing that... but you i cannot, you say there that this is not about hamas but it is about hamas also courted his will top no,

no, we own your viewers a lot more context. in no, we own your viewers a lot more context. i ~:: , no, we own your viewers a lot more context. j~:: , :, :: , :, , context. in the 80s and 70s, it was about the plo. — context. in the 80s and 70s, it was about the plo. into _ context. in the 80s and 70s, it was about the plo. into thousands - context. in the 80s and 70s, it was about the plo. into thousands it i context. in the 80s and 70s, it was i about the plo. into thousands it was about the plo. into thousands it was about so—called terrorist infrastructure and israel invaded the west bank and committed atrocities. in gaza, it has carried out several assaults that human right experts and independent commissions have inquiry have said included the commission of work crimes. israel continues to do that because it feels that it can�*t because it feels that it can�*t because so far, it has escaped accountability because the security council has failed its responsibilities and when the general assembly takes over that responsibility and adopts a resolution, it knows that it can count on allies like the us and the uk unfortunately to back it up and to turn a blind eye and for us officials to say, we are not imposing any red lines on israel as it continues to pound gaza. this,

despite the fact that the majority of people in britain, the majority of people in britain, the majority of voters in the us oppose this war. they want to see a ceasefire because it is the right thing to ask for. it is the humane thing to ask for and the only way for any conflict to end, no matter how much fighting goes on, is to sit down and talk. this is a political conflict and there is only one way to solve it, a political resolution. ok. there is only one way to solve it, a political resolution.— political resolution. ok, thank you for “oininu political resolution. ok, thank you forjoining us- _ political resolution. ok, thank you forjoining us. we _ political resolution. ok, thank you forjoining us. we appreciated. - the uk�*s foreign secretary, james cleverly, said as israel expanded the military campaign against hamas, the uk�*s top priority remained the safety of british nationals in gaza. he reiterated that britain supported israel�*s right to self—defence — but that this had to be in line with international humanitarian law.

well, the italy government, the italy defence forces have said for some time that they intend to pursue a ground operation into gaza. we have been focused throughout on ensuring the safety, where possible, of the british hostages in the british nationals in gaza. we have also been speaking to try and secure their release but also to have the humanitarian aid get into gaza. we will continue to pursue those aims and the conversations that i have had with the italy government, we have reiterated our support for their right to defend themselves but also that they do so in accordance with international law. that�*s the latest from southern israel.

we have been showing you those live pictures from gaza throughout this last hour and we will continue to keep you up—to—date with the picture here in southern israel throughout the day here on bbc news and on the bbc news website. a man suspected of killing 18 people in a shooting in the us state of maine, has been found dead after a three—day manhunt. police say robert card, who was 40, was found dead, from an apparently self—inflicted gunshot wound. nomia iqbal reports from maine. for days, the killer of 18 people gunned down while on a night out was untraceable. forty—year—old army reservist robert card was being hunted by police. they searched by air, land, and sea for the man described as armed and dangerous. last night his fate was confirmed. like many people, i�*m breathing a sigh of relief knowing that robert card is no longer a threat to anyone.

i know there are some people, many people who share that sentiment, but they also know that his death may not bring solace to many. but now is a time to heal. he�*s said to have died from a self—inflicted gun wound. our work again is not done here. i was very elated tonight when i got the word from commissioner sauschuck advising me of the revelation of what took place and that mr card is deceased and no longer a threat to our community or any other community. this city and the towns around it have been in lockdown since wednesday nights. when news came through that the suspected gunman had been found that one man here shouted "finally" and you could see this as a relief on his face. he said the community could now rest easy. but card�*s actions leave behind a city destroyed and families with never—ending grief. arthur strout was murdered

while playing pool in a bar. his wife is struggling to explain what happened to their 13—year—old daughter. maine has loose gun—control laws. she wants that changed. we�*re not doing better if things like this keep happening. we need, as a community, to think about these things and think about how we needed to change them so the families that are going through this — nobody else has to go through it again. another shooting now scars america and in a state that was considered one of the safer places in the country. president biden has once again called on congress to get tougher and stricter on guns. state media in iran say a 16—year—old girl who fell into a coma almost a month ago, after an alleged encounter with the country�*s morality police, has died. armita garawand, who has a kurdish background,

spent almost a month in intensive care. human rights groups say she was hurt, when she was confronted by morality police officers, who�*d accused her of not covering her hair, whilst on the subway. officials deny there was any physical or verbal altercation. at least twenty—one people are now known to have been killed in a fire at a coal mine in kazakhstan — the latest in a series of deadly accidents. more than 20 others are missing, while around two hundred have been rescued. the fire was caused by a suspected methane gas explosion. the mine is operated by a local unit of the luxembourg— based steelmaker arcelormittal. an investigation has been launched into possible safety violations. you have been watching bbc news. all the latest on the israel gaza conflict can be found on the bbc news website. stay with us.

it isa it is a story we have heard many times before this october but the unsettled theme is set to continue. yes, we are like you to see showers and longer spells of rain as we move through the weekend and it will be quite blustery at times. let us take a look at the culprit. still no pressure anchored out to the west with more of an organised frontal system pushing into the south—west later on today and that is going to bring some heavy and persistent rain and gale force gusts of wind of the exposed coasts so the brighter colours at denoting the intensity of that rainfall as it moves its way into south wales across parts of dorset, up into the south midlands and towards the capital by the end of the afternoon. elsewhere, a case of the afternoon. elsewhere, a case of sunny spells and scattered showers. some of those showers quite persistent in northern ireland and once again into eastern scotland. a

blustery afternoon as well for many of winds of up to 30 and possibly 40 miles an hourat of winds of up to 30 and possibly 40 miles an hour at times this afternoon. that easterly wind continues to feed in the rain of the east coast. top temperatures, ten to 16 degrees at the very best. through the night tonight, that rain in the south—west will continue to drive its way steadily northwards. a of cloud with it as well so temperatures are going to hold up but there will be persistent rain moving through northern ireland, northern england, grinding to a halt across southern scotland for a time. on sunday, the next area of concern once again will be across eastern scotland as we continue to see this relentless conveyor belt of wet weather pushing in of the north sea. behind it, sunny spells and scattered showers, most frequent showers perhaps into northern ireland and south and west facing coast. another blustery day, gusts once again to around 40 and possibly 50 miles an hour in the four

north—west of scotland. temperatures just above where they should be for the time of year but with the showers around, fairly academic. as we move into next week, a little bit of a breather for the we move into next week, a little bit of a breatherfor the bickering of the week before yet more wet weather moves in on wednesday. then that just allows the floodgates to open once again with areas of low pressure waiting in the wings. it will stay pretty unsettled as we close out october and we start the new month of november. take care.

live from southern israel. this is bbc news. israel steps up its airstrikes on gaza — the army says it hit 150 hamas targets overnight. translation: the forces entered and continued expanding - the ground force operations. infantry, engineering and artillery are accompanied by heavy gunfire. this is the scene live in gaza. our correspondent, rushdi abualouf, says it�*s been total chaos. a state of panic, fear and chaos. very chaotic scenes in the street. i have been driving through the city of khan younis this morning. less people, but more panic. the un general assembly votes to adopt a resolution

put forward by arab countries calling for a humanitarian truce.