to rwanda on a one—way ticket — an idea which has proved controversial to many. the policy has been beset by legal challenges. last month, the uk supreme court ruled the policy was against the law. today, britain's home secretary james cleverly travelled to rwanda to sign a new deal with the country to send migrants there. mr cleverly said he believed the new treaty addressed all the concerns raised by the supreme court. he said he can't see "any credible reason" to question rwanda's human rights record, and hopes the first migrant flights will go there in spring 202a. £140 million has already been paid by the uk to rwanda for the implementation of the policy. fundamentally, the supreme court raised two issues. one was about the about the capacity of the rwandan judicial system. one was about the capacity of the rwandan judicial system. now, we've been working

on that for over a year. we started to address that at the time of the appeal court judgment. the rwandans have been very, very good partners. we've put both processes and structures in place which give us the reassurance of the integrity, the impartiality and professionalism of the rwandan judicial, judicial system, of the rwandan judicial system, and also about non—refoulement. and that is basically a technical term that says that rwanda will not deport people who have been sent here. we have now got an internationally—recognised, legally—binding commitment from the rwandan government on those issues that is stronger than, stronger than the relationship that the unhcr has with rwanda, a relationship that has worked successfully for a number of years. well, responding to a question on that uk supreme court decision and to those critics of the plan, rwanda's foreign minister had this response. i see it, we were unfairly treated by international organisations,

by the media, by courts. but we knew that we were doing the right things, and those — who are criticising us should bring up alternatives to the solution we are proposing. we arejoined by dr s chelvan, head of immigration and public law at 33 bedford row chambers and a visiting professor at southampton university law school. thanks forjoining us here. the government's statement today on this deal says this — rwanda is a country that cares deeply about supporting refugees come up with a strong history of providing protection to those who need it, hosting more than 100 of providing protection to those who need it, hosting more than 145000 and asylum seekers —— 135,000. does that allay concerns that some have about this policy? it clearly isn't in line with what our

supreme court... what we see in the last 24 hours is another nail in the coffin with the uk government's rwanda plan, and the rwanda spokesperson today indicated that she disagreed with the uk supreme courtjudgment because it was dishonest. that's not a good start for our home secretary even before the ink is dry, we have the rwanda government not respecting the uk rule of law and in accusing it unhcr of being this honest. let’s rule of law and in accusing it unhcr of being this honest.— of being this honest. let's talk about the _ of being this honest. let's talk about the possible _ of being this honest. let's talk about the possible legal - of being this honest. let's talk - about the possible legal challenges —— dishonest. our political �*s correspondence that likely to come against some legal challenges in the court. what's likely to happen next

in that sense? figs court. what's likely to happen next in that sense? fissi court. what's likely to happen next in that sense?— in that sense? as i said a few moments _ in that sense? as i said a few moments ago. _ in that sense? as i said a few moments ago, the _ in that sense? as i said a few moments ago, the position . in that sense? as i said a few moments ago, the position is in that sense? as i said a few - moments ago, the position is that the unhcr was dishonest and gave false reports to the his courts with respect to sending refugees back to countries where they would be at risk. the rowand and government sent a syrian national back to syria via turkey. —— rwandan. if you don't hear records with respect to... is a risk of human rights records. in 2018, there were refugees who are specifically targeted by the rwandan regime who are demonstrating regarding the 25% cut in the food

ration. the human writer records is also going to be in record. to say it has a proud record is a completely at odds of what our courts have found. the government's been saying — courts have found. the government's been saying that _ courts have found. the government's been saying that other— courts have found. the government's been saying that other european - been saying that other european countries have also been exploring third country options for who they term as illegal migrants. they say austria, germany, denmark and italy are also looking at this. more broadly, sending people deemed to be illegally in the country to a third country. what you make of that a concept? country. what you make of that a conce t? ., ., , country. what you make of that a concet? ., . , ., , concept? for generally unlawful -- it wasn't ruled _ concept? for generally unlawful -- it wasn't ruled unlawful. _ concept? for generally unlawful -- it wasn't ruled unlawful. but - it wasn't ruled unlawful. but importantly, rwanda was not such a safe country. unhcr have made it

clear their position is under the convention, the uk does have responsibility for anybody who comes to the uk. it's very important to know it is not illegal to claim asylum. it has only been since the 28th ofjune. that made it illegal to arrive in the uk without documentation. beforehand, we accepted that when you are a refugee, there's no visa to come to the uk to claim asylum. you will lose irregular migration routes to come to the border and claim asylum, that was lawful. to the uk to just change the terminology, and with those other countries that are exploring this, they have implemented. in this treaty of 24 articles within this treaty, i9 articles within this treaty, 19 pages. article ten, subsection

three, theirfix in relation to the real formal point is that the uk government has told rwanda that if you do not allow an individual to stay, they must be returned to the uk. we the taxpayer have already played £140 million minimum in relation to this plan. individuals to be sent back to the uk... thank ou ve to be sent back to the uk... thank you very much- — to be sent back to the uk... thank you very much- is _ to be sent back to the uk... thank you very much. is it _ to be sent back to the uk... thank you very much. is it your - to be sent back to the uk... thank you very much. is it your birthdayl you very much. is it your birthday today, because lots of balloons came up today, because lots of balloons came up with your screen? i today, because lots of balloons came up with your screen?— up with your screen? i don't know how that happened? _ up with your screen? i don't know how that happened? ! _ up with your screen? i don't know how that happened? ! thank - up with your screen? i don't know how that happened? ! thank you | up with your screen? i don't know. how that happened? ! thank you for the individual!— the individual! laughter let's discuss _ the individual! laughter let's discuss this - the individual! laughter let's discuss this if - the individual! laughter let's discuss this if issue | the individual! laughter - let's discuss this if issue further. brian taylor and doug heye.

doctor chelvan, stay with us. also, it's seen as something that's an election move before what we expect the general election next year. what's your analysis? remember, it was boris johnson _ what's your analysis? remember, it was boris johnson who _ what's your analysis? remember, it was boris johnson who began - what's your analysis? remember, it was boris johnson who began the . was boris johnson who began the rwandan— was boris johnson who began the rwandan policy, the principal. but it is rishi — rwandan policy, the principal. but it is rishi sunak who has adopted immigration is one of his five key pledges — immigration is one of his five key pledges. he has with that single move _ pledges. he has with that single move out— pledges. he has with that single move put immigration at the core of the conservative election pitch, and there _ the conservative election pitch, and there if_ the conservative election pitch, and there if there are problems — and boy, _ there if there are problems — and boy, are — there if there are problems — and boy, are there problems — they're coming _ boy, are there problems — they're coming back. there is a fundamental dichotomy that strikes me with the rwanda exercise. you have the words _ with the rwanda exercise. you have the words from the home secretary aboui— the words from the home secretary about a _ the words from the home secretary about a safe haven, about it being insulting _ about a safe haven, about it being insulting to criticise their human rights _ insulting to criticise their human rights record in any way. he is

presenting rwanda as being a safe destination in order to counter the concerns— destination in order to counter the concerns raised by the green court on the _ concerns raised by the green court on the other hand. the entire purpose — on the other hand. the entire purpose of the rwandan exercise is to act _ purpose of the rwandan exercise is to act as _ purpose of the rwandan exercise is to act as a — purpose of the rwandan exercise is to act as a potential deterrent to those _ to act as a potential deterrent to those seeking to come in small boats? — let's bring back to back in because we were talking about the likely legal challenges —— let's bring dr chelvan back in. with the government face a slew of legal challenges? first of all, it depends what happens with parliament and the next couple of weeks with the emergency legislation. we have other treaty that play. look at the timetable — the court provided a judgment last december. the court of appeal heard and delivered injune, so clearly,

we're passed an election for that decision to be fully litigated before our courts. it will have to come before courts. there are issues not only in relation to domestic legislation, but also international law. this isjust a gimmick, some say. they're going to lose this issue and there's no way this country that rwanda will be part of the playing field in relation to these removals.— the playing field in relation to these removals. doug, let's bring ou in. these removals. doug, let's bring you in- the _ these removals. doug, let's bring you in. the 2016 _ these removals. doug, let's bring you in. the 2016 campaign - these removals. doug, let's bring you in. the 2016 campaign was i these removals. doug, let's bring| you in. the 2016 campaign was all about the war we talked about immigration. as you look at what's happening in the uk, do you see this as the political equivalent of the war? i as the political equivalent of the war? ~' . ., as the political equivalent of the war? ~ . ., , as the political equivalent of the war? ~ _, , . as the political equivalent of the war? ~ , . .,�* war? i think it could be. we don't know yet- — war? i think it could be. we don't know yet. what _ war? i think it could be. we don't know yet. what we've _ war? i think it could be. we don't know yet. what we've learned - war? i think it could be. we don't know yet. what we've learned in | war? i think it could be. we don't i know yet. what we've learned in the united _ know yet. what we've learned in the united states— know yet. what we've learned in the united states is— know yet. what we've learned in the united states isjust _ know yet. what we've learned in the united states isjust how— know yet. what we've learned in the united states isjust how much- know yet. what we've learned in the united states isjust how much thisl united states isjust how much this issue _ united states isjust how much this issue has— united states isjust how much this issue has grown— united states isjust how much this issue has grown and _ united states isjust how much this issue has grown and changed - united states isjust how much this issue has grown and changed overl united states isjust how much this i issue has grown and changed over the past few_ issue has grown and changed over the past few years — issue has grown and changed over the past few years. obviously, _ issue has grown and changed over the past few years. obviously, build the l past few years. obviously, build the wall past few years. obviously, build the wait and _ past few years. obviously, build the wait and get— past few years. obviously, build the wall and get mexico _ past few years. obviously, build the wall and get mexico to _ past few years. obviously, build the wall and get mexico to pay - past few years. obviously, build the wall and get mexico to pay for it i wall and get mexico to pay for it was a _ wall and get mexico to pay for it was a big — wall and get mexico to pay for it was a big part _

wall and get mexico to pay for it was a big part of— wall and get mexico to pay for it was a big part of donald - wall and get mexico to pay for it| was a big part of donald trump's strategy — was a big part of donald trump's strategy it— was a big part of donald trump's strategy. it wasn't _ was a big part of donald trump's strategy. it wasn't finished - strategy. it wasn't finished in mexico — strategy. it wasn't finished in mexico never— strategy. it wasn't finished in mexico never paid _ strategy. it wasn't finished in mexico never paid for- strategy. it wasn't finished in i mexico never paid for anything. strategy. it wasn't finished in - mexico never paid for anything. what we've _ mexico never paid for anything. what we've also— mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen — mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen is— mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen is that _ mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen is that the _ mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen is that the bite - mexico never paid for anything. what we've also seen is that the bite in- we've also seen is that the bite in administration, _ we've also seen is that the bite in administration, which _ we've also seen is that the bite in administration, which was - we've also seen is that the bite in administration, which was very. administration, which was very criticai— administration, which was very criticai of— administration, which was very critical of trump's _ administration, which was very critical of trump's rhetoric i administration, which was very critical of trump's rhetoric and | critical of trump's rhetoric and actions. — critical of trump's rhetoric and actions. has— critical of trump's rhetoric and actions, has started _ critical of trump's rhetoric and actions, has started to - critical of trump's rhetoric and actions, has started to build i actions, has started to build portions _ actions, has started to build portions of— actions, has started to build portions of the _ actions, has started to build portions of the wall, - actions, has started to build portions of the wall, rebuild j portions of the wall, rebuild portions _ portions of the wall, rebuild portions of— portions of the wall, rebuild portions of the _ portions of the wall, rebuild portions of the wall. - portions of the wall, rebuild i portions of the wall. because portions of the wall, rebuild - portions of the wall. because they see the _ portions of the wall. because they see the same _ portions of the wall. because they see the same video _ portions of the wall. because they see the same video that _ portions of the wall. because they see the same video that other- see the same video that other american _ see the same video that other american seas— see the same video that other american seas and _ see the same video that other american seas and everybodyl see the same video that other. american seas and everybody in see the same video that other- american seas and everybody in the world _ american seas and everybody in the world sees, — american seas and everybody in the world sees, where _ american seas and everybody in the world sees, where the _ american seas and everybody in the world sees, where the rio - american seas and everybody in the world sees, where the rio grande l world sees, where the rio grande looks— world sees, where the rio grande looks like — world sees, where the rio grande looks like it's _ world sees, where the rio grande looks like it's an _ world sees, where the rio grande looks like it's an open _ world sees, where the rio grande looks like it's an open border- world sees, where the rio grande looks like it's an open border andl looks like it's an open border and notjust_ looks like it's an open border and not just people _ looks like it's an open border and not just people from _ looks like it's an open border and notjust people from mexico i looks like it's an open border and notjust people from mexico or. notjust people from mexico or latin america _ notjust people from mexico or latin america they're _ notjust people from mexico or latin america. they're coming _ notjust people from mexico or latin america. they're coming from - not just people from mexico or latini america. they're coming from china, from _ america. they're coming from china, from africa, — america. they're coming from china, from africa, and _ america. they're coming from china, from africa, and there's _ america. they're coming from china, from africa, and there's really - america. they're coming from china, from africa, and there's really no i from africa, and there's really no way to _ from africa, and there's really no way to know _ from africa, and there's really no way to know who's _ from africa, and there's really no way to know who's coming, - from africa, and there's really no way to know who's coming, who i from africa, and there's really no i way to know who's coming, who the specific— way to know who's coming, who the specific people _ way to know who's coming, who the specific people are, _ way to know who's coming, who the specific people are, whether- way to know who's coming, who the specific people are, whether they're -ood specific people are, whether they're good or— specific people are, whether they're good or bad — specific people are, whether they're good or bad actors, _ specific people are, whether they're good or bad actors, and _ specific people are, whether they're good or bad actors, and that's - specific people are, whether they're good or bad actors, and that's if- good or bad actors, and that's if you catch — good or bad actors, and that's if you catch them. _ good or bad actors, and that's if you catch them. the _ good or bad actors, and that's if you catch them. the politics i good or bad actors, and that's if you catch them. the politics get very uppity _ you catch them. the politics get very uppity of — you catch them. the politics get very uppity of complicated. i you catch them. the politics get very uppity of complicated. -- l you catch them. the politics get very uppity of complicated. -- very obliuated. very uppity of complicated. -- very obligated. we'll _ very uppity of complicated. -- very obligated. we'll be _ very uppity of complicated. -- very obligated. we'll be back— very uppity of complicated. -- very obligated. we'll be back with i very uppity of complicated. -- very obligated. we'll be back with doug| obligated. we'll be back with doug and brian, but let's say goodbye and thank you too, dr chelvan. thanks very much for sharing your knowledge on this story. very much for sharing your knowledge on this story-—

coming up — reports that the israeli army could flood hamas's tunnel network in gaza. president zelensky unexpectedly cancels a briefing with us senators for more funding in ukraine. and we speak to a scientist monitoring the world's largest iceberg. stay with us. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. the president of guyana has accused the venezuelan leadership of trying to create a conflict over the disputed oil—rich region of essequibo. venezuelans voted at the weekend in favour of a claim to the territory. but opposition politicians say turnout was low. last week, the international court ofjustice ordered venezuela to refrain from taking any action over the disputed region. a former us diplomat who served as ambassador to bolivia has been charged with spying for the cuban government for more than 40 years. victor manuel rocha, who held several high—ranking posts for america, is accused of helping cuba gather intelligence

against the us since 1981. in the uk, the government has suffered a defeat in the commons — its first since 2019 — over delays in compensation payments to victims of the nhs contaminated blood scandal. thousands of patients were given tainted blood products in the 19705 and �*80s, causing them to contract diseases like hiv and hepatitis. so far, only a small proportion of them have been given interim payments. you're live with bbc news. the israeli military says it's engaged in the heaviest day of fighting since the start of its invasion of gaza, and claims its forces are now encircling the khan younis area in the south of the territory. it has warned people living there to move further south as it steps up what it says is the third phase of its ground operations against hamas. the united nations is warning of an "even more hellish scenario" in the region with no safe places for people to go,

and says the fighting will only intensify a "catastrophic hunger crisis". this map shows the main districts of gaza. a huge flow of people were told to leave the north more than a month ago and move to southern gaza. the un says nearly 1.9m people have been forced from their homes in this way since israel's retaliatory strikes began, after hama's attacks on october the 7th. this is the latest damage assessment map of the territory, as shown here in red. the worst hit areas you can see in the north of the strip. earlier, i spoke to shaina low, the communication adviser for the norwegian refugee council injerusalem, and asked about the current humanitarian situation in gaza. every day when we speak to our colleagues, they tell us that it's the worst day of their life,

and then the next day turns out to actually be the worst day of their life. the situation just keeps getting more and more desperate. our office lost its internet connection for 24 hours because people had cut the cables searching for anything that they could use to make makeshift tents because there are no materials there. people are being displaced for multiple, multiple times, including members of our staff. we currently have multiple members of our staff who are sleeping on the streets because they have no place to go. shelters are bursting at the seams and there simply isn't space to accommodate more people in these facilities in the south, especially as people move south and west of khan younis, as they've been directed to by the israeli authorities. this is incredibly concerning because absent guarantees of safety while fleeing or safety where they flee to and guarantees of their ability to to return home

once hostilities have ended, once hostilities have ended. this displacement amounts to forcible transfer, to grave violation of international humanitarian law, and it must stop. i want to bring you the latest from the uk prime minister rishi sunak, who's told israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu that more humanitarian aid is required in the gaza strip. downing street said mr sunak expressed disappointment about the breakdown of the pause in the fighting in gaza. let's go back to our panel. brian taylor and doug heye. let's go back to our panel. brian taylor and doug heye. doug, the statement was pretty stark. the end line says the situation in gaza is a total failure of our shared humanity, the killing must stop. what pressure is the bided administration putting on israel to allow more aid in? weill.

israel to allow more aid in? well, most of that _ israel to allow more aid in? well, most of that has _ israel to allow more aid in? well, most of that has been _ israel to allow more aid in? well, most of that has been back i most of that has been back channel, and what _ most of that has been back channel, and what the — most of that has been back channel, and what the administration - most of that has been back channel, and what the administration has i and what the administration has tried _ and what the administration has tried to — and what the administration has tried to do — and what the administration has tried to do - _ and what the administration has tried to do — this _ and what the administration has tried to do — this is _ and what the administration has tried to do — this is true - and what the administration has| tried to do — this is true whether you're _ tried to do — this is true whether you're talking _ tried to do — this is true whether you're talking about _ tried to do — this is true whether you're talking about the - tried to do — this is true whether you're talking about the white i tried to do — this is true whether- you're talking about the white house or the _ you're talking about the white house or the department _ you're talking about the white house or the department of— you're talking about the white house or the department of state _ you're talking about the white house or the department of state — - you're talking about the white house or the department of state — is- you're talking about the white house| or the department of state — is made clear they're — or the department of state — is made clear they're standing _ or the department of state — is made clear they're standing with _ clear they're standing with israel, and at _ clear they're standing with israel, and at the — clear they're standing with israel, and at the same _ clear they're standing with israel, and at the same time, _ clear they're standing with israel, and at the same time, they- clear they're standing with israel, and at the same time, they needl and at the same time, they need israel— and at the same time, they need lsrael to— and at the same time, they need lsrael to do— and at the same time, they need israel to do a better— and at the same time, they need israel to do a betterjob - and at the same time, they need israel to do a betterjob to - and at the same time, they need israel to do a betterjob to make| israel to do a betterjob to make sure _ israel to do a betterjob to make sure there — israel to do a betterjob to make sure there aren't— israel to do a betterjob to make sure there aren't any— israel to do a betterjob to make i sure there aren't any more civilian casualties— sure there aren't any more civilian casualties or — sure there aren't any more civilian casualties or minimise _ sure there aren't any more civilian casualties or minimise civilian i casualties or minimise civilian casualties, _ casualties or minimise civilian casualties, especially- casualties or minimise civilian casualties, especially those i casualties, especially those involving _ casualties, especially those involving women _ casualties, especially those involving women and - casualties, especially those i involving women and children. casualties, especially those - involving women and children. that -ets involving women and children. that gets very— involving women and children. that gets very hard. _ involving women and children. that gets very hard, though, _ involving women and children. that gets very hard, though, as - involving women and children. that gets very hard, though, as we i involving women and children. that. gets very hard, though, as we know. hamas— gets very hard, though, as we know. hamas is— gets very hard, though, as we know. hamas is using — gets very hard, though, as we know. hamas is using hospitals _ gets very hard, though, as we know. hamas is using hospitals and - gets very hard, though, as we know. j hamas is using hospitals and schools basically— hamas is using hospitals and schools basically to— hamas is using hospitals and schools basically to shield _ hamas is using hospitals and schools basically to shield themselves - hamas is using hospitals and schools basically to shield themselves from i basically to shield themselves from any returned — basically to shield themselves from any returned fire. _ basically to shield themselves from any returned fire. we _ basically to shield themselves from any returned fire. we know - basically to shield themselves from any returned fire. we know there i basically to shield themselves from i any returned fire. we know there are tunnels— any returned fire. we know there are tunnels underneath _ any returned fire. we know there are tunnels underneath a _ any returned fire. we know there are tunnels underneath a lot _ any returned fire. we know there are tunnels underneath a lot of- any returned fire. we know there are tunnels underneath a lot of those i tunnels underneath a lot of those structures — tunnels underneath a lot of those structures. it's _ tunnels underneath a lot of those structures. it's a _ tunnels underneath a lot of those structures. it's a very— tunnels underneath a lot of those structures. it's a very difficult i structures. it's a very difficult thing — structures. it's a very difficult thing to— structures. it's a very difficult thing to do _ structures. it's a very difficult thing to do. the _ structures. it's a very difficult thing to do. the ministrationl structures. it's a very difficult. thing to do. the ministration is trying — thing to do. the ministration is trying to— thing to do. the ministration is trying to work— thing to do. the ministration is trying to work with _ thing to do. the ministration is trying to work with the - thing to do. the ministration is trying to work with the israeli i trying to work with the israeli government— trying to work with the israeli government as _ trying to work with the israeli government as closely - trying to work with the israeli government as closely as i trying to work with the israeli - government as closely as possible, and i_ government as closely as possible, and l e>

that reflects the anxiety that there is among _ that reflects the anxiety that there is among the allies, potential supporters of israel's overall objective, and i think we conclude the united — objective, and i think we conclude the united states and that anxiety, the united states and that anxiety, the stress — the united states and that anxiety, the stress there has to be. an effort — the stress there has to be. an effort to— the stress there has to be. an effort to minimise civilian casualties. imagine the absolutely hellish— casualties. imagine the absolutely hellish condition on the ground in gaza _ hellish condition on the ground in gaza. imagine you're told to move from _ gaza. imagine you're told to move from the _ gaza. imagine you're told to move from the north to khan younis in the south _ from the north to khan younis in the south it— from the north to khan younis in the south it is— from the north to khan younis in the south. it is not the centre —— now at the _ south. it is not the centre —— now at the centre _ south. it is not the centre —— now at the centre of fighting. imagine seeing _ at the centre of fighting. imagine seeing your district on a map listed as being _ seeing your district on a map listed as being a — seeing your district on a map listed as being a potential target. you want _ as being a potential target. you want to— as being a potential target. you want to move, where do you move? is being _ want to move, where do you move? is being said _ want to move, where do you move? is being said by— want to move, where do you move? is being said by you who and unicef. there _ being said by you who and unicef. there are — being said by you who and unicef. there are no safe zones. one has to remember that it was hamas who initiated _ remember that it was hamas who initiated the conflict with the brutal— initiated the conflict with the brutal attacks on the 7th of october

and one _ brutal attacks on the 7th of october and one must also understand lsrael's — and one must also understand israel's desire to protect its territory _ israel's desire to protect its territory. you hear those words from the uk _ territory. you hear those words from the uk prime minister about words of regret— the uk prime minister about words of regret that _ the uk prime minister about words of regret that the prolonged cease—fire that there _ regret that the prolonged cease—fire that there was relatively did not last for— that there was relatively did not last for long and did not enable more _ last for long and did not enable more aid — last for long and did not enable more aid to get through. brian and dou: , more aid to get through. brian and doug. stay — more aid to get through. brian and doug. stay with — more aid to get through. brian and doug, stay with us. _ more aid to get through. brian and doug, stay with us. we'll- more aid to get through. brian and doug, stay with us. we'll be i more aid to get through. brian and doug, stay with us. we'll be back i more aid to get through. brian and | doug, stay with us. we'll be back in a short while. stay with the situation in gaza. the wall streetjournal is reporting?that israel has assembled a system of large pumps it could use to flood hamas's vast network of tunnels?under the gaza strip with seawater — a tactic that could destroy the tunnels and drive out the fighters from their underground refuge, but also threaten gaza's water supply. an israel government spokesman has made no direct comment on the reports, only saying the israeli army is employing a range of engineering measures. joining me now is gordon lubold, white house and national security reporter from the wall streetjournal. he was also part of the team

who broke this story. it's very good to have you with us on the context. tell us more about your reporting and what you have found. ., ., ., ~ , found. thanks for having me. as you sa , we found. thanks for having me. as you say. we got — found. thanks for having me. as you say, we got information _ found. thanks for having me. as you say, we got information that - found. thanks for having me. as you say, we got information that the i say, we got information that the israelis were considering this plan and still are considering this plan, one of many different ones, especially as we look to see the beginning of the next phase of conflict in this campaign. but i think what it reflects, this plan which, as we reported, reflects five massive water pumps that have been positioned so far that would pump the sea water into the tunnels. to remind your viewers, there is some 300 miles of tunnels and an understanding thus far within the israeli government there's about 800

tunnels identify. the israelis could use this pumping of the sea water and it would take some time to get in and literally flush out hamas fighters. but the danger is it could threaten the drinking water, the water for palestinians in the zone. it could also potentially create massive sinkholes in which you fill up massive sinkholes in which you fill up these tunnels with water and city blocks could potentially begin to crumble into them. that's one of the concerns. ~ . , crumble into them. that's one of the concerns. ~ ., , ,, , , crumble into them. that's one of the concerns. ~ ., , ,, , ., concerns. what is the us response to this behind closed _ concerns. what is the us response to this behind closed doors? _ concerns. what is the us response to this behind closed doors? we - concerns. what is the us response toj this behind closed doors? we haven't had an official statement, but what are you hearing of record was yellow 50, i are you hearing of record was yellow so,, i privately understood there was some concern about this plan. there is a side issue of there may

be some hostages being held in these tunnels, and that would certainly be a particularly awful end for those hostages that are being may be held in this tunnel. but it's a little unclear. some of the areas the israelis could target may not have those hostages there. the broader issue i think is the concern about the sea water in the drinking water, but also the structural integrity. so, i think privately, us officials are concerned. publicly, although they don't acknowledge the plan, they don't acknowledge the plan, they don't acknowledge the plan, they do support israel in its effort to flush out hamas.— to flush out hamas. gordon, stay with us. let's bring in our panel. doug, i'm going to bring you in force because gordon was saying there were concerns from the us —— in first.

what we've been hearing our reported differences in the bided administration over the approach to the tensions and in the us state department —— bided administration. what are you hearing? department -- bided administration. what are you hearing?— what are you hearing? you're always auoin to what are you hearing? you're always going to have — what are you hearing? you're always going to have differences _ what are you hearing? you're always going to have differences within i going to have differences within administration, _ going to have differences within administration, given— going to have differences within administration, given their- going to have differences within i administration, given their sides. within— administration, given their sides. within congressional— administration, given their sides. within congressional staff, - administration, given their sides. within congressional staff, who l administration, given their sides. i within congressional staff, who are often _ within congressional staff, who are often disagreeing _ within congressional staff, who are often disagreeing with _ within congressional staff, who are often disagreeing with their- often disagreeing with their members. _ often disagreeing with their members, usually- often disagreeing with their members, usually on - often disagreeing with their members, usually on the i often disagreeing with their- members, usually on the democratic side, _ members, usually on the democratic side, but _ members, usually on the democratic side, but not— members, usually on the democratic side, but not completely. _ members, usually on the democratic side, but not completely. i— members, usually on the democratic side, but not completely. i was - side, but not completely. i was heartened _ side, but not completely. i was heartened by— side, but not completely. i was heartened by what _ side, but not completely. i was heartened by what matt - side, but not completely. i was heartened by what matt millerl side, but not completely. i was i heartened by what matt miller said. he is a _ heartened by what matt miller said. he is a very— heartened by what matt miller said. he is a very respected _ heartened by what matt miller said. he is a very respected long—time i he is a very respected long—time communications _ he is a very respected long—time communications professional. i he is a very respected long—time l communications professional. he's the spokesperson _ communications professional. he's the spokesperson at _ communications professional. he's the spokesperson at the _ communications professional. he's. the spokesperson at the department of state _ the spokesperson at the department of state who— the spokesperson at the department of state who made _ the spokesperson at the department of state who made it _ the spokesperson at the department of state who made it clear— the spokesperson at the department of state who made it clear that - of state who made it clear that ultimately. _ of state who made it clear that ultimately, the _ of state who made it clear that ultimately, the resolution- of state who made it clear that ultimately, the resolution that| of state who made it clear that i ultimately, the resolution that has to happen — ultimately, the resolution that has to happen here— ultimately, the resolution that has to happen here is— ultimately, the resolution that has to happen here is for— ultimately, the resolution that has to happen here is for hamas - ultimately, the resolution that has to happen here is for hamas to- to happen here is for hamas to become — to happen here is for hamas to become eradicated. _ to happen here is for hamas to become eradicated. if- to happen here is for hamas to become eradicated. if that i to happen here is for hamas to- become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, _ become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, at— become eradicated. if that doesn't happen. at the— become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, at the rest— become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, at the rest of— become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, at the rest of what - become eradicated. if that doesn't happen, at the rest of what we'rel happen, at the rest of what we're dealing _ happen, at the rest of what we're dealing with _ happen, at the rest of what we're dealing with is _ happen, at the rest of what we're dealing with is conjecture. - happen, at the rest of what we're dealing with is conjecture. the i dealing with is conjecture. the united — dealing with is conjecture. the united states— dealing with is conjecture. the united states and _ dealing with is conjecture. the united states and its - dealing with is conjecture. the united states and its allies i dealing with is conjecture. thej united states and its allies are going — united states and its allies are going to — united states and its allies are going to lean _ united states and its allies are going to lean on _ united states and its allies are going to lean on israel- united states and its allies are going to lean on israel to- united states and its allies are going to lean on israel to do. united states and its allies are i going to lean on israel to do things the right— going to lean on israel to do things

the right way _ going to lean on israel to do things the right way but— going to lean on israel to do things the right way, but the _ going to lean on israel to do things the right way, but the objective i going to lean on israel to do things the right way, but the objective is. the right way, but the objective is to eradicate — the right way, but the objective is to eradicate hamas _ the right way, but the objective is to eradicate hamas and _ the right way, but the objective is to eradicate hamas and it's- to eradicate hamas and it's important _ to eradicate hamas and it's important for— to eradicate hamas and it's important for the _ to eradicate hamas and it's- important for the administration not 'ust important for the administration not just to _ important for the administration not just to make — important for the administration not just to make this _ important for the administration not just to make this point, _ important for the administration not just to make this point, but - important for the administration not just to make this point, but to- just to make this point, but to continue — just to make this point, but to continue to— just to make this point, but to continue to do _ just to make this point, but to continue to do so _ just to make this point, but to continue to do so publicly - just to make this point, but to continue to do so publicly and | continue to do so publicly and consistently _ continue to do so publicly and consistently.— continue to do so publicly and consistentl . �* l, t, ,, t, consistently. brian, we talk about differences _ consistently. brian, we talk about differences in _ consistently. brian, we talk about differences in views _ consistently. brian, we talk about differences in views on _ consistently. brian, we talk about differences in views on strategy. | differences in views on strategy. we're seeing that in british politics as well. in the labour party as well as in government. you see anxiety — party as well as in government. you see anxiety from — party as well as in government. you see anxiety from the prime minister, and the _ see anxiety from the prime minister, and the labour party, you see a genuine — and the labour party, you see a genuine dispute over the issue, including — genuine dispute over the issue, including many here in scotland. many— including many here in scotland. many demanding a complete cease—fire, which israel would regard — cease—fire, which israel would regard as _ cease—fire, which israel would regard as being one—sided because they say— regard as being one—sided because they say hamas would not observe any cease-fire _ they say hamas would not observe any cease—fire declared. another point occurs— cease—fire declared. another point occurs to _ cease—fire declared. another point occurs to me. i think the point that is treing _ occurs to me. i think the point that is being made about the eradication of hamas— is being made about the eradication of hamas being the objective. i wonder— of hamas being the objective. i wonder how you calculate that, how you define _ wonder how you calculate that, how you define that. is it every single soldier— you define that. is it every single soldier in— you define that. is it every single soldier in every single weapon wins there _ soldier in every single weapon wins there witi— soldier in every single weapon wins there will come a point presumably where _ there will come a point presumably where israel declares it has been

successful. i think the anxiety we see is— successful. i think the anxiety we see is whether that can be done with a complete _ see is whether that can be done with a complete civilian calamity. tiers; a complete civilian calamity. very cuickl , a complete civilian calamity. very quickly. gordon. _ a complete civilian calamity. very quickly, gordon, do _ a complete civilian calamity. very quickly, gordon, do you - a complete civilian calamity. , quickly, gordon, do you have a timescale of when this could be incremented —— implemented? i timescale of when this could be incremented -- implemented? i think this is one that's _ incremented -- implemented? i think this is one that's being _ incremented -- implemented? i think this is one that's being held _ incremented -- implemented? i think this is one that's being held in - this is one that's being held in reserve. it could be used at any time, especially as we enter this next phase of the conflict. it's our inflection of the attempt.- inflection of the attempt. thanks for 'oinin: inflection of the attempt. thanks forjoining us- — inflection of the attempt. thanks forjoining us. sorry, _ inflection of the attempt. thanks forjoining us. sorry, we - inflection of the attempt. thanks forjoining us. sorry, we run - inflection of the attempt. thanks forjoining us. sorry, we run out| inflection of the attempt. thanks i forjoining us. sorry, we run out of time. thank you for sharing your reporting with us. we'll be back with our panel. i'm rajini vaidyanathan. to stay with hello. skies are going to be clearing across much of the country through the evening and overnight, and that's going to lead to a widespread frost. also fog forming, particularly across more southern parts of the uk. now, let me show you the satellite picture from earlier on. it really was quite a cloudy

day across the bulk of england and wales — drizzly, too. but in the north—west, we had clearer skies and it's been quite a cold day. and this is where the temperatures will be lowest overnight. now, the winds will fall light as well right across the uk, and that's going to help the fog to form. and we're thinking around parts of the midlands into wales, central, southern england and into the south—east as well — and really quite dense in places. now, the temperatures will be widely below freezing, even in bigger towns and cities, perhaps as low as —7 or —10 in the sheltered glens, but already somewhat milder in the far west of the uk. and that's in advance of this weather front. you can see the southerly winds. but the fog ahead of it and the windless weather will mean, well, that fog will stick around into the afternoon in one or two locations, and where it does, it really will be quite a raw day. so, in some spots, temperatures on wednesday during the afternoon could be barely above freezing. but i think that's not going to be the case for most of us.

for many of us, it will be a bright, if not sunny day, but a really chilly one. so, 4 degrees in edinburgh, newcastle, around 6 in norwich. but out towards the west, that weather front is advancing. southerly winds, so a milder direction. wind and rain will spread across the uk during the course of wednesday night and into thursday. ahead of it, temporarily, there could be some wintry weather across the pennines and the scottish hills and mountains. and then, on thursday, it's a wet day. at least a spell of rain on the way for many of us before it turns a little bit clearer later in the day out towards the west. and you can see those temperatures rising — 13 in plymouth, about 6 or 7 across the east and the north—east, and that pattern continues into friday and the weekend. we have a whole succession of low pressures and weather fronts coming our way. so, basically, it's what we call a westerly regime — so fronts coming out of the west, bringing much milder conditions. and here's the outlook. from thursday onwards and even into next week, you can see double figures.

it's been below average for quite some time. now it's going to be somewhat above average. bye— bye.

hello, i'm rajini vaidyanathan. you're watching the context on bbc news. israel says its troops are engaged in some of the heaviest fighting since its invasion of gaza eight weeks ago—the world health organisation warns the situation

is getting "worse by the hour.�* in the last few hours, ukraine's president volodymr zelensky has unexpectedly canceled his appearance to address senators via video during a closed classified briefing on ukraine, israel and border security. the senate majority leader, chuck schumer, only said mr zelensky couldn't make it to the briefing, because "something happened at the last minute." the senate is due to vote tomorrow on president biden's emergency aid package worth more than sixty billion dollars. the white house has warned the money for ukraine will run out by the end of the year. in return, republican senators want strict border policies to tackle the migrant crisis on the us—mexico border. our north america correspondent nomia iqbaljoins me from washington dc.