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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersCloseJury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors.They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among other things, if they can be impartial about the former president.The BBC asked some of those questions to Manhattan residents.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New Yorkers. Video, 00:02:16Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes ago2:16Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished19 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:12Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 seconds. Video, 00:01:00Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 secondsSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished31 March 20231:00Editor’s recommendationsCopenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fire. Video, 00:01:03Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fireSubsectionEuropePublished12 hours ago1:03Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchange. Video, 00:00:43Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchangeSubsectionEuropePublished11 hours ago0:43Dormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished1 day ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished22 hours ago0:35Huge fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Huge fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago0:33Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished1 day ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished1 day ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:28BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsFirst product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealedPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Meghan pictured at a polo match in Florida last weekBy Sean CoughlanRoyal correspondentA first glimpse of the new business venture from the Duchess of Sussex has been teased on social media, with pictures of a jar of strawberry jam.In a bid to preserve a sense of mystery, the jam from the new American Riviera Orchard brand seemed to be spread among friends and influencers.Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam on Instagram.It was numbered “17 of 50”, suggesting the number of recipients of this first fruit of the new business.The arrival of Meghan’s new California-based lifestyle brand had been signalled on social media last month and this suggests that it will be selling food products.What do we know about Meghan’s new brand?Five things about Harry and Meghan’s brand revampWhy did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?There seemed to be have been something of a re-launch for Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s brands and businesses this year, beginning with the overhaul of their regal-looking website under the sussex.com label.Their latest projects seem to be moving away from a previous focus on their time as working royals, such as their Netflix film Harry and Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.The hint about the strawberry jam from Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand seems to fit with the couple’s latest Netflix plans.Meghan is going to launch a Netflix show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship”.Prince Harry will be involved in another Netflix venture showing the inside track on the world of polo. That’s the equestrian sport, not the mints.Delfina Blaquier, married to Prince Harry’s polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras, also posted a picture of the new jam, with hers labelled “10 of 50”.The social media trail for American Riviera Orchard evokes a sense of the couple’s home in California – and this soft launch for the jam show pictures of the jars in a sunny basket of lemons.It’s not known how much items from the new lifestyle brand will cost. Although there are already plenty of other royals getting into jams. Visitors to the gift shops in royal palaces can get a Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve for £3.95 or Windsor Castle Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade, also for £3.95.On both sides of the Atlantic they seem to be conserving their finances.Related TopicsUK Royal FamilyMeghan, Duchess of SussexMore on this storyWhat we know about Meghan’s regal lifestyle brandPublished16 MarchMeghan launches surprise new lifestyle brandPublished14 MarchTop StoriesMPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009Published8 minutes agoMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished7 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlinePlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Nursery boss ‘killed baby she strapped to beanbag’2Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident3Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5MPs back smoking ban for those born after 20096Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline9Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told10Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint singleBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSupreme Court hears 6 Jan case that may hit Trump trialPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS Capitol riotsImage source, Brent StirtonImage caption, Hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol after holding a “Stop the Steal” rally on 6 January, 2021By Nadine YousifBBC NewsThe US Supreme Court have begun hearing a case that could undo charges for those who stormed the Capitol in 2021. It focuses on whether a 2002 federal law created to prevent corporate misconduct could apply to individuals involved in the 6 January riots. More than 350 people have been charged in the incident under that law, which carries a 20-year prison penalty.Donald Trump faces the same charge in the pending federal case accusing him of election interference. The law makes it a crime to “corruptly” obstruct or impede an official proceeding. On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justices heard two hours of arguments over the law’s interpretation. However, it remained unclear how they would rule. A lawyer for a man who stormed the Capitol and was prosecuted under the law argued before the Justices that “a host of felony and misdemeanour” crimes already exist to prosecute his clients actions.The 2002 law passed in the wake of the Enron accounting scandal, Jeffrey Green said, was not one of them. US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar counterargued that rioters deliberately attempted “to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the election,” therefore obstructing an official proceeding. Both fielded sceptical questions from the Justices. At one point, Mr Green argued that there is no historical precedent in which the law was used to prosecute demonstrators.Justice Sonia Sotomayor replied: “We’ve never had a situation before where (there was an attempt) to stop a proceeding violently, so I am not sure what a lack of history proves.”On the other hand, Ms Prelogar fielded questions from Justice Neil Gorusch on whether the law could then be stretched to apply to a “sit-in that disrupts a trial” or “a heckler” at the State of the Union Address. “Would pulling a fire alarm before a vote qualify for 20 years in federal prison?” he asked, appearing to reference an incident in which Jamaal Bowman, Democrat House representative, pressed a fire alarm in the Capitol.How the top court rules could have wide-ranging effects on the hundreds of people charged, convicted or sentenced under the law, as well as the prosecution of Mr Trump. Here is a breakdown of the key players and the law being argued: What is the 2002 federal law at the centre of the trial?The law is called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It was passed in response to the Enron scandal in the early 2000s, after it was exposed that those involved had engaged in massive fraud and shredding documents. It criminalizes the destruction of evidence – like records or documents. But it also penalises anyone who “otherwise obstructs, influences or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so.” How has it been used in response to the 6 January riots?Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has brought obstruction charges against those who participated in the storming of the Capitol. Federal prosecutors argue they did so to impede Congress’ certification of the presidential electoral vote count to cement Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. Therefore, the latter portion of the law that deals with obstructing an “official proceeding” would apply, the DoJ says. Who is challenging the law’s use in this case, and why? The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to the law’s application brought forward by a former Pennsylvania police officer.Joseph Fischer was charged under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with obstruction of a congressional proceeding on 6 January, as well as assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct. His lawyers argue that prosecutors overreached with applying the Act, which they say deals explicitly with destroying or tampering with evidence integral to an investigation. Those who challenge the law’s application in 6 January cases also argue that a broad interpretation of the law would allow the prosecution of lobbyists or protestors who disrupt matters in Congress.How could the Supreme Court ruling impact Trump?The former president is charged under the very same law in a federal case accusing him of working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Mr Biden.If Supreme Court justices rule that the law does not apply to the 6 January rioters, Mr Trump could seek dismissal of half the charges he faces in that case.It also could be seen as a political win for the former president, who is seeking re-election in November, as he repeatedly has accused prosecutors of overreach. A final ruling is not expected until June. Related TopicsUS Capitol riotsDonald TrumpMore on this storySupreme Court to hear appeal over Capitol riot chargePublished13 December 2023A very simple guide to Trump’s indictmentsPublished25 August 2023Supreme Court asked to rule on Trump’s immunityPublished12 December 2023Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished1 hour agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoNo liberty in addiction, says health secretary on smoking banPublished4 minutes agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Birmingham Airport suspends flights over incident3First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed4Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference5Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told6Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8No liberty in addiction, says minister on smoking ban9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Boy, 4, dies after fire at family home in WiganBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNational Conservatism Conference: Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels eventPublished4 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Nigel Farage said the decision to shut the conference down was as an attempt to stifle free speechBy Nick Beake in Brussels and Laura GozziBBC NewsBrussels police have been ordered to shut down a conference attended by right-wing politicians across Europe, including Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.Organisers say the National Conservatism Conference in the Belgian capital is continuing, but guests are no longer allowed to enter. Local authorities had raised concerns over public safety.A UK spokeswoman called reports of police action “extremely disturbing”. She said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was a “strong supporter and advocator for free speech” and that he was “very clear that cancelling events or preventing attendance and no-platforming speakers is damaging to free speech and to democracy as a result”.Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, said that the shutting down of the conference was “unacceptable”.Referring to the fact that it was the local mayor, Emir Kir, who opposed the conference, Mr De Croo added that while municipal autonomy was a cornerstone of Belgium’s democracy it could “never overrule the Belgian constitution guaranteeing the freedom of speech”. “Banning political meetings is unconstitutional. Full stop,” Mr De Croo wrote on X.In a message to organisers, Mr Kir had said some of the attendees of Tuesday’s conference held anti-gay and anti-abortion views. “Among these personalities there are several particularly from the right-conservative, religious right and European extreme right,” his statement said.Mr Kir also wrote on X: “The far right is not welcome.”Nigel Farage, who took to the stage this morning, told the BBC the decision to close down the conference because there were homophobes in the audience was “cobblers”, and that he condemned the decision as an attempt to stifle free speech. “Thank God For Brexit”, he said.Organised by a think-tank called the Edmund Burke Foundation, the National Conservatism Conference is a global movement which espouses what it describes as traditional values, which it claims are being “undermined and overthrown”. It also opposes further European integration.The conference said it aimed to bring together “public figures, journalists, scholars and students” who understood the connection between conservatism and the idea of nationhood and national traditions. French far-right politician Eric Zemmour, arriving for the conference after police had blocked the entrance, told journalists that Mr Kir was “using the police as a private militia to prevent… Europeans from taking part freely”.Organisers said Mr Zemmour was not allowed into the venue and that his address would be postponed.Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman and far-right French politician Eric Zemmour were listed as keynote speakers. The National Conservatism Conference reportedly started around 08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday and carried on for three hours until police showed up and asked the organisers to make attendees leave.Later, organisers wrote on X: “The police are not letting anyone in. People can leave, but they cannot return. Delegates have limited access to food and water, which are being prevented from delivery. Is this what city mayor Emir Kir is aiming for?”Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki were due to speak tomorrow. Earlier, the organisers said on X that they would challenge the order to shut the conference down. “The police entered the venue on our invitation, saw the proceedings and the press corps, and quickly withdrew. Is it possible they witnessed how peaceful the event is?,” they wrote on X.The Claridge event space – located near Brussels’s European Quarter – can host up to 850 people. Around 250 people were in attendance on Tuesday afternoon.Mohamed Nemri, the owner of Claridge, told the BBC he had decided to host the event because “we don’t reject any party…. even if we don’t have the same opinion. That’s normal”.”I am Muslim and people have different opinion and that’s it. We are living in a freedom country. I’d like to people to talk freely,” he added.It is the third venue that was supposed to hold the event, after the previous two fell through. Belgian media reported that one venue pulled out after pressure by a group called the “Antifascist coordination of Belgium”.Related TopicsBelgiumTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished43 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive careBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNasa says part of International Space Station crashed into Florida homePublished40 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, NASAImage caption, The recovered object was part of a stanchion used to mount batteries to a cargo palletBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS space agency Nasa confirmed that an object that crashed into a home in Florida earlier this month was part of the International Space Station (ISS). The metal object was jettisoned from the orbiting outpost in March 2021, Nasa said on Monday after analysing the sample at the Kennedy Space Center.The 1.6lb (0.7kg) metal object tore through two layers of ceiling after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Homeowner Alejandro Otero said his son was nearly injured by the impact. Nasa said the object was part of some 5,800lbs of hardware that was dumped by the station after it had new lithium-ion batteries installed. “The hardware was expected to fully burn up during entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024. However, a piece of hardware survived and impacted a home in Naples, Florida,” the agency said.The debris was determined to be part of a stanchion used to mount batteries on a cargo pallet. The object, made from metal alloy Inconel, has dimensions of 4in by 1.6in (10.1cm by 4cm).Mr Otero told CBS affiliate Wink-TV that the device created a “tremendous sound” as it blasted into his home.”It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all,” he said.”I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage,” Mr Otero continued.”I’m super grateful that nobody got hurt.”According to Nasa, the ISS will “perform a detailed investigation” on how the debris survived burn-up.What’s the risk of being hit by falling space debris?Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkSpace junk has been a growing a problem. Earlier this month, sky watchers in California watched mysterious golden streaks moving through the night sky.US officials later determined that the light show was caused by burning debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering earth’s orbit.In February, a Chinese satellite known as “Object K” burned up as it re-entered the atmosphere over Hawaii.Last year, a barnacle-covered giant metal dome found on a Western Australian beach was identified as a component of an Indian rocket. There are plans to display it alongside chunks of Nasa’s Skylab, which crashed in Australia in 1979. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Object thought to be a satellite burns up on re-entering Earth’s atmosphereRelated TopicsSpace debrisNasaFloridaUnited StatesMore on this storyIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkPublished3 AprilRobot dog trains to walk on Moon in Oregon trialsPublished3 days agoTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished50 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished4 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care10Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFormer Marine jailed for nine years for bombing abortion clinicPublished7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS abortion debateImage source, CBSBy Max MatzaBBC NewsA former US Marine has been jailed for nine years for firebombing a California Planned Parenthood clinic and plotting other attacks to spark a “race war”.Chance Brannon, 24, pleaded guilty to the March 2022 attack on the healthcare clinic, which provides abortions in some of its locations.He also plotted to attack Jewish people and an LGBT pride event taking place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. At the time of his arrest, he was an active duty member of the US Marines. Prosecutors said Brannon was a neo-Nazi who frequently spoke of “cleansing” the US of “particular ethnic groups”. In November, Brannon pleaded guilty to conspiracy, destruction of property, possession of an explosive and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility.Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, said the attack “was designed to terrorise patients seeking reproductive healthcare and the people who provide it”.The explosion damaged the front entrance to the clinic in Costa Mesa, Orange County. No one was injured.However, Mehtab Syed, of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said Brannon’s “deep-rooted hatred and extremist views… could have killed innocent people”. Mr Syed added that Brannon plotted to rob Jewish residents in the Hollywood Hills, and had also discussed plans to attack the power grid. Further to this, in 2022, Mr Syed said Brannon, of San Juan Capistrano, placed calls to two US “adversaries” hoping to offer himself as a “mole” providing US intelligence.Two co-defendants, Tibet Ergul and Xavier Batten, have pleaded guilty to similar charges and will be sentenced next month.According to the National Abortion Federation, a group representing US abortion providers, there was a “sharp increase” in violence against clinics in 2022. Related TopicsAbortionUS abortion debateUnited StatesCaliforniaMore on this storyWhat is Planned Parenthood?Published25 September 2015Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished53 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished3 hours agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference3Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9William to return to duties after Kate diagnosis10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive careBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’Published25 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, SuppliedImage caption, “Israel, strike the supreme leader’s [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] house”, reads graffiti in TehranBy Jiyar Gol and Behrang TajdinBBC PersianTehran is tense, two days after Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel.Worried about war and its impact on Iran’s already flailing economy, a significant proportion of Iranians oppose what they see as the reckless adventurism of the country’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC), which fired more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night.In a letter sent to BBC Persian, a long list of Iranian activists both inside the country and abroad criticised the IRGC’s actions and saying “No to warmongering!”Many Iranians also see the Iran-Israel confrontation now emerging from the shadows as being orchestrated by the Iranian government rather than reflective of the will of the Iranian people. This perception is underscored by a heavy police presence on the streets of Tehran – ostensibly about enforcing strict Islamic dress codes requiring women to cover their hair but which many suspect is mainly about crushing any possible protests.Many decision-makers fear that if Iranian security forces and the IRGC’s command centres are hit in a war with Israel and the US, this could reignite nationwide protests that erupted in 2022 after the death of a young woman in police custody.Some graffiti has appeared on walls in Iranian cities – “Israel, strike the supreme leader’s [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s] house,” reads one. “Israel hit them, they lack the courage to retaliate,” read another.The government has its own billboards – “Tel Aviv is our battleground, not Tehran,” reads one.Image source, SuppliedImage caption, “Tel Aviv is our battleground not Tehran”, says a propaganda billboard in the Iranian capitalImmediately after the IRGC attack, supporters of the Islamic Republic celebrated and a banner warning Israelis that “the next slap will be fiercer” was hung from a building in Tehran.”I believe it was the right decision to attack Israel to prevent further killings of Iranian commanders in Syria and elsewhere,” one woman said in a voice message sent to BBC Persian. But another said: “Iranians themselves are in a state of war with the current regime. We harbour no animosity towards any nation, including Israel.”Meanwhile a woman said she was concerned about a wider war. Such fears appeared to prompt people to scramble to stock up on essentials like food and fuel, with pictures showing queues forming outside petrol stations in Tehran and supermarkets inundated with shoppers.With the official inflation rate standing at just over 40% and tens of millions of people struggling with the cost of living, a military confrontation with Israel was the last thing most Iranians wanted.The value of the Iranian rial fell against the US dollar after the IRGC attack, as it had already done after Israel’s earlier attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria.Many worry that, sooner or later, the military escalations will hike the prices of many goods, from mobile phones to home appliances and many foodstuffs.Image source, EPAImage caption, A Tehran billboard showcasing the country’s missile capabilityThe Iranian government sets the price of some essential items such as bread and fuel, and lets many items be imported on a preferential exchange rate (in other words cheap foreign currency). But still the price of many goods follow the open market exchange rate.Iran’s economy has been struggling since the US left an international deal to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in 2018 and re-imposed crippling sanctions, particularly curbing Iran’s ability to export crude oil.On Tuesday, Iranian newspapers were focusing on international pressure on Israel to show restraint but also attempting to allay any economic concerns.Iran’s press – which reflects a range of political viewpoints, albeit within unwritten rules – has been largely supportive of the IRGC action. LATEST: Follow Israel-Iran latest news liveEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?CATCH UP: How Iran’s attack on Israel unfoldedANALYSIS: Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineKeyhan insisted that there was “economic calm by showing Iran’s power”. Hardline Vatan-e Emrouz said Sunday night’s emergency UN Security Council meeting called by Israel was a “night of isolation” for Israel, while reformist newspaper Arman-e Emrouz noted a “global wave to end tensions in the Middle East”.Online, the Islamic Republic’s supporters have been posting under the Persian-language hashtags #punishing_the_aggressor and #we_made_them_regretful.However critical posts under the English hashtag #IRGCterrorists have swept Persian-language X, urging Western countries to designate the IRGC a terrorist organisation and paying tribute to protesters that they say the IRGC and other security forces killed during the 2022 nationwide protests.Popular former footballer Ali Karimi, also based outside Iran, meanwhile posted a photo of intertwined hands overlaid with the Israeli flag and a previous version of the Iranian flag that was in use before the 1979 Islamic revolution. “We are Iran, not the Islamic republic,” he said.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished2 hours agoTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished2 hours agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism3Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames4William to return to duties after Kate diagnosis5Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’6MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20097Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care8Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack9Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice forever10Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroomBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentClimate change: El Niño ends with uncertainty over cooler futurePublished36 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, Getty ImagesBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondentThe powerful El Niño weather event which along with climate change has helped push global temperatures to new highs, has ended, say scientists.The Australian Bureau of Meteorology says the Pacific Ocean has “cooled substantially” in the past week.This naturally occurring episode that began last June brought warmer waters to the surface of the Pacific, adding extra heat to the atmosphere.But what happens next is uncertain, say researchers.A string of recent global monthly high temperature records has led some scientists to fear that the world could be tipping into a new phase of even faster climate change.Scientists say that the months after the end of El Niño will give a strong indication as to whether the recent high temperatures are due to accelerated climate change or not.What is El Niño and how does it change the weather?World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatUK food production at threat after extreme floodingEvery few years, the onset of El Niño brings dramatic change to weather in many parts of the world. The surge of warmer water that comes to the surface off the coast of Peru in South America is linked to increased droughts and floods in different parts of the world.The full name of the pattern is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation or ENSO. It’s marked by three different phases, the hot El Niño, neutral conditions or a cooler period called La Niña. This current El Niño was declared last June, and reached a peak in December. The resulting warmer water in the Pacific has helped push global average temperatures to new highs, with March making it ten months in a row to break the record for that period. But now, perhaps quicker than expected, El Niño is gone.The critical question is what happens next and on this scientists are divided. US researchers recently said there was 60% chance of a La Niña developing between June-August, and an 85% chance of this happening by Autumn.But the Australian Bureau say such statements such be treated with caution. They expect neutral conditions to last until at least July. They point to the current hot state of the global oceans which they believe is affecting ENSO. “As the current global ocean conditions have not been observed before, inferences as to how ENSO may develop in 2024 that are based on past events may not be reliable,” they said in a statement. Whether or not a La Niña forms really matters, say researchers. It can have a significant impact on storms and hurricanes, with some experts predicting that if La Niña does arrive, it would herald a highly active hurricane season in the Atlantic.La Niña’s cooling effect may also slightly slow the rate of global heating. That might indicate that the record temperatures experienced over the past year were something of a mystery, and not evidence that the world has moved into a more rapid phase of warming.Related TopicsIntergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeEl NiñoParis climate agreementClimateTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished57 minutes agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published3 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverHow to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedPlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism3Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames6MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20097’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review8Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attackBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, EPAImage caption, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing challenges on multiple frontsBy Jeremy BowenBBC international editor It wasn’t many days ago that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was under enormous pressure. After seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by the Israeli army in Gaza on 1 April, US President Joe Biden seemed finally to lose patience with his troublesome ally. On the same day, Israel attacked the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, killing a senior general, at least six other officers, and violating legal conventions that prohibit attacks on embassies. Israel claimed, unconvincingly, that Iran had forfeited that protection by turning the consular building it destroyed into a military outpost. Iran promised it would retaliate, but previous attacks on senior commanders had generated more words than actions. Outside Iran, the attack on Damascus was overshadowed by the fury caused by the killing of the team from World Central Kitchen, a US-based charity.The White House issued a furious statement from President Biden. He was “outraged and heartbroken”. It was not a standalone incident. Israel was not doing enough to protect aid workers or Palestinian civilians. In an angry call with the prime minister, he demanded major concessions. Gaza should be flooded with humanitarian aid. Israel must open more border crossings, as well as the container port in Ashdod, less than an hour’s drive away from children starving to death in northern Gaza. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Israel has used US-supplied weapons to devastating and deadly effect in GazaPrime Minister Netanyahu promised that things would change. Despite that, Israel was stalling. As well as feeling the heat from the White House, Mr Netanyahu was also under pressure from the ultranationalist extremists whose backing in Israel’s parliament keeps his coalition in power. Not only are they opposed to flooding Gaza with aid. They believe the war has presented Israel with a priceless opportunity to re-settle Jews in Gaza. Jewish settlements there were evacuated and demolished by Israel in 2005 as part of a unilateral withdrawal from the territory. By the end of last week, the US was increasing the pressure. On Thursday, Samantha Power, the top US humanitarian official, said it was “credible” that famine was already affecting parts of Gaza. It was apparent to Israel’s friends as well as its enemies that its six-month siege of Gaza had created the world’s most urgent food crisis. There was another burst of speculation that the US would put conditions on the use of the weapons it supplies to Israel. On Saturday morning, hours before the Iranian attack on Israel, The New York Times echoed deepening outrage, especially among prominent Democrats in the US Congress. It called for a pause in the supply of weapons to Israel and laid into Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the headline, Military Aid to Israel Cannot Be Unconditional, the paper’s editorial board slammed Mr Netanyahu and the hardliners in his government for breaking “the bond of trust” with America. The US commitment to Israel, and its right to defend itself, did not mean that President Biden “should allow Mr. Netanyahu to keep playing his cynical double games”, it said.Then Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel offered the prime minister a lifeline. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyIn a remarkable feat of military co-operation, the US and other Western allies helped Israel shoot down more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. No Arab leader has been a sterner critic of Israel’s war in Gaza than King Abdullah of Jordan. But Jordan’s air force joined the operation, downing projectiles heading for Israel. Calls for putting conditions on military aid to Israel were replaced by resounding expressions of solidarity. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been presented with new political opportunities. Gaza is out of the headlines, for a day or two at least. LATEST: Follow Israel-Iran latest news liveEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?CATCH UP: How Iran’s attack on Israel unfoldedBut pressure on the prime minister has changed. It has not gone. Israel’s next moves might redouble it. President Biden has made it very clear what he thinks should happen next. Israel should declare victory in this episode, “take the win”, and not hit back. He declared, again, that America’s support for Israel was “ironclad”.That fitted in to his consistent policy since the Hamas attacks on 7 October. The president and his administration have worked hard to stop a wider, all-out war in the Middle East, even as they funnelled massive supplies of arms to Israel that have been used to devastating and deadly effect in Gaza. Since October Israel has accepted the weapons and the diplomatic support that accompanied them and ignored Joe Biden’s increasingly desperate and angry calls to respect the laws of war and protect civilians. Just a few days after unprecedented military co-operation from its allies against Iran, Israel looks once again to be bent on ignoring not just Joe Biden’s advice not to retaliate, but very similar sentiments from the other countries that helped out on Saturday night. Just like Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Britain and President Emmanuel Macron in France deployed combat aircraft, both condemned Iran, and both have urged Israel not to hit back. Image source, Israeli government handoutImage caption, Israel’s war cabinet met on Sunday, as seen in this Israeli government handoutThey are coming up against long-held beliefs and instincts in Israel. One is the deep conviction that Israel’s survival depends on responding to attacks with overwhelming force. Another is Benjamin Netanyahu’s view, expressed many times over his years in power, that Iran is Israel’s most dangerous enemy, bent on the destruction of the Jewish state. Many Israelis share that view. Now, after years of enmity since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has for the first time mounted a direct attack on Israel. A long clandestine war has come out of the shadows. Israel has said the question is not if it will hit back, but when and how. The war cabinet has been debating how to do it without igniting an all-out war. In the end, though, any attack will gamble that Iran does not want all-out war either, and will respond accordingly. That is a dangerous assumption. Both sides have already badly misjudged the other’s intentions. Once again, Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are bent on ignoring the wishes of allies who have gone the extra mile to help Israel against its enemies. His ultranationalist allies are demanding a crushing attack on Iran. One of them said Israel should “go berserk”. At the same time the humanitarian catastrophe continues in Gaza. International attention has swung away from it but will return. Israel’s military is still operating in Gaza and still killing civilians. Deadly violence between Palestinians and Jewish settlers in the West Bank has surged again. Israel’s border war with Hezbollah could escalate fast. Iran has vowed to retaliate more strongly if Israel attacks. The chief of staff of its armed forces, Hossein Baqeri, said the attack on Israel had been “limited” and promised a “far greater” response if Israel retaliated. The Americans have said they will not assist if Israel attacks Iran. But it is hard to believe that Joe Biden’s definition of an “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security would keep the US on the sidelines if Iran answered an Israeli attack with another of its own. The slide continues towards a wider war in the Middle East and a deeper global crisis. Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranBenjamin NetanyahuMore on this storyIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished11 hours agoBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 day agoWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published1 day agoBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingPublished4 days agoBowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than everPublished7 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished21 minutes agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published2 hours agoFeaturesHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Meteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyPlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJCouple find medieval relic hidden in toiletWhy has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames3Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’4MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20095Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom6’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review7Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls8Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack9Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say10Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussia Kazakhstan floods: ‘Colossal’ floods heading for KurganPublished37 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Flooding has already devastated areas of Orenburg region further westBy Robert GreenallBBC NewsA “colossal” amount of water is moving towards the Russian city of Kurgan, the region’s governor has said.Vadim Shumkov said that the swollen Tobol river and its tributaries had produced water levels twice those of the last major flood in 1994.Floods over the past two weeks have forced evacuations of tens of thousands of people from northern Kazakhstan and bordering areas of Russia.They are caused by the rapid melting of snow and ice combined with heavy rain.On his Telegram channel, Mr Shumkov urged everyone in areas threatened by flooding to leave their houses immediately, with waters expected to rise as high as 11m (36ft) above normal.”This isn’t just a flood, it’s a genuine threat!” he said.”Therefore, take children, elderly people, relatives with limited mobility and neighbours to a temporary shelter or to friends and acquaintances. Collect documents and valuables.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Drone shows Russian cities hit by record floodingKurgan – a city with more than 300,000 inhabitants – is the location of the military factory Kurganmashzavod, whose production includes infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks. There has been speculation by foreign defence media that it may at some point be in the flood zone.People in the town of Ishim further east have also been asked to evacuate because of high levels of the river of the same name. Petropavl in northern Kazakhstan has also been badly affected by flooding of the river Ishim. A number of rivers flow back and forth between the two countries.Elena Kurzayeva, a 67-year-old Petropavl pensioner, told AFP on Sunday: “I was taken out yesterday and within 15 minutes, the water had come in.”Water levels in both the Ishim and the Tobol, which form part of the world’s seventh longest Ob river system, are not expected to peak until 23 or 24 April.Focus has shifted to the two rivers after flooding in the Ural river basin devastated a swathe of Russian and Kazakh territory further west last week.The flooding is being described as the worst to hit the region in 80 years.In the city of Orenburg, houses in some areas were left almost completely submerged.A week earlier, the city of Orsk was badly affected after a dam burst and saw rare public protests over how officials handled the floods.Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov, who is visiting the area, has assured Orsk residents they will be compensated..flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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Related TopicsKazakhstanFloodsRussiaMore on this storyRussia floods leave houses almost submergedPublished3 days agoFloods surge to critical levels in southern RussiaPublished5 days ago’Worst floods in decades’ hit Kazakhstan and RussiaPublished7 AprilThousands evacuated as dam burst worsens Russia floodsPublished6 AprilThousands forced to evacuate after Russian dam burstsPublished6 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectLive. Horizon caused problems from the start, Post Office inquiry hearsMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published1 hour agoFeaturesHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Meteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyCouple find medieval relic hidden in toiletWhy has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Calls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2How to register to vote, ahead of midnight deadline3Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom4MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20095’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review6Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack7Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say8Chinese internet amused by building that looks like sanitary pad9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Bollard Man’: Hero who confronted stabber promised Australia visaPublished5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, The viral video showing Damien Guerot confronting the attackerBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC NewsA Frenchman who tried to stop a deadly stabbing rampage at a Sydney mall has been promised an Australian visa.Damien Guerot was labelled a hero after footage of him confronting knifeman Joel Cauchi with a bollard during Saturday’s attack went viral.Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured 12 others before he was shot dead by a police officer.The attack in Bondi, which police say seems to have targeted women, has horrified the nation.Amid the outpouring of grief around the country this week, there has also been a push to secure Mr Geurot – whose visa reportedly expires in a month – the right to stay in the country.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will make sure Mr Guerot – who has been dubbed by some as “Bollard Man” – has no issue renewing his visa.”I say this to Damian… you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.”This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France. We thank him for his extraordinary bravery.”Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesSydney stabbings: Who were the victims?The scene of Mr Guerot in a white T-shirt confronting Cauchi on an escalator has been broadcast around the globe. The video shows him wielding a plastic pole to ward him off. Mr Guerot says he and a friend, Silas Despreaux, both construction workers, had just launched into action without thinking – acting on pure adrenalin.”We just saw him coming… we were thinking, ‘We need to try to stop him’,” Mr Guerot said in an interview with Australian TV network Channel Seven on Sunday.Cauchi then turned and fled back down the escalator, with the pair in hot pursuit.”We tried to maybe throw the bollard to him but we couldn’t [get him],” Mr Guerot said.Grabbing a chair, he sprinted after Cauchi on the next level down. At that point, a police officer was also on Cauchi’s tail, and the men directed Inspector Amy Scott to her target. As he lunged at her with the knife, she shot him dead.’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackThe pro-Kremlin troll and the false Sydney attack claimsPolice are now investigating how and why Cauchi, who is from the state of Queensland, committed such violence.He had lived itinerantly for several years and was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, Queensland Police have said.New South Wales Police on Monday said it seems “obvious” that he targeted women, who make up five of the six people killed.The attack – at one of the country’s biggest and most popular shopping centres – has shocked Australia, where mass killings are rare.Flags across the nation have been lowered, the sails of the Opera house lit up in a tribute to the victims, and crowds of mourners have flocked to Bondi Junction to leaving flowers, teddy bears and cards.Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this story’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackPublished1 day agoTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban billPublished1 hour agoCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished33 minutes agoFeaturesChris Mason: Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2MPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban bill3Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack4Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say5Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race6No final goodbye with mum due to ‘decomposition’7Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls8Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss book9Superdry to quit stock market in huge restructuring10’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished19 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Huge fire breaks out at Copenhagen exchangeBy Paul KirbyBBC NewsDenmark’s historic old stock exchange building in the centre of Copenhagen has been engulfed by fire.The 17th Century Børsen is one of the city’s oldest buildings and onlookers gasped as its iconic spire collapsed in the flames.Everyone inside the building was able to leave and people rushed to rescue some of its historic paintings.Culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said 400 years of Danish cultural heritage had gone up in flames.The building, dating back to 1625, is a stone’s throw from Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, and the royal palace, Christiansborg. Danish media said the nearby square was being evacuated.The old stock exchange was being renovated and had been shrouded in scaffolding and protective plastic covering. It currently houses the Danish chamber of commerce, which described the scenes on Tuesday morning as a terrible sight. Local craftsman Henrik Grage told Danish TV that it was a tragic day. “This is our Notre-Dame,” he said, comparing it with the fire that engulfed the roof and spire of the cathedral in the centre of Paris in 2019.Passing residents joined emergency services, as well as chamber of commerce director Brian Mikkelsen, in saving the art treasures from the Børsen.The Dutch Renaissance-style building on the city’s Slotsholmen, or palace island, was commissioned by Denmark’s King Christian IV with the aim of turning Copenhagen into a major trading centre. Its spire featured four dragons whose tails were twisted into a spear and three crowns, symbolising close ties with neighbours Norway and Sweden.Image source, Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AFPImage caption, As the historic spire collapsed, onlookers recalled the fire that engulfed Notre-Dame cathedral in ParisImage source, Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie OdgaardImage caption, Danish chamber of commerce director Brian Mikkelsen joined ambulance workers in rescuing the building’s art treasuresRelated TopicsCopenhagenDenmarkMore on this storyNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after firePublished3 days agoTop StoriesLive. Israel vows retaliation over Iran attack after calls for restraintMPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban billPublished58 minutes agoCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished19 minutes agoFeaturesChris Mason: Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say3Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack4MPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban bill5Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race6No final goodbye with mum due to ‘decomposition’7Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss book8’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroomBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWatch: Fires blaze along Miami highwayThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Watch: Fires blaze along Miami highwayCloseHeavy smoke and flames lick the sides of a Miami highway with brush fires burning there for several days now.Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) say roads have been closed and traffic rerouted.There have been no casualties or injuries reported as the fires raged over more than 150 acres of land.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Watch: Fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 minutes ago0:33Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished6 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished14 hours ago1:12Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago1:28Editor’s recommendationsDormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished13 hours ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. 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Video, 00:00:31Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished11 hours ago0:31’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days ago0:30Israel-Iran latest: Israel vows retaliation over Iran attack after calls for restraintBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaPakistan: Lightning and unusually heavy rain kill dozensPublished41 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, EPAImage caption, With more rain expected in the coming days, Pakistani authorities have also warned of landslides and flash floodsAt least 39 people have been killed in Pakistan after days of unusually heavy rains battered the country’s southwest.Some of those killed were farmers struck by lightning while harvesting wheat, authorities said.Images online show swathes of farmland engulfed by rainwater. Flash floods have also disrupted power supplies and transportation networks.Pakistan has experienced an increase in extreme weather events, as it grapples with the impacts of climate change.In 2022, one-third of the country was completely submerged by unprecedented flooding, killing more than 1,700 people and injuring thousands. Millions were left homeless and lacking clean drinking water for months after.Some of the areas affected by the 2022 floods, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, are being impacted again by the recent storms.With more rain expected in the coming days, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has also warned of landslides and flash floods.Pakistan floods: ‘It’s like fighting a war with no end’Pakistan floods ‘likely’ made worse by warmingPakistan’s most populated province Punjab has suffered the highest death toll so far, with 21 people killed by lightning between Friday and Sunday, AFP news agency reported.At least eight were killed in the westernmost Balochistan province according to AFP, where authorities have declared a state of emergency. Schools in the province were ordered to shut on Monday and Tuesday. Extensive areas of Pasni, a Baloch coastal town, have been covered by rainwater.”Pasni looks like a big lake at the moment as flash floods entered the human settlements and main commercial areas,” Noor Ahmed Kalmati, chairman of town’s municipal committee, told Pakistan newspaper Dawn.Heavy flooding has also been reported in neighbouring Afghanistan. At least 33 people have been killed and hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, Afghan authorities said on Sunday.Scientists have said that global warming is likely to have played a role in the devastating floods that hit Pakistan in 2022. Pakistan is also ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the UN’s Global Climate Risk Index.Related TopicsPakistanFloodsAsiaLightningClimateSevere weatherTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished5 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished7 hours agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation AlphaPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha4Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’5Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims Jewish student was Sydney killer6Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison7Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins8Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response9Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted10MPs reject Lords amendments to Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessChina economy grows faster than expected in first quarterPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, China’s first quarter retail sales growth slippedBy Mariko OiBusiness reporterChina’s economy made a stronger-than-expected start to the year, even as the crisis in its property sector deepened.According to official data, gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.3% in the first three months of 2024, compared to a year earlier.That beat expectations the world’s second largest economy would see growth slow to 4.6% in the first quarter.Last month, Beijing set an ambitious annual growth target for world’s second largest economy of “around 5%”.Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also showed first quarter retail sales growth, a key gauge of China’s consumer confidence, fell to 3.1%.”You cannot manufacture growth forever so we really need to see households come to the party if China wants to hit that around 5% growth target,” Harry Murphy Cruise from Moody’s Analytics told the BBC.In the same period property investment fell 9.5%, highlighting the challenges faced by China’s real estate firms.The figures came as China continues to struggle with an ongoing property market crisis. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the sector accounts for around 20% of the economy.The latest data also showed new home prices fell at the fastest pace for more than eight years in March.The real estate industry crisis has been highlighted in January when property giant Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by a court in Hong Kong.Rival developers Country Garden and Shimao have also been hit with a winding-up petitions in the city.Last week, credit ratings agency Fitch cut its outlook for China, citing increasing risks to the country’s finances as it faces economic challenges.At the annual gathering of China’s leaders in March officials said the economy grew by 5.2% in 2023.For decades the Chinese economy expanded at a stellar rate, with official figures putting its GDP growing at an average of close to 10% a year.Related TopicsXi JinpingInternational BusinessChinaChina economyTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished4 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished4 hours agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation AlphaPublished35 minutes agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha4Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error5Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins6Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’7The pro-Kremlin troll and the false Sydney attack claims8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison10Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responseBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney mall attack: Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims Jewish student was killerPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSydney attackImage source, Aussie CossackImage caption, Simeon Boikov, known as Aussie Cossack online, fled to the Russian consulate in Sydney last yearBy Marianna SpringDisinformation and social media correspondent”I never falsely suggested anything,” Simeon Boikov tells me.Under the alter ego “Aussie Cossack”, he posted untrue speculation that a 20-year-old Jewish university student was the attacker who had stabbed and killed five women and one man at a Westfield shopping centre in Sydney.He said on X: “Unconfirmed reports identify the Bondi attacker as Benjamin Cohen. Cohen? Really? And to think so many commentators tried to initially blame Muslims.”The actual attacker, shot dead by police, was later identified as Joel Cauchi, 40. The authorities say his actions were most probably related to his mental health.Within hours of Mr Boikov’s post on X, the false claims he amplified had reached hundreds of thousands of people on X and Telegram, and had even been repeated by a national news outlet.I tracked him down because I want to understand how his posts triggered an online frenzy that reached the mainstream media – with serious consequences for Mr Cohen, who’s described his distress at being accused of an attack he had nothing to do with.Mr Boikov is speaking to me from the Russian consulate in Sydney, to where he fled more than a year ago after a warrant was issued over his arrest for alleged assault. The pro-Kremlin social media personality was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin last year – and has requested political asylum in Russia.He wasn’t the first user to mention the name Benjamin Cohen. It appeared to originate on a small account sharing almost exclusively anti-Israel content.This is one of the ways disinformation now spreads.Digital disinformation expert Marc Owen-Jones says: “It’s less obvious and suspicious than if an influential and known partisan account was to initially tweet it.”Then more established accounts can use this ‘seeded’ narrative as if it’s a legitimate vox pop, and claim they are just ‘reporting’ what’s being said online.”There were also other larger accounts suggesting the attack was somehow connected to Israel or Gaza – before Aussie Cossack’s posts on X.But his were the first featuring Mr Cohen’s name to go viral.That’s likely because he had purchased a blue tick, meaning his content was prioritised ahead of other users and appeared higher up on people’s feeds, including users who did not follow him.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, PM Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns (both centre) were among those laying flowersThe initial post racked up more than 400,000 views, according to X’s own data – before police identified the attacker as Cauchi, not Benjamin Cohen. Aussie Cossack followed up with another post on X with the likeness of a video showing the actual attacker, Cauchi, side by side with a picture of Mr Cohen.On Telegram, he also posted a screengrab of Mr Cohen’s LinkedIn page, revealing where he worked and studied.But speaking to me, Mr Boikov stresses the scepticism in his tweet – he says he was the “first large platform to warn this is unconfirmed”.He suggests he pointed out the unconfirmed nature of the claim to “the hundreds of thousands of people who saw my posts”.However, comments from lots of users online in response to his posts suggest they viewed it the opposite way, and assumed Mr Cohen was the attacker.I challenged Mr Boikov on how his posts had amplified false claims to hundreds of thousands of people, causing serious harm to the student at its centre. This came as families were – and still are – grieving for loved ones killed in the attack.”Sorry, love, you’re doing that right now,” he said. “What you’re doing now is you are talking about the speculation of a false claim, and you’re writing a story about it.”Share in revenueMr Boikov’s is one of hundreds of very active accounts on X with blue ticks now regularly sharing content in this way – whether or not it’s true.Under X’s new guidelines – since Elon Musk bought the social media company – users can receive a “share of the revenue” generated by ads from their posts, if they purchase a blue tick.Aussie Cossack’s posts were picked up and re-circulated by dozens of other accounts, including several with a track record of sharing false claims. Several regularly share content critical of Israel or content relating to the war in Gaza.These false accusations soon bled on to other social media platforms.”Benjamin Cohen” was the search option suggested on several videos of the attack by TikTok when I was looking through content related to the stabbing on Saturday night.Scrolling through these clips, I found the comments were littered with his name before the police had confirmed the real identity of the attacker.”The attacker’s name is Benjamin Cohen IDF Soldier,” one user wrote. Their account had no posts, and no profile picture. I sent a message. No response.”Shame he’s a Jew right? Why don’t the media outlets label him?” another account wrote on a video showing people running through the mall. As soon as I messaged this one asking about its comments, it blocked me.Repeated by news channelIt’s hard to confirm definitively where these accounts are based. They have the hallmarks of inauthentic profiles, without any identifying features and sharing divisive comments repeatedly.X, Telegram and TikTok have not yet replied to the BBC’s requests for comment.Worryingly, the speculation was picked up by Australian media outlet 7News, which named Benjamin Cohen as the “40-year-old lone wolf attacker”. Screengrabs of their report further fuelled the wildfire online.7News later retracted the report and apologised, attributing it to “human error”. But by this point, antisemitic threats were being directed at Benjamin Cohen, who has described the incident as “highly distressing and disappointing to myself and my family”. He has expressed shock not only that he was falsely accused repeatedly on social media, but that even a major news network had identified him.While the social media frenzy was unfolding, his dad Mark Cohen defended his son on X. He called on New South Wales Police to reveal the name of the attacker “before this nonsense claiming it was my son causes more harm”.Image source, XIn parallel, false claims were circulating that the attacker was Muslim. These were shared by prominent journalists and political accounts on X with hundreds of thousands of followers from the UK to the US.British journalist and presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer suggested the stabbings were “another terror attack by another Islamist terrorist”, while TV presenter Rachel Riley said it was part of a “Global Intifada”. They both later retracted their posts.Hartley-Brewer posted that she had been “incorrect” and that the Sydney massacre “was not an Islamist terror attack”, while Riley said she was “sorry” if her message had been “misunderstood”.Dozens of accounts on TikTok also spread false claims that the attacker was Muslim. I messaged several of them – but they haven’t responded.New South Wales Police have suggested the real attacker, Cauchi, deliberately targeted women – who make up five out of six of the victims.Several online forums dedicated to incels – a subculture who define themselves as unable to get a sexual partner, despite desiring one – have praised Cauchi as one of their own for the attack.But so far there’s no concrete evidence of Cauchi being involved directly with these online movements. When asked why Cauchi could have targeted women, his father said that his son had “wanted a girlfriend” and that had had “no social skills and was frustrated out of his brain”.Increasingly, attacks in the real world are being followed by this kind of social media frenzy – where misinformation is hugely amplified.For the families and friends of those who have been killed, and the innocent bystanders falsely accused, this toxic rumour-mill is causing serious harm.Related TopicsIslamophobiaSydney attackRussiaDisinformationAntisemitismSydneyAustraliaTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished3 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished3 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished5 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’4Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison7MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response10Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ requestBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaKenya doctor strike: The public caught between the medics and the governmentPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Basillioh RukangaBBC News, NairobiMost of the beds at the labour ward of Kihara Level 4 Hospital on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, are empty.Only three are occupied out of more than a dozen. A nurse says the hospital is not taking in women who need a Caesarean as there is no doctor to perform the operation.The doctors here – and across the country – have been on strike for about a month now. Public hospitals are virtually empty. There is an unsettling silence in places normally brimming with people seeking a host of critical services.Patients are now forced to go to expensive private hospitals or delay treatment, resulting in worsening chronic illnesses and sometimes deaths.Doctors are striking over a number of issues, including pay and the failure to hire trainee doctors, who cannot qualify without getting an intern position.The medics are aware of the problems the strike is causing but argue that industrial action is necessary “to help the public get quality health care” in the long run, as their working conditions and the lack of equipment mean they cannot treat patients properly, says Davji Bhimji, the secretary-general of the doctors’ union, KMPDU.”Sometimes we are just there to supervise death,” he tells the BBC.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Patients have been failing to get treatment at state hospitals in KenyaPresident William Ruto has asked the striking doctors to return to work and agree to the offer that the government has made, saying the country must “live according to our means”.Many who have had to rely on the public health service are sympathetic as they have seen the problems for themselves, but that sympathy is being tested.One woman tells the BBC that her sister-in-law, who was in labour and needed an operation, lost her unborn child because of the strike.The patient had travelled from western Kenya, where she could not get treatment, to the main referral hospital in Nairobi, but was turned away. She was eventually taken to a private hospital but it was too late to save her baby. Lucy Bright Mbugua, 26, says her 10-month-old baby has been at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi since January. Her baby is being treated for a condition that requires constant attention but only a few doctors are available. They now come around twice a week rather than daily.”It’s painful when there is no service. The baby is suffering and there are no drugs,” she tells the BBC.Her mother, Anne, says she often spends nights at the outpatient centre so that she is available for her daughter, and to save on transport costs.The peasant farmer, who came to Nairobi from her rural home 200km (125 miles) away after her grandchild got sick, says she is trying to help her daughter financially but it is very difficult.”Why can’t they sit down and agree,” she says of the striking doctors and the government, adding that “we, the small fish, are really suffering” – a view echoed by many.Image source, AFPImage caption, The medics say the government has reneged on a previous agreementSome have been seeking solace in prayers. A pastor in Kibera, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, says he has been seeing about five sick people a week.”You know that they require to be seen by doctors, but if there is no treatment, you offer prayers so that they stop having other thoughts or give up hope,” Pastor Stephen Genda tells the BBC.The problems have now been compounded as clinical officers have joined the strike.They provide outpatient services and constitute the backbone of healthcare, especially in rural areas. But they have vowed not to budge until their demands are met.”The government is not going to give anything without a fight,” says Peterson Wachira, the chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers.The government says it is paying salary arrears to doctors and has offered to hire intern doctors. The offer followed negotiations, including court-mandated talks that involved representatives of different government departments.But the doctors rejected it, saying the pay being offered to interns amounted to a big reduction of the amount that had been agreed in a 2017 deal. The government set the new figure at $540 (£430) a month, but the union says $1,600 had been agreed for pay and allowances in the deal. The authorities have been unable to hire all the trainee doctors as they say there is not enough money to pay all the prospective interns.This has left many feeling bitter and unwanted.Image source, ReutersImage caption, All aspiring doctors have to spend a year as an intern before qualifyingMicheni Mike, a graduate doctor waiting to be posted, told the BBC at the beginning of the strike that the government “does not prioritise you and the skills that you hold”.Shirley Ogalo, a dental surgeon who is also waiting to be hired, says that graduating was a very a nice moment “but now I’m fighting”. “You see your colleagues – the people who did other courses – they are flourishing. Some have started families. It’s depressing, it gives you a lot of frustration,” she tells the BBC.The authorities are beginning to take a harder line.Some of the governors heading county governments, which are responsible for the bulk of health functions, have threatened to sack the doctors. The Council of Governors Health Committee chairman, Muthomi Njuki, has said some of the doctors’ demands were “unreasonable” and “difficult to implement”.One public hospital in Nairobi announced last week that it was laying off more than 100 doctors participating in the strike. But up to now the health workers have vowed to stay put. Mr Bhimji accused the government of not being “concerned about the services that we offer, otherwise if they had concerns they would be sitting down and discussing” the issues.Religious figures and opposition leaders are among those who have called on the government to re-open negotiations with the doctors and have the hospitals back running.But this could still drag on for months – the stoppage in 2017 lasted about 100 days.But Ms Mbugua, who has a 10-month-old sick baby, hopes the strike will end soon.”We want the doctors to come back – for things to be normal again,” she says.More on this topic:Kenya doctors’ strike: The cancer patient and the medicKenya’s unhappy doctors and nursesIs it worth becoming a doctor in Kenya?Related TopicsKenyaAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished2 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished2 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished4 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins4Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’7Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaParis 2024: How is France preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesThe Olympic torch is being lit in Greece on Tuesday, ahead of its journey to Paris for the start of the Games on 26 July. Security has become a major concern for the French government, and plans for the opening ceremony are being reconsidered.When are the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games?The summer Olympics are from 26 July to 11 August, with 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events. The Paralympics run from 28 August to 8 September, featuring 4,400 athletes in 549 events.There will be 206 countries represented at the Olympics, and 184 at the Paralympics. More than 15 million tourists are expected in Paris during the Games. All you need to know for Paris 2024Where will Olympic and Paralympic events take place? The main athletics events will be held at the Stade de France, on the outskirts of Paris.However, there will be 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic venues in central Paris. For example, the Pont d’Iena will host cycling events and the start and finish points for the marathon will be at the Hotel de Ville and Les Invalides.Paris to bring back swimming in Seine after 100 yearsHow are France’s security forces preparing for the Olympics?Worried about threats such as a drone attack, the government has cut spectator numbers at the Olympic opening ceremony. The event is expected to see the national teams parading in boats along a 6km (3.8 mile) stretch of the River Seine through central Paris.The original plan was for an estimated 600,000 members of the public to watch from the banks.However, the government now says only 300,000 invited guests will be allowed. Image source, Paris 2024 Image caption, The opening ceremony for the Olympics will feature a parade of athletes on boats on the SeineAnd President Emmanuel Macron has said the ceremony could be moved from the Seine altogether if the security risk is too great.Instead, the entire event could be in the Trocadero or the Stade de France.”There are Plan Bs and Plan Cs,” President Macron said, adding, “We are preparing them in parallel, we will analyse this in real time.”Image caption, French soldiers have had special security training ahead of the OlympicsThe French government is using about 20,000 soldiers and more than 40,000 police officers to provide security. It also has support from about 2,000 troops and police officers from other countries.Security services have been screening one million people involved in the Games, including athletes, residents living close to the Olympic venues, medical staff and volunteers.France’s Prime Minster Gabriel Attal has said intelligence services uncovered two plots against the country by suspected Islamic militants in early 2024. “The terrorist threat is real, it’s strong,” he said. Has Russia been banned from Paris 2024?Neither Russia nor Belarus are allowed to send teams, because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’s support for it. Competitors from those countries will only be allowed to take part as neutral athletes. They will not be allowed to parade in the opening ceremony and will not have their national anthems played, or their national flags raised, if they win medals. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Soviet Union held “Friendship Games” as a rival to the 1984 Olympics and Russia will do the same in 2024Russia has said it is “outraged” at its athletes’ treatment and has announced a “World Friendship Games” in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in September. The Soviet Union held a similar event in 1984, after boycotting the summer Olympics in Los Angeles.President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia has also been conducting a propaganda campaign to undermine the Paris Games.This has included putting out stories claiming they are being badly organised. Has Israel been banned? Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not also barring Israel from taking part, because of its military operation is Gaza.However, IOC president Thomas Bach rejected the demand and confirmed Israel’s participation. Are the Games popular in France?One opinion poll suggested that 44% of Parisians think hosting the Olympics is a “bad thing”, with many planning to leave town.Bus and metro fares will double in Paris during the Games. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Les Phryges’ motto is “Alone we go faster, but together we go further”The Olympic and Paralympic Village and a new aquatics centre are in a region north of Paris called Seine-Saint-Denis – one of the poorest parts of France. Charities complained after hundreds of squatters were evicted from buildings close to the new venues. Games venues in the centre of Paris will be cordoned off to the public and there will be extensive traffic restrictions.A number of Metro stations and railway stations will be closed for part or all of duration of the Games.”Paris will be unbearable,” one resident told the BBC. “Impossible to park; impossible to move around; impossible to do anything.”Related TopicsParisTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished58 minutes agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished1 hour agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished3 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins4Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted8Sydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’9Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsraeli war cabinet meets to discuss response to Iranian attackPublished1 minute agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Israeli government handoutImage caption, The war cabinet also met on Sunday, as seen in this Israeli government handoutBy Ido VockBBC NewsIsrael’s war cabinet has met to discuss its response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack.Israel did not make public whether a decision had been reached.Its allies have strongly condemned Iran’s actions, but urged Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to show restraint. While Iran has signalled it considers the matter closed, the Israeli military’s chief of staff said the attack would not go unanswered.”Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response,” Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said.He did not specify a course of action, or give a timescale.Former CIA head David Petraeus had told BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight programme that Washington does not want to risk the wellbeing of the global economy with any Israeli retaliation against Iran.Gen Petraeus, who also commanded the international forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the Iranian attack was a “very big deal”, and that the West had to understand how significant this was for Israel. “The challenge now, of course, is that there are somewhat different perspectives on what to do next. If for some reason the Brent crude prices spike, or if there is some kind of freedom of navigation issue in the Gulf. And there is already some concern over Iran taking an oil tanker the other day.”Gen Petraeus, who is now retired now, said the debate inside the Israeli government was about how to formulate a response what would show Israeli deterrence without “ratcheting up the escalation any further”.He added that Israel had a number of asymmetric options that could allow it to respond without increasing tension.What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Lt Gen Halevi was speaking from Nevatim air base in southern Israel, which sustained damage in Saturday’s overnight attack but was said by Israel to be “still functioning”.Tehran said the operation was retaliation for a 1 April strike on its consulate in Syria, which killed senior Iranian military commanders.The Israeli military said more than 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel. It said almost all were brought down by its forces, with support from the US, UK, France and other countries, before reaching their targets. No deaths were reported and Israel said the damage was limited. World leaders have urged restraint amid concerns about a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East.US President Joe Biden spoke to Mr Netanyahu following the launch of the Iranian attack and reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”.But on Sunday the US told Israel it would not join in any counter-strike on Iran, according to a senior White House official.”We’re committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict spreading more than it already has,” Mr Biden said on Monday. Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 to the Gaza Strip as hostages. Israel responded with an aerial and ground campaign, and more than 33,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health authority.Addressing Iran-Israel tensions in the UK Parliament on Monday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called on “all sides” to “show restraint”. He added that he would speak to Mr Netanyahu to express solidarity and discuss how to prevent “further escalation”. Separately on Monday, violence continued to surge in the occupied West Bank following the killing of an Israeli teenager, Benjamin Achimeir. He had taken a flock of sheep out to graze from a settler outpost near Ramallah when he went missing on Friday last week. The Israel Defence Forces later found his body.The Israeli government has said he was the victim of a “terrorist attack”.The US has condemned retaliatory violence by Israeli settlers, including the killings of two young Palestinians, Jihad Abu Aliya and Omar Ahmad Abdulghani Hamed.On Monday, Israel said it would investigate the killings of two more Palestinians near the city of Nablus, apparently by Israeli settlers.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael & the PalestiniansIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 day agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished23 hours agoTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished1 hour agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished16 minutes agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished2 hours agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2Sydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’3Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison4Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error5Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted8Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request9Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’Published7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Simon AtkinsonBBC News, AustraliaAustralian police have declared Monday’s stabbing at a church in Sydney a “terrorist act”.A 15-year-old boy was arrested after a bishop and several churchgoers were stabbed during the sermon.The incident happened in the evening at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley.At least four people were stabbed but police say none of their injuries were life-threatening. The incident triggered unrest.Hundreds of people gathered outside the church, clashing with police – two of whom were injured.Twenty police vehicles were damaged – with 10 left unusable.Chief commissioner Karen Webb said those involved in the riots would be hunted by police, describing the actions as “unacceptable”.New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: “I convened a meeting of faith leaders representing major religious organisations across Western Sydney. “And their message to their communities was universal and identical, and that is that they deplore violence in all forms that they have faith in the New South Wales police to undertake their investigation.”They call for peace amongst all communities in Sydney, and most importantly, that people remain calm during this obviously distressing period.”Paramedics had to retreat for cover in the church and were “holed up” there for more than three hours. Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished30 minutes agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished1 hour agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished1 hour agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison3Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error4Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request5Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins8Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blaze9Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears10MPs reject Lords amendments to Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaTrump trial: Difficult search begins for impartial juryPublished13 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump is the first former president to ever go on trialBy Madeline Halpert & Kayla EpsteinBBC News, New YorkDonald Trump’s unprecedented criminal trial began on Monday with half of a group of potential jurors ruled out within minutes on impartiality grounds.Mr Trump denies falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Sixty of 96 potential jurors were quick to say in the New York court that they could not be impartial.Those left were then asked multiple questions, including about their news and book reading habits.”I just couldn’t do it,” one prospective juror was heard saying as she left court. The dismissals were an indication of how challenging it could be to find a group of 12 impartial jurors for a case concerned with a high-profile sex scandal involving a former president running once again for the White House.The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleges that Mr Trump directed his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 (£104,000) in exchange for her silence about an alleged sexual encounter that the former president denies took place. Prosecutors say he did so to “unlawfully influence” the 2016 election. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Jury selection began in the afternoon. The judge started by dismissing jurors who raised their hand to say they could not be impartial, leaving around 34 people. Those left were then grilled on 42 questions in the jury questionnaire, including on their news-reading habits, whether they had attended any Trump rallies or read any of the former president’s books. Eighteen were placed at random in the jury box, and they began to answer the questionnaire one by one. One man from Midtown Manhattan said that he read the Wall Street Journal. Another from the Upper West Side said his radio habits included listening to whatever was on when he was in the shower. He later clarifying he meant NPR. Neither was dismissed immediately.A woman was asked: “Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former president Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?”She simply replied “yes” and was dismissed, although Mr Trump’s team initially objected to excusing her. All jurors will remain anonymous due to the high profile nature of the case, although Mr Trump’s legal team and prosecutors will know their identities.Quiet in the courtThe accused stayed quiet during the day, speaking to his lawyers in a hushed tone while maintaining a stern expression. He said three words in the entirety of the morning to the judge, New York Justice Juan Merchan – all “yes”, when asked about what conduct was required in in court.But outside of the court, Mr Trump took a more aggressive tone, stating that the trial was “nonsense” and an “assault on America”. Mr Trump’s public remarks about the case were the subject of several minutes of debate during the morning in court. Prosecutors claimed some of Mr Trump’s posts on his social media site, Truth Social, violated a gag order Justice Merchan imposed on him. The order bars Mr Trump from making public comments about people related to the case, including potential witnesses. The order was expanded to relatives of those involved after Mr Trump attacked Justice Merchan’s daughter on social media. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office asked Justice Merchan to fine Mr Trump $3,000 (£2,400) in total for three posts. The judge set a hearing date of 23 April to make a decision. The judge used the morning in court to resolve what evidence would be permissible in court. The defence and the prosecution sparred over an infamous Access Hollywood Tape that came out just before the 2016 election. In the tape, Mr Trump talks about grabbing women by their genitals. Prosecutors asked to include an email chain between Trump campaign officials and the Washington Post reporter who broke the Access Hollywood story, which included a transcript of the tape. Image source, EPAImage caption, A woman holds a banner in front of New York criminal courtThe judge said the emails would be allowed if “set up properly”, despite objections from Mr Trump’s legal team. Throughout the day, Mr Trump was cheered on by dozens of people who rallied peacefully but loudly outside of court.They included a man playing the Star-Spangled Banner on the flute for hours and a person imitating the former president wearing a blonde wig and red tie. The were others decidedly less enthusiastic about the former president. One held a banner that stated: “Convict Trump already.”The hush-money trial is just one of four criminal cases the former president is facing. But it could be the only one to go to trial before the 2024 presidential election, a rematch between Mr Trump and the incumbent, Joe Biden. If convicted, Mr Trump would be the first major-party nominee to run for president as a convicted felon. No law prevents him from doing so. Justice Merchan also rejected a defence request that Mr Trump be excused from the trial next Thursday so that he can attend Supreme Court arguments on the immunity claims he raised in another of his criminal cases.”Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal,” Justice Merchan said, before adding: “A trial in New York Supreme Court … is also a big deal. I will see him here next week.”Image source, EPAImage caption, Trump supporters in New YorkRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpNew YorkDonald TrumpMore on this storyDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialPublished2 days agoWho is Stormy Daniels, and what happened with Donald Trump?Published7 hours agoTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished27 minutes agoDifficult search begins for impartial Trump juryPublished13 minutes agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished5 minutes agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison2Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error3Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request4Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted5Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears6Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blaze7Mini rope bridges built for forest dormice8Harry to fight on in legal battle over security9’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack10World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaPro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeClosePro-Palestinian demonstrators forced the closure of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on Monday, causing hours of gridlock. The protesters held signs that read “Stop the world for Gaza” and “End the siege on Gaza now”.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished42 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore morePro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate Bridge. Video, 00:00:31Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished42 minutes ago0:31Up Next. Biden says Netanyahu making ‘a mistake’ in Gaza. Video, 00:00:35Biden says Netanyahu making ‘a mistake’ in GazaSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 days agoUp Next0:35Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished3 days ago4:06Editor’s recommendationsWheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished6 hours ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished9 hours ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 hour ago1:28BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. Video, 00:01:09BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelSubsectionMiddle EastPublished23 hours ago1:09’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished2 days ago1:26BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEndangered California condor chicks hatched in LAThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LACloseEndangered California condors are part of a recovery program that aims to release them into the wild.Zoos in the state work closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the California Condor Recovery Program after the species almost went extinct in the 80s.Now every condor chick born in captivity starts a process of adaptation towards release in a protected area.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished30 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreEndangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished30 minutes ago1:28Up Next. Watch: Zoo welcomes birth of southern white rhino. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Zoo welcomes birth of southern white rhinoSubsectionBeds, Herts & BucksPublished15 MarchUp Next0:30Zoo shares first images of ocelot born this year. Video, 00:00:54Zoo shares first images of ocelot born this yearSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished15 December 20230:54Editor’s recommendationsWheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished4 hours ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished8 hours ago0:28BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. Video, 00:01:09BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelSubsectionMiddle EastPublished22 hours ago1:09’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished2 days ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished2 days ago0:30BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureHannah Gutierrez-Reed: Rust armourer sentenced to 18 months for Halyna Hutchins’ deathPublished24 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hannah Gutierrez-ReedBy Helen BushbyCulture reporter Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie set weapons handler who loaded a gun for actor Alec Baldwin before it fired and killed a cinematographer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The armourer, 26, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March.She was found not guilty of a second charge – tampering with evidence over the 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.The sentence Ms Gutierrez-Reed received is the maximum possible. Mr Baldwin, 65, also faces a manslaughter trial in July. He has said he is not guilty of the charges.Ms Hutchins, 42, was killed after a gun Mr Baldwin used in a rehearsal fired a live round on the set of the Western in New Mexico.Prosecutors said Gutierrez-Reed had failed to ensure the weapon was only loaded with dummy rounds – fake bullets used to look and sound like real ones. “This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being,” prosecutor Kari T Morrissey said during closing arguments in the trial.Gutierrez-Reed was “negligent”, “careless” and “thoughtless” when she failed to notice that live bullets had mixed with dummy rounds in a box of ammunition on set, Ms Morrissey told the jurors.One of those bullets was in the firearm that was used by Mr Baldwin, prosecutors said.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Moment Rust armourer is found guilty of manslaughter, in MarchJurors deliberated for three hours before returning their verdict and Gutierrez-Reed remained expressionless as she learned her fate. As she was led away by two officers she told her weeping mother, “It’ll be OK,” according to Reuters.Ms Hutchins’ parents and her sister said they were “satisfied” with the verdict.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Halyna Hutchins was killed while on set in 2021Their statement added: “We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna’s death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions.”How the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedDead cinematographer ‘was an incredible artist’ This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, WATCH: Bodycam footage from Rust shooting aftermathDuring the trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that Gutierrez-Reed had brought a box of live bullets to the New Mexico film set from her California home. They said these live rounds slowly spread throughout the set over the course of 12 days. Ms Morrissey said she believed the armourer did not intend to bring live rounds to the set, but rather that Ms Hutchins’ death was a case of tragic negligence. The prosecutor added that Gutierrez-Reed was more “worried about her career” and less about the victims in the aftermath of the shooting. Gutierrez-Reed did not testify in the two-week trial, but her lawyer said in closing arguments that prosecutors had failed to prove his client was the sole person responsible for the fatal shooting. “The [ammunition] boxes don’t matter, because we don’t know what was in them three or four days before,” her lawyer, Jason Bowles told the jury, arguing his client did not know that there were real bullets on set.Mr Bowles also blamed Mr Baldwin, arguing that he had “gone off-script” when he pointed the gun at film crew. “It was not in the script for Mr Baldwin to point the weapon,” he said. “She didn’t know that Mr Baldwin was going to do what he did.”He had vowed to appeal the guilty verdict. For his pending caseGutierrez-Reed was found not guilty of evidence tampering stemming from accusations that she attempted to dispose of a small bag of narcotics after the shooting. Last year, the movie’s cast and crew finished filming in tribute to Ms Hutchins, with her husband serving as an executive producer.Related TopicsFirearmsFilmNew MexicoMore on this storyRust film armourer guilty over shooting deathPublished7 MarchDead cinematographer ‘was an incredible artist’Published22 October 2021Rust armourer ‘sloppy’ before Alec Baldwin gun firedPublished22 FebruaryBaldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughterPublished1 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Iran attack ‘will be met with response’, Israel’s army chief saysLive. Jury selection begins in Trump’s hush-money trialWorld’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatPublished2 hours agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison2Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears5World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heat6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce8’Worst’ cafe makes light of negative review9Battery factory ditched in favour of data centre10Boy, 15, arrested after bishop stabbed in SydneyBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC SportMenuHomeFootballCricketFormula 1Rugby URugby LTennisGolfBoxingAthleticsMoreA-Z SportsAmerican FootballAthleticsBasketballBoxingCricketCyclingDartsDisability SportFootballFormula 1Gaelic GamesGolfGymnasticsHorse RacingMixed Martial ArtsMotorsportNetballOlympic SportsRugby LeagueRugby UnionSnookerSwimmingTennisWinter SportsFull Sports A-ZMore from SportEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandMy SportMatch of the DaySports Personality5 Live SportSport on the BBCNews FeedsHelp & FAQsAthleticsResultsCalendarBeijing half marathon: Organisers investigating controversial finishPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, He Jie (pictured winning the 2023 Asian Games) won the half marathon in one hour three minutes 44 secondsOrganisers of the Beijing half marathon are investigating allegations that three African athletes deliberately allowed China’s star runner He Jie to win Sunday’s race.Footage appeared, external to show Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu pointing to the line and slowing down before waving past He, 25.The result was criticised by some Chinese social media users.Mnangat has told BBC Sport Africa that the trio ran as pacemakers.The Kenyan said four runners had been contracted to help He break the Chinese half-marathon record of one hour two minutes 33 seconds, and that one of them did not finish the race.He missed out on the record with a time of 1:03:44, one second ahead of the trio, who tied for second place.”I was not there to compete,” said Mnangat. “It was not a competitive race for me.”A spokesperson at the Beijing Sports Bureau told AFP they were investigating the incident, adding: “We will announce the results to the public once they are available.”Xstep, a Chinese sports brand who sponsored the event and have a contract with He, told Chinese state-owned The Paper:, external “The situation is still being confirmed and verified by multiple parties. Further information will be communicated as soon as possible.”Mnangat added: “I don’t know why they put my name on my bib/chest number instead of labelling it as a pacemaker.”My job was to set the pace and help the guy win but unfortunately, he did not achieve the target, which was to break the national record.”None of the other runners have commented on the incident yet. China’s He won marathon gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and is his country’s record holder for the full marathon.A statement from World Athletics to BBC Sport said: “We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities. “The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment.”Users of Chinese social media site Weibo have posted about the race, with a comment saying “this is no doubt the most embarrassing title of He Jie’s career” receiving more than 1,000 likes. Another post added: “With such a major organiser and such a well-known event, this really pushes sportsmanship to the ground in shame.”ABBA’s definitive story: How much do you really know about Sweden’s biggest musical export?Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down? Toast analyses the pioneering app’s fortunes and misfortunesRelated TopicsAthleticsRelated Internet LinksBritish AthleticsWorld AthleticsThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.Top StoriesEngland and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78Published3 hours ago’Scintillating Scheffler lives up to expectation as Aberg arrives’Published3 hours agoMurray will not have surgery on ankle injuryPublished27 minutes agoElsewhere on the BBC’It was a collision of two very dangerous people’A raw documentary about the life and crimes of televangelist turned cult leaders Susan and Tony AlamoAttributioniPlayerThe best players relegated from the Premier LeagueGary, Alan and Micah rank the Top 10 who have suffered this fate…AttributionSoundsWill they manage to track down the Soviet mole?Film adaptation of John le Carré’s Cold War novel with a stellar castAttributioniPlayer’That’s why I wanted to play it to somebody else’The pioneering late DJ, Annie Nightingale, was Lauren Laverne’s castaway in 2020AttributionSoundsElsewhere in Sport’You can hear panic set in’ – how pressure is affecting the title race’Was this the day the Premier League title tide turned?”Golf dropping in priority but I still love winning’Scheffler hits ‘shot of the tournament’ on ninth. VideoScheffler hits ‘shot of the tournament’ on ninth’Incredible feeling’ – Alonso toasts Leverkusen titleMan Utd hold off Chelsea to reach Women’s FA Cup final. VideoMan Utd hold off Chelsea to reach Women’s FA Cup finalInside Lingard’s stuttering start to life in SeoulWomen’s Six Nations needs ‘closer games’ – AlphonsiSpurs beat Leicester after extra time to reach FA Cup final. VideoSpurs beat Leicester after extra time to reach FA Cup final’Sweet’ messages & running jokes – how GB beat FranceWhat happened to your Grand National horse?Raducanu’s ‘magical’ winning moment in BJK Cup. VideoRaducanu’s ‘magical’ winning moment in BJK CupEngland thrash Scotland to continue perfect start. VideoEngland thrash Scotland to continue perfect startFacing disaster – the Forest fans at Hillsborough’To win the Bundesliga is unthinkable’ – Leverkusen make history by winning title. Video’To win the Bundesliga is unthinkable’ – Leverkusen make history by winning title’More than a fighter’ – how Rousey finally found peaceJoin the BBC Sport WhatsApp channelsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFBI opens investigation into Baltimore bridge collapsePublished6 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Six people died after the Dali cargo ship collided with the bridge, causing its catastrophic collapseBy Nadine YousifBBC NewsThe FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse, sources familiar with the matter told the BBC’s US partner CBS.The investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the incident, in which six people were killed.The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell on March 26 after it was struck by a large container ship called the Dali. Federal agents have been present at the site since, the sources said.In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said the “FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity”. ‘A game of Jenga’: Inside the perilous Baltimore bridge clean-up No further information will be shared publicly on the investigation at this time, the spokesperson said. Erek Barron, the US Attorney in Maryland who is aiding in the FBI investigation, said his office would not comment on the existence of a probe. But he said “the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible”. The FBI investigation is separate from an ongoing probe by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Also on Monday, Baltimore’s mayor Brandon Scott announced that his city is taking “legal steps” to address the collapse by partnering with two national law firms.Mr Scott said the firms will take ”action to hold the wrongdoers responsible, and to mitigate the immediate and long-term harm caused to Baltimore City residents.”He said the aim is to hold “all entities accountable”, including the owner, charterer, manager and operator of the Dali ship, as well as potentially liable third parties. Most of the 47-year-old bridge collapsed when it was struck by Dali – a 948ft (289m) cargo ship – at around 01:28 local time, plunging eight men who were working on bridge maintenance at the time into the Patapsco River. The bodies of three have since been recovered and three others are presumed to be dead by authorities. Two others were rescued shortly after the bridge fell. A salvage mission that includes the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Navy, the Coast Guard and Maryland authorities is still ongoing to recover parts of the bridge, as well as to find the bodies of the remaining victims.Investigators also have recovered the data recorder of the Dali ship, which they hope may explain the catastrophic power failure that caused it to go off course and hit the bridge. Officials said the ship had been moving at eight knots, or roughly 9mp (15 km/h).Jennifer Homandy, the head of the NTSB, has said one of the factors under investigation is whether contaminated fuel played a role in the ship losing power. A mayday signal was sent when the ship was approaching the bridge, authorities had said, which gave authorities time to stop cars driving onto the bridge.The collapse led to the closure of the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the US and a key hub for the transport of vehicles, though two alternative channels have since been opened as the salvage operation continues.Related TopicsBaltimoreFBIMarylandUnited StatesMore on this storyWhere Baltimore bridge investigation goes nowPublished28 MarchBaltimore victims remembered as fathers, immigrantsPublished6 AprilLost power, mayday call and crash before Baltimore bridge collapsePublished26 March’A game of Jenga’: Inside the perilous Baltimore bridge clean-upPublished6 AprilTop StoriesLive. ‘All sides must show restraint’ says Sunak, as Israel considers Iran responseLive. Trump in court for historic hush-money trialWorld’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatPublished26 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Ukraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request2World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heat3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Bishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney5Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Plans for gigafactory ditched in favour of data centre8City falls silent for 35th Hillsborough anniversary9Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties10England and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78AttributionSportBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityTechnologyTesla lays off more than 10% of its workforcePublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Shiona McCallumTechnology reporterTesla will lay off more than 10% of its global electric vehicle workforce.In a memo, first reported by news website Electrek, billionaire owner Elon Musk told staff there was nothing he hated more, “but it must be done”.The world’s largest auto-maker by market value had 140,473 employees globally as of December, according to its latest annual report.Tesla did not immediately respond to the BBC’s request for comment.”We have done a thorough review of the organisation and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally,” said the email from Mr Musk.”There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle.”A Tesla employee who had been told he was being let go told the BBC he had subsequently been locked out of his emails as had all other staff being laid off.The company is set to report its quarterly earnings later this month but has already reported a decline in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, its first in nearly four years and also below market expectations. Some analysts described the results as “tumultuous.”Last month, Tesla reduced production at the Gigafactory in Shanghai and last week Tesla told employees who work on the Cybertruck that shifts will be shorter on the production line at the Austin.Tesla has begun to feel the impact of slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).Elon Musk has recently denied reports that the company has scrapped plans to produce an inexpensive car, which has been one of his longstanding goals to make affordable EVs for the masses.Tesla shares were down 0.8% in premarket trading on Monday.The EV maker has been slow to refresh its aging models as high interest rates have sapped consumer appetite for big-ticket items.There is also the ongoing pressure from China as the rise of their inexpensive EVs have begun to flood the market with affordable models.Related TopicsElon MuskTeslaTransportMore on this storyTesla ‘disaster’ with fewest deliveries since 2022Published2 AprilChinese smartphone giant takes on TeslaPublished29 MarchTesla warns of ‘notably lower’ sales growth in 2024Published25 JanuaryTesla to settle over fatal Autopilot crashPublished6 days agoTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished26 minutes agoLive. Trump arrives at court for historic hush-money trialFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsLegalise abortions in first trimester, German commission saysUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request2Bishop attacked during sermon in Sydney3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce5Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties6Britishvolt site battery plant plan collapses7UK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron8’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack9’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police10England and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78AttributionSportSaudi FA to review fan code of conduct after supporter appears to whip playerBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaLegalise abortions in first trimester, German commission saysPublished19 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pro-abortion protesters in Cologne last SeptemberBy Damien McGuinnessBBC News, BerlinA government-appointed expert commission has called on Germany country to legalise the termination of a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks.It might come as a surprise to many, but abortions are, in fact, generally illegal in Germany. There are exemptions. For instance, a woman is not punished for terminating a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks if she has an official medical consultation beforehand. Other exemptions include cases of rape or when the woman’s life is in danger.In other words, while abortions are in theory illegal, they are generally not prosecuted. In some cases, charges are pressed against doctors or clinics and women are sometimes questioned by police, which can be traumatic.The result of this legal limbo is that some clinics and doctors either don’t publicise the service on their websites, or refuse to carry out abortions at all out of fear of prosecution. Some women report that provision of terminations can be patchy or hard to find, particularly in rural areas. Liberalisation campaigners say all this adds to the stigma surrounding abortions, making an already difficult situation unnecessarily stressful for women. Hurdles, such as finding and organising a pre-termination consolation, mean that abortions are sometimes carried out later. Women also have to pay for abortions privately. The procedure is not included in the healthcare provided by the expensive compulsory health insurance that all people in Germany have to pay. To clear up the confusion, a year ago Germany’s leftwing-led government set up an independent commission of scientific experts to recommend how to reform the system. On Monday, they released their 628-page report, recommending that abortions be allowed within the first 12 weeks. Liane Wörner, a lawyer who leads the commission, said on Monday in Berlin that keeping early-stage abortions illegal is “no longer tenable” given the constitution, human rights and European law.So will the law on abortions now be liberalised in Germany? Not necessarily. The government is not obliged to follow the expert commission’s advice, and so far ministers have been reticent about sharing their opinion. But opposition conservatives are not holding back, threatening to take the issue to the constitutional court if the law is changed. The Bavarian conservative CSU party has accused the commission of political bias, saying it is simply delivering the result the government wanted. Right-wing MPs say the government is launching a culture war over abortion rights, similar to the fierce rows in other countries. “If you want to wage a culture war, then wage it with us,” declared parliamentary group leader for the far-right AfD Beatrix von Storch. The leaders of Chancellor Scholz’s centre-left Social Democrat SPD party, meanwhile, have called on right-wingers to avoid polarising and incendiary language. “That doesn’t help anyone,” said Katja Mast, deputy SPD leader. Until now Germany has managed mostly to avoid the heated left-right politicisation of abortion rights seen in many countries, such as Poland or the US. At the weekend there were protests from both sides in Munich, but they were small and peaceful. But all major parties are struggling in the polls, so some politicians may be tempted by the idea of using identity politics to boost flagging support. National parliamentary elections are due next year. This means it is unlike there will be enough time to change the law on abortion, given the complexities around the issue — but certainly enough time to argue about it, politicise the issue and fire up a culture war. Related TopicsGermanyMore on this storyThe German medical students who want to study abortionPublished25 September 2020German doctors fined over abortion adsPublished14 June 2019Top StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished2 hours agoBishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney, reports sayPublished30 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Bishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney2Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties5UK shot Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron6’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police7Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness8’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack9Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day10Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney: Bishop stabbed during sermon – reportsPublished3 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, TwitterImage caption, The bishop was reportedly stabbed while giving a sermon that was being livestreamedA bishop and several other people have been stabbed during a sermon in Sydney that was being streamed online, local media report. The incident reportedly happened on Monday night in the suburb of Wakeley. Police responded to reports that a number of people had been stabbed but said none of their injuries were life-threatening. They added that a man had been arrested and was assisting them with their inquiries. It was not immediately clear what weapon was used in the attack, which is reported to have happened at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church. In the livestreamed video on the sermon, a man dressed in dark clothing can be seen approaching the bishop before appearing to strike him. Several other people then attempt to intervene and screams of horror can be heard. “The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” police said in a statement. The community has been asked to avoid the area. The stabbing comes days after six people were killed at a shopping mall in the same city. The attacker was later shot dead by a police officer. There is no suggestion that the two events are linked. Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished1 hour agoBishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney, reports sayPublished10 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties2’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police3Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash5Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day6UK shot Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron7Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection8Controversial half marathon result being investigatedAttributionSport9’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack10Standoff continues as MPs to vote on Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessFlights cancelled and disrupted after Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Dearbail JordanBusiness reporter, BBC NewsAirline passengers are facing cancellations or disruption to flights to Israel and surrounding countries after Iran’s airstrikes at the weekend.EasyJet has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv up to and including Sunday, 21 April.Wizz Air said it would resume journeys to Israel on Tuesday, 16 April after stopping flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday.However, it warned: “Passengers may experience some schedule changes.”Wizz Air said that it was “closely monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities and keeping its passengers informed of all schedule changes”.”All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options,” it added.Israel closed its airspace on Saturday evening after Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on the country. Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation for a strike on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus on 1 April.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.Why has Iran attacked Israel?Israel reopened its airspace early on Sunday morning as did Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, which had stopped flights for a period.German airline group Lufthansa said that it had suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Erbil and Amman up to and including Monday, but said they would re-start on Tuesday.However, it said that flights to Beirut and Tehran would remain suspended until at least 18 April.A spokesperson said: “The Lufthansa Group had already decided on Friday, 12 April, to fly around Iranian airspace up to and including Thursday, 18 April, and thus temporarily suspend flights to Tehran.”Other airlines are re-routing their flights which could add time to journeys. Australia’s Qantas said its planes are changing course to avoid Iran’s airspace.The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reiterated its previous guidance to airlines to use caution in Israeli and Iranian airspace.”The European Commission and EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate,” it said. Related TopicsMiddle EastEasyjetIsraelIranWizz AirAir travelLufthansaMore on this storyMissile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says UK foreign secretaryPublished1 day agoOil prices dip after Iran attack on IsraelPublished1 hour agoTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished23 minutes agoBBC Verify uncovers real and fake clips among Iran attack footage. VideoBBC Verify uncovers real and fake clips among Iran attack footagePublished12 hours agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash3Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Controversial half marathon result being investigatedAttributionSport8Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection9Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel10Standoff continues as MPs to vote on Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBondi Junction mall stabbings: Who were the victims of the Sydney attack?Published10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyTributes are flowing to the six people who died during a stabbing rampage at a popular Sydney shopping centre.Joel Cauchi’s victims at the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday were five women and a man. Several others, including a baby, were injured before Mr Cauchi was shot dead.Authorities have said the attack was most likely related to Mr Cauchi’s mental health, and that it appeared he had targeted women.Here is what we know so far about those who died.Dawn Singleton, 25Ms Singleton, the daughter of high-profile Sydney businessman John Singleton, was working a shift in a retail store when the attack began. In the hours after the attack her father became increasingly worried she was among the dead, according to Australian radio host and and family friend Ray Hadley.”I rang him and he said: ‘I think my Dawnie is one of those who have lost their lives. I can’t confirm it, can you do something?'” he said on radio station 2GB.Hadley detailed how he called police contacts and confirmed Ms Singleton – who he had known since she was born – had died.”I had the job of ringing John back and officially confirming that his dear, darling daughter had been stabbed to death by this lunatic.”Ms Singleton’s fiance, who is a police officer, was responding to the attack at the centre when the family learned she was killed.”The other officers intervened when he arrived there, apparently,” Hadley said.White Fox Boutique, where Ms Singleton was working, said they were “truly devastated” by her loss.”Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.”‘Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – policeKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesJade Young, 47Image source, SuppliedImage caption, Jade Young has been remembered as warm and kindMs Young was an architect and mother of two. Her boss, Georgia Wilson, said Ms Young had worked for her boutique firm for 12 years and was “family”. “I can’t even believe I am writing this, it doesn’t feel real,” she said on Instagram. “Anyone who knew Jade knew what a beautiful, kind and warm soul she was. We are completely devastated.”Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club said Ms Young and her family were “much-loved members” and contributors to the local beachside community.”Many club members will be affected by the loss of Jade and the impact of this senseless and tragic event will affect each of us differently over time,” spokesman Basil Scaffidi said.”On behalf of Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club, we extend our deepest condolences to the family.”Ashlee Good, 38Image source, Family handoutImage caption, Ashlee Good has been described as a “beautiful person”Ashlee Good was fatally wounded while trying to shield her nine-month-old daughter from the stabbing attack.Witnesses have described how the new mother fled into a nearby store, passing her baby girl – who was also hurt – to bystanders. They desperately pulled clothes off racks to put pressure on their wounds and stem the bleeding.Ms Good died shortly after arriving at hospital. Her daughter has undergone surgery and is now in a stable condition.Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person'”We are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human,” the family said in a statement, also thanking those who “cared for our baby when Ashlee could not”.Friends have paid tribute to her as “full of life and love” and someone with a “permanent glow”.Ms Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. The club wore black armbands in her memory during a match on Sunday, and the club’s coach, Alastair Clarkson, fought back tears as he spoke before the match.”It’s just so sad. Ash and her beautiful little girl… She’s not going to have a mum – it breaks our hearts,” he told Fox Sports.Faraz Tahir, 30Image source, HandoutImage caption, Faraz Tahir had come to Australia about a year before the stabbingsThe only man killed in the attack, security guard Faraz Tahir died trying to protect others.He had sought refuge in Australia from Pakistan just a year ago, according to members of his local community. Friends have told local media he had worked at the shopping centre for only a week.In a statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said he was an “integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness”.Ejaz Khan, a solicitor and the president of the Pakistan Australia Association, said the local Pakistani community is “mourning and… very distressed”.”He was a lovely guy, he was very helpful all the time, he was working very hard and studying very hard in order to have a better future in Australia,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, said Mr Tahir had “lost his life while saving others”, adding that his family had requested his body be returned to Pakistan.’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackPikria Darchia, 55Image source, Family handoutImage caption, Pikria Darchia has been named as a victim of the Bondi mall stabbingsPolice have also named Pikria Darchia as one of the victims. She described herself as an artist on LinkedIn and is reported to have been originally from Tbilisi in Georgia.Few details about her have been reported so far.Cheng Yixuan, 25The last victim identified, Cheng Yixuan, was a Chinese student studying at the University of Sydney.Chinese social media has been alight since Saturday with people trying to track her down, after her family reportedly said she had called them from the shopping centre in the minutes before the attack.The Australia Today App – a Chinese language publication – said her fiance, known only as Mr Wang, said: “She even tried on clothes for me to see.””I contacted her day and night, but there was no response at all. The whole family was so anxious that they didn’t dare to think too much.”In an email to students, University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott confirmed a student – who he declined to name – had died, adding he was “shocked and saddened by the senseless loss of life”.Wang Chunsheng, China’s acting consul general in Sydney, said he was “very sorry to hear about” Cheng’s death.Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Missile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says UK foreign secretaryBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished11 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished1 hour agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel3Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack6Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true7Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash8Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection9Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every dayPublished7 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsBooker PrizeThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Sir Salman Rushdie on the stabbing attackBy Alan Yentob & Noor NanjiBBCSir Salman Rushdie has spoken in chilling detail to the BBC about what he remembers of the attack two years ago, in which he was stabbed on stage.The Booker Prize-winning author said his eye was left hanging down his face “like a soft-boiled egg”, and that losing the eye “upsets him every day”.”I remember thinking I was dying,” he said. “Fortunately, I was wrong.”Sir Salman said he is using his new book, Knife, as a way of fighting back against what happened.Rushdie has ‘crazy dreams’ about stabbing attackSalman Rushdie in surgery after stabbing attackHorrifying, ghastly: Authors condemn Rushdie attackThe attack took place at an education institute in New York state in August 2022, as he was preparing to give a lecture.He recalled how the assailant came “sprinting up the stairs” and stabbed him 12 times, including in his neck and abdomen, in an attack lasting 27 seconds.”I couldn’t have fought him,” the author said. “I couldn’t have run away from him.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: From the scene where Salman Rushdie was attacked on stageSir Salman said he fell to the floor, where he lay with “a spectacular quantity of blood” all around him.He was taken to a hospital by helicopter and spent six weeks recovering there.The Indian-born British-American author, 76, is one of the most influential writers of modern times. The attack dominated news headlines across the world.Image caption, Alan Yentob and Sir Salman, pictured with Lady Rushdie, have known each other more than 40 yearsSir Salman previously spent several years in hiding after the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses triggered threats against his life.He admitted he had thought someone might “jump out of an audience” one day.”Clearly it would’ve been absurd for it not to cross my mind.”‘Upset every day’The attack damaged Sir Salman’s liver and hands, and severed nerves in his right eye.His eye looked “very distended, swollen,” he said. “It was kind of hanging out of my face, sitting on my cheek, I’ve said like a soft-boiled egg. And blind.”Sir Salman said losing one eye “upsets me every day”. He finds he has to take greater care when walking down stairs, or crossing a road, or even when pouring water into a glass.But he considers himself lucky to have avoided brain damage. “It meant I was actually still able to be myself.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A rally to show solidarity for free expression was held in New York after Sir Salman was attackedThe moderator at the event where Sir Salman was stabbed told the BBC he wished he could have done more to prevent the attack.”You feel like if you had acted quicker, a lot of this could’ve been prevented,” said Henry Reese.But Sir Salman’s gratitude to the people who helped him on the day, including Mr Reese, as well as the doctors who cared for him, is clear from the very opening page of Knife.The book is dedicated, simply, to “the men and women who saved my life”.’Is that a reason to kill?’For the first time, Sir Salman has revealed what he would like to say to his alleged attacker.Hadi Matar, a 26-year-old New Jersey resident, has been charged with stabbing him. Mr Matar has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.In an interview with the New York Post from jail, Mr Matar said he had watched videos of Sir Salman on YouTube. “I don’t like people who are disingenuous like that,” Mr Matar said.Sir Salman Rushdie: The InterviewSir Salman Rushdie speaks about the knife attack which almost ended his life in 2022, in an interview with Alan Yentob ahead of the publication of a new book about the aftermath of the incident.Watch now on BBC iPlayer (UK Only)In Knife, Sir Salman has an imaginary conversation with his attacker, in which he responds to that.”In America, many people pretend to be honest, but they wear masks and lie. And would that be a reason to kill them all?” he asks.Sir Salman has never met Mr Matar. But he is likely to come face to face with him in court when the trial gets under way.The trial was delayed after lawyers for the defendant argued they were entitled to review Sir Salman’s book, as it could be evidence. It’s now expected to take place in the autumn.Why was The Satanic Verses so controversial?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Satanic Verses prompted widespread protestsSalman Rushdie shot to fame with Midnight’s Children in 1981, which went on to sell more than one million copies in the UK alone.But his fourth book, The Satanic Verses’, depiction of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and its references to religion were considered blasphemous and banned in multiple Muslim-majority countries.Iran’s then-leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa – or religious decree – in 1989, calling for Rushdie’s assassination and placing a $3m (£2.4m) bounty on the author’s head. That fatwa has never been rescinded.As a result, Rushdie was forced into hiding for nearly a decade and required an armed bodyguard due to the number of death threats he received.Sir Salman, who was born to non-practising Muslims and is an atheist, has long been a vocal advocate for the freedom of expression.But he warned it has become “much more difficult”.Salman Rushdie: The writer who emerged from hiding”A lot of people, including a lot of young people, I’m sorry to say, have formed the opinion that restrictions on freedom of speech are often a good idea,” he said.”Whereas of course, the whole point of freedom of speech is that you have to permit speech you don’t agree with.”Sir Salman recalls how, when he was lying in a pool of blood, he found himself “idiotically thinking” about his personal belongings.He was worried his Ralph Lauren suit was getting ruined, and that his house keys and credit cards might fall out of his pocket.”At the time of course, it’s ludicrous. But in retrospect, what it says to me, is there was some bit of me that was not intending to die. There was some bit of me that was saying, ‘I’m going to need those house keys, and I’m going to need those credit cards’.”He added that it was a “survival instinct” that was saying to him: “You’re going to live. Live. Live.”A year before the attack, Sir Salman married his fifth wife, the American poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths.Lady Rushdie told the BBC that when she heard about the attack, she “just started screaming. This was the worst day of my life.”Lady Rushdie describes being at Sir Salman’s side as doctors sewed his eyelids together.”I love his eyes, and he left home with two of them, and then our world changed,” she said. “And now I love his single eye even more because of how he sees the world.”Sir Salman describes Knife as “at least as much a love story” as a story of horror.”There were two forces in collision here. One was a force of violence, fanaticism, bigotry, and the other was the force of love,” he said. “And of course, the force of love is embodied in the figure of my wife Eliza.””And in the end, the way I understand what happened is that the force of love proved to be stronger than the forces of hatred.”Sir Salman said he will do public events again, but he will be “more careful” in future. “The security question is going to be the first question. Unless I’m satisfied about that, I’m not going to do it.”But he added, he is “a pretty obstinate person”.”I don’t want some restricted or confined life,” he said. “I’m going to have my life.”Related TopicsSalman RushdieFreedom of expressionNew York CityBooker PrizeNew YorkPennsylvaniaMore on this storyRushdie has ‘crazy dreams’ about stabbing attackPublished12 July 2023Salman Rushdie: The writer who emerged from hidingPublished13 August 2022Horrifying, ghastly: Authors condemn Rushdie attackPublished13 August 2022Top StoriesLive. Missile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says CameronBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished10 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished15 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Watch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’The sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel3Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack6Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true7Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’8Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record9Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned10Why has Iran attacked Israel?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Barely any of Ukraine’s power plants have escaped Russia’s drone and missile attacksBy Sarah RainsfordEastern Europe correspondent in KharkivRussia’s war on Ukraine has entered a new phase. Drone and missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are now frequent and massive, overwhelming its current air defences.They often include the same Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Tehran at Israel. Seeing the robust response to that attack by Israel’s allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that when it came to Ukraine “rhetoric does not protect the sky”. He said the sound of those drones, whether over the Middle East or in Europe, “must serve as a wake-up call to the free world”.Officials in Ukraine say they can “count on one hand” the thermal and hydro power plants across the country that are not yet badly damaged or totally destroyed. As Ukraine scrambles to repair what it can, and keep the electricity flowing to homes and industry, Russia’s assault has not stopped.A major facility close to Kyiv was hit last week and to the northeast, in Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv, all three major power plants are in ruins. The red-and-white striped chimneys of Kharkiv’s Thermal Power Plant No.5 are still visible from miles away. Approach a little closer, and the destruction beneath is revealed. The main building has a huge hole blown through the heart of it. All around is a mess of blackened metal and smashed concrete.Image caption, Kharkiv’s Thermal Power Plant No.5 has seen devastating damage from Russian strikesThe attack on 22 March was deliberate and devastating. Five Russian missiles struck the same spot, mangling turbines, generators and transformers and taking the plant offline. A week later, Russia targeted the city’s power plants again.For Ihor Orlovskiy this feels personal.”It’s like looking at the ruins of your own home. It brings pain and tears,” the deputy director says, leading me across chunks of metal and stone to the spot where the missiles exploded.He’s worked here since Soviet times.”It’s a very bitter feeling. But this mobilises us too, to build back. Because we know a city of more than a million people is depending on us.”There have been six attacks on this plant since the start of the full-scale invasion, but the one in March was the worst by far.It was also the most demoralising: it took engineers a full year to repair one section of the plant, then two weeks after it was restarted Russia hit exactly the same spot.Other industry sources tell similar stories of increasingly accurate strikes. In the past, they say, missiles would fall short or cause less damage. That leads some to suspect Russian agents inside Ukraine are feeding information to Moscow: the power plants cover vast territory and the damage, or repairs, are impossible to conceal.But Russia already knows where to target.The heavy machinery dates back to the USSR, there are still Soviet labels on the ruins, and Moscow has the old blueprints of the plants.Ihor Orlovskiy suspects the increased precision is more likely down to the sheer intensity of recent attacks. “When you launch five, six, seven missiles at the same spot, some are bound to hit.”Image caption, Ihor Orlovskiy believes the increased precision of the attacks is down to their sheer intensityIn the fields all around there are giant electricity pylons. But since March there’s been nothing flowing along the lines from Power Plant No.5, or Kharkiv’s other thermal power plants.The city has to bring in power from western Ukraine, which means limited supply and regular blackouts. The Russians have targeted electricity substations too.Local authorities are scrambling to minimise the impact and reduce the time homes and businesses are left in the dark. Residents have learned to charge their devices, and multiple power banks, as soon as the electricity comes on. They also keep reserves of water for drinking and washing.The Kharkiv metro is back working, albeit in fits and starts, and so are the traffic lights. But with an unreliable power supply that could get worse, businesses are creating their own solutions.Kharkiv is a major publishing hub and Oleksandr Popovich, the boss of a large printing firm, says for weeks they have been relying on three generators. Image caption, Kharkiv’s power supply is currently limited so there are regular blackoutsEarly in the war a missile hit 100m (330ft) from the main production line.”It destroyed all our storage and 10 tonnes of paper. But a tough day only makes us tougher,” says Mr Popovich, radiating the spirit of defiance and determination that has become Kharkiv’s trademark.”Unfortunately, I can’t fix the electricity,” he says.”But everyone has to do their own job. Mine is to produce books until our victory. We must keep working. We must give people in Ukraine the chance to read new books.”The firm did consider relocating further away from the Russian border, but they decided to stay and have even invested in increasing production.Now that Russia is targeting Kharkiv with renewed focus he admits to worrying: “Then I think about our army. Our soldiers need to know they are not defending empty cities. They are defending cities with people.”Image caption, Oleksandr Popovich says his large printing firm must keep working to provide Ukrainians with booksDozens of his own staff have signed up to fight. The photograph of one, killed in action on the eastern front line, hangs beside the main entrance.Reports from the front are now sobering.Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Gen Oleksander Syrskyi, said at the weekend the situation along sections of the front line had “significantly worsened”. Warmer weather and firmer ground were helping Russia launch assaults in armoured vehicles and put Ukrainian forces under renewed pressure, he wrote on Telegram.Fighting around Chasiv Yar in the Donbas is especially intense. The general believes Russia wants to take the territory by 9 May, a symbolic date when Moscow celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.Gen Syrskyi described the “heroic” efforts of his troops in “holding back the enemy’s daily attacks”. But he also mentioned the need to improve their “moral and psychological” state.After more than two years, they are exhausted. But when MPs in Kyiv finally voted on a new law regulating how men are mobilised, the amendment setting a limit for how long they have to fight had been removed.Against the larger army of its enemy, Ukraine needs all the soldiers it can muster.The slip in morale is compounded by a shortage of ammunition now reaching the front lines and the continuing failure of the US Congress to approve a critical package of aid for Kyiv.Ukraine’s troops, like everyone here, sense their war sliding down the international agenda.And now there’s new cause for dismay, as many note the difference in response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.Israel has had direct support to protect its skies from Iranian missiles and drones, even as the same countries limit their help to Ukraine which is under Russian attack every day.President Zelensky hinted at the frustration in his condemnation of Iran’s actions.”The world cannot wait for discussions to go on,” Ukraine’s president wrote on Twitter, or X. “Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating.”Germany has just promised to send an additional Patriot air defence unit to Ukraine “immediately”. Thanking Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the support at a “critical moment”, Volodymyr Zelensky urged other countries to follow suit.The staff of Kharkiv’s power plant No.5 would welcome the protection.Repeat attacks”We’d only just repaired things, and now we have to start all over again,” a worker called Yury told me. “We will sort it, but the main thing is not to get hit again!”As he and others assess the damage, salvage what they can and draw up a plan for rebuilding, they face numerous air raid sirens every day.Image caption, Yury says the team had only just finished repairing the plant when it was hit againThere are two kinds of alert, a fire safety officer explains. If the threat seems focused around the border, about 40km (25 miles) away, some keep working.”But if we see there’s a rocket risk for Kharkiv then there’s an announcement: ‘Urgent! To the shelter immediately!’,” he says.That slows the recovery work and it shatters the nerves. Any missile fired at Kharkiv will hit within seconds, and the staff are surrounded by stark evidence of the danger.But it’s not just the engineers and construction teams back at work.When we arrived at the plant, a group of women were out cleaning the paths, painting the kerb, even pulling up dandelions around the main entrance.A little later I found them down in the shelter during another air raid.”Life goes on, and we still need to keep things nice,” said one woman, despite the entire power plant being in tatters.”We like to keep things clean and in order. It’s our job. But it’s also good for the spirit!”Image caption, A group of women who work at the plant still spend time cleaning the area in order to keep morale upThe women had also painted the underground shelter in a fresh “salad” green, adding a splash of cheer to a Cold War-era bunker built to withstand nuclear attack by the West.Instead it protects Ukrainians from ballistic missiles launched by their neighbour.”They say it’s so we surrender, that they want to frighten us into running from here,” another woman chips in as the air raid ends and she prepares to head back up to work. “They want us to leave Kharkiv. But we won’t do that.”Produced by Hanna Tsyba and Kostas KallergisRelated TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyRussian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers tooPublished1 day agoBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished7 days agoBarrage of Russian attacks aims to cut Ukraine’s lightsPublished31 MarchTop StoriesLive. Middle East ‘on the brink’ after Iran’s attack on Israel, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published13 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished1 hour agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsSarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel7Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned8Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true9Why has Iran attacked Israel?10Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New YorkBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDonald Trump’s historic hush-money trial to begin in New YorkPublished5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpImage source, Getty ImagesBy Madeline HalpertBBC News, New YorkDonald Trump will set foot in a New York courthouse on Monday and become the first former US president to stand trial in a criminal case.He is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star, shortly before the 2016 election.Mr Trump, 77, faces a maximum of four years in jail if convicted, but could avoid jail time and be fined instead.He has pleaded not guilty. Mr Trump’s historic trial will take place against the backdrop of his presidential campaign, and could ultimately see the presumptive Republican nominee become a convicted felon months before voters head to the polls in November.”It’s unprecedented,” said Alex Keyssar, a professor of history and public policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. “There’s been nothing remotely comparable to it.” The trial, which will begin with jury selection on Monday, is expected to last six to eight weeks and will centre around a reimbursement Mr Trump made to his former fixer Michael Cohen. Cohen, 57, claims he was directed to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 (£104,000) in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair with Mr Trump, something prosecutors have described as an attempt to “unlawfully influence” the 2016 election.Hush money payments are not illegal. But the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleges that Mr Trump committed a crime by improperly recording the reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses.In total, he is accused of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. To reach a verdict, all 12 jurors must agree on whether Mr Trump is guilty or not guilty of a specific charge.The trial in Manhattan is expected to feature testimony from a cast of colourful characters at the heart of the case, including Cohen, Ms Daniels, and Mr Trump’s personal lawyer who went to prison in part over the scandal.Experts are divided over the strength of the prosecution’s case, which involves a more novel legal approach to bringing felony charges over the falsification of business records. What you need to know about the hush-money trialA guide to Trump’s four criminal cases’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump juryMr Trump has made several unsuccessful attempts to delay the jury trial and move it from Manhattan, which is comprised predominantly of Democrats. His fiery remarks about the case, which he has repeatedly described as politically motivated, led the judge to impose a gag order which bans him from making public comments about people related to the case, including witnesses.The order was extended after Mr Trump turned his online attacks to the judge’s daughter, calling her a “Rabid Trump Hater”.The Trump campaign said the gag order was unconstitutional and violated his free speech rights.This criminal case is just one of four Donald Trump is facing this year. But it could be the only trial to take place before his 2024 election rematch with President Joe Biden. As a first-time offender, even if Mr Trump is convicted, experts say he is unlikely to go to prison. Even if he did, under US law, he could still serve as president.But his conviction would mark the first time a felon has run for president as a major-party nominee, Mr Keyssar said. “What’s remarkable about this is that it doesn’t seem to bother a significant portion of the electorate,” Mr Keyssar said, noting Mr Trump’s popularity has not suffered as a result of his criminal indictments.But the potential court drama will place him at the centre of the news cycle with just months to go before the election. And that heightened attention means that any small news from court – good or bad for Mr Trump – could play a role in the race between the former and current president, said Georgetown University government Professor Hans Noel. “I expect this to be a very close election,” he said, “and so any small thing could matter”.Related TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpUS election 2024New YorkDonald TrumpUS politicsUnited StatesMore on this storyJury questionnaire in Trump hush money trial releasedPublished6 days agoWhat happened between Stormy Daniels and Trump?Published15 FebruaryWhat you need to know about Trump’s hush-money trialPublished2 days agoA guide to Trump’s four criminal casesPublished4 days agoTop StoriesLive. Middle East ‘on the brink’ after Iran’s attack on Israel, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published12 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished30 minutes agoFeaturesThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsIn pictures: Stars hit the red carpet at Olivier AwardsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel8Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Cooper defends Rayner as house row rumbles onBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBruce Lehrmann: Judge finds Brittany Higgins was raped inside parliamentPublished36 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bruce Lehrmann was in court to hear the decisionBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyFormer Australian political staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped his colleague Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House, a judge has found in a defamation case.Mr Lehrmann has always denied sex took place at all and sued Network 10 over a TV interview with Ms Higgins.The outlet successfully defended the story as substantially true.Their report in 2021 shocked the nation and stirred huge public anger over the treatment of women in politics.In the interview, a teary Ms Higgins detailed how she had woken up on a couch in a minister’s office to find a colleague raping her, after a night out in Canberra in 2019.However Mr Lehrmann told the Federal Court the pair had shared an Uber back to their office before going their separate ways.Ruling that Mr Lehrmann had told “deliberate lies”, Justice Michael Lee on Monday said the 28-year-old had been “hellbent” on having sex with Ms Higgins and was “recklessly indifferent” to whether she wanted to as well.”So intent upon gratification… [Mr Lehrmann] went ahead with sexual intercourse without caring whether or not she consented.”The standard of proof in defamation cases is lower than in criminal proceedings – a defendant must only prove the claims are more likely to be true, than not.Mr Lehrmann faced a criminal trial in 2022, but it was aborted due to juror misconduct. A retrial was later abandoned out of concern for Ms Higgins’ mental health.Referring to the criminal proceedings, Justice Lee concluded his judgement by saying: “Having escaped the lion’s den Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat.”Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Middle East conflict ‘on the brink’, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published11 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished4 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation8Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York9Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The presence of Zoran Milanovic means the result of the Croatian election has become unpredictableBy Guy DelauneyBBC News, Zagreb, CroatiaThe involvement of Croatia’s sharp-tongued president in the country’s parliamentary election on Wednesday may not be constitutional. But it is certainly livening up what had threatened to be a predictable affair. The country’s parliamentary polls tend to follow a pattern. A centre-left coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) runs against the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), whose support runs from centre-right to right-wing nationalist. Most of the time, the HDZ wins. It consistently reaps the rewards of a large membership base and strong organisation – though opposition parties claim that patronage and corruption are just as influential.But this election looks like it might be different. And that is all down to the presence of Zoran Milanovic.He has consistently been rated as the country’s most popular politician since he became president four years ago, even though as head of state he has little actual power in running the country. So, announcing that he would be the SDP’s candidate for prime minister – the most senior political position in Croatia – meant that all bets were off.”The elections were already decided before that move,” says Kresimir Macan, a political analyst and consultant.”It was obvious that the ruling party, the HDZ, would be in a position to make a new governing coalition quite easily. But then Milanovic started a crusade against corruption and everything he says [the current] Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, stands for.””People may not approve of Milanovic as president, but they like the way he talks.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Whatever the result of the election, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stagePromoting the president as a potential prime minister had an immediate impact on the opinion polls. The previously yawning gap between the SDP and HDZ narrowed significantly. Smaller parties started smacking their lips at the prospect of being kingmakers in the formation of a new government.But then the judiciary intervened. Croatia’s constitution insists that the president should not be a party-political figure – but act as the head of state for all citizens. And the Constitutional Court duly ruled that Mr Milanovic could play no part in the election campaign – unless he resigned.The president’s response was, predictably, one of outrage. He accused the judges of doing the bidding of the HDZ – “the gangster clique”, as he put it.Just for good measure, he described the country’s senior jurists as “peasants” and labelled their judgement “illiterate”.For Mr Milanovic, this was very much on-brand. Officially, he is no longer a candidate in the election, but that has not stopped him from travelling around the country and launching invective at the HDZ.This has been highly discomfiting for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has been in office since 2017. He finds himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and comments, despite Mr Milanovic’s lack of an official role in the campaign.This was very much the situation on a sunny late afternoon in the capital, Zagreb, when the prime minister attended an event at a children’s playground in the city and faced the media under the shade of some nearby trees.Image caption, Prime Minister Plenković has found himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and commentsHe rattled off a list of his government’s achievements – and set out his plans for his next term. But reporters still wanted to hear his views about the president’s latest comments.”It’s bizarre,” Mr Plenkovic told the BBC.”I’m trying to minimise the negative effects of the unconstitutional acts that were committed by the president. The Constitutional Court couldn’t have been clearer. For us, it’s the continuation of a very odd behaviour, to be very polite, for the BBC.”The president, on the other hand, relishes being impolite. And he is not just rude about the prime minister and his party.People in neighbouring Bosnia, illegal immigration, and military aid to Ukraine have all been lashed by Mr Milanovic’s sharp tongue. Meanwhile, he has spoken admiringly about Russia’s military prowess.These are all unusual positions for an ostensibly centre-left leader to adopt. Not to mention worrying for people who would rather Croatia did not have a populist government.For now, however, many on the left are hoping that the president is playing a cunning game, rather than revealing his true character.Image caption, Sandra Bencic, prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, says the president is being tactical about his approach”A lot of the reaching out towards the right wing is actually tactics,” reckons Sandra Bencic, the prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, which is not part of the SDP coalition, but says it would be willing to join a Milanovic-led government.”He’s taking [on] the issue of security and the army, he’s taking [on] the issue of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He’s taking on all these mythical [positions] that are [usually] part of the HDZ’s strategy.”Whether he can take the SDP to victory is another matter. If the party succeeds, Mr Milanovic is likely to resign so he can become prime minister.But even if his party falls short, the president plays a major role in the post-election formation of a governing coalition. So, either way, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stage.Related TopicsCroatiaMore on this storyAlleged Serbian war criminal found hiding in IrelandPublished14 April 2023Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join EUPublished21 MarchTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published10 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished3 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published17 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessIran-Israel tensions: Oil prices lower after attackPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iran is the seventh largest oil producer in the worldBy Peter Hoskins & Nick EdserBusiness reportersOil prices fell in early Asian trade after Iran’s reprisal attack on Israel over the weekend.Brent crude – a key benchmark for oil prices internationally – was lower but still trading close to $90 a barrel on Monday morning.Prices had already risen in expectation of action by Iran, with Brent crude nearing a six-month high last week.Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said the confrontation with Iran is “not over yet”.”Clearly, the oil market does not see the need to factor in any additional supply threat at this point,” energy analyst Vandana Hari said.Brent crude may well fall below the $90 mark, but a sizeable pullback is unlikely as traders remain focused on the risks associated with the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, she added.Analysts also said Israel’s reaction to the attack will be key to global markets in the days and weeks ahead.”I think we’ll see naturally volatility. If there was to be some sort of counter-move by Israel, then that would, I think, rocket energy markets very much to the upside,” Peter McGuire from trading platform XM.com told the BBC.Share markets in the Asia-Pacific region also slipped on Monday as investors weigh the impact of the attack.The Hang Seng in Hong Kong, Japan’s Nikkei and the Kospi in South Korea were all more than 1% lower in morning trade.Why has Iran attacked Israel?Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel at the weekend after vowing retaliation for an attack on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on 1 April.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.At the end of last week, the price of Brent crude touched $92.18 a barrel, the highest since October, before falling back to close at $90.45.Iran is the seventh largest oil producer in the world, according to the US Energy Information Administration, and the third-largest member of the Opec oil producers’ cartel.Analysts say that a key issue for the oil price going forward is whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be affected.The Strait – which is between Oman and Iran – is a crucial shipping route, as about 20% of the world’s total oil supply passes through it.Opec members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq send most of the oil they export through the Strait.On Saturday, Iran seized a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warEconomicsIranOilGoldMore on this storyWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published11 hours agoWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published1 hour agoIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished14 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published9 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished2 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published16 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSudan conflict: A front-row seat to my country falling apartPublished12 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPImage caption, A year of conflict has devastated life in large parts of SudanBy Zeinab Mohammed SalihLetter from Africa series, SudanI’m not supposed to cry as a journalist when I am covering stories, but I have been crying a lot lately.Before December, when I travelled on a reporting trip from my home in the Sudanese city of Omdurman – just across the river from the capital, Khartoum – the only people I would see from my window were those carrying the dead bodies of loved ones on their shoulders.They were looking for a roadside space to bury the corpses as going to a proper cemetery was too dangerous.The dead civilians, many killed by bullets and shells, were the collateral damage of a war that began exactly a year ago, when Sudan’s two leading military men fell out over the country’s political future, after seizing power together in a coup in 2021.I have lost many friends and acquaintances.The bustle of my close-knit, working-class neighbourhood was replaced by silence, sometimes interrupted by the sound of a military plane foreshadowing an airstrike as the army would be targeting an area controlled by fighters from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.People would flee their homes fearing that they would be hit.On 15 April last year, I remember looking forward to breaking the Ramadan fast in the evening with some fellow journalists. I was planning later to reunite with a long-lost childhood friend.We never met and I have not seen him to this day. He left the country while I remained.
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Zeinab Mohammed SalihWe were hoping that the war would end soon, believing that maybe the international community would intervene to stop this madness”Zeinab Mohammed SalihSudanese journalistI began to feel uneasy that morning when I started seeing social media posts about RSF attacks near the city. Then I read about clashes at the international airport. I still thought that the violence would stop.But when a third friend posted that there was fighting at the presidential palace, I knew that this was war.While many others decided to leave the city, my family and I stayed put. We were hoping that the war would end soon, believing that maybe the international community would intervene to stop this madness, but the suffering of the Sudanese people was seemingly ignored.Residents not only feared the street combat that was taking place, but also the armed men – from both sides – coming to loot. They stripped homes, taking everything from cars to spoons.I have been back to Omdurman but have not been able to reach my home. I have received reports that even its doors and windows have been taken off and carried away.As the conflict wore on, people began to look thinner and paler, due to the scarcity of food and drink as little aid was reaching the city. The only small market in my neighbourhood was hit by airstrikes as the army tried to flush out the RSF.The remaining hospitals were only treating the war wounded, those with other conditions were not being seen. My diabetic grandmother died as she could not get treatment.I too got very sick because of a lack of food.The only clinic that was functioning was a 30-minute walk away.My cousin accompanied me and I had to stop in the shade every two minutes as my energy was spent.The one doctor on duty prescribed me some medicine which, thanks to friends in Europe, I managed to get my hands on.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The civil war has forced more than eight million Sudanese from their homesWhile things have been bad in Omdurman and Khartoum, the worst-affected area is the western region of Darfur, where the conflict has assumed an ethnic dimension.I came here just over three months ago to report what was going on, following last year’s mass killings in cities like Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state.The UN said that more than 10,000 people died in the city during two massacres.People have told me of ethnically targeted killings and sexual violence. They remain traumatised, months afterwards. Everybody cries when I ask them about their experiences. I too was unable to hold back the tears, and I have been struggling to sleep. My nights were also disturbed on a trip to Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as airstrikes hit the city at night shaking everything and waking everyone up.I have been trying to tell our story but it feels that the world is looking away. International attention is focussed on Gaza and before that it was on Ukraine.I feel sad and angry.The international community must intervene to stop this war by putting pressure on the two sides and their regional backers. Without pressure, I cannot see an end.It is heart-breaking seeing my country fall apart, and there is a danger that things could get worse, with ordinary people being armed by both sides.More on the year-long conflict:Podcast: A year of war in SudanMy family buried my grandmother while ducking bulletsThe children living between starvation and deathFamine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapesBBC reporter: My heartbreaking decision to leave SudanRelated TopicsSudanAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published8 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished1 hour agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published15 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the worldElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10All eyes on Israel’s response to IranBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published34 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyBy Tom SpenderBBC NewsFor the first time ever, Iran has carried out strikes against Israeli territory.In the middle of Saturday night, air raid alerts went off in Israel, residents were urged to seek shelter while explosions were heard as air defences were activated. Interceptions lit up the night sky in several places across the country, while many drones and missiles were shot down by Israel’s allies before they reached Israeli territory.At least nine countries were involved in the military escalation – with projectiles fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen and downed by Israel, the US, the UK and France as well as Jordan.Here’s what we know about the attack so far.Attack involved drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missilesIran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, the Israeli military said on Sunday. The attack included 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, none of which entered Israeli territory, and 110 ballistic missiles of which a small number reached Israel, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. The BBC has not independently verified those figures.The shortest distance from Iran to Israel is about 1,000km (620 miles) across Iraq, Syria and Jordan.Bombardment launched from several countriesOn Saturday night Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched drones and missiles. Iraqi security sources told Reuters that projectiles were seen flying over Iraq in the direction of Israel.The IRGC said ballistic missiles were fired almost an hour after the slower moving drones so that they would strike Israel at roughly the same time.The US defence department said US forces intercepted dozens of missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.The Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon also said it had fired two barrages of rockets at an Israeli military base in the occupied Golan Heights, a plateau which Israel has annexed from Syria in a move not recognised by most of the international community.LIVE: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?UPDATE ME: All eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksUPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryIsrael and allies intercept majority of drones and missilesSome 99% of the incoming barrage was intercepted either outside Israeli airspace or over the country itself, Rear Adm Hagari said.They included all the drones and cruise missiles, which follow a flat trajectory, and most of the ballistic missiles, which are fired on an arcing trajectory that uses gravity to reach very high speeds.US President Joe Biden said US forces “helped Israel take down nearly all” drones and missiles launched by Iran on Sunday. In a statement, he said the US had moved aircraft and warships to the region before the unprecedented attack.US Central Command (Centcom) later issued an update saying its forces had destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles. Among these were a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven drones, which were destroyed on the ground in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen before they were launched. Operating from undisclosed bases in the region, US forces shot down a number of Iranian drones over southern Syria near the border with Jordan, security sources told Reuters.UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that UK RAF Typhoon jets also shot down a number of Iranian attack drones. Mr Sunak said the Iranian attack was a “dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I’ve condemned in strongest terms”.Jordan – which has a peace treaty with Israel but has been highly critical of the way it has carried out its war against the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza – also intercepted flying objects that entered its airspace to secure the safety of its citizens, a Jordanian cabinet statement said. France helped to patrol airspace but it was unclear if they had shot down any drones or missiles, the Israeli military said. How many missiles got through and what damage did they cause?In Jerusalem BBC correspondents reported hearing sirens and seeing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system in operation, which uses radar to track rockets and can differentiate between those that are likely to hit built-up areas and those that are not. Interceptor missiles are only fired at rockets expected to strike populated areas.A few of the ballistic missiles got through and struck Israeli territory, Rear Adm Hagari said.One of them “lightly hit” the Nevatim air force base in the Negev desert in southern Israel. Rear Adm Hagari said the base was “still functioning”.Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the attack had dealt “heavy blows” to the air base.A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, Rear Adm Hagari said. The girl from a Bedouin Arab community near the southern town of Arad, was reported to have been injured after an Iranian drone was intercepted overhead. She was in intensive care.Jordan also said that some shrapnel had fallen on its territory “without causing any significant damage or any injuries to citizens”.What happens now?Israel’s Channel 12 TV cited an unnamed Israeli official as saying there would be a “significant response” to the attack.Israeli airspace has been reopened as has that of neighbouring countries, but Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the confrontation with Iran was “not over yet”.Meanwhile Iran has warned Israel its response “will be much larger than tonight’s military action if Israel retaliates against Iran”, armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri told state TV.He said US bases would also be attacked if the US took part in any Israeli retaliation.IRGC commander Hossein Salami also said Tehran would retaliate against any Israeli attack on its interests, officials or citizens.The UN Security Council is due to meet at around 20:00 GMT to the latest crisis at Israel’s request.Mr Biden said he would also convene leaders of the G7 group of wealthy nations on Sunday to coordinate a “united diplomatic response” to Iran’s “brazen” attack.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published7 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished45 minutes agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published13 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness5US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation6Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?7Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’10All eyes on Israel’s response to IranBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael says it will respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Published2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Ministry of Defense, IsraelImage caption, Israel’s war cabinet met early on Sunday as Iran’s aerial attack was under wayBy Hugo BachegaMiddle East correspondent, in JerusalemIsrael is weighing possible responses to Iran’s attack with hundreds of drones and missiles, amid growing calls for restraint to avert a wider war.Israel and its allies shot down nearly all projectiles fired in the first ever direct Iranian attack on Israel.The US has said it will not take part in any Israeli response, to avoid an escalation in regional hostilities.Centrist Israeli minister Benny Gantz said the country would “exact the price” from Iran when timing is right.For almost two weeks Iran had telegraphed its plans to respond to the 1 April air strike on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital, Damascus, that killed several military advisors, including two top generals. Iran blamed Israel for the attack, saying it was equivalent to a strike on its own soil.Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, said Iran fired around 300 explosive drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, but that 99% of them were intercepted by Israel, supported by US, British, Jordanian and other allied forces.In Jerusalem, the air raid sirens went off at around 01:45, followed by loud blasts after the air defence intercepted projectiles over the city. A map published by the Israeli military showed the entire country covered with red dots, symbolising areas at risk of being hit and where residents were urged to seek shelter.The attack, in the end, had limited impact. A military base in the south sustained minor damage, the Israeli military said, and a seven-year-old Israeli girl was critically wounded by a missile that got through the defences.What will Israel do next?Can the US and allies stop a slide into all-out war?In a phone call overnight, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu America’s “ironclad commitment” to the security of Israel, but said the US would not support an Israeli retaliation.Later, a senior administration official said Israel’s successful defence was already a victory over Iran, and that the country should “think carefully” about what it does next.”Big question is not only whether, but what the Israelis might choose to do, so this is a decision for them,” the official said.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, The BBC’s Hugo Bachega says it was a “very long night and a dangerous moment”Tensions between Israel and Iran have been high for decades and, since the start of the Gaza war, Iran’s proxies in the region – such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen – have carried out attacks on Israel and on targets linked to Israel or its allies.The overnight attack, and the possibility of an Israeli response, risked putting the two old enemies in open confrontation, and sparked a flurry of international diplomatic activity aimed at reducing tensions.Israel’s five-member war cabinet – which includes Mr Gantz – met on Sunday to discuss a possible reaction, but no decision was made amid a division over the timing and scale of any such response, according to the Reuters news agency.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Remains of an Iranian rocket booster that fell near Arad, southern IsraelThe Iranian army chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri warned Israel against retaliation, saying an Iranian response would be “much larger than [Sunday’s] military action”. Despite the rhetoric, Iranian officials have indicated not being interested in an escalation of hostilities.In Israel, the country seemed to be returning to normal on Sunday. The airspace was reopened and the airport was again operational. “The power of Israel is that we have a shield, a defence from these threats,” 54-year-old Ariel said, in Jerusalem. “[The attack] was expected. I hope there won’t be a war.”Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranMore on this storyAll eyes on Israel’s response to IranPublished12 hours agoBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published6 hours agoWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published12 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published6 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished5 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published12 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?7Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’10Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different placeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – Australian policePublished3 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThe man who went on a stabbing rampage in a Sydney shopping centre appears to have targeted women, police say.Joel Cauchi, 40, sent the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex into panic on Saturday when he began stabbing people with a long blade.Five of the six people who died were women. Several others, including a baby, were injured.The New South Wales police commissioner told Australia’s ABC News that it was “obvious” Mr Cauchi focused on women.The man killed was security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, who tried to intervene in the attack. “The videos speak for themselves, don’t they?” commissioner Karen Webb told ABC News Breakfast.”It’s obvious to me, it’s obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender focused on women and avoided the men.”We don’t know what was operating in the mind of the offender and that’s why it’s important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him, were around him, close to him.”So we can get some insight into what he might have been thinking.”Authorities previously said the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Cauchi, who was shot dead by a lone police officer on Saturday.He was already known to police but had never been arrested or charged in his home state Queensland. He had lived itinerantly for several years and was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, Queensland Police said.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this storyMum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’Published11 hours agoSydney police identify mall attacker who killed sixPublished13 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published5 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished4 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published11 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned3US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation4Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six7’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police8Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place9Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation10Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI5BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, The Americans helped Israel greatly in defending against Iran’s missile attacks, and in return want restraintBy Jeremy BowenBBC Middle East editorIsrael’s war cabinet has used a tried-and-trusted phrase to describe its next moves against Iran. Israel would respond “in the manner and at the time of our choosing”.Benny Gantz, the opposition leader who joined the war cabinet after the Hamas attacks of 7 October, emphasised the cohesion of Israel and its western allies. “Israel against Iran, the world against Iran. This is the result. That is a strategic achievement which we must leverage for Israel’s security.” The words Mr Gantz used did not rule out another attack on an Iranian target, or a first overt Israeli strike inside Iran (Israel has hit Iran’s nuclear programme repeatedly, with cyber-attacks and the assassination of officials and scientists). But there might be time for the diplomatic response President Joe Biden wants from the meeting he has called of the G7, the richest western countries. This most recent escalation of the war that has spread across the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel began two weeks ago, when Israel attacked Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus. The air strike, on 1 April, killed a senior general, his number two and other aides. The decision to attack was not coordinated with the Americans. Israel must have assessed the opportunity to kill senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a risk worth taking. Publicly Israel offers an unconvincing argument that the presence of senior military officers on diplomatic premises made the building a legitimate target. More importantly is the fact that Iran chose to interpret the airstrike as an attack on its own ground. Very quickly, it was clear that Iran would respond. Iran’s message was not transmitted with nudges and winks, but in unequivocal statements from its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel, the US and their allies had plenty of warning. Mr Biden had time to get back to the White House from a weekend trip to his home state of Delaware. Iran chose to open the attack not with supersonic ballistic missiles, but with slow drones, that were on radar screens for two hours as they approached their targets. CATCH UP: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?ISRAEL’S DEFENSE: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryIt was a bigger attack than many analysts expected from Israel’s most bitter enemy; plenty of reasons for many Israelis to expect a response from their own side. For the first time Iran launched weapons – around 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles – from its own territory at Israel’s. Almost all of them were stopped by formidable air defences; Israel’s own considerable capabilities, bolstered by the US, UK and Jordan. Their allies, especially the US, helped them out enormously over the course of the night. President Joe Biden reiterated his promise: “ironclad” security for Israel, essentially saying ‘we’ve got your back’. In return, the Americans want restraint from Israel. President Biden sent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a clear message. Iran’s attack has been thwarted, Israel has a victory, so do not escalate this any further by responding with military strikes on Iranian soil. A senior western diplomat told me that it was now vital to draw a line, to stop further escalation. Drawing a line seems to be Iran’s hope too. It has signalled that Israel’s attack in Damascus has been answered; it will only escalate further if it is attacked again. The Iranians seem to want to cool the two weeks of crisis and threats that started with the Israeli strike on their diplomatic compound in Damascus. Perhaps Iran was hoping to do more damage than it did. Or it may have been open about its plans to give Israel less reason to hit back. Iran wanted to restore the sense of deterrence it lost when Israel attacked the compound in Damascus. That might be harder after Israel and its allies stopped almost all the projectiles launched their way. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Israel and allies shot down the vast majority of more than 300 drones and missiles fired by Iran, Israel saidIt was not a full-scale attack on Israel. Iran has been building up its rocket and missile forces for years. It could have fired many more weapons. Hezbollah in Lebanon would have joined in with an all-out offensive, and it did not. The Lebanese militia and political movement is Iran’s strongest ally, with an arsenal of rockets and missiles. Prime Minister Netanyahu might draw some satisfaction with the way that the Iran attack removed Gaza from the headlines. It gives him a respite from the humanitarian catastrophe, and Israel’s failure to achieve its war aims of freeing the hostages and crushing Hamas. A few days ago, international focus was on the rift between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu over the famine created by Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Now they talk about unity. Mr Netanyahu can also present himself as a resolute and reasonable leader, the protector of his people even though his many enemies in Israel want him out of office. They say his rash, unsafe policies before 7 October led Hamas to believe Israel was vulnerable. What has not changed is that the Americans want to find a way to stop the slide to an all-out Middle East war. Red lines have been crossed – Israel’s attack on a diplomatic site, and Iran’s direct attack on Israel. Immediately, some Israeli right-wingers demanded a response. Those calls will not stop. The job of the diplomats at the G7 will be to prevent the region entering a damaging wider conflict. The slide has been slow, but also steady and in one direction, towards disaster, in the six months since Hamas attacked Israel.If Israel takes President Biden’s advice not to hit back, the Middle East might be able to take a breath. It is by no means certain that this is the end of this dangerous episode. Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished6 hours agoIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished12 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published2 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t participate in Iran responsePublished1 hour agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published7 hours agoFeaturesNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?3Stars hit the red carpet ahead of Olivier Awards4Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place5Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation6Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned7Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six8Why has Iran attacked Israel?9US tells Israel it won’t participate in Iran response10Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crashBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS tells Israel to ‘think carefully’ before Iran responsePublished44 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, Israeli and US aircraft and air defence systems shot down 99% of the drones launched by Iran.By Bernd Debusmann JrBBC News, White HouseJoe Biden “made it very clear” to Israel that he hopes to de-escalate tensions after Iran’s attack, according to senior administration officials. Over 300 drones and missiles were fired at Israel overnight, which Iran said was in response to an 1 April strike on its consulate in Syria. Almost all weapons were shot down by Israeli, US and allied forces before they reached their targets. Officials say the US will not participate in any Israeli response. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, a senior administration official said that Mr Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “think very carefully and strategically” about his response to the attack. The official added that the Biden administration believes Israel “got the best of it” in the exchange, which began when senior Iranian military commanders were killed at an Iranian consular building in Syria. About 99% of the missiles, drones and cruise missiles launched during Iran’s retaliatory operation were shot down or intercepted – which US officials point to as a sign of Israeli military superiority over Iran. US aircraft and naval vessels shot down dozens of Iranian projectiles as the attack took place. Some 70 drones and several ballistic missiles were downed by US aircraft and vessels or by air defence forces over Iraq. A conversation took place between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu at a time “of heightened emotion” just after the attack, which included about 100 ballistic missiles simultaneously flying towards Israel. During the call, the two leaders had a discussion “about how to slow things down and think through things”, with Mr Biden emphasising that Israel has “gotten the best of it”. The official declined to say, however, whether the White House warned against a significant response, saying only that “it is a calculation the Israelis have to make”. In a string of television appearances on US networks earlier in the day, national security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly said that the US has made it clear to Israel that it seeks to avoid a wider conflict. The senior administration said that the same message has been sent to Iran through diplomatic channels. As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran drone and missile attacksBoth Mr Kirby and the official said that the US would continue to defend Israel, but has ruled out participating in any Israeli response. The stance is one that has sparked criticism from some US lawmakers and former officials from both sides of the political spectrum. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, for example, criticised the administration for telling Israel to “take the win”. Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner said that Mr Kirby’s comments about de-escalating the conflict were “wrong”. “It is already escalating, and the administration needs to respond,” he said on NBC. In the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the body will “try again” to pass military aid for Israel.Previous attempts to send more aid to Israel have stalled amid Democratic calls that the aid package also include assistance for Taiwan and Ukraine. Mick Mulroy, a former Deputy Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, told the BBC that aid for Israel should be passed “without delay”. “If it wasn’t for US security assistance, we could be facing a major regional war,” he said. “That supplement and the ones for Ukraine and Taiwan are in our national security interest. It is not charity. It’s part of the US national defence.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranJoe BidenMore on this storyAll eyes on Israel’s response to IranPublished7 hours agoWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published2 hours agoIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished5 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 hour agoUS tells Israel to ‘think carefully’ on Iran responsePublished44 minutes agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published6 hours agoFeaturesNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place4Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six5Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation6Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’7Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Why has Iran attacked Israel?10Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crashBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaGaza: Rafah residents hold Eid prayers by destroyed mosqueThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Gaza: Rafah residents hold Eid prayers by destroyed mosqueCloseDozens of worshippers in Gaza have gathered to hold prayers for Eid al-Fitr, by the ruins of the al-Farouk mosque in Rafah.The mosque was destroyed in February, during an Israeli offensive. More than a million Palestinians are sheltering in the southern city after being forced to flee their homes.Earlier this week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has set a date for a military offensive into Rafah, despite growing warnings that it could lead to high civilian casualties.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosque. Video, 00:00:39Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosqueSubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 days ago0:39Up Next. Palestinians return to Khan Younis to find homes in ruin. Video, 00:01:02Palestinians return to Khan Younis to find homes in ruinSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 days agoUp Next1:02‘We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan’ Video, 00:00:54‘We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 March0:54Survivors rescued from building in Rafah after air strike. Video, 00:00:33Survivors rescued from building in Rafah after air strikeSubsectionMiddle EastPublished27 February0:33Why is Rafah the new focus in Gaza war? Video, 00:01:51Why is Rafah the new focus in Gaza war?SubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 February1:51Editor’s recommendations’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished17 hours ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished17 hours ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished6 hours ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished1 day ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS media organisations push Biden and Trump for TV debate pledgePublished45 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump and Joe Biden last debated each other during the 2020 presidential election.By Vicky WongBBC NewsA dozen US news outlets have called on the presumptive US presidential nominees to commit to taking part in TV debates ahead of November’s election.The statement did not name Joe Biden or Donald Trump, but said it was never too early for candidates to publicly declare they will take part.The letter warned the stakes of this year’s poll were “exceptionally high.”Mr Trump, who skipped all four Republican primary debates, has said he is keen to debate President Biden.The statement – published on Sunday – was signed by the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, as well as ABC, AP CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, NBCUniversal News Group, NewsNation, NPR, PBS NewsHour, Univision and USA Today.It said that televised debates have “a rich tradition” in US democracy, dating back to 1976, and that tens of millions of people tune in to watch.Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostBiden draws election battle lines in fiery speechIs it time for America’s elder statesmen to retire?”If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high,” the statement said, adding that there was “simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation.”Mr Biden and Mr Trump have won enough delegates to secure their nominations at party conventions. There were no Democratic debates in this presidential election cycle, while Mr Trump secured his nomination despite skipping all the Republican presidential debates.Mr Trump, 77, has repeatedly claimed Mr Biden, 81, is too old and forgetful to debate him. Mr Biden has made similar allegations about Mr Trump. Last month, Mr Trump said he would take part in a TV forum with the Democratic president “anytime, anywhere, anyplace”.But the White House has expressed reluctance to commit to a contest amid concerns that the Commission on Presidential Debates – which administers the debates – would be unable to guarantee a “fair” bout. According to an Associated Press report last month, when asked by reporters if he would commit to a debate with Mr Trump, Mr Biden said: “It depends on his behaviour.”The televised debates are set to take place in September and October. But in a latter on Thursday, Mr Tump’s campaign called for “much earlier” and “more” presidential debates than initially proposed. “Voting is beginning earlier and earlier, and as we saw in 2020, tens of millions of Americans had already voted by the time of the first debate,” campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in the letter. In 2020, Mr Biden and Mr Trump took part in two ill-tempered presidential debates. Mr Trump’s repeated interruptions – which at one point prompted Mr Biden to exclaim “will you shut up, man” – saw NPR call the bout “maybe the worst presidential debate in American history”. Related TopicsUS election 2024Donald TrumpUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this storyIt’s official – Biden and Trump set for rematchPublished13 MarchA simple guide to the US 2024 electionPublished13 MarchHow does US electoral college choose presidents?Published30 JanuaryTop StoriesLive. Israel will ‘exact a price’ for Iran attack when timing right, minister saysAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished4 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published3 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crash3Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’4Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six5Why has Iran attacked Israel?6Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway finale pulls in 4m7Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI58Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules9New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’10RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – SunakBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSomali pirates free Bangladesh-flagged vessel, MV AbdullahPublished26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPImage caption, Pirates have been operating off Somalia’s coast for about two decadesSomali pirates have released a Bangladesh-flagged vessel and its 23-member crew after a ransom was reportedly paid. The MV Abdullah was carrying coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when it was hijacked off Somalia’s coast about a month ago. The pirates alleged that they received $5m (£4m), but there is no independent confirmation of the claim. A spike in hijackings has been reported off Somalia’s coast in recent months.More than a dozen vessels have been targeted since late November.Security experts said a security vacuum had developed off Somalia’s coast after foreign navies patrolling its waters turned their attention to the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi rebel group have been attacking ships.Between 2005 and 2012, pirates off the Horn of Africa raked in between $339m and $413m by holding crew members hostage and demanding ransom payments, the World Bank has estimated.Reuters news agency reported that it was told by two pirates that a $5m ransom was paid for the release of MV Abdullah and its crew. “We checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces,” Reuters quoted one of the pirates, Abdirashiid Yusuf, as saying.The vessel’s owner, the KSRM Group, said the vessel and its crew were freed following negotiations. “We struck a deal with the pirates,” Mizanul Islam of SR Shipping, the group’s maritime arm, told AFP news agency.”We cannot say more about the money,” he said, adding: “All the crew are safe and secure.” The ship has since sailed to UAE, escorted by two warships.More stories from Somalia: Are we witnessing a return of Somali piracy?The football pitch that doubles as an execution groundYoung, female and addicted in SomaliaRelated TopicsBangladeshSomaliaTop StoriesLive. Israel will ‘exact a price’ for Iran attack when timing right, minister saysAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished3 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published2 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crash3Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six4Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’5RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57Why has Iran attacked Israel?8Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules9All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran10New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyBy Raffi Berg, Tom Spender and Jonathan Beale, defence correspondentBBC NewsIran launched drones and missiles towards Israel after vowing retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.It is the first time that Iran has attacked Israel directly.Previously Israel and Iran had been engaged in a years-long shadow war – attacking each other’s assets without admitting responsibility. Those attacks have ratcheted up considerably during the current war in Gaza sparked by the Palestinian group Hamas’s assault on nearby Israeli communities last October.Why are Israel and Iran enemies?The two countries were allies until the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, which brought in a regime that has used opposing Israel as a key part of its ideology.Iran does not recognise Israel’s right to exist and seeks its eradication.The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has previously called Israel a “cancerous tumour” that “will undoubtedly be uprooted and destroyed”. Israel believes that Iran poses an existential threat as evidenced by Tehran’s rhetoric, its build-up of proxy forces sworn to Israel’s destruction, its funding and arming of Palestinian groups including Hamas and of the Lebanese Shia militant group Hamas, and what it believes is Iran’s secret pursuit of nuclear weapons, though Iran denies seeking to build a nuclear bomb.Iran wanted to hit back after attack on consulateIran says Saturday night’s bombardment of Israel is a response to the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed senior Iranian commanders. Iran blames Israel for the air strike, which it saw as a violation of its sovereignty. Israel has not said it carried it out but is widely assumed to have done so.Thirteen people were killed, including Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi – an senior commander in the Quds force, the overseas branch of Iran’s elite Republican Guards (IRGC). He had been a key figure in the Iranian operation to arm the Lebanese Shia armed group Hezbollah.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The strike on the Iranian consulate killed senior commandersThe consulate attack follows a pattern of air strikes against Iranian targets widely attributed to Israel. Several senior IRGC commanders have been killed in air strikes in Syria in recent months. The IRGC channels arms and equipment, including high precision missiles, through Syria to Hezbollah. Israel is trying to stop these deliveries, as well as seeking to prevent Iran from strengthening its military presence in Syria. Who are Iran’s allies?Iran has built up a network of allies and proxy forces in the Middle East that it says form part of an “axis of resistance” challenging US and Israeli interests in the region. It supports them to varying degrees.Syria is Iran’s most important ally. Iran, along with Russia, helped the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad survive the country’s decade-long civil war. Hezbollah in Lebanon is the most powerful of the armed groups Iran backs. It has been trading cross-border fire with Israel on an almost daily basis since war erupted between Israel and Hamas. Tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to leave their homes.Iran backs several Shia militia in Iraq which have attacked US bases in Iraq, Syria and Jordan with rocket fire. The US retaliated after three of its soldiers were killed at a military outpost in Jordan.In Yemen, Iran provides support to the Houthi movement, which controls the most populated areas of the country. To show support for Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel and have also been attacking commercial shipping near its shores, sinking at least one vessel. The US and UK have struck Houthi targets in response.Iran also provides weapons and training to Palestinian armed groups including Hamas, which attacked Israel on 7 October last year, sparking the current war in Gaza and the confrontations drawing in Iran, its proxies and Israel’s allies in the wider Middle East. However, Iran denies any role in the 7 October attacks themselves.How do Iran and Israel’s military capabilities compare?Iran is much bigger than Israel geographically and has a population of nearly 90 million, nearly ten times as big as Israel’s – but this does not translate into greater military power.Iran has invested heavily in missiles and drones. It has a vast arsenal of its own, but has also been supplying significant amounts to its proxies – the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Iran has invested heavily in missiles and drones (file photo)What it lacks is modern air defence systems and fighter jets. Russia is believed to be co-operating with Iran to improve those in return for the military support Tehran has given Moscow in its war with Ukraine – Iran has provided Shahed attack drones and Russia is reportedly now seeking to manufacture the weapons itself.By contrast, Israel has one of the most advanced air forces in the world. According to the IISS military balance report, Israel has at least 14 squadrons of jets – including F-15s, F-16s and the latest F-35 stealth jet. Israel also has experience of conducting strikes deep inside hostile territory. Do Iran and Israel have nuclear weapons?Israel is assumed to have its own nuclear weapons but maintains an official policy of deliberate ambiguity.Iran does not have nuclear weapons and also denies it is attempting to use its civilian nuclear programme to become a nuclear armed state.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The remains of a rocket booster that Israeli authorities say severely wounded a 10-year-old girl in southern IsraelLast year the global nuclear watchdog found uranium particles enriched to 83.7% purity – very close to weapons grade – at Iran’s underground Fordo site. Iran said “unintended fluctuations” in enrichment levels may have occurred.Iran has been openly enriching uranium to 60% purity for more than two years in breach of a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. However that deal has been close to collapse since US President Donald Trump pulled out unilaterally and reinstated crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018. Israel had opposed the nuclear deal in the first place.LIVE: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksUPDATE ME: All eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksUPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryWhat message is Iran sending through its attack?”We blocked. We intercepted. Together we will win,” was how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assessed things.But Tom Fletcher, a foreign policy advisor to several UK prime ministers and a former UK ambassador to Lebanon, said the Iranian salvo was a “chilling signal of Iran’s capability and reach”.Leaderships in both Iran and Israel were both “under pressure at home, facing international criticism and are clearly ready to play with fire”, he warned.But he told the BBC that Iran’s unprecedented attack appeared to have been carefully calibrated.”Iran did telegraph these attacks in advance which made them easier to deter,” he said, comparing it to exchanges of fire he had seen while ambassador to Lebanon where “the intent is to show the capability but not necessarily to escalate”.He also said it was “positive” that Iran chose to respond directly rather than through Hezbollah. Some Israelis have called for the military to expand its confrontation with the Lebanese armed group to push it back from the border. Sanam Vakil from the Chatham House think tank said the attack had been a success from Iran’s point of view and Tehran was “calling Israel’s bluff”.”This is the first time that Iran has directly breached and violated Israel’s sovereignty,” she told the BBC.”The strikes were certainly calibrated, directed to military installations with the aim of not inflicting too much damage or hurting anyone.”Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished2 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published1 hour agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six4Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’5RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules8New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10Iran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyBy Doug FaulknerBBC NewsIran has warned Israel that any “reckless” retaliation to its unprecedented aerial attack would receive a “much stronger response”.More than 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel by Iran overnight, following the 1 April Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria.Israel said it and allies had intercepted 99% of the weapons.It marked Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, with the two countries having waged a years-long shadow war.World leaders have urged restraint amid concerns about a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East.Following the attack, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “together we will win”, but it is unclear how his country plans to respond.Last week, Israel’s defence and foreign ministers warned that if Iran attacked Israel, Israel would strike back inside Iran.LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?UPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackWATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryAn attack had been anticipated after the strike on the Damascus consulate killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers.In a statement reported by AFP, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said “if the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response”.Iran’s IRGC – the most powerful branch of its armed forces – said it had launched the attack “in retaliation against the Zionist regime’s [Israel] repeated crimes, including the attack on the Iranian embassy’s consulate in Damascus”.Following the strikes the Iranian mission to the UN said “the matter can be deemed concluded”.Iranian armed forces chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri told state TV the US had been warned – via Switzerland – that American backing of an Israeli retaliation would result in US regional bases being targeted.Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he had told the US attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence, Reuters news agency reported.US President Joe Biden spoke to Mr Netanyahu following the launch of the Iranian attack and reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”. He condemned the “unprecedented” attack on Israel and said the US had helped Israel and other allies to “take down nearly all” of the missiles and drones.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli military spokesmanSirens sounded across Israel and loud explosions were heard over Jerusalem, with air defence systems shooting down objects over the city.The New York Times, citing Israeli intelligence sources, reported that the main targets appeared to be military instillations in the occupied Golan Heights. An Israeli military spokesman said around 360 munitions had been fired – including 170 explosive drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles – but Israel has said very little damage had been done.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said some Iranian missiles had hit inside Israel, causing minor damage to a military base but no casualties.Israel’s ambulance service said a seven-year-old Bedouin girl had been injured by shrapnel from falling debris in the southern Arad region and it has been reported she has undergone surgery.World leaders will be considering their response to the major escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, with many condemning the attack or warning of the dangers of escalation.Mr Biden said he would convene “my fellow G7 leaders to co-ordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack”.The UN Security Council will also hold an emergency meeting later, its president Vanessa Frazier said.UN Secretary General António Guterres issued a statement saying he “strongly condemn[ed] the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel” by Iran.He called for “an immediate cessation of these hostilities” and for all sides to exercise maximum restraint.UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the strikes “reckless”, while the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said it was a “grave threat to regional security”.China’s foreign ministry urged restraint, characterising it as “the latest spill over of the Gaza conflict”, while Russia’s foreign ministry expressed “extreme concern over another dangerous escalation”.On Sunday, France recommended its citizens in Iran should temporarily leave the country due to the risk of military escalation. Speaking to crowds at the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis made a “heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that could fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict”.There have been increased tensions in the Middle East since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage, and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza.The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 33,729 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished5 hours agoRAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – SunakPublished40 minutes agoBiden blasts ‘brazen attack’ and backs Israel’s securityPublished8 hours agoIsrael says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranPublished15 hours agoWhat is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?Published6 November 2023Iran vows to avenge Syria strike blamed on IsraelPublished2 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished1 hour agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published44 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six2Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’3RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak4Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards5Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran8New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10Iran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney stabbings: Mum who died protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’Published21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Family handoutImage caption, Ashlee Good, 38, who was killed in the stabbings at a Sydney shopping centre, has been described as a “beautiful person”By Doug FaulknerBBC NewsA mother who died protecting her baby from a knifeman at a Sydney mall on Saturday was an “outstanding human”, her family has said.Ashlee Good, 38, passed her injured baby girl to bystanders soon after being wounded, eyewitnesses said.”The mum got stabbed and… came over with the baby and threw it at me and [I] was holding the baby,” one man told Nine News. The nine-month old had surgery and is doing well, the family said. Just after 15:00 local time on Saturday, Joel Cauchi, 40, caused panic as he attacked shoppers with a large knife, sending crowds running for the exits.He killed five women and a man in the attack, and injured several others. He was shot dead by a lone police officer who has been hailed as a “hero”.Police said the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Mr Cauchi, who had a history of mental health issues. Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerMs Good’s family said they were “reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more”.They added their gratitude to the medical team at Sydney’s Children’s Hospital, the police and the two men who “cared for our baby when Ashlee could not”.”We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.Her former employers said they were “deeply saddened by the horrific news” of the stabbings.Danni and Coby du Preez, of massage therapy business Muscle Medicine, said: “Ash was a beautiful person, who worked with us for a short period of time. We send our love and thoughts to her family and best wishes for [her baby’s] recovery.”Image source, ReutersImage caption, Crowds gather to pay tribute to the victims on SundayThe man who took the baby from Ms Good told Nine News that the child looked “pretty bad” at the time. “There was a lot of blood on the floor. I hope the baby is all right.”The man’s brother said: “He helped with holding the baby and trying to compress the baby and same with the mother.”We just kept yelling out to get some clothes, get some shirts and just help us to compress and stop the baby from bleeding.”With my brother holding the baby so well and really compressing, I think the baby’s fine.”The man added: “We were just shopping and saw the man run up to the woman with the baby and then we were both ready to go and help out.”But I just said to my brother, ‘we’ve got to run in’, ran in, told the guys to lock up the doors and then the mother came with the baby bleeding… We got them into the store and just got them safe and then rang for help.”Ms Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. The club wore black armband’s in her memory during a match on Sunday, and the club’s coach, Alastair Clarkson, fought back tears as he spoke before the match. “It’s shocking for our club and in particular the Good family,” he told Fox Sports. “It’s just so sad. Ash and her beautiful little girl… She’s not going to have a mum – it breaks our hearts.”Another victim of the attack has been named as security guard Faraz Tahir, who died “trying to protect the community”.Image source, HandoutImage caption, Security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, had come to Australia about a year before the stabbings his community saidThe 30-year-old man had sought refuge in Australia from Pakistan only a year ago according to members of his local community.In a statement the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia expressed “profound sadness” over the attack.Mr Tahir was “a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack”, it said.”Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence,” it said.Scentre Group, which runs Westfield shopping centres in Australia, said Mr Tahir had suffered fatal injuries while trying to protect the community during the tragedy.”We are devastated by Faraz’s passing and recognise our team member’s bravery and role as a first responder,” it said in a statement.”Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who are mourning the loss of loved ones.”Our thoughts and concerns are also with the families and carers of those injured in the attack and the everyday heroes whose actions prevented further loss of life.”Another member of security staff was injured and remains in hospital, it said.Dawn Singleton, 25, has also been named locally as a victim of the stabbings.She worked at clothes retailer White Fox Boutique which paid tribute to her on Instagram.”We are all truly devastated by this loss,” it said. “Dawn was a sweet, kind hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.”We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.”New South Wales Police have also confirmed that 55-year-old Pikria Darchia was another victim of the attack. Related TopicsSydneyMore on this storySydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished2 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished3 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished32 minutes agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published21 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards5All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran6What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?7New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’8Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’9Charities plan legal action against Rwanda removals10Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonCloseA multidisciplinary team has been given a two-year $2 million grant to help Nasa prepare to study the Moon’s surface. The LASSIE (Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments) Project is formed by professionals from Nasa, Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04Up Next. A look inside the Nasa jet chasing the solar eclipse. Video, 00:01:35A look inside the Nasa jet chasing the solar eclipseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished6 days agoUp Next1:35’We had to adapt our robots to the AI revolution’ Video, 00:01:36’We had to adapt our robots to the AI revolution’SubsectionBusinessPublished21 February1:36Editor’s recommendations’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished3 hours ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished11 hours ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished11 hours ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished9 minutes ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished18 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished15 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished18 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDemocratic donors paid $1.7m to Biden lawyers in classified files probePublished1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Brandon DrenonBBC News, WashingtonDemocratic donors paid at least $1.7m (£1.35m) of US President Joe Biden’s legal fees during the investigation into his handling of classified documents, records show.The Democratic National Committee paid a firm and a lawyer for the president.Mr Biden has repeatedly criticised former President Donald Trump, his likely election challenger, for using donor funds to pay his legal fees.On Friday, Republicans were quick to accuse the president of hypocrisy.”If these corrupt Democrats didn’t have HYPOCRISY, they’d have NOTHING!” the Republican National Committee said in a statement,Alex Floyd, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement that there was “no comparison” between the DNC’s payments to the president’s lawyers and Mr Trump’s efforts to drive up donations for his legal cases.”The DNC does not spend a single penny of grassroots donors’ money on legal bills, unlike Donald Trump,” he said.The money for Mr Biden’s legal team came from the Democratic National Committee’s legal account, according to the Associated Press. It said that account is primarily funded by major donors who have already met contribution limits.First reported by Axios, the funds were paid to lawyers or firms representing Mr Biden during the special counsel investigation into his handling and retention of classified documents. That investigation began in January 2023 and concluded earlier this year. The final report found Mr Biden “wilfully” retained troves of files but the special counsel did not charge him with a crime.Following the probe, the Democratic National Committee – which has been fundraising large sums to aid Mr Biden’s re-election campaign – directed roughly $1.7m to lawyers representing Mr Biden, according to Federal Election Commission records.Roughly $1m was paid to Bob Bauer, Mr Biden’s private lawyer. The rest of the money went to a Boston law firm that employed a lawyer who was identified as Mr Biden’s counsel in the classified documents investigation.The committee using its funds to pay the party leader’s legal fees is not necessarily a new practice. The amount spent by the committee and its donors is similar to what it spent to cover legal fees for President Barack Obama during his first term, according to The New York Times.While the Democratic National Committee used $1.7m to pay Mr Biden’s fees, newspaper reports that Mr Trump has spent more than $100m in donor funds to address the costs he has accrued from his various court cases.Related TopicsDonald TrumpUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this story’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counselPublished9 FebruaryHur will defend Biden remarks when he faces CongressPublished12 MarchWho is the special counsel in the Biden probe?Published12 MarchFive things in the Biden classified documents reportPublished9 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished1 hour agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished17 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’5Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attack6Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards7Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too8’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mum9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10British theatre gears up for big night at OliviersBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael attack: ‘A very long night and a dangerous moment’This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Israel attack: ‘A very long night and a dangerous moment’CloseIran’s missile and drone attack on Israel raises the risk of an escalation in the region, the BBC’s Hugo Bachega in Jerusalem has said.The Israeli military said that more than 300 cruise missiles were intercepted, in what Iran described as an attack aimed at “specific targets”.The strike was an anticipated retaliation for an Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria, which killed a top Iranian military commander and several others earlier this month.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished56 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore more’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished56 minutes ago0:58Up Next. Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours agoUp Next0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours ago0:35Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulate. Video, 00:00:48Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulateSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 April0:48Editor’s recommendationsWatch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished16 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished13 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished16 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished21 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished23 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished1 day ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPImage source, PPPImage caption, Park Choong-kwon, 37, defected to South Korea in 2009 after graduating from university where he worked on building the North’s nuclear missilesFrances MaoBBC NewsSangmi HanBBC KoreanPublished12 April 2024As a young man, Park Choong-Kwon helped build the nuclear missiles that his homeland, North Korea, blasted off from time to time to threaten the West.Now he sits in its democratic neighbour’s legislature – a member of South Korea’s parliament elected just this week.When people migrate from authoritarian regimes to liberal democracies, they dream of a better life, of opportunities. A refugee becoming a lawmaker, or even one day president? It’s possible.But for a North Korean, it’s extraordinary. Park, at age 37, is just the fourth escapee ever to become a parliamentarian in the South.“I came to South Korea with nothing,” he told the BBC earlier this week, “and now I’ve entered the political arena.“I see all of this as the power of our liberal democracy and I think it’s all possible because our citizens made it happen. It is a miracle and a blessing.”For North Korean watchers, it’s also a sign of progress.”There are tens of thousands of North Koreans who voted with their feet, voted against the oppression of that regime with their lives – some lost – but others didn’t, and the world is benefiting from them,” says Sandra Fahy, an associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa who’s researched life in North Korea.”Who better to understand the importance of democratic representation and political engagement than those who have lived in a world where it was forbidden?”Park escaped the clutches of the North Korean state a decade and a half ago when he was 23, having breathed not a word of his plans to his parents and other family members. It was too risky, and if they had known, that could have put them in peril, he says.He had spent his last three years embedded in the National Defense University – one of the elite students seen as the next generation entrusted with developing the North’s nuclear weapons technology.While relatively sheltered in the capital, he had grown up in the North in the 1990s, the period of massive famine in the country where millions died and desperate citizens turned to black market goods.But he was exposed to life outside – through South Korean TV shows smuggled in and study abroad in China, where his fixation on new ideas drew scrutiny from his minders.By the time he graduated university, he told Korean media, he had realised “how completely wrong and corrupt the North Korean regime was”.So he hatched his plan and waited.The release came one day in April 2009. North Korea that day had just managed to successfully launch its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) – the very same weapon he had toiled away for years on building. The whole country was “in a celebratory mood”; he saw the opportunity and slipped away the next morning under the cover of the jubilant noise.Getting out was an ordeal of course – he chose the faster but vastly more expensive route to China, which cost nearly 10 million won (£5,800 pounds; $7,300). Despite the cost, the fake passport provided by the broker was a shoddy certificate.But in a interview with NK News last year, he recalled the moment he realised he was potentially free. Clambering onto the Chinese-side banks of the Tumen River, there was a mingled sense of freedom and loss – leaving him feeling like an “international orphan”.Another life-changing moment came some time later when he received his South Korean passport – one of the happiest moments of his life, he says.Compared to many other defectors from the North, about 35,000 of whom have settled in the South since the 1990s, Park adapted quickly to his new life, a challenge smoothed out by his elite background and education.He was accepted into the country’s most prestigious university – Seoul National University – where he earned a PhD in materials science and engineering, and then landed a highly coveted job at Hyundai Steel, one of the South’s powerhouse conglomerates.And then the president’s party came knocking.Park told the BBC he hadn’t ever considered entering politics, but when the People Power Party reached out, he felt he wanted to give back through public service.As the number two delegate on the ruling party’s list for proportional voting seats, he was essentially guaranteed a spot in Wednesday’s elections – no matter how unfavourable the turnout. The results in the end were terrible for the deeply unpopular President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling PPP.South Korea’s ruling party suffers crushing defeatDid a spring onion bring down the South Korean president’s party?But Park is forward-facing and has big plans now as an elected lawmaker.In the South’s previous parliament, there had already been two sitting North Korean members – both with significant profiles. Thae Yong-ho, who represents the luxury district of Gangnam, was formerly a North Korean ambassador to the UK who famously defected in 2016 during his London stint.The other is rights activist Ji Seong-ho, who lost his left arm and leg as a young teenager in 1996 when he and his starving family were stealing coal from a train. He fainted from hunger and fell through a gap between the train cars; the wheels ran over him. He later managed an escape from North Korea on crutches.North Korean defector becomes first to win South Korea parliamentary seatThose representatives have long sought to improve the situation for their fellow defectors.Many say while they may have a new lease on life since arriving in the South, it’s tinged with a feeling of being treated like second-class citizens.That pushed Ji into running for office in 2020, campaigning on the rights of North Koreans, after a case where defectors accused of smuggling were forcibly returned by South Korean officials.A year earlier, an impoverished North Korean mother and daughter were found dead in their apartment in Seoul, having reportedly starved to death.Park says one of his first aims is improving the support given to North Koreans when they arrive in the South – and he’s pushing for lifelong packages. He says since the flow of new arrivals slowed to a trickle due to pandemic border closures, the budget should be re-allocated.He also wants to leave his mark on inter-Korean relations.And in that vein, he’s heartily endorsed his president’s current hawkish attitude towards dealing with the North and Kim Jong-un’s increased missile provocations.While some say the North has reacted because it was spooked by Yoon pursuing closer relationships with the US and Japan, Park dismisses that theory.“Some people think that since the Yoon government came in, the threat of war has increased. But it’s not true – the provocations were stronger under the previous administration,” he told the BBC.He points out the North’s missile launches and weapons development increased during President Moon Jae-in’s administration – which sought a more conciliatory approach to engaging with North Korea.But appeasement must not be the approach taken, he argues: “Blocking North Korea’s provocations is the most important priority, and that will lead to reducing the threat of war.”He believes in eventual reunification between the two halves of the peninsula. This is despite Kim Jong-un this year taking concerted steps to stamp out that prospect: branding the South as the enemy state and reportedly blowing up a massive arch symbolising the two Koreas coming together in the future.But Park is undeterred. He’s determined to “play a role as a bridge” in the South Korean government.“I want to help South Koreans view North Korea’s regime and its people separately, fostering a mindset conducive to unification.”Related TopicsNorth Korean defectorsSouth KoreaNorth Korea–South Korea relationsTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down 300 Iranian drones and missiles with US help, says IDFIsrael on alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished54 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished24 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsloading elsewhere storiesMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4Israel on alert after unprecedented Iranian attack5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too7British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers8Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine Russia war: BBC Russian journalist Ilya Barabanov branded ‘foreign agent’Published1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Personal archive/BBCImage caption, Asya Kazantseva and Ilya BarabanovBy Laurence PeterBBC NewsThe Russian justice ministry has labelled two prominent journalists – BBC Russian correspondent Ilya Barabanov and science reporter Asya Kazantseva – as “foreign agents”.Barabanov has written extensively about Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Wagner mercenary group. The BBC condemned the ministry’s move against him.”The BBC strongly rejects the decision,” a BBC statement said.The “foreign agent” label has very negative connotations in Russia.The government has used it to marginalise not only critics of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also voices challenging other Kremlin policies, including prominent cultural figures, media organisations and civil society groups.One of Russia’s most popular novelists – Boris Akunin – was put on the list in January. He is a long-standing critic of President Vladimir Putin.The term “foreign agent” recalls the Soviet-era campaign against “enemies of the people”. “Foreign agents” have to identify themselves as such on social media and in other publications, and face burdensome financial reporting requirements.Both Barabanov and Kazantseva are now living abroad. Kazantseva signed an open letter from Russian scientists and science journalists demanding that Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine. She left Russia in January, saying she was being harassed by pro-war figures and seeing her lectures and book presentations cancelled.The justice ministry accused Barabanov – now based in Latvia – of “spreading false information” about Russian government decisions and policies, and of opposing the war in Ukraine.The BBC statement condemned the move, stressing that “the BBC has a global reputation as a trusted and independent source of news”.It went on: “BBC News Russian has been a vital source of accurate and impartial news to Russian-speakers for 80 years. We are incredibly proud of all our journalists and our priority right now is to support Ilya and all his colleagues to ensure that all are able to continue their jobs reporting on Russia at such an important time.” Related TopicsWar in UkraineMediaRussiaVladimir PutinMore on this storyRussia designates popular author ‘a foreign agent’Published13 JanuaryRussia labels ex-PM Kasyanov ‘foreign agent’Published25 November 2023Russia labels Nobel winner Muratov ‘foreign agent’Published1 September 2023Top StoriesLive. Israel shoots down 300 Iranian drones and missiles with US help, says IDFIran launches aerial attack on Israel in major escalationPublished1 hour agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished2 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3Iran launches aerial attack on Israel in major escalation4UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too7Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’8British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWatch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatCloseBars in the streets of Tel Aviv were still busy despite Iran launching dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack. A university student described the evening as “usual night in Tel Aviv”.Iran has launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack, the Iranian military has saidSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 hours ago0:35Up Next. Air strike flattens building in Syrian capital. Video, 00:00:22Air strike flattens building in Syrian capitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished20 JanuaryUp Next0:22Nova festival survivor returns to site of massacre. Video, 00:00:56Nova festival survivor returns to site of massacreSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 January0:56Tel Aviv protests: Thousands demand Netanyahu resign. Video, 00:00:41Tel Aviv protests: Thousands demand Netanyahu resignSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 April0:41Editor’s recommendationsWatch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 hours ago0:30Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished12 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished9 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished13 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished18 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished21 hours ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished20 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished23 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael-Iran: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Israel-Iran: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyCloseSirens were activated in Jerusalem at around 01:45 local time (23:45 BST). Loud explosions were heard with the air defence systems shooting down objects over the city, and multiple interceptions lit up the night sky. Iran has launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack, the Israeli military has said.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch footage from Israel as Iran launches aerial attack. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches aerial attackSubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 hours ago0:30Up Next. Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 hours agoUp Next0:35Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 hours ago0:20Huge explosions as Israel strikes southern Lebanon. Video, 00:00:52Huge explosions as Israel strikes southern LebanonSubsectionMiddle EastPublished19 February0:52Editor’s recommendationsWatch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished11 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished8 hours ago0:30Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished17 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished20 hours ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished19 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished22 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaTrump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunkPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Nada Tawfik & Kayla EpsteinBBC News, New YorkAn adult film star. Alleged secret payments. A turncoat lawyer. And a candidate for president of the United States.Donald Trump’s very first criminal trial – and the first of a former US president – involves charges of white-collar crime, but it features some of the most eye-catching details in any of the four criminal cases against him.The case revolves around a $130,000 (£104,000) hush money payment from Mr Trump’s lawyer to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006. But that payment was not actually illegal. Instead, the blockbuster case bringing 34 felony charges is based on allegations the former president falsified business records to cover up the payment – made just before the 2016 election – to avoid an embarrassing sex scandal which he denies. The trial, which starts in New York on Monday, has legal experts divided on the strength of the case. Some debate whether Manhattan’s District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, should have even brought the case and whether it is strong enough.Ambrosio Rodriguez, a former prosecutor who says he is no fan of the former president, believes the case legitimises Mr Trump’s ongoing argument that he is being prosecuted unfairly because of who he is.Mr Rodriguez argues that the case relies on old allegations, noting that federal prosecutors had investigated and declined to bring charges.”This is a waste of time and a bad idea, and not good for the country,” he told the BBC. “This seems just a political need and want to get Trump no matter what the costs are.” Others disagree. Nick Akerman, who worked on the Watergate prosecution, says it’s a serious case.”This is about an effort to defraud the American voters in 2016 to keep them from learning material information that would have affected their vote,” he told the BBC, referring to Mr Trump’s alleged efforts to hide payments reimbursing his then lawyer, Michael Cohen.A novel legal approachThe case also has come under scrutiny because it’s seemingly built on an untested legal theory.Mr Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. New York prosecutors say Mr Cohen paid off Ms Daniels, and accuse Mr Trump of trying to disguise the money he paid him back as legal fees. Ordinarily, falsifying business records is considered a misdemeanour – or low-level offence – in New York. But when it is done to conceal a crime, it can be elevated to a more serious felony charge.It is not unusual for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to do that, but Mr Bragg’s approach is a particularly novel one.Image source, BloombergImage caption, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin BraggHe says Trump Organization records were falsified to conceal or aid criminal activity. But even though the trial begins on Monday, he has not specified the exact crime allegedly hidden.He has however given clues. In court filings and interviews, Mr Bragg has said Mr Trump violated both state and federal election laws, and state tax laws. “The District Attorney’s office is not precluded from presenting to the jury a variety of alternative theories on sort of why the records were falsified,” says Shane T. Stansbury, a former assistant United States Attorney in New York’s southern district.But he adds that it is unclear if a state prosecutor can invoke a federal election crime, as it appears Mr Bragg intends to do.”We could have federal courts and even the US Supreme Court weighing in on some of the federal questions that are part of this theory, so I think we’re a long way from having resolution on this case,” he says.A former prosecutor in the New York federal office, Mark Pomerantz, said federal prosecutors went back and forth on charging Mr Trump so often that the investigation was nicknamed “the zombie case”.But due to the seriousness of charging a former president, some legal experts say that Mr Bragg had to bring the strongest possible case against Mr Trump, which is why he went for felony charges.”Given who the defendant is in this case,” said Anna Cominsky, a professor at the New York Law School, “Just a misdemeanour may not rise to the level of criminality that perhaps one would expect someone in Trump’s position to be charged with.”A wildcard witnessOne of the biggest wildcards in this case is the prosecution’s star witness: Michael Cohen.Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal campaign violations as part of the alleged cover-up, which he said was directed by Mr Trump.Since his release, he has become one of Mr Trump’s harshest critics, consistently attacking him in the press and on his podcast. He has also admitted in the past to lying to Congress under oath. That history makes him a “compromised witness,” said Mr Stansbury.But as the man at the centre of the alleged scheme, he is almost guaranteed to testify against his former boss.”His credibility is a huge issue for the prosecution, and definitely something the defence is going to attack,” said Ms Cominsky.Mr Bragg will try to bolster Mr Cohen’s testimony by presenting proof of the payments to the jury.Trump’s defence The former president is sticking with a strategy that amounts to attack-and-delay. He frequently calls the case a “hoax” and a “witch-hunt.”He has slammed Judge Merchan and District Attorney Bragg and attacked their family members on social media – to the extent that a partial gag order has now been imposed that prevents him from attacking court staff and their families. Image source, Pool/Getty ImagesImage caption, Mr Trump speaks to the press after a 25 March hearing in his New York criminal caseHis lawyers have tried to argue that the payments were made to keep the embarrassing information from Mr Trump’s family, rather than to hide anything from voters. Mr Akerman believes that argument, if used by the former president’s lawyers in court, would fall flat with the 12-person jury ultimately deciding Mr Trump’s fate. “First of all, all of this was done right before the election, it had nothing to do with his family,” he told the BBC. Should a jury vote to convict him, Mr Trump would enter the final stretch before November’s presidential election as a convicted felon. But his legal team only needs to persuade one juror that he is not guilty of the crimes alleged for him to walk free.”To me, the only defence that they have is to try and pick a jury and try and identify somebody who might actually hang the jury,” Mr Akerman said. “Try and find someone who is a little bit eccentric, somebody who might be more sympathetic to Donald Trump.” Related TopicsDonald TrumpMore on this storyA guide to Trump’s four criminal casesPublished3 days agoTrump gagged again after he attacks judge’s daughterPublished2 AprilTrump’s hush-money trial to begin 15 AprilPublished25 MarchTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished35 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished1 hour agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel4New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’5Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too6British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers7What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?8Wildcard witness and untested legal theory: How strong is first Trump case?9Five arrested after baby’s remains found10Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine war: Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers tooPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images UkraineImage caption, Kharkiv’s emergency services were among the victims in a double strike earlier this monthBy Vitaly ShevchenkoRussia Editor, BBC MonitoringOn the night of 3 April, a swarm of Russian drones attacked Kharkiv, in Ukraine’s northeast. The country’s second-largest city has been targeted almost incessantly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. But this time was worse than usual, because, when rescue workers arrived at the scene, there was a second strike. Three of them were killed. The following Friday, it happened again when Russian missiles hit Zaporizhzhia, a major city in Ukraine’s southeast. Rescuers and journalists rushed to the scene, and then two more missiles hit. In total, four people were killed and more than 20 were wounded, including two local journalists.Both the Kharkiv and the Zaporizhzhia attacks employed a technique called “double-tap” – when an initial air strike is followed by a second attack, killing rescuers trying to help the injured. Russia has carried out this kind of repeat attack before. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a strike on a building in the southern city of Odesa in March that killed 20 was a double-tap, and called it a “despicable act of cowardice”. Image source, DSNS Ukraine emergency serviceImage caption, Rescue service officials were among the victims of a deadly Russian double missile attack last month in OdesaBut Ukrainian officials say they have seen an increase in the use of such attacks. Oleh Synehubov, the governor of Kharkiv region, told Ukrainian media that Russia has started incorporating repeat strikes on its targets “day and night”. “The occupiers are using the tactic of double-taps to hit civilian rescuers and other workers who are there first to arrive at the scene,” he said. On Thursday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it had seen a “particularly troubling pattern” of double taps in recent weeks. It called them “cruel” and “unconscionable” and urged for them to stop. Rescuers from Ukraine’s State Emergencies Service DSNS often arrive to deal with the aftermath of Russian attacks before everyone else, and they also say the threat of repeat strikes is becoming ever more frequent. “Unfortunately, the tactic of double-tapping has been used increasingly often recently. This is difficult to comprehend. The Russians have no right to do this,” DSNS spokesman Oleksandr Khorunzhy told the BBC. “They know perfectly well what they’re doing, and not just to rescuers, police officers, utility workers or medics. This affects ordinary civilians,” Mr Khorunzhy said. He called double-taps “utterly immoral”. “I can’t wrap my head around this, it’s just inhuman,” he said. “They see perfectly well that unarmed rescuers are the first to arrive at the sites of their attacks.” The DSNS says 91 of its rescuers have been killed and more than 340 injured since the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kira Oves was one of the journalists injured in the Zaporizhzhia double-tap attack. She told the BBC that she had just arrived at the scene of a strike when she heard a whistling sound. “A colleague shouted: Incoming! On the ground!” She crouched and heard a massive explosion. She only realised that she was wounded after she felt blood streaming down her face. She and her colleague ran to what they thought was a safe place – only to hear another “enormous blast”. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Kira Oves was wounded in a double-tap strike in Zaporizhzhia earlier in April”I knelt down, and a policewoman rushed over to me to help close the wound. Another police officer bandaged my head to stop the bleeding. From the shouting we found out that another journalist had been wounded much more badly,” Kira said. She had not expected two more strikes to follow the one she had gone to report on. Ukrainians targeted by double-tap attacks accuse Russia of trying to crush their fighting spirit and resilience. They also worry that no medic or emergency worker would be prepared to risk coming to their rescue for fear of coming under fire, too. But there are other pragmatic reasons for Russia’s strategy too. “If you abandon any pretence at subscribing to international humanitarian law and even commonly accepted humanitarian norms, then there is a sound military rationale for double-tap attacks because you target high-profile targets,” says Keir Giles, director of the Conflict Studies Research Centre, a British think-tank. There is a limited supply of first responders such as medics, emergency personnel and fire crews and they are difficult to replace. “If you take them out by the second attack on the same spot, at exactly the time when they’ve congregated to help the victims of the first attack, you’re actually achieving quite a lot.” Karolina Hird, an analyst at the US-based Institute for the Study of War, says double-tap attacks targeting rescue workers could, and likely do, constitute a war crime. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Emergency workers carry an injured woman at the site of a Russian missile strike in Zaporizhzhia”If, indeed, Russian forces are found to be targeting specifically and intentionally these sections of the population – that would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and the general rules and norms of armed conflict,” Ms Hird told the BBC. A spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross told the BBC that all parties involved in a conflict had an obligation to “respect and protect” both the wounded and those who cared for them. If one party chooses to re-attack the same target, international humanitarian law requires them to take “particular care” when first responders are trying to evacuate the wounded, the ICRC said. Russia adopted the same strategy previously in Syria, where its troops fought against anti-government rebels between 2015 and 2017. In that case it targeted rescuers from the White Helmets, a civil defence group. “We have documented hundreds of such cases since Russia intervened in 2015,” the White Helmets chief Raed al-Saleh says. “Frankly, the Russian army has no morals when it comes to military operations. It focuses on breaking the will of civilians.” Russia has not explicitly disavowed double-taps, but it has repeatedly denied it aims for civilian targets.”Our military does not hit social facilities and residential neighbourhoods and does not hit civilians,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in January. But those in towns and cities across Ukraine see the opposite is the case. “They’re using double-taps to kill as many of us as possible,” says Kira Oves, the journalist wounded in one such attack in Zaporizhzhia. “But they’ll fail, because Ukrainians are survivors. We shall win.”Related TopicsWar in UkraineZaporizhzhiaUkraineMore on this storyKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished2 days agoUkrainian MPs pass law to boost troop numbersPublished2 days agoRussian strikes hit Odesa on city’s liberation dayPublished2 days agoTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished48 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished21 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel4Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?7Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election10British theatre gears up for big night at OliviersBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaChibok girls feel let down 10 years after Nigeria kidnappingPublished5 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsNigeria schoolgirl kidnappingsImage source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina Ali became the first Chibok girl to escape prolonged captivity in 2016By Yemisi AdegokeBBC News, northern NigeriaWe had to meet Lisu in secret as she says the local Nigerian authorities are trying to prevent her from talking to journalists.She was one of the 276 girls abducted from their school in the town of Chibok exactly a decade ago – a kidnapping that shocked the world and sparked a global campaign to #BringBackOurGirls, which included former US First Lady Michelle Obama.More than 180 have either since escaped or been freed, including Lisu, who gave birth to two children while she was a hostage of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, living in a hideout in the Sambisa forest.After escaping, Lisu – which is not her real name – went through the government rehabilitation programme, before being placed in group accommodation with other escapees. “I do regret coming back,” she says, shuffling in her seat. Not exactly the message the authorities want coming out. The Borno state government has denied limiting the former captives’ freedom of speech.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Lisu is “deeply unhappy” about the way she has been treated in the government accommodationLisu feels the way she is now treated is worse than what she lived through before.”Sometimes I cry when I remember. I ask myself: ‘Why did I even leave Sambisa to come back to Nigeria, only to come and face such degrading treatment, being insulted almost daily?’ I never experienced such heartache while I was in Sambisa.”Lisu says she is barely surviving under state care; basic provisions like food and soap are not enough, her movements are closely watched and restricted by security guards and she has been subjected to verbal abuse from staff at the group home.”They yell at us all the time, I am deeply unhappy,” she says. “I had more freedom at the Boko Haram camp than I do here.”This is a characterisation that the Borno state government said it did not recognise. In a statement to the BBC, it said there were no restrictions on the movements of the young women in its care except when there were issues of their personal safety. The authorities said they were also providing enough food and nutrition for the former captives and their children. Though the experiences of those who fled or were freed are varied, and they are all at different stages of rehabilitation, a theme that promises made to them over the years had been broken emerged from those we spoke to.In 2016, Amina Ali became the first of the Chibok captives to escape since the immediate aftermath of the kidnapping.She too is dissatisfied with her treatment. The last time she saw the sprawling school campus that now stands in front of her, it was on fire – that was the night of 14 April, 2014.”Wow, this school still exists,” she says softly, gazing at the newly renovated, cream-coloured buildings. “After all that happened to us, it’s still here.””We used to sit under that tree,” she continues, pointing at a towering, barren tree in the corner of the compound. She looks around, noting all the changes.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina has ambitions to be a journalist and help tell the story of the Chibok girlsThe grass is overgrown, the tiles on the walkways are new. The rust-coloured main gate has been moved and the dormitories do not exist any more. When the grounds were rebuilt, it reopened as a day school in 2021.While the cosmetic changes to the school are significant, outside the gates little has changed in Chibok. Insecurity is still rife. Boko Haram gunmen continue to attack the area, the latest assault late last year.The poorly maintained roads are dotted with checkpoints and there is a heavy military presence in the town. Mobile communication is patchy, a telecom mast lies on its side next to the road, probably felled by militants, a local colleague says.Then there are the emotional scars.Amina spent two years as a hostage in Sambisa. Like many of the captives, she was forced to “marry” a militant and convert to Islam. There was a routine to life in the forest; cooking, cleaning, learning the Quran, but Amina never gave up hope that one day she would escape.”I just thought even if I spend 10 years [as a hostage], one day I will escape,” she says.And one day she did.It took weeks of trekking through thick bush in sweltering temperatures, little food and with her two-month-old baby strapped to her back, but she made it.Parents of Chibok girls heartbroken – againThe secret diaries of the Chibok girlsThe town that lost its girlsBut more than 90 girls are still missing. Her friend Helen Nglada is one of them. Amina and Helen were classmates. They were both singers in the church band that Helen led. After the kidnap, the two grew close in Sambisa forest, spending as much time as they could together. The last conversation Amina had with Helen was about Chibok and how much they wished they could go back there. Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, For Helen’s mother, Saratu, meeting Amina brings back painful memoriesThe agony caused by Helen’s continued absence is etched on the faces of her parents, Saratu and Ibrahim, who are sitting outside their modest home, a short distance from the school.Her mother tightly grips two photographs of Helen and her sister. The girls are wearing matching outfits, headscarves and serious expressions.”I just wish I got my friend back,” Amina says, “so we can share the happiness with her.”Saratu struggles to contain her emotions. “Any time you come to the house and I see you, my mind goes back to my daughter,” she says to Amina.She breaks down into floods of tears and Amina places a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.”I just want our [state] governor to do something and rescue our children,” Ibrahim says quietly. “He should put in more effort to rescue the other children.”Amina’s escape in 2016 was accompanied by huge fanfare and relief.After being debriefed by the military, she met government officials including then President Muhammadu Buhari, who said the course of her life would change for the better.”[The president said] he’s going to take care of us and send us to school and even our children too,” Amina recalls. “Because it’s not our fault to find ourselves in that situation and the children too, they don’t know anything. They’re innocent. So he’s going to take care of them.”Image source, AFPImage caption, When she escaped from Boko Haram in 2016, Amina (L) and her baby met then President Muhammadu BuhariLife today does not look like what was promised.Amina now lives in Yola, about five hours away from Chibok by road, and shares a small room with her daughter. They share an outdoor bathroom with a neighbour and she cooks on firewood outside.Money is tight. She receives 20,000 naira ($15; £12) a month to cover everyday expenses but nothing for her daughter’s education, despite the government’s promises. She pays that bill herself with the little money she makes from farming.”It’s hard for me to look after my daughter,” she says. “What can I do? I have to do it because I don’t have anyone.”Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina struggles with the money she has to bring up her daughter who was born in a Boko Haram campAmina is balancing raising her daughter while studying at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), a private and elite institution.AUN is the only option Amina and the other Chibok girls were given to resume their studies, but many of them have struggled to keep up and some have dropped out. “We didn’t choose AUN because we know the school standards are difficult for us, we girls come from poor backgrounds,” she says. “The former minister forced us to come to this school.” The girls said they would have liked more autonomy in choosing where they could study and wonder if some of the government’s money spent covering the AUN’s high fees could have been better spent directly supporting them. Amina has attended AUN since 2017, but is not close to graduating. Only one of the former captives has graduated.Nigeria’s Women’s Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye says the government has been paying AUN roughly $350,000 a year for the Chibok girls and their education over the last six years. It is an arrangement she says will be reviewed.”I’m not paying nobody that kind of money. Even if they put it on the budget, I will not release the money,” she says. “The girls should be considered first and foremost. School is important, first and foremost. But you don’t go to school on an empty stomach.”Rakiya Gali is another Chibok girl – she escaped from Boko Haram in 2017. She was a student at AUN briefly, but dropped out due to poor health.Rakiya says she does not receive any financial support and like Amina pays for her son’s education with the money she makes from farming, despite promises from the government.”The government has been unfair to us,” she says in an impassioned voice. “They knew that we went into [Sambisa forest] and came back with children. If they cannot help us, then who will help us?”In addition to the financial burden, Rakiya lives in fear, as her town is still being attacked by Boko Haram. She says militants recently burned down her son’s school.”Whenever I hear any sound, I think it is a gunshot,” she says.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, The school still exists – though it no longer takes boardersRakiya desperately wants to move forward with her life and secure the best possible education for her son, but the lack of support makes things feel impossible. So much so, she believes the Chibok girls who remain hostages would stay with Boko Haram if they could see how she and those who escaped are living outside the camp.”When [the girls] return [they] will come join us in this situation,” she says. “I would say it is better to stay [in Sambisa forest] with the child and the father will provide support, rather than going through this trouble.”The conditions she describes are a far cry from those of one of their former captors.Muhammad Alli, a former Boko Haram fighter who was involved in the Chibok kidnapping, is now living in Maiduguri with his family – including eight children. He was part of the militant group for 13 years and rose to the rank of commander, even forcefully “marrying” one of the Chibok girls.”At the time I married them, I did not feel any guilt,” he says. “But when I decided to surrender, I started to realise how awful they must have felt being forced to do these things.”Like thousands of other fighters, Muhammad was granted amnesty and completed the state government rehabilitation programme. He has a farm, but also works with the military to help rescue abducted girls.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Muhammad Alli is now helping the authorities tackle other hostage situationsLast year he was part of a group that rescued some of the same people he had helped kidnap. “They were in a terrible state when we found them,” he says. “I cried at the sight of them.”The amnesty programme is not without controversy, with some saying that former militants like Mohammad should serve jail time and be held accountable for their numerous crimes. “All I can say in that regard is to ask for forgiveness,” Mohammed counters. “I am remorseful, I am looking for ways to quench the fire we started, and I do this with the men whom I surrendered with. We are doing our best to weaken the effects of insurgency.”But the insurgency rages on, and kidnapping for ransom has become even more widespread in Nigeria. While reporting this story there were three separate kidnappings in north-eastern Nigeria, one of these attacks was on a school and was the largest of its kind since 2021.Mohammad says that the “success” of the Chibok kidnappings has encouraged these types of attacks.”We realised that the event shook the entire nation and Africa as a whole,” he says. “And the core mission of Boko Haram for [group leader] Abubakar Shekau was to ensure our activities attracted attention. “He also got money off some of these actions, which helped pay for transport and food, and that’s why they continued the abductions.”Serious questions remain around Nigeria’s military and its ability to tackle the insurgency that has spanned more than a decade and left hundreds of thousands of people dead, particularly as insecurity spreads to other parts of the country.Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s defence chief, has acknowledged the “enormous” challenges facing the military, calling the current state of insecurity in the country a “rude shock”, but is confident the tide is turning.As for the 91 Chibok girls still being held captive, Gen Musa says the military has not given up hope that they will be rescued.Despite her satisfaction with her current situation, Amina is hopeful too. She hopes to become a journalist one day, to be a voice for victims of kidnapping, to be a leader. She also hopes her daughter will finish her education and have a bright, safe future.Most of all, she hopes her classmates will one day be freed.”The only thing I need the government to do is to release some of my sisters that are still in captivity. I have that hope,” she says. “Because when they are still alive [there’s hope] they will come back one day.” You can watch Yemisi’s full report on the BBC Africa YouTube channelFind out more about the Chibok girls:PODCAST: What happened to the Chibok girls?Why was this freed Chibok girl treated differently? The kidnapped woman who defied Boko HaramThe man who brought back the Chibok girlsRelated TopicsNigeriaBoko HaramNigeria schoolgirl kidnappingsAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished1 hour agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished59 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney knife attacker identified by police2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel5Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?6’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker7How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election10Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAustralia PM hails cop who shot Sydney attacker as ‘a hero’Published8 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mass casualty attacks are rare in Australia and the events in Bondi Junction have shocked the nationBy Hannah RitchieBBC NewsAn Australian police officer has been hailed as a hero by the country’s prime minister, after she confronted and shot dead a man who fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping centre. “There is no doubt that she saved lives,” PM Anthony Albanese said, calling Saturday’s attack “a horrific act of violence”. Police described how the unnamed officer bravely tracked the attacker through the mall, challenged him and shot him dead after he raised his knife towards her.Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives”A man walked into Westfield at Bondi Junction… as he moved through the centre he engaged with about nine people,” Anthony Cooke, assistant commissioner of New South Wales Police, said.”It is clear that during that engagement he caused harm to those people… stabbing them with a weapon he was carrying.”Very clearly a range of reports were made on the incident, police attended promptly – a single unit officer, inspector of police, was nearby, attended, and went into the centre directed by a range of people.”She confronted the offender who had moved, by this stage, to level five.”As she continued to walk quickly behind to catch up with him he turned to face her, raised a knife, she discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The female officer – not pictured here – was directed by shoppers to the fifth floor of the Westfield complexA shopper, who was not named, also described the moment the officer confronted the knifeman.”He just started floating towards us and all I heard was ‘put it down’ and then she shot him,” he told ABC News Australia.”But we were in no doubt, if she didn’t shoot him, he would have kept going. He was on the rampage.”Then she walked over and gave him CPR. He had a big blade on him – she chucked the knife away. He looked like he was on a killing spree.”‘People who wear uniform rush to danger’Eight victims, including a nine-month-old, remain in hospital after the rampage.The baby is receiving surgery and its mother is believed to be among the dead, according to local media. Police have confirmed that five of the six killed in the attack were women. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallThe female inspector had been in Bondi Junction conducting routine duties when she heard reports of the events unfolding.She was the first on scene, police say, and was quickly directed by shoppers to the fifth floor of the complex. Mr Albanese later described it as “a reminder that those people who wear uniform are people who rush to danger, not away from it”.The head of the state’s police force, Karen Webb, also commended the officer’s “enormous courage” and said she was now “doing well under the circumstances”. While little has been made public about the assailant or his motives, police have confirmed that the 40-year-old was known to them. Bondi Junction, which is down the road from the iconic beachside suburb of Bondi, is home to one of the most popular shopping districts in Australia. And like most Saturdays it had been packed with visitors, including families and young children, when reports of a lone attacker carrying a “massive” knife spread like wildfire. As people began to blockade themselves in shops and run for cover, some tried to hold off the assailant. “I saw this one guy fighting with the killer. He was holding the pole, trying to throw a pole at the escalator,” 19-year-old Rashdan Aqashah – who was working in a COS clothing store at the time – told the BBC. Footage appearing to capture the incident has since attracted thousands of views. Mr Albanese said that the way everyday Australians responded to the violence in Bondi Junction, whether running towards it or helping to stem the bleeding of victims, was a testament to their “humanity” and “heroism”. Additional reporting by Katy Watson in Sydney Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSayUpload pictures or videoPlease read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
If you are reading this page and can’t see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this story’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished9 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Lyse Doucet: World waits to see impact of unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished10 minutes agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished33 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks2Sydney knife attacker identified by police3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker5Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?6How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’7Five arrested after baby’s remains found8Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished4 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingA knife-wielding man who killed six people in a Sydney shopping centre before being shot dead has been identified by Australian police.Joel Cauchi, 40, walked through the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex on Saturday afternoon, fatally wounding five women and a man.A nine-month-old baby was among several others injured and remained in a “serious but stable” condition on Sunday, police said. Authorities say the attack was most likely “related to the mental health of the individual involved”.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Iran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackIsrael says defences are ‘ready’ as Iran attacksPublished4 minutes agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished4 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Israel says defences are ‘ready’ as Iran attacks2Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub3Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives4Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?5’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker6How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’7Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackPublished13 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingIran has launched drones at Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, appearing to mark a widely anticipated reprisal attack.The IDF said the wave could take hours to reach Israel, a distance of 1,100 miles (1,800km).It said Israeli forces were on high alert and “monitoring all targets”.Iran had vowed to retaliate after an attack on its consulate in Syria on 1 April – for which it blamed Israel – killed several Iranian commanders.Shortly before news of Iran’s drone launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s “defensive systems” were deployed. “We are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.”We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.”This is a breaking news story, please return to this page for more details.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackPublished13 minutes agoKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished6 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished5 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Iran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attack2Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4World watches nervously to see what Iran does next5’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker6Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?7Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot10How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAntalya: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Antalya: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carCloseA cable car cabin collided with a broken pole on Friday evening, killing one person and injuring 10 others. Dozens of passengers were stranded in mid-air overnight.Footage released by the Turkish Defence Ministry shows a stranded cable car passenger hoisted into a military helicopter on Saturday.Seven helicopters and more than 500 rescuers, including specialist mountaineers, helped rescue the passengers, the Turkish interior ministry said in a social media post.An investigation into the accident has been opened, the justice ministry said.SubsectionEuropePublished23 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished23 minutes ago0:30Up Next. Climbers rescued from icy Italian mountain. Video, 00:00:49Climbers rescued from icy Italian mountainSubsectionEuropePublished18 MarchUp Next0:49Four people rescued from sinking fishing boat. 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Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:25BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaVideo said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries in the Straight of Hormuz.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries in the Straight of Hormuz.CloseIran has been accused of seizing a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Straight of Hormuz.A video filmed from inside MSC Aries and obtained by Reuters news agency appears to show two people rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter. Iranian special forces boarded the ship about 50 miles (80km) off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a statement from the ship’s operator MSC said.The country’s state news agency, Irna, said the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had seized the MSC Aries as it was “linked to Israel”.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreVideo said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours ago0:20Up Next. Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulate. Video, 00:00:48Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulateSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 AprilUp Next0:48Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished12 hours ago3:36Israel is conducting a legitimate campaign – Dowden. 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Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago4:06Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:25Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:58BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIranian troops descend from helicopter to seize Israel-linked shipPublished20 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Moment Iranian troops appear to rappel onto Israeli-linked vessel.By Matt MurphyBBC NewsIran has seized a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday. The MSC Aries was boarded by Iranian special forces about 50 miles (80km) off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a statement from the vessel’s operator MSC said. Footage obtained by Reuters news agency appeared to show troops rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter. The Portuguese-flagged ship is linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.The incident comes amid heightened expectation of an Iranian attack on Israel after an airstrike destroyed Iran’s consulate in Damascus at the start of April. Israel said on Saturday Iran would bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.Tracking data last showed the MSC Aries off the coast of the UAE, heading towards the Strait of Hormuz over 18 hours ago. It then appeared to turn off its tracking data, which is common for Israeli-affiliated ships in the region. Analysis: How might Iran seek to hurt Israel?Why are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?Biden vows support for Israel amid Iran attack fearsThe UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed the boarding in a statement. It made no mention of Iranian involvement, instead stating that the ship had been seized by “regional authorities” off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE. However, Iranian media has been quick to trumpet the involvement of the country’s special forces in the attack. The country’s state news agency, Irna, said the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had seized the MSC Aries as it was “linked to Israel”. It added that the ship was in the process of being transported to Iranian waters. In video footage, troops could be seen rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter hovering overhead. A crew member could be heard shouting: “Don’t come out.” In the video, one commando could also be seen kneeling to provide cover fire as other troops boarded the ship. According to MSC there were 25 crew members onboard at the time of the seizure. White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the crew is comprised of Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals.”We call on Iran to release the vessel and its international crew immediately,” Ms Watson said in a statement. “Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. “It must be condemned unequivocally, and we will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions.”Officials in Tehran have yet to comment on the seizure. The ship is managed by MSC, which leases the vessel from Gortal Shipping Inc – a company affiliated with Mr Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime. In response to the attack, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on the European Union “to immediately declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards corps as a terrorist organization and to sanction Iran” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that the cargo ship belongs to an EU member.US warns of impending Iran attackSince 2019 Iranian forces have carried out a series of ship seizures in the region and the attack comes amid mounting tensions between Iran and Israel. Ever since the lethal 1 April attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, which killed a senior IRGC commander, Iran has vowed to strike back at Israel, which it blames for the attack. While Israel has declined to comment on the attack, US officials have repeatedly warned that they expect Iran to attack Israel “sooner than later”. On Friday, President Joe Biden warned Tehran against an attack on Israel.”We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel,” Mr Biden said. “We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”A spokesperson for Israel’s military said on Saturday that Iran would “bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further”. Meanwhile, Dutch media reported that the KLM airline will no longer fly over Iran due to mounting regional tensions. Related TopicsIsraelUnited Arab EmiratesIranShipping industryMore on this story’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished17 hours agoHow might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?Published4 AprilWhy are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?Published5 AprilTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished2 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished2 hours agoWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. 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Israel never admits carrying out such attacks, but everyone knows it was its doing. Image source, AFPImage caption, Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strikeAnd since the Israel-Gaza war erupted six months ago, Israel has ramped up its targeting of Iran, not just destroying arms supplies and infrastructure in Syria, but assassinating senior IRGC and Hezbollah commanders. “We will make them regret this crime and other ones like it, by God’s will,” warned Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran accuses Israel of killing generals in Syria Iran vows to avenge Syria strike blamed on IsraelHis vow triggered an immediate Israeli retort in an escalating war of words. The two regional powerhouses have been at daggers drawn ever since Iran’s 1979 revolution made hostility towards the “Zionist regime” a core tenet of its doctrine. For many years, Israel has conducted targeted killings, mounted cyber operations, and sounded alarm bells about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions as well as its backing for militias, including Hamas, who threaten Israel’s destruction.”If Iran attacks from its territory – Israel will respond and attack in Iran,” declared Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a post on X, formerly Twitter, tagging the Supreme Leader, a most modern of way to communicate for countries with no diplomatic ties.Then the United States – Israel’s staunchest ally and Iran’s most powerful adversary – weighed in, putting Iran on notice that it could also face the wrath of the world’s mightiest army. “We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” US President Joe Biden proclaimed, hinting that US intelligence was indicating an attack “sooner rather than later”.Image source, AFPImage caption, Israeli army troops stand around their tanks in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip”The US could be trying to force Iran to recalculate and reconsider its options right now,” reflects Dr Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at the London-based Chatham House think tank.American media, quoting unnamed US sources, have spoken of possible maximalist scenarios involving a major Iranian assault against Israeli targets, with a wave of drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles.”The US may be using this messaging to amp up anticipation, so if Iran can’t deliver it, it shows its weakness, ” says Dr Vakil in a nod to the unsettling uncertainty of this moment.Iran, which has long prided itself on playing a long game, responding to any provocations with “strategic patience”, now faces a choice of all choices. Every option is riddled with risk.Its aging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has to give a green light to a counterattack which placates its militant IRGC commanders who shape Iran’s foreign policy. He also has to preserve Iran’s perceived prestige as the pivot of the “Axis of resistance” of its armed allies and proxies; they’ve been emboldened and empowered by their limited but still lethal attacks in this Gaza war.But this choice also has to be carefully calibrated to avoid sparking a dangerous escalatory spiral. If it pulls in formidable Israeli and American fighting power into this vortex, it could have catastrophic consequences for the Islamic Republic.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Palestinians hold Eid al-Fitr prayers by the ruins of al-Farouk mosque in Rafah, in the southern Gaza StripThe ailing 84-year-old Supreme Leader assumed his mantle in 1989, one year after the punishing Iran-Iraq war which took the lives of as many as 200,000 Iranians. It still casts a long dark shadow.”Avoiding war is essential to his legacy,” points out Iranian analyst Esfandyar Batmanghelidj. “Whatever the retaliation against Israel, it will be designed to avoid a full-scale war.”But this moment is uncharted territory.The precise missile strikes earlier this month smashed the consulate annex next to Iran’s embassy, and killed several IRGC officers including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, its top general in the region in the Quds Force, the elite clandestine branch responsible for foreign operations. And it happened on Iran’s diplomatic property, which Iran considers its own soil.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Palestinians hold Eid al-Fitr prayers by the ruins of al-Farouk mosque in RafahFor many years, Israel has waged what it calls the “war between wars” – strikes on arms shipments, installations, and routes in Syria said to be used by Iranian operatives and their allies, including their most prized and powerful proxy, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia. But in recent months it has upped the ante, exploiting opportunities for targeted assassinations during these turbocharged tensions of the Gaza war.Iran’s response, so far, has been to mainly hit back through its proxies. The shadow wars stretch from hostilities along Israel’s northern border with southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah stronghold, through Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq and Syria which have struck American targets, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels now attacking shipping lanes in the Red Sea.In January, after a suspected Israel airstrike in Syria killed IRGC military advisors, Iran did respond directly. But it chose what were seen as “soft targets” less likely to provoke a major retaliation: ballistic missiles fired into northern Iraq against what was described as a base of Israel’s Mossad spy agency; and missile and drone launches against Baloch separatists operating across its border in neighbouring Pakistan in another show of force to show its readiness to act. Both sparked outrage and, in Pakistan’s case, a retaliatory airstrike from a traditional ally, but tensions soon eased.Image source, AFPImage caption, A woman cries over the grave of a loved one at the start of the Eid al-Fitr festival at a cemetary in Rafah in the southern Gaza StripIn the midst of this current crisis, minds in Iran as well as in Israel are concentrated not just on this risky tit-for-tat, but also on the more fundamental issue of deterrence. Both sides want to send the clearest of signals to the other that such consequential strikes would be costly, and best avoided in future. For Iran, under pressure at home from unprecedented protests spearheaded by women over restrictions on freedom, and financial hardships, preserving the Islamic Republic is paramount. But it also wants to safeguard its growing sway across the region, and the extensive political and military network its built over many decades.Its options range from direct raids on military targets in Israel, more distant operations against its embassies and interests somewhere in the world, or retaliating through its proxies again. A report by the well-connected Amwaj media cited the Occupied Golan Heights in northern Israel – land seized from Syria in the 1967 war – as a “prime target” and less risky choice. Image source, AFPImage caption, Palestinians carry belongings as people fleeing conflict leave their homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central GazaIsraeli expert Raz Zimmt, Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security in Tel Aviv, believes Iran will act forcefully. “The patience of Iranians has run out in the face of setbacks blamed on Israel,” he posted on X. Iran seized a commercial ship with links to Israel early on Saturday morning, but Mr Zimmt said Tehran is unlikely to consider this an “appropriate response”, adding: “It could afford it additional time to reconsider its next course of action.”But there’s no agreement among Iran watchers about what action it will eventually take. And there’s a risk too that what Iran views as a cautious calculated act, could be seen as, or end up as, an incendiary miscalculation.”It does appear that Iran prefers to respond directly,” Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group told the BBC. “I don’t think Iran wants to sacrifice Hezbollah or bring it into the fray. It is the top of its spear, and Iran wants to preserve it.”There is also the option of biding its time, at least for a while, to strike when its least expected rather than in the eye of this storm.”There’s an anticipation that Iran will respond, but doing nothing could be an option,” says Dr Vakil of Chatham House. “There is a choice on the table where Iran doesn’t play into what could be an Israeli provocation.”Image source, AFPImage caption, Children sit in a swing as they celebrate on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in the central Gaza StripPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under immense political pressure at home, has long argued for military action against Israel’s arch-enemy, and is known to have been pulled back from the brink on at least one occasion.Behind the scenes, there’s been an intense flurry of urgent messaging between the US and Iran, conveyed through third-parties including multiple Arab states, to avoid the all-out war nobody wants. Iran sees that, in itself, as burnishing its image as a regional heavyweight which matters.In this wait and watch moment, airlines have stopped flights, embassies have shut, or warned their citizens to leave Israel. The US has deployed its warships to strategic positions to reinforce its protection of American and Israeli troops, and it’s strengthened its air defences to shield its forces deployed in Iraq and Syria.Israel, and countries across this region, are on high alert for something to happen somewhere.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever Is now the time Palestinian politics can start afresh?Was this the week Israel and Hezbollah drew closer to war?Netanyahu is a survivor, but his problems are stacking upBiden treads carefully through Middle East minefieldGaza desperately needs more aid but agencies can’t copeRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelPalestinian territoriesGazaMore on this storyPalestinian man killed after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished7 hours agoIranian troops accused of seizing Israel-linked shipPublished1 hour ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished16 hours agoTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished1 hour ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished1 hour agoWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextPublished46 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. 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Fierce battles are ongoing in a several villages in the eastern Donbas region.Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia was benefitting from warm weather – making terrain more accessible to its tanks – and making tactical gains. It comes as Germany said it will give Ukraine an extra Patriot missile defence system to fend off air attacks.In his update posted to social media on Saturday, Gen Syrskyi explained the situation on the eastern front had deteriorated as Russia intensified its armoured assaults.Battles have raged for control of Bohdanivka – a village west of the devastated city of Bakhmut, he said.The settlement lies a few kilometres northeast of the town of Chasiv Yar, a Kyiv-controlled stronghold which Russia has been trying to reach after seizing the town of Avdiivka in February to the south.Ukrainian officials say a slowdown in military assistance from the West – especially the US – has left it more exposed to aerial attacks and heavily outgunned on the battlefield. Despite repeated assurances that he is dedicated to Ukraine’s defence, US House Speaker Mike Johnson has failed to advance a new military aid bill. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed fresh funding in February which included $60bn in aid for Kyiv, but conservative Republicans in the House objected to the bill as it did not include funds for border security. Gen Syrskyi said without fresh aid and sophisticated weapons Kyiv would be unable “to seize the strategic initiative” from the numerically superior Russian forces. Ukraine could face defeat in 2024Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with RussiaSeparately on Saturday, Germany vowed to give Ukraine an additional air defence system. Ukraine has made increasingly desperate appeals for supplies of air defence missiles in recent weeks.On Friday, a major power plant near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian strikes. Trypillya power plant was the largest electricity provider for three regions, including Kyiv, officials said.In response, Berlin has agreed to give Kyiv an additional Patriot missile system. It is capable of intercepting Russia’s most advanced munitions, including Kinzal hypersonic missiles. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure were causing untold suffering. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Germany for the decision, calling it “a true manifestation of support for Ukraine”. Since President Vladimir Putin won his stage managed election last month, Moscow has stepped up air attacks on Ukraine. Russia has, in recent days, unleashed three massive aerial strikes on its energy system, pounding power plants and substations.Elsewhere, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it has foiled an assassination attempt on the governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin. Officials said two men attempted to strike Mr Prokudin’s car with a Russian-manufactured drone. “This was not the first attempt, and probably not the last one,” Mr Prokudin said a message posted to Telegram. SBU officials also said they had detained 11 networks of Russian operatives since the start of 2024. SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk said in another Telegram post that this was in addition to 47 last year.Related TopicsWar in UkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyRussiaUkraineMore on this storyUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished15 hours agoBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished5 days agoUkrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line missionPublished25 MarchWhy Macron went from dove to hawk on RussiaPublished16 MarchUkrainian MPs pass law to boost troop numbersPublished1 day agoRosenberg: How two years of war have changed RussiaPublished22 FebruaryTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished44 minutes ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished12 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published7 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub2How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives5Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot6Body of Israeli shepherd, 14, found in West Bank7Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought10’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWest Bank: Body of Israeli shepherd, 14 found in West BankPublished46 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Israel PoliceImage caption, Benjamin Achimeir, who went missing in the West Bank on 12 April was found dead a day laterBy Thomas MackintoshBBC NewsIsrael’s army says it has found the body of a 14-year-old shepherd in the occupied West Bank, a day after he went missing. Benjamin Achimeir had taken a flock of sheep out to graze from Malachi Hashalom, a settler outpost near Ramallah on Friday morning.PM Benjamin Netanyahu called Achimeir’s death a “heinous murder”.A Palestinian man was shot overnight during an Israeli search for the teenager.It is not clear whether the man – Jehad Abu Alia, 26 – was shot by an armed settler or an Israeli soldier.Israeli media reported Achimeir left “Gal Farm” in the settler outpost of Malachei Shalom early on Friday, and had not been seen since.He had been grazing sheep, and the sheep returned to the farm without him, police said. Achimeir’s sister Hannah, quoted by AFP news agency, said he was familiar with the area.”The heinous murder of the boy… is a serious crime,” Mr Netanyahu said in a statement reacting to the teenager’s body being found near Malachi Hashalom.Israeli forces “are in an intensive pursuit after the heinous murderers and all those who collaborated with them”, he added.Separately, Israel’s defence minister warned against revenge attacks following Achimeir’s death.Posting on social media, Yoav Gallant wrote: “Let the security forces act quickly in the hunt for the terrorists – revenge actions will make it difficult for our fighters in their mission – the law must not be taken into one’s own hands.”Image source, Anadolu/Getty ImagesImage caption, Cars were set ablaze when settlers stormed al-MughayyirOvernight angry settlers, armed with guns and stones, rampaged through a village in the West Bank during an Israeli search for the teenager.Houses and cars in al-Mughayyir, near Ramallah, were set ablaze as thousands of people took part in the search for Achimeir, said Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council which provides services to Israeli settlements in the area.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever West Bank violence: ‘My child’s destiny was to get killed’The battle between farmers in West Bank pitting Israel against the US Israeli troops later intervened.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its troops, and not settlers, opened fire at stone-throwing Palestinians as “violent disturbances erupted at several points in the area”.Troops managed to remove the settlers who had entered the village, it said.”As of this moment, the violent riots have been dispersed and there are no Israeli civilians present within the town,” the IDF said.The Palestinian prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa, has condemned the attack.Foreign governments including Israel’s closest ally, the US, have repeatedly raised concerns over a surge in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank since Israel began its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.Hamas’s deadly attacks on October 7, which triggered Israel’s military action, killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Hamas gunmen also took more than 250 people hostage – Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead.More than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s retaliatory campaign, the Hamas-run health ministry says.Israel has built about 160 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews since it occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The vast majority of the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, though Israel and the US dispute this.The Palestinian health ministry says at least 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since 7 October. Israeli sources say at least 13 Israelis have been killed there by Palestinians in the same period.More on this storyPalestinian man killed after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished4 hours agoBowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than everPublished6 days agoWest Bank violence: ‘My child’s destiny was to get killed’Published8 MarchIs Israel meeting promise to let more aid into Gaza?Published17 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished14 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished20 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published6 hours agoFeaturesUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub2Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?6Five arrested after baby’s remains found7’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror8Body of Israeli shepherd, 14, found in West Bank9How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAntalya: Dozens stranded, ten injured and one killed in Turkey cable car crashPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The accident happened early on Friday evening, when a pod hit a pole bursting open and sending passengers plummeting to the rocky mountain-sideBy Thomas MackintoshBBC NewsOne person has been killed and 10 others injured after a cable car cabin collided with a broken pole and burst open in southern Turkey.Passengers plummeted to the ground following the crash on Friday evening after the supporting pylon collapsed near Antalya.The whole cable car system was immobilised while emergency workers tried to evacuate stranded passengers.An investigation into the accident has been opened, the justice ministry said. According to Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency a total of 128 passengers were rescued from the 16 cable cars on Friday night in Antalya’s Konyaaltı district.But, officials said 43 passengers remained stranded by Saturday morning.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Throughout Saturday, search and rescue operations continued for the people trapped in the cabins at the Tunektepe Cable Car Facility, Konyaalti district in AntalyaSeven helicopters and more than 500 rescuers, including specialist mountaineers, remained at the scene on Saturday, the Turkish interior ministry said in a social media post.Turkey’s Health Minister Dr Fahrettin Koca also paid his respects on X. “May God have mercy on our citizen who lost his life in the accident,” he said.”I wish a speedy recovery to our injured, and I wish a speedy recovery to the rescued and waiting to be rescued victims.”The cable car is run by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and carries tourists from Konyaalti beach to a restaurant and viewing platform at the summit of the 618m (2027ft) Tunektepe peak.According to the information on its website, the cable car has 36 cabins with a capacity of six people each.It takes an average of nine minutes to go uphill to the Tunektepe facility with panoramic views of Antalya.Related TopicsEuropeTurkeyTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished50 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published5 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought2Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?5Five arrested after baby’s remains found6’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror7How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’8Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions9Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look10Iranian troops accused of seizing Israel-linked shipBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaArizona abortion ban: Kamala Harris blames TrumpPublished13 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS abortion debateImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Democrats are working to tie strict abortion bans to Donald TrumpBy Holly Honderichin WashingtonVice-President Kamala Harris lambasted Donald Trump over abortion restrictions as she held a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona on Friday. The state was pushed to the front of the US abortion battle this week after the state’s Supreme Court upheld a 1864 law banning almost all abortions.”Donald Trump did this,” Ms Harris said.Her remarks added to recent attacks from the Biden campaign tying Mr Trump to abortion bans nationwide.Mr Trump campaigned in 2016 on appointing justices who would overturn Roe v Wade. He put three conservatives on the court, all of whom voted to overturn Roe in June 2022 and rescinded the nationwide right to abortion. An estimated 18 million women of reproductive age now do not have access to the procedure in their state of residence, according to the pro-choice research group the Guttmacher Institute. “We all must understand who is to blame,” Ms Harris said on Friday. “Donald Trump is the architect of this healthcare crisis.” She claimed that “a second Trump term would be even worse… he will sign a national abortion ban.”A spokesman for the Trump campaign denied supporting a national ban, saying he “could not have been more clear. These are decisions for people of each state to make”.Chants of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar over abortionTrump backlash spotlights an abortion balancing actArizona’s 160-year-old law has given Ms Harris and her fellow Democrats another chance to focus their 2024 election efforts on abortion, a strategy that has proven effective in local and state races. Abortion access remains broadly popular among the American public.Mr Trump has sought to distance himself from Arizona’s ban, calling on state politicians to repeal the law. Speaking from his West Palm Beach residence on Friday afternoon, Mr Trump said the 1864 law was “going to be changed by the government”. But he also took credit for “breaking” Roe. “We did something that nobody thought was possible, we gave it back to the states, and the states are working very brilliantly,” he said. “It’s working the way it’s supposed to,” he said.Kari Lake, the presumptive Republican nominee for an open Arizona Senate seat and a close ally of Mr Trump, has also publicly renounced the law, and on Thursday called the ban “out of line” with state voters. Ms Lake previously praised the ban, calling it a “great law”. It is still unclear when and how the 1864 ban will be enforced. The Arizona Supreme Court put the ruling on hold for at least 14 days while a lower court considered added arguments about the law’s constitutionality. The state’s Democrat attorney general, Kris Mayes, has said she would not prosecute anyone performing or obtaining abortions. Initial attempts by Democrats to repeal the law in the state legislature were thwarted by senior Republicans. Arizona’s voters may also have a chance to reverse the law themselves with a likely ballot initiative that, if passed in November, would protect abortion rights until 24 weeks of pregnancy. Pro-choice activists in the state say they have already met the signature threshold required to put the question to voters this autumn.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Hear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateRelated TopicsAbortionKamala HarrisDonald TrumpUS abortion debateUnited StatesArizonaMore on this storyTrump backlash spotlights an abortion balancing actPublished19 September 2023Florida takes centre stage in US abortion battlePublished3 April19th Century law fires up anti-abortion pushPublished26 MarchTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished50 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published3 hours agoFeaturesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Sun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror3Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?4How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’5The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought6Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions7Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death10BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump jury in ManhattanPublished11 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The jury process for Donald Trump’s first criminal trial will involve several stages that could last well over a weekBy Madeline HalpertBBC News, New YorkOn Monday, hundreds of New Yorkers from across the island of Manhattan will find themselves facing a historic prospect: sitting on the jury of the first criminal trial of a former president. Donald Trump is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush money payment made shortly before the 2016 election to an adult film star with whom he allegedly had an affair.It will be up to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Mr Trump’s legal team to weed through the masses of New Yorkers to find 12 people capable of setting aside their feelings about one of the most polarising US politicians, to give him a fair trial. Mr Trump’s lawyers have already complained that the city’s Manhattan borough, comprised predominately of Democrats, will not allow for an impartial jury. And experts agree it will prove challenging. “There’s nobody in the country who doesn’t have an opinion one way or another,” former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland says.”But those in New York have been exposed to Donald Trump and his father and children for literally generations, from every tabloid to the internet to Home Alone.””A jury should be fair no matter what, listen to the evidence and hold prosecutors to the burden,” he says.”So no easy task.”42 questions to hundreds of peopleThe jury process will involve several stages that could last well over a week, former Brooklyn and Manhattan prosecutors told the BBC. Because of the high-profile nature of the trial, as many as 500 people from New York’s Manhattan and neighbouring Roosevelt Island could be chosen as prospective jurors. From this group, the defence and the prosecution – overseen by Justice Juan Merchan – will select 12 people and several alternates to be seated. Those jurors will be anonymous to the public, but Mr Trump’s team and prosecutors will know their identities. The process will begin with dismissing jurors who are unable to participate in the six-week trial because of hardships such as childcare obligations and travel restrictions, says Julie Rendelman, a former Brooklyn prosecutor. Experts say the second stage could pose the biggest challenge: removing those who will not be impartial. “Everyone, anyone, no matter who you are, no matter whether you wear blue or red goggles, needs to give the former president the same rights that any of us do, which is that he’s innocent until proven guilty,” says Mr Saland, the former Manhattan prosecutor. To start weeding out those who are biased, prosecutors and the defence team will analyse questionnaires filled out by the prospective jurors. The jurors will be asked questions including which news outlets they read and what podcasts they listen to; whether they follow Mr Trump on social media and if they have ever attended a rally for the former president.They will also be asked if they support or consider themselves a part of any right or left-wing radical groups, specifically:The QAnon movement: an online movement based around a sprawling conspiracy theory that alleges elites in politics, the media and business have created a child trafficking networkProud Boys: an all-male fraternity founded in 2016, Proud Boys regularly participated in violent street protests and pro-Trump eventsOath Keepers: a militia made up of current and former military members, law enforcement officials and other first respondersThree Percenters: another anti-government, pro-gun rights movement, the Three Percenters were co-founded by an Oath Keepers memberBoogaloo Boys: a nebulous anti-government movement that made waves during anti-lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests in 2020Antifa: short for “anti-fascist”, this loose confederation of left-wing activists swelled in numbers and activity after Mr Trump was electedMr Merchan has stressed that jurors will not be dismissed based on political affiliation alone. “The issue is if the juror can be impartial and can reach a verdict consistent with the law,” he said in February. But Mr Trump’s lawyers have already sparred with the defence about what exactly this means. Lawyers for the DA’s Office previously argued anyone who believed President Joe Biden did not legitimately win the 2020 presidential election should be disqualified from serving on the jury, a question Mr Trump’s team objected to. Ultimately, the query was not included in the 42 questions potential jurors must answer. Instead, jurors will be asked a host of other questions such as those above.They will also be asked if they have ever served on a jury before, and if so, if they reached a verdict. People who have served on a hung jury – a case where a jury could not reach a verdict – are less likely to be picked because “the concern is they’re the ones who hung it up”, says former Manhattan prosecutor Diana Florence. Potential jurors also must indicate if they or close family and friends have ever been a victim of a crime, and if so, which one. This allows both sides to judge whether someone might be prejudiced in Mr Trump’s falsification of business records case because of previous experiences. Some of the questions are even more personal, asking jurors what their children do for a living and if they take any medication that would prevent them from being able to concentrate during the trial. ‘Vetting’ jurorsProsecutors and Mr Trump’s legal team will be able to challenge those that they don’t want to be included on the jury. Each side has 10 “peremptory” challenges, jurors they can dismiss for no particular reason, said Ms Florence. Both Mr Trump and the DA’s Office have an unlimited number of “for cause” challenges, meaning they need a valid reason to dismiss those jurors.This time will prove pivotal for both sides to remove people who will not be objective about the trial, including those intentionally trying to make their way onto the case by misrepresenting their views on Mr Trump, Mr Saland says. “It’s critical that the prosecutors and the defence vet those jurors and get rid of those that they think are not going to do their job,” he adds.To help, lawyers for the defence and prosecution will likely hire experts to look through jurors’ social media posts, which can provide a “treasure trove of information as to their potential views and biases”, Ms Rendelman said. Both sides will also be looking for those who have not yet made up their mind about the case – a significant challenge for a trial that has received such intense media coverage. But Mr Trump’s case won’t be the first high-profile trial for prosecutors and defence teams looking for an impartial pool of New Yorkers, experts noted. It took almost two weeks to narrow down jurors for disgraced Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein’s New York sexual assault trial in 2020. It could take just as much time – if not more – to find people willing to grant Mr Trump a fair trial, Ms Rendelman says. “We are human, and so our biases creep in, even when we don’t want them to,” she adds. “It’s doable, but it’s going to be difficult.”With additional reporting from Mike WendlingRelated TopicsStormy DanielsNew York CityNew YorkDonald TrumpUnited StatesMore on this storyJudge imposes gag order in Trump hush money casePublished26 MarchJury questionnaire in Trump hush money trial releasedPublished4 days agoTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’It was carnage’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished38 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published2 hours agoFeaturesThe children living between starvation and death’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump juryFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Sun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?3’It was carnage’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’6Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look7Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death10BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureZendaya: How she’s perfected the art of method dressingPublished10 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya channelled the game of tennis at the UK premiere of ChallengersBy Annabel RackhamCulture reporterGetting into character is something that can be all-encompassing for an actor when they’re on set.There are accents to perfect, facial expressions to master and sometimes a completely new look thanks to clothes, make up and hair.But ever increasingly, Hollywood’s biggest stars are extending their roles to the red carpet too.Zendaya’s recent looks have all playfully toyed with the tennis theme of her new film, Challengers.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Finding a dress that looks like a tennis lawn can’t be easy – but Zendaya managed itMatching your fashion to your film role is known as method dressing, which Zendaya referenced in her BBC One Show interview on Thursday.”Fashion is something I’ve always used as an outlet, a tool – ultimately, I think I am a more shy person so it allows for me to create this persona, this character that I get to live in for the day,” she said.Zendaya said she first started method dressing after starring in The Greatest Showman and was “inspired by the film”.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya’s 2017 ringmaster look for The Greatest Showman was the first time she leaned into method dressingHer playful take on the protagonist of the film’s style was an important moment and showed an understanding of what the movie was trying to achieve.The musical, which was inspired by entertainer PT Barnum’s life, paid careful attention to detail in its 800 costumes, with designer Ellen Mirojnick saying at the time that the brief was “fashionable, accessible and modern”, something Zendaya was able to mirror in her look.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya went full cyborg for the UK premiere of Dune 2″We get so lucky to be part of films with such rich references anyway, so might as well pull from that,” Zendaya told the One Show.The 27-year-old has since created a number of film-themed looks with her stylist Law Roach, for films such as Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home.Her looks could have easily appeared more fancy dress than fashion – but Zendaya and Roach have perfected her signature style after working together for more than 13 years.”I always try to be a storyteller more than anything else, and this is such a strong story to tell,” Roach recently told Vogue after finishing the press tour for Dune 2.”The looks served as an extension of the wardrobe from the movie. It was intentional and purposeful,” he added.For fashion journalist Chloe Burney, she says “dressing in character mode on the red carpet isn’t just an homage to actors’ recently completed projects, but is also injecting heaps of fun”.She tells the BBC she “wouldn’t typically gravitate” towards Challengers but “Zendaya’s tennis-themed looks have got us all talking”.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ms Burney was a big fan of Zendaya’s playful Loewe tennis ball shoes, which she wore whilst promoting Challengers in RomeMs Burney’s favourite looks from the press run have been Zendaya’s Loewe tennis ball stilettos and custom glitter green gown.We’ve seen a number of Hollywood stars give method dressing a go in the last few months – Margot Robbie being one of the standouts.Her Barbie looks have mirrored several of her character’s costumes from the film, with some even borrowing from iconic dolls too.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Robbie’s playful doll-like accessories showed how much she paid attention to detailMs Burney says these looks have helped “bring cultural relevance to a project”.”I lost count of how many shop windows turned pink overnight,” she added.Barbie: Actress Margot Robbie’s recreates the doll’s best outfitsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The world went into pink mania after seeing Margot Robbie’s Barbie red carpet looksIt’s not just something female stars are enjoying too – Ryan Gosling leaned into the spirit of Barbie with his red carpet looks – which proved once and for all that pink is a colour that works for everyone.Bringing more fun to red carpets is something that actor and director Sofia Coppola was crying out for in 2018.Writing in W Magazine, she wrote: “Looking at some photos from a recent red-carpet event the other night, I couldn’t help but think what a bummer it has all become. “You can’t tell the women apart—there’s a stream of bland red-carpet editions of them,” she added.She complained that “Everyone looks the same, with perfect grooming, gowns, and brand-new jewellery, as they parade a catalogue of luxury items,” – it would be interesting to know what Coppola’s take on the new red carpet trends are.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, I’m Just Ken – Ryan Gosling got used to embodying the spirit of Barbie’s favourite companionTimothée Chalamet wore a dazzling lilac jumpsuit to the Wonka world premiere.His look for the Charlie and the Chocolate factory remake turned him into a human version of the famous chocolate bar.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Timothée Chalamet was sickly sweet in this purple jumpsuit for the Wonka premiere in TokyoJenna Ortega channelled Halloween chic whilst promoting Netflix hit Wednesday.Several members of the cast played with method dressing on the press tour, but Ortega’s high fashion take on a corpse bride for the world premiere was a highlight.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Here comes the (corpse) bride! Jemma Ortega had fun with her looks whilst promoting TV series WednesdayThe entire cast of The Batman and several guests successfully got on board with method dressing at the film’s 2022 premiere.Robert Pattinson wore an all-black suit and overcoat to replicate the look of his character, Bruce Wayne, but the standout outfit was Zoë Kravitz’s.She played Catwoman, choosing a black Oscar de la Renta dress with a cool cat corset.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zoe Kravitz’s cat-inspired outfit at the premiere of The Batman was a head-turnerAttention to detail is key for method dressing – something that Carey Mulligan took seriously when promoting Maestro.She plays Felicia Bernstein, wife of the conductor Leonard Bernstein and whilst promoting the film wore several replicas of 1950s dresses to reflect when Maestro was set.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Carey Mulligan didn’t miss a note in this 1950s inspired look for the 2024 OscarsFor the Oscars red carpet she donned a stunning fishtail gown, recreating an original design from 1951 – the year that Felicia and Leonard Bernstein got married.Related TopicsFilmRed Carpet FashionFashionMore on this storyStars hit red carpet for Women of the Year AwardsPublished8 November 2023Irish Barbie actor’s dress inspired by her childhood toyPublished22 July 2023Timothée Chalamet on how his Wonka is differentPublished28 November 2023Top StoriesLive. Six dead and small child injured after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’It was insanity’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbings horrorPublished26 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’It was insanity’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbings horror2Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?3Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look6Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death7Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’10Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney: Survivors describe Sydney mall attackThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Sydney: Survivors describe Sydney mall attackCloseFive people have died and several are in hospital after a stabbing attack at a Sydney mall, police have said.Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said the attacker was shot dead by a lone police officer who arrived at the scene and located the perpetrator. Crowds could be seen fleeing the Westfield complex at Bondi junction and witnesses said people hid inside stores until the police could evacuated them.In this video, witnesses describe what they saw.Read more on this story. SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreSydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:55Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 hour ago0:55Up Next. Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished34 minutes agoUp Next1:04Editor’s recommendationsRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished3 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. 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Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Sydney incident live: Chaos unfolds at Bondi Westfield mall as multiple stabbings reportedBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCrowds flee Sydney mall as multiple stabbings reportedPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCrowds have fled a Sydney shopping mall after reports of multiple stabbings and a possible shooting sparked a major police response.Local media reported gunshots inside Westfield mall at Bondi junction.Police said a critical incident had been declared following the shooting of a male just before 16:00 local time (07:00BST; 08:00GMT) after reports of multiple stabbings.The incident is ongoing and people are urged to avoid the area.The area has been evacuated and there are pictures of ambulances and police vehicles at the scene on social media.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsSydneyTop Stories’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished7 hours agoCrowds flee Sydney mall as multiple stabbings reportedPublished10 minutes agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished6 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelCloseThis week, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the UK would not block arms sales to Israel, after reviewing the latest legal advice on the issue.But as the death toll in Gaza grows, pressure on the government continues to mount, with critics saying UK weapons exports to Israel could make Britain complicit in alleged breaches of international humanitarian law.Our analysis editor Ros Atkins explains.SubsectionUKPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished11 minutes ago3:36Up Next. Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 hours agoUp Next4:06BBC visits ruins of kibbutz Nir Oz, abandoned after Hamas attack. Video, 00:01:44BBC visits ruins of kibbutz Nir Oz, abandoned after Hamas attackSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 days ago1:44Cousins pay tribute to ‘selfless hero’ James Kirby. Video, 00:01:02Cousins pay tribute to ‘selfless hero’ James KirbySubsectionUKPublished3 April1:02Scene of destruction at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital. Video, 00:00:53Scene of destruction at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 April0:53Editor’s recommendationsEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished9 hours ago1:04Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. 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Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished2 days ago0:36BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDeadly violence after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Anadolu/Getty ImagesImage caption, Cars were set ablaze when settlers stormed al-MughayyirBy Laurence PeterBBC NewsViolence has erupted during an Israeli search for a missing teenage boy in the occupied West Bank, with a Palestinian man killed and 25 reported hurt in clashes with Jewish settlers.Israeli troops intervened after dozens of settlers stormed al-Mughayyir, a village near Ramallah, armed with guns and stones. The unrest later subsided.Missing Benjamin Ahimeir, 14, has not been found. A huge search is under way.Separately Israeli forces shot and killed two West Bank Palestinians.One was confirmed by Hamas to be a local commander of the group. The Israeli military say Mohammed Daraghmeh was killed in a shoot-out with their troops.Violence has escalated in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza started on 7 October, ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.Israel is on high alert after US officials said an Iranian strike against Israel might be imminent. Iran has vowed to retaliate for last week’s deadly air strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, in which several senior Iranian military figures died. Israel has not commented but is widely considered to have carried out that attack targeting Iran’s elite Quds Force.The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least eight of those injured in the al-Mughayyir violence were hit by live fire.It is not yet clear whether the man who died, 26-year-old Jehad Abu Alia, was shot by an armed settler or Israeli soldier.The army says its forces managed to disperse the settlers who had entered the village. Troops have set up roadblocks in the area as the security forces continue searching for the Israeli boy, who had left a settler outpost, Malachi Hashalom, early on Friday. His sister Hannah, quoted by AFP news agency, said he was familiar with the area, where he had often herded sheep.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever The battle between farmers in West Bank pitting Israel against the US The Palestinian health ministry says at least 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since 7 October.Israeli sources say at least 13 Israelis have been killed there by Palestinians in the same period.The surge in West Bank violence has prompted the US, UK and France to impose sanctions on some settlers for the first time. But the casualties there are dwarfed by the Gaza war: more than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s campaign, the Hamas-run health ministry says. On 7 October gunmen also took more than 250 people hostage. Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead. Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael-Gaza warIsraelHamasWest BankMore on this story’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished5 hours agoIs Israel meeting promise to let more aid into Gaza?Published8 hours agoTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished9 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished5 hours agoDeadly violence after boy vanishes in West BankPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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Here’s how that might look3Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death4Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax5Deadly violence after boy vanishes in West Bank6Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’7The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought8BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’9Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law10’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS diplomat turned Cuban spy jailed for 15 yearsPublished3 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Victor Rocha abruptly reversed his plea in February after initially pleading not guilty to the charges.By Bernd Debusmann JrBBC News, WashingtonAn ex-career diplomat who once served as US ambassador to Bolivia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for working as an agent for Cuba. Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, secretly passed information to the Cuban government for more than 40 years, according to prosecutors. In February, Rocha changed his initial not guilty plea in a Miami court and ensured he would avoid a trial. The espionage case is among the highest profile ever between the US and Cuba.Dressed in a beige jail uniform on Friday, Rocha told a federal courtroom in Miami: “I plead guilty.” In addition to prison, Rocha must also pay a $500,000 fine and cooperate with authorities.US Attorney General Merrick Garland referred to Rocha’s crimes as “one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the US government by a foreign agent”.The Colombian-born, Yale and Harvard-educated Rocha served as US ambassador to Bolivia between 1999 and 2022, as well as in a variety of other diplomatic postings in Argentina, Honduras, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. He also served in other government roles, including one with the National Security Council. After his diplomatic service ended, Rocha served as a consultant for the US military’s Southern Command, which oversees all of Latin America and the Caribbean – including communist Cuba. In November 2022, an undercover FBI agent contacted Rocha on WhatsApp and claimed to be working on behalf of Cuba’s intelligence service. The agent said he was delivering a message from “your friends in Havana”, according to court documents. Over the course of three subsequent meetings, Rocha revealed details of his previous espionage on Cuba’s behalf. At one point, Rocha used the term “we” to describe Cuba and himself, vowing to “protect” what “we” have done together. The Cuban spying case that has shocked the US governmentHow Cuban spy used incredible memory to betray USWhen asked whether he was “still with us”, Rocha told the undercover agent that he was “angry” that his loyalty to the Cuban regime was being questioned. “It’s like questioning my manhood,” he said.The US has had a tense relationship with Cuba ever since Fidel Castro overthrew the island’s US-backed government in 1959, a revolution that was swiftly followed by a US trade embargo. While then-president Barack Obama and former Cuban President Raul Castro took steps to normalise relations in 2015, many of those actions were reversed by the Trump administration. In an interview with the BBC, former CIA counter-intelligence chief James Olson said the case was emblematic of how Cuba’s intelligence service “beat” their US adversaries over the decades. “They owned us,” Mr Olson said. “That’s one of the reasons I have this personal grudge against the Cuban intelligence service because they have been so successful in operating against us.”Mr Olson referred to Rocha as a “traitor”. “He betrayed our country,” he said. “I think that’s contemptible, and I don’t think he’s going to see the light of day again.”Related TopicsCubaCIASpyingUnited StatesMore on this storyFormer US diplomat pleads guilty to spying for CubaPublished29 FebruaryThe Cuban spying case that has shocked the US governmentPublished9 JanuaryHow Cuban spy used incredible memory to betray USPublished10 January 2023Top StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished8 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished4 hours agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished3 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look3Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death6Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’7Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law8’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel9Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion10Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSudan civil war: The children living between starvation and death in DarfurPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSudan crisisImage source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Three of Qisma Abdirahman Ali Abubaker’s children have recently diedBy Barbara Plett-UsherBBC Africa correspondentThe woman with sad eyes and a quiet voice is just one of the millions of people living in camps for those forced to flee their homes in Sudan, where a civil war broke out a year ago between the army and an armed paramilitary group. The country now faces what the UN says is the “world worst hunger crisis”.Qisma Abdirahman Ali Abubaker goes through the motions of waiting in line to pick up her food ration, but her heart is not in it. The small bag does not have to stretch as far as it used to for her family. Three of her children have died of disease and malnutrition in the past four months, she says. The oldest was three, another was two years old, the last was a six-month-old baby. Ms Abubaker has taken refuge at Zamzam Camp for displaced people in Northern Darfur, part of a region in the west of the country, amid warnings of a catastrophic nutrition crisis there. It is the oldest and largest such camp in the country, but there is fresh desperation and grief as Sudan’s war grinds into its second year.The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says it found in January that at least one child in the camp dies every two hours. With little food, clean water or healthcare, illnesses that could once be treated now kill. MSF is one of the last international humanitarian agencies still on the ground in Darfur. It has just completed a mass screening of vulnerable women and children in Zamzam and shared the results exclusively with the BBC. The agency found that three out of every 10 children under five were acutely malnourished, as well as a third of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, confirming fears of a “catastrophe” that an earlier survey had suggested. This is double the threshold for a nutrition emergency, and probably just the tip of the iceberg of Sudan’s hunger crisis, says Abdalla Hussein, MSF operations manager for Sudan.”We have not reached all the children in Darfur, not even in North Darfur, we’re talking about only one camp,” he told me at the MSF regional headquarters in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.Image source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Thousands of people at Zamzam Camp are in desperate need of helpAccess to Darfur is extremely difficult for foreign journalists as well as aid agencies, but we worked with a local cameraman, and Ms Abubaker told him her story.She could not afford to take her children to hospital or buy medicine. “My first child died on the way home from the pharmacy, and the second child died after six days due to malnutrition,” she says.The baby fell sick and died three days later.Ms Abubaker’s family are smallholder farmers like many in Darfur. They have struggled to grow enough food, and the violence and insecurity of the war has severely disrupted farming. “People are sick and hungry,” she tells the BBC. “The displaced people are jobless and the only people who have money are [government] employees. Ninety per cent of the people are sick.”Zamzam was already fragile, formed by those caught up in ethnic violence 20 years ago, and almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. But the food supplies stopped with the war. Most aid agencies evacuated as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took over large swathes of the region.Fighters for the RSF and its allied militias are accused of looting hospitals and stores, something which the RSF has consistently denied.Getting new supplies transferred across conflict lines has proved almost impossible. Aid workers say the Sudanese military authorities are too slow to issue visas and internal travel permits. And the army has blocked land routes from neighbouring Chad, saying it needs to stop weapons shipments to the RSF. That barrier has eased slightly for food supplies – the World Food Programme recently managed to bring in two convoys – but not nearly enough.The lack of food combines with a breakdown in health services. Across the country only 20-30% of health facilities are still functional.Image source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Hundreds of thousands of people live in Zamzam Camp – forced from their homes in a series of conflictsOne of those is the Babiker Nahar Paediatric hospital in the city of Fasher, near Zamzam Camp, which has a therapeutic feeding centre for children and intensive care treatment for the worst cases.Both wards were full on the day our cameraman visited.Babies with tubes in their noses whimpered quietly in their mothers’ arms.Amin Ahmed Ali fed her tiny son serum through a syringe – she has six-month-old twins slowly recovering from weeks of dysentery. Other children ate from packets of calorie-rich food. Dr Ezzedine Ibrahim says that the hospital was dealing with cases of malnutrition before the war, but now “the numbers have doubled”. “Every month and the next month the numbers increase, despite the fact that we in Northern Darfur we had a system, a full nutritional programme which continued but it lapsed because of the war.”This is about as good as it gets for child healthcare in Darfur, other places are even more cut off and desperate.A regional emergency worker sent us images from areas in the region that aid workers have called a “black hole” in humanitarian assistance.There is a photo of a three-year-old emaciated little girl from Kalma IDP Camp in Southern Darfur, named as Ihsan Adam Abdullah. She is said to have died last month. Another photo shows an equally wasted little boy, from Genubia Camp in Central Darfur. His mother, Fatima Mohamed Othman, recorded a video pleading for help to feed her 10 children – anything, she says, even “something small – they are living between starvation and death”.MSF is about to open a 50-bed tent hospital in Zamzam and is appealing for other international aid agencies to return to share the heavy humanitarian load. “We need a massive mobilisation of humanitarian aid to reach the population that is cut off,” says Mr Hussein, as well as access with “permits and visas to be simplified and the borders to be opened”, and respect for humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure.Without these basic conditions it will not be possible to turn the tide on this colossal crisis, and many many more children will die.More on Sudan’s civil war:Famine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapesWhat is going on in Sudan? A simple guideBBC reporter: My heartbreaking decision to leave Sudan’I saw bodies dumped in Sudan mass grave’ Related TopicsSudan crisisSudanKhartoumAround the BBCThe Global Jigsaw podacstFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished7 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished3 hours agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished2 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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Here’s how that might look9Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m10Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaErie, Pennsylvania: A swing county Biden and Trump can’t ignorePublished27 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image caption, Food displayed in Home House of ErieBy Caitriona PerryBBC News, PennsylvaniaA locked door at the back of a welcoming house opens and a long line of people, spanning the yard, move forward, each person showing a small ticket as they enter.This is the Home House of Erie, a food pantry that gives out food three mornings a week in a neighbourhood on the edge of Erie, Pennsylvania. At the back of the queue, Megan pushes her 18 month-old daughter in a pram while trying to wrangle her three-year-old twins, who are still in their pyjamas. Her five other children are at school.”I come almost every time they’re open,” says 31-year-old Megan, who is unemployed and single. “It’s a lot of good nutritious food in here.”Inside the house, which is laid out like a supermarket, she will pick up fruit, vegetables, meat, bread and other staples. While she receives food stamps and Medicaid health insurance, getting free food is a “godsend… it would be a bigger struggle if they weren’t here,” she says.Her circumstances will resonate with many Americans hit by a cost of living crisis and stubborn inflation. But here in Erie, there is extra reason for both presidential candidates to take heed. Image caption, Megan says the food pantry is a ‘godsend’ for her familyAlmost all roads to the White House go through Pennsylvania, a swing state that proved pivotal in the 2020 election. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, will campaign there on Saturday. He did so in the last election, and also held a rally here last year.President Joe Biden will spend half of next week in the state. Erie meanwhile is a key swing county that acts as a bellwether for the rest of Pennsylvania. And it is in Erie, where one in eight people are considered food insecure, that inflation is a priority election issue.Unemployment is only 4% here, close to the national average, and homelessness is relatively low, according to the mayor’s office for the city of Erie.But the food poverty is because of the price of groceries, says Kevin Nelson, the program director at Home House of Erie. Prices in Pennsylvania are rising faster than in any other state, according to Datasembly Consumer Price Index – up 8.2% in the last year and nearly 25% over the last four years. Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostBiden v Trump: The sequel few Americans want to seeIt’s official – Biden and Trump set for rematch”Supermarket prices have gone up,” he says. “Rent has gone up. Gas, electric, utilities,” he adds. “So it hits the pocket.”His organisation helps between 900 and 1,000 families a year, and Mr Nelson says the numbers are rising. Most of them have homes and jobs – just not enough income to make ends meet.Nationally, prices are stabilising, wages are rising, and unemployment is falling. But that does not translate to the lived experience of many Americans, in Erie and beyond.And those lived experiences can sway elections. That is especially the case for Erie. Mr Biden flipped Pennsylvania back to the Democrats in 2020. It was only when the state was called for him on a Saturday, days after the election, that he secured his victory over Mr Trump. In Erie, the margins were tiny. Mr Biden carried the county by only 1%. When Mr Trump won the state four years earlier, his margin in Erie was 1.5%.Struggling in the day-to-day The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania is seeing first-hand how people are struggling to cope. It sources food for pantries, delivers pre-packed boxes to those who don’t have enough to eat, and runs a backpack programme. Each Friday afternoon, they put enough food in children’s schoolbags to keep them going through the weekend. This year the bank expects to deliver around 6,000 tons of food, up from 5,200 tons last year.”During COVID, people had supplemental food stamps, and they had extra benefits that made it easier for them to stretch a dollar,” says Ms Watt. “Those sorts of things have been removed. And now people are really feeling inflation.”Ms Watt believes hunger “is a system of inequities” and so it does not matter who is the president or who is in Congress.Still, the cost of living is on almost all voters’ minds here, “although it is much lower than other places”, says Joe Schember, the Erie mayor who grew up, attended college and raised a family here. Image source, AFPImage caption, Biden supporters in Erie during the 2020 campaignTestbed for a nation”Pennsylvania goes whatever direction Erie goes,” he says. It is a slogan repeated by almost anyone who will discuss politics, which is almost anyone you meet here.Essentially a microcosm of the state, Erie has a mix of rural and urban voters, of agriculture and industry, of blue-collar workers and universities, and of religions. Candidates test out a message or policy here, see how it goes, and either change or replicate it across the state and across the nation. Joe Morris, the chairman of the Political Science Department at Mercyhurst University, gives an example of how crucial it can be for presidential campaigns to engage with local voters.”One of the things we have not forgotten here in Erie is that in 2016, Hillary Clinton did not make a stop,” he says. “She flew over us on her way to Detroit. I think that would be an enormous mistake for both Biden and Trump in this election.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Trump speaks at a rally at Erie Arena in 2023’A message to the masses’Engagement leads to voter turnout, important to any election. However, it’s an area of concern for Republicans across Pennsylvania, says the chairman of the Erie County Republican Party, Tom Eddy, because of a new state law, Act 77, that extends voting by mail.Republicans, he says, like to “go and vote on election day. And they’d like to vote by paper, so there’s no potential interference with computers. And they think… that people should show ID to vote”. He believes voting by mail helped Democrats win the most recent Senate race in Pennsylvania, and is taking it upon himself to promote it. A retired teacher, he makes online videos on Mr Trump’s policies and viewpoints.”It’s a great way to get the message out to the masses”, he says. “And it costs me almost nothing.” With seven months until the election, it is hard to foresee which way this swing county and its swing state will go, and how the cost of living will factor into votes.”I can’t see a difference right now,” says Kathy Schaff, a councilwoman. “We had hard times with President Trump and we’re still struggling with President Biden.”Related TopicsInflationUS election 2024PennsylvaniaMore on this storyUS inflation jumps as fuel and housing costs risePublished2 days agoTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished6 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished2 hours agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished11 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax3BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’4Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law7Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion8Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look9Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce10Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5mBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion for two yearsBy Frank GardnerBBC security correspondentThe former commander of Britain’s Joint Forces Command has warned that Ukraine could face defeat by Russia in 2024.General Sir Richard Barrons has told the BBC there is “a serious risk” of Ukraine losing the war this year. The reason, he says, is “because Ukraine may come to feel it can’t win”.”And when it gets to that point, why will people want to fight and die any longer, just to defend the indefensible?”Ukraine is not yet at that point. But its forces are running critically low on ammunition, troops and air defences. Its much-heralded counter-offensive last year failed to dislodge the Russians from ground they had seized and now Moscow is gearing up for a summer offensive. So what will that look like and what are its likely strategic objectives?”The shape of the Russian offensive that’s going to come is pretty clear,” says Gen Barrons. “We are seeing Russia batter away at the front line, employing a 5-to-1 advantage in artillery, ammunition, and a surplus of people reinforced by the use of newish weapons.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine is now desperately short of ammunition, in part due to political wrangling in Western nationsThese include the FAB glide bomb, an adapted Soviet-era “dumb bomb” fitted with fins, GPS guidance and 1500kg of high explosive, that is wreaking havoc on Ukrainian defences.”At some point this summer,” says Gen Barrons, “we expect to see a major Russian offensive, with the intent of doing more than smash forward with small gains to perhaps try and break through the Ukrainian lines. “And if that happens we would run the risk of Russian forces breaking through and then exploiting into areas of Ukraine where the Ukrainian armed forces cannot stop them.”But where? Last year the Russians knew exactly where Ukraine was likely to attack – from the direction of Zaporizhzhia south towards the Sea of Azov. They planned accordingly and successfully blunted Ukraine’s advance. Now the boot is on the other foot as Russia masses its troops and keeps Kyiv guessing where it is going to attack next.”One of the challenges the Ukrainians have,” says Dr Jack Watling, senior research fellow in land warfare at the Whitehall thinktank the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), “is that the Russians can choose where they commit their forces. “It’s a very long front line and the Ukrainians need to be able to defend all of it.”Which, of course, they can’t. Ukrainecast: Q&A: How can Ukraine grow its army? “The Ukrainian military will lose ground,” says Dr Watling. “The question is: how much and which population centres are going to be affected?”It is quite possible that Russia’s General Staff have yet to go firm on which direction to designate as their main effort. But it is possible to broadly break down their various options into three broad locations.Kharkiv”Kharkiv,” says Dr Watling, “is certainly vulnerable.”As Ukraine’s second city, situated perilously close to the Russian border, Kharkiv is a tempting goal for Moscow. It is currently being pummelled daily with Russian missile strikes, with Ukraine unable to field sufficient air defences to ward off the lethal mix of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles aimed in its direction. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Russia hits Kharkiv daily with drones, missiles and shelling”I think the offensive this year will have breaking out of the Donbas as its first objective,” adds Gen Barrons, “and their eye will be on Kharkiv which is 29 kilometres or so from the Russian border, a major prize.”Could Ukraine still function as a viable entity if Kharkiv were to fall? Yes, say analysts, but it would be a catastrophic blow to both its morale and its economy.The DonbasThe area of eastern Ukraine known collectively as the Donbas has been at war since 2014, when Moscow-backed separatists declared themselves “people’s republics”. In 2022 Russia illegally annexed the two Donbas oblasts, or provinces, of Donetsk and Luhansk. This is where most of the fighting on land has been taking place over the past 18 months. Ukraine has, controversially, expended enormous efforts, in both manpower and resources, in trying to hold on to first the town of Bakhmut, and then Avdiivka. It has lost both, as well as some of its best fighting troops, in the attempt. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, BBC documentary shows Ukrainian front line troops defending against a Russian attackKyiv has countered that its resistance has inflicted disproportionately high casualties on the Russians. That’s true, with the battlefield in these places being dubbed “the meat grinder”. But Moscow has plenty more troops to thrown into the fight – and Ukraine doesn’t. This week the Commander of US Forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, warned that unless the US rushes significantly more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine then its forces will be outgunned on the battlefield by 10 to 1.Mass matters. The Russian army’s tactics, leadership and equipment may be inferior to Ukraine’s, but it has such superiority in numbers, especially artillery, that if it does nothing else this year, its default option will be to keep pushing Ukraine’s forces back in a westward direction, taking village after village.ZaporizhzhiaThis, too, is a tempting prize for Moscow. The southern Ukrainian city of more than 700,000 (in peacetime) sits dangerously close to the Russian front lines.It is also something of a thorn in Russia’s side given that it is the capital of an oblast of the same name that Russia has illegally annexed, and yet the city is still living freely in Ukrainian hands.But the formidable defences that Russia built south of Zaporizhzhia last year, in the correct expectation of a Ukrainian attack, would now complicate a Russian advance from there. The so-called Surovikin Line, consisting of triple layers of defences, is laced with the largest, most densely packed minefield in the world. Russia could partially dismantle this but its preparations would likely be detected. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine is now one of the most heavily mined places in the worldRussia’s strategic objective this year may not even be territorial. It could simply be to crush Ukraine’s fighting spirit and convince its Western backers that this war is a lost cause. Dr Jack Watling believes the Russian objective is “to try to generate a sense of hopelessness. “This [Russian] offensive will not decisively end the conflict, irrespective of how it goes for either side.”Gen Barrons is also sceptical that, despite the dire situation Ukraine now finds itself in, Russia will automatically drive home its advantage with a decisive advance. “I think the most likely outcome is that Russia will have made gains, but will not have managed to break through. “It will not have forces that are big enough or good enough to punch all the way through to the river [Dnipro]… But the war will have turned in Russia’s favour.”One thing is certain: Russia’s President Putin has no intention of giving up on his assault on Ukraine. He’s like a poker player gambling all his chips on a win. He’s counting on the West failing to supply Ukraine with the sufficient means to defend itself. Despite all the Nato summits, all the conferences and all the stirring speeches, there is a chance he may be right. Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished5 days agoUkrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line mission. Video, 00:01:34Ukrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line missionPublished25 March1:34Why Macron went from dove to hawk on RussiaPublished16 MarchTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished4 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished51 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished10 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’How a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax2Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law6’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel7Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’8Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion9Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m10Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli diesBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDonald Trump backs Mike Johnson after Mar-a-Lago meetingPublished40 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hard-line Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene have accused Mr Johnson of pandering to DemocratsBy Anthony Zurcher in Washington and Nadine YousifBBC NewsRepublican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said he would push for legislation that would require voters to prove they are US citizens after meeting Donald Trump on Friday.It was their first public meeting since Mr Johnson became speaker in November.It comes as some members of Mr Johnson’s party are calling for him to be removed from his leadership post.But the former president says he believes the speaker is doing a “very good job”.House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to remove Mr Johnson three weeks ago. Ms Greene accused the speaker of aligning with Democrats on the issue of Ukraine aid.”We’re getting along very well with the speaker and I get along very well with Marjorie,” Mr Trump said after the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “It’s not an easy situation for any speaker, I think he’s doing a very good job and he’s doing about as good as you’re going to do.”Mr Trump began his remarks by attacking President Biden over the issue of immigration, which Mr Johnson linked to the declared subject of the meeting, “election integrity”. Mr Trump has continued to attribute his 2020 presidential defeat to ballot fraud, but he has provided no evidence to substantiate his claims, which have been rejected by courts and elections officials from both parties.At the news conference Friday, Mr Johnson said he would push forward with a bill that would require voters to prove that they are US citizens and require states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls.The speaker alleged that Democrats “want to turn these people into voters” and suggested, without listing evidence, that immigrants were being pushed to register to vote by local welfare benefit offices. Non-citizens are barred from voting in US federal elections, and studies including from the conservative Heritage Foundation have found that cases of immigrants illegally voting are extremely rare.”We’re going to introduce legislation to require that everyone who registers to vote in an election must prove that they are a US citizen,” Mr Johnson said, although he stopped short of claiming that illegal voting by immigrants was a major ongoing problem. “We cannot wait for widespread fraud to occur,” he said.Who is the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson?The former president’s endorsement came at a politically fraught time for the speaker, who is facing Ms Greene’s efforts to push him out of his job. In a letter written on Tuesday to her Republican colleagues, Ms Greene warned that she will not tolerate Mr Johnson “serving the Democrats and the Biden administration” over his own party “and helping them achieve their policies”. She has accused him of helping Democrats to pass spending legislation, but his recent effort to provide Ukraine more military aid appeared to spark her objection. On 22 March, she filed her motion to remove Mr Johnson, saying that he had “betrayed” Republicans. But she has not yet indicated if or when she plans to force real action on the motion – in the form of a floor vote. Mr Trump and his campaign will want to avoid another chaotic leadership battle among Republicans in the House of Representatives before the US presidential election in November. Polling showed that the fight in October undermined voters’ confidence in the party. Mr Trump derailed the speaker’s effort to renew a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act earlier this week, but a revised bill passed the House earlier Friday.The law allows agencies to collect foreign intelligence on US soil, if a special court agrees. Mr Trump said he was “not a fan” of the legislation but noted that the bill had been amended to require re-approval in two years. The speaker is also planning to bring a Ukraine military aid bill to a vote next week, months after existing aid funding lapsed.When asked about the issue, Mr Trump said: “We’re looking at it right now, and they’re talking about it, and we’re thinking making it in the form of a form of a loan instead of a gift.”He claimed, as he has repeatedly in the past, that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the current conflict in the Middle East would not have happened if he was still in the White House.Related TopicsRepublican PartyDonald TrumpUS politicsUnited StatesMore on this storyMarjorie Taylor Greene wants Speaker Mike Johnson outPublished22 MarchRepublican leader makes fresh push for Ukraine aidPublished2 AprilThe next US Speaker will inherit a poisoned chalicePublished4 October 2023Top StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished3 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished2 hours agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished9 hours agoFeaturesHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion7Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m8Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10Kingsmills massacre a planned IRA attack – inquestBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaAadujeevitham: The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitation of workersPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AadujeevithamImage caption, Aadujeevitham tells the story of an Indian emigrant to Saudi Arabia, who goes missing and is forced into slave-like labourBy Meryl SebastianBBC News, KochiA Malayalam-language film that depicts the plight of impoverished Indians seeking jobs in the Middle East has been drawing throngs to cinemas.Aadujeevitham (Goat Life), adapted from the bestselling 2008 Malayalam book, stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Najeeb, an Indian immigrant in Saudi Arabia who is kidnapped and forced into slave-like labour as a goat herder in the desert. The story is inspired by the real-life ordeal of a man with the same name, who was abducted in the country in the 1990s and managed to escape after two years.Written as a gripping thriller, the book has become a cultural cornerstone in the southern Kerala state, with its 250th edition released this year. Its widespread acclaim had sparked a conversation on the harsh realities of migrant life in the Gulf.The three-hour film has also done exceedingly well, grossing over 870 million rupees (£8.23m, $10.4m) worldwide in the first week of its release. Critics have called it a “stunning survival drama” and a much awaited “cinematic portrayal of brutal struggle”. Aadujeevitham shows Najeeb isolated from the world, alone with his master and his animals, facing extreme heat in a harsh desert, miles away from the nearest road, with no access to a phone, paper or pen to write with, and no one to call a friend. He drinks water from the same trough as his animals.Image source, AadujeevithamImage caption, The film is inspired by the real-life ordeal of a man, who was abducted in Saudi Arabia”Please let me go back,” he pleads in a a heart-wrenching scene, tears streaming down his face as he recounts selling everything and leaving his family behind, all in pursuit of a promised job. His words in Malayalam mean nothing to his boss, who only speaks Arabic.Among the 2.1 million people from Kerala living abroad, nearly 90% migrated to the Gulf countries, drawn by the state’s longstanding relationship spanning over five decades with nations such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Peninsula.Many of these workers from impoverished families have toiled under the kafala system in these countries, where their stay and mobility are controlled by their sponsor, leaving them susceptible to abuse and exploitation. The pay the workers have sent back to Kerala has powered its economy – a government think tank index showed that the state has the lowest poverty rate in India.Much has been written about the oppressive working conditions in the Gulf countries. “Your passport is taken away, you cannot return, you are constantly under the threat of death,” says Mohamed Shafeeq Karinkurayil of Manipal Centre for Humanities, who has researched labour migration. In a conversation on YouTube, Najeeb, on whose life the book and the film are based, says he could never return to the places described in the story. Image source, AadujeevithamImage caption, The film has grossed over 870 million rupees (£8.23m, $10.4m) worldwide in the first week of its release”I had left [Kerala] in 1991 with a lot of dreams. The experiences I had there, the horrible master and the life among goats – I lost my self-consciousness, I lost my mind,” he says. In 2008, film director Blessy acquired the rights to adapt the book. Sukumaran told the BBC that he believed he knew everything about the book when the director handed him a copy next year.”I knew all the events in the story. That was how much people were talking about it, especially in the film industry. Even then, it blew me away.””A standout feature of this story is this diffusion of identities between man and animal – this one man slowly losing his identity as a species, as a human, and becoming one among the animals. I had never read anything like it.”In the film, Najeeb gradually stops speaking in Malayalam, only making guttural sounds like the animals he tends to. From time to time, he dips into a jar of mango pickle he’d brought from home for a taste of comfort.After a 16-year wait, Aadujeevitham hit screens, overcoming obstacles like high costs, production setbacks, and the pandemic, with the director investing his savings to make the filmBlessy, who called the film a passion project, said he chose to adapt just 43 pages from the novel “to capture the essence”. On the weekend of its release, people either talked about having watched the film or booking tickets to watch it. YouTube channels showed people leaving the cinema in tears, with many saying it was an extraordinarily emotional experience. “I know the story well but almost felt like I shouldn’t have watched the film – that’s how painful it was,” one woman said.Read more India stories from the BBC:Top India airline to cut flights amid crew protestsThe unprecedented booing of an Indian cricket starIndia opposition MP gets bail in corruption caseTiny Sri Lankan island sparks political row in IndiaWhat will happen to the 21 sailors stranded on the Dali? Related TopicsAsiaIndiaMigrationTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished2 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished1 hour agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished8 hours agoFeaturesHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?What is GDP and how does it affect me?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Billionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football club3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m7Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies8Man jailed for life for rugby player murder9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10MoD official took £70,000 in secret paymentsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityEnglandLocal NewsRegionsBeds, Herts & BucksBillionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football clubImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss will become co-owners of the clubDanny FullbrookBBC News, BedfordshirePublished12 April 2024, 20:29 BSTUpdated 1 hour agoA non-league football club has received an injection of $4.5m (about £3.6m) from a pair of cryptocurrency investors.Real Bedford FC (RBFC) received the Bitcoin investment from Winklevoss Capital, an investment firm owned by Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.Podcaster Peter McCormack bought the side, currently in the ninth tier of English football, in 2021 with the goal of turning it into a Premier League club.Following the investment the twins will assume the role of co-owners of the club alongside the cryptocurrency podcaster.Image caption, Peter McCormack bought Bedford FC in 2021 and renamed it Real BedfordAnalysis: Shiona McCallum, BBC Senior Technology ReporterThe Winklevoss brothers are pretty familiar with controversy. They famously accused Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg of stealing the idea for his site from them when they were all at Harvard together.Following a lengthy lawsuit, eventually the twins received a settlement that included a whopping $20m (£16m) in cash and shares in the company.You might remember it all playing out in the 2010 Oscar-winning film The Social Network. Well, since then the pair have been carrying the flag for cryptocurrencies, and are two of the world’s first well-known Bitcoin billionaires.Not only do Tyler and Cameron own an enormous number of Bitcoins, they also built a crypto exchange called Gemini which is, essentially, a stock exchange for crypto coins.But that endeavour hasn’t been plain sailing, either; just this year they were ordered to return more than $1bn (£800m) to customers due to a defunct lending programme and pay a large fine for unsafe and unsound practices.It’ll be interesting to see how their fortunes fare when it comes to football but it’s really not a bad time for Bitcoin right now. Its value has risen to an all-time high in recent weeks.’Investing in a dream’Gemini started its sponsorship of the club in January 2022.The investment will be used for the development of a new training centre, the launch of a football academy for new talent and to continue supporting girls and youth football.The club said the funds would also be used to establish “a Bitcoin treasury to secure the club’s long-term ambitions”.Tyler Winklevoss said he was excited to work alongside Mr McCormack as a co-owner.“We share in Peter’s deep conviction in Bitcoin and its ability to supercharge RBFC’s quest to make it into the Premier League,” he said.His brother added: “We’re not just investing in a football club. We’re investing in a dream to bring Premier League football to Bedford.”RBFC currently sit at the top of the Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division.Mr McCormack said: “The backing from Tyler and Cameron will allow us to continue investing in Bedford and the local community.”Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830Related TopicsBedfordBitcoinCryptocurrencyRelated Internet LinksReal Bedford Football ClubMore about Real Bedford’People don’t like football teams being successful’AttributionSportPublished24 August 2022Non-league club has gone global, says new ownerPublished21 January 2022From other local news sitesHere’s the reason Police helicopter flew over Letchworth and surrounding areas for several hours on Thursday eveningExternalLetchworth Nub NewsChesham vape shop and off-licence sparks complaintsExternalBucks Free PressThames Water sewage flow into Chesham’s River Chess lasts 1,000 hours – and countingExternalBucks Free PressMan shot at police sent to arrest him over plot to import cannabis from AmericaExternalTimes SeriesFour jailed for shooting girls, 7 and 11, outside Euston funeralExternalTimes SeriesPolice helicopter involved in Hitchin search for Arlesey shooting suspectExternalHitchin CometInformation about BBC links to other news sitesTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished1 hour ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished21 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished7 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?What is GDP and how does it affect me?Sum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsloading elsewhere storiesMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Billionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football club3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m7Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies8Man jailed for life for rugby player murder9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10MoD official took £70,000 in secret paymentsBBC – 504: Gateway TimeoutBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaHear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Hear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateCloseThe Arizona Supreme Court recently reinstated a near-total abortion ban from 1864, which makes performing an abortion punishable by two to five years in prison, except when the mother’s life is at risk.The BBC spoke to Katarina White, from Arizona Right to Life and Karen Moscato, from the Indivisible Project, on what’s next for those on either side of the debate.Video by Anahita Sachdev and César Rojas AngelSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWhy these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished4 hours ago1:25Up Next. Shouts of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar on abortion. Video, 00:00:53Shouts of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar on abortionSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day agoUp Next0:53Moment Texas judge grants woman’s abortion request. Video, 00:00:42Moment Texas judge grants woman’s abortion requestSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished7 December 20230:42Editor’s recommendationsDoctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours ago4:06Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished8 hours ago0:58Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished1 day ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. Video, 00:00:56How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfoldedSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:56Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikes. Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chase. Video, 00:00:46Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chaseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:46Bird mimicking police siren confuses officers. Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished1 day ago0:36Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel Tower. Video, 00:00:45Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel TowerSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:45King Charles sees new banknotes with his image on. Video, 00:00:55King Charles sees new banknotes with his image onSubsectionUKPublished3 days ago0:55BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussian troops arrive in Niger as military agreement beginsPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSahel Islamist insurgencyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Niger is among the countries in the Sahel region to have strengthened military ties with RussiaBy Chris Ewokor in Abuja & Kathryn Armstrong in LondonBBC NewsDozens of Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country’s junta, which has cut links with the West. State media reported that they arrived along with a state-of-the-art air defence system.They are expected to install the system and teach Niger’s army how to use it. The West African country is one several in the Sahel region ruled by military authorities to have recently strengthened ties with Russia.A spokesperson for Niger’s military government on Friday said the Russians were in the country to train soldiers. Africa Live: Updates on this and other storiesHow Russia has rebranded Wagner in Africa ‘France takes us for idiots’ – Inside coup-hit NigerThe Russian Defence Ministry’s paramilitary group Africa Corps, also known as the Russian Expeditionary Corps (REK), wrote on Telegram that this was the first group of servicemen and volunteers to go to Niger.In an attached video, a serviceman of the corps said in French that they were there to “develop military cooperation” between the countries and had brought “various special military equipment” to help with training.Footage of the Russian instructors unloading a cargo plane full of equipment was broadcast on Niger’s state television. Ulf Laessing, a specialist in the Sahel region for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which promotes democracy, told the BBC World Service’s Newsday programme that the military supplies appeared to be part of a “regime survival package”. Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown last year by the junta, which has since cut military and diplomatic ties with France – the former colonial power – and revoked an agreement with the US. The European Union suspended its security cooperation with the country in the wake of the coup. Mr Laessing said the military government was still concerned about some form of physical interference in Niger by the political and economic alliance of West African states, known as Ecowas. He added that this is probably the reason for the supply of a Russian air defence system, rather than to help suppress Islamist fighters. “I don’t have any other explanations because jihadists don’t have planes,” Mr Laessing said. Kabir Adamu, of the intelligence organisation Beacon Security, said Niger was moving closer to countries outside the Western bloc including Russia, China and Iran. He said he feared the alliance with Russia could encourage the junta to further delay a return to civilian rule, as has happened in neighbouring Mali.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Supporters of Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, took to the streets of Niamey in September after the coupAbdel-Fatau Musa, Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, noted that Niger was following in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso – the three countries have formed a military alliance.Niger had already been suspended from Ecowas – which has been urging the country to return to democratic rule along with Burkina Faso and Mali – but in January, the junta-led countries announced they would quit the bloc.He expressed fears of a long period of conflict in the Sahel region.”Our position is clear. We shall hold the country of origin responsible for any egregious human rights violations. “We urge countries in the region not to facilitate another cycle of proxy wars in Africa,” Mr Musa told the BBC, although he said sovereign states had a right to choose their international partners.Niger has been facing increased violence by the Islamic State group, as well as the continuing threat of Boko Haram militants along its border with Nigeria. Earlier this week, at least six soldiers were killed in a blast in the Tillabery region near the border with Mali. Niger’s defence ministry, which confirmed the attack, said an army patrol vehicle hit a landmine near the south-western village of Tingara earlier this week, killing some of the soldiers. Others were wounded and were taken to hospital. The ministry said it had carried out an air strike to neutralise those responsible for planting the homemade landmine.While the military government cited worsening insecurity in Niger as the reason for the coup, reports indicate that insurgents have continued to carry out attacks in parts of the country – almost on a monthly basis – especially in the Tillabery region.You may also be interested in:Inside Wagner’s African ‘success story’Why young Africans are celebrating military takeoversIs France to blame for coups in West Africa?Related TopicsRussiaSahel Islamist insurgencyNigerAfricaAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished20 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished4 hours agoScientists discover cause of brightest-ever burst of lightPublished9 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law3Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m4UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone5Kingsmills massacre a planned IRA attack – inquest6Ex-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ email7Threat of Iran attack on Israel is ‘real’ – US8MoD official took £70,000 in secret payments9Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold10Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUK doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.UK doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalCloseA British surgeon who recently returned from Gaza has told the BBC how she was struck by the high number of wounded children she operated on.Dr Victoria Rose said a “huge amount” of her work was on children under 16, including many under six.Over 76,000 Gazans – mainly civilians – have been injured by Israel over the course of the war, the Hamas-run health ministry says, while 33,000 people have been killed.The war was sparked by Hamas attacking Israeli communities near Gaza last October, killing about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking about 250 hostages to Gaza.’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children – UK doctorSubsectionMiddle EastPublished7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreDoctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished7 minutes ago4:06Up Next. Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosque. Video, 00:00:39Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosqueSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days agoUp Next0:39’I queue to get food for my family but there’s not enough’ Video, 00:03:07’I queue to get food for my family but there’s not enough’SectionNewsroundPublished2 days ago3:07Largest coalition Gaza aid drop since start of war. Video, 00:00:32Largest coalition Gaza aid drop since start of warSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days ago0:32Editor’s recommendationsWhy these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished2 hours ago1:25Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished6 hours ago0:58Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished22 hours ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. Video, 00:00:56How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfoldedSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:56Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikes. Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chase. Video, 00:00:46Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chaseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:46Bird mimicking police siren confuses officers. Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished1 day ago0:36Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel Tower. Video, 00:00:45Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel TowerSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:45King Charles sees new banknotes with his image on. Video, 00:00:55King Charles sees new banknotes with his image onSubsectionUKPublished3 days ago0:55BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaGermany eases gender change rulesPublished6 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Adults in Germany will now be able to declare a change to male, female or diverseBy Jessica ParkerBerlin correspondentThe German parliament has passed a law making it easier for citizens and residents to legally change gender.It’s also introducing hefty fines – in specific circumstances – for disclosing someone’s prior registered name or gender without consent.Previously, changing your registered gender required a doctor’s certificate and the approval of a family court.Now over-18s can change to male, female or diverse, a third gender option that already exists under German law.Three months on from a request for such a change, applicants will then have to appear at a registry office in person.You can also request that no details regarding your gender are registered at all.The intentional and harmful disclosure of someone’s prior name or legal gender could attract a fine of up to €10,000.However, there are exceptions – for example if it’s a legal requirement due to court proceedings or police investigations.First names will need to represent the new legal gender – so a male entry requires a recognised male first name while a female entry requires a recognised female first name.Fourteen- to 18-year-olds will need the consent of parents or legal guardians, while under-14s will need their parents or legal guardians to make the declaration.No further change or reversion can be made within 12 months of an application being granted.The law allows for those operating spaces – such as women’s gyms and changing rooms – to still decide who has access to them.Applications from male to female or to diverse, made less than two months prior to a national defence emergency, will be put on hold.The new rules will come into effect on 1 November having been promised in the “traffic light” coalition agreement.Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “We show respect to trans, intersex and non-binary people – without taking anything away from others. This is how we continue to drive the modernisation of our country. This includes recognising realities of life and making them possible by law.”Nyke Slawik, from the Greens – who is transgender – said it was a “first step” towards a society which allows self-determination for trans people.Conservatives and the far-right AfD were among those to speak out against the plans with warnings the legislation could be misused.Concerns were also voiced about the impact on young people. “Minors, without proper consultation, could choose a path they might regret later on,” said the CDU’s Mareike Wulf.The Self-Determination Act was passed with 374 ayes to 251 no’s and 11 abstentions.Related TopicsGermanyLGBTTransgender peopleMore on this storyKim Petras on sexual liberation and fighting TikTokPublished25 FebruaryWhat does trans mean and what is the Cass review?Published2 days agoEuphoria star wants to stop playing trans rolesPublished3 AprilTrans treatment waiting list a ‘death sentence’Published20 MarchTop StoriesLive. 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Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone3Police investigate Rayner over council house sale4Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to5Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m6Netanyahu meets officials as Iran attack fears grow7Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold8Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands9Bluey producer confirms the series is returning10’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecastsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children, says UK doctorPublished28 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, SuppliedImage caption, Dr Victoria Rose and a colleague were in the European Gaza hospital near Khan Younis in late MarchA British surgeon who recently returned from Gaza has told the BBC how she was struck by the high number of wounded children she operated on.Dr Victoria Rose said a “huge amount” of her work was on children under 16, including many under six.She said she had treated people with bullet wounds, burns and other injuries. She added the lack of food available in Gaza meant patients were not strong enough to heal properly.Over 76,000 Gazans – mainly civilians – have been injured by Israel over the course of the war, the Hamas-run health ministry says, while 33,000 people have been killed. The war was sparked by Hamas attacking Israeli communities near Gaza last October, killing about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking about 250 hostages to Gaza. Dr Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon, spent two weeks from late March at the European Hospital near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.The “most shocking bit” was that during the trip she only operated on one person who at 53 was older than her, she told the BBC’s Today programme. “Everybody else was younger than me. A huge amount of my work was under-16s. Quite a worrying proportion of my work was six and under.”Dr Rose was carrying out reconstructive surgery on people who had been wounded.”It was burns, shrapnel injuries, removing foreign bodies from tissue, reconstructing defects in faces, removing bullets from jaws, that kind of thing,” she said.The lack of food in Gaza – where the UN has warned of imminent famine – also meant many sick and injured people were not strong enough to fight off infection or heal properly from their wounds, she added.”The people on my operating table were undernourished. A lot of them were cachectic,” she said, referring to people experiencing extreme weight loss and muscle wasting.”When we were looking at some of our patients who were not doing so well, there was a lot more infection than I’ve ever seen anywhere else. “A lot of people’s protein levels were in their boots, their haemoglobin levels were down. They are just not getting any nutrients, any vitamins or minerals.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Many of those brought to the hospital after Israeli bombardments are already deadDr Graeme Groom, another doctor who was in Khan Younis, said the sound of bombing, tank fire and small arms fire was louder than during a previous wartime visit. At the time he and Dr Rose were working there, the Israeli military was still in Khan Younis. It pulled out most of its forces earlier this week.”As [the bombing] became closer it was a very short time before we saw the effects of the bombing,” he said.”Just walking past the emergency department, for example, a pick up truck filled with distraught people backed up to the door with a pile of entwined corpses, followed by a line of cars with more bodies in the boots.”The European hospital – one of very few still operating in the territory – is also home to large numbers of displaced people, some of whom are camping out in hospital corridors.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Conditions in the hospital grounds are unsanitary, with sewage collecting near tentsBut those who have set up makeshift tents on nearby open ground were being forced to move by the need for space for fresh graves, Dr Groom said.”Now there is a huge and spreading cemetery so that the graves of the newly dead are now displacing the shelters of the barely-living,” he said.On Friday Rik Peeperkorn from the World Health Organization (WHO) said three other hospitals in Khan Younis – Nasser, al-Aqsa and al-Khair were completely non-functional after being the focus of fighting, while some basic services were being offered at al-Amal hospital despite “immense structural destruction”.Nasser, the main hospital in southern Gaza, has been out of use since Israeli forces raided it in February. Gaza’s biggest hospital, al-Shifa in Gaza City, was largely destroyed during a two-week Israeli military raid last month.Speaking after a visit to Khan Younis following the Israeli withdrawal, Mr Peeperkorn said the destruction in the city was “disproportionate to anything one can imagine. No building or road is intact, there is only rubble and dirt”.Israel imposed a siege on Gaza after the Hamas attack, with severe limitations on the amounts of food, water and other necessities allowed to enter the strip. It has since allowed some aid to enter Gaza, but the UN says a number of children have died from malnutrition in northern Gaza, which has been cut off from most aid, and famine is imminent there.Israel has denied impeding the flow of aid into Gaza or within the territory. After the Israeli military killed seven aid workers earlier this month, it agreed to open up new routes and allow more aid in, including to northern Gaza. On Friday the Israeli military said the first food trucks had entered northern Gaza through a new crossing point.White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Israel was meeting its commitment to open up additional vehicle crossings to Gaza for aid, but it was not enough and the US was continuing to press Israeli officials to do more.What is famine and why are Gaza and Sudan at risk?Biden pressure on Israel not enough, say dissenting US officialsRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warPalestinian territoriesHumanitarian aidMore on this storyGazans return to devastation in Khan YounisPublished3 days agoBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingPublished22 hours agoInside IDF’s detailed briefing on aid convoy attackPublished7 days agoTop StoriesLive. I wasn’t aware Royal Mail was involved in prosecutions, says CrozierPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished3 hours agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands of pounds of benefitsPublished9 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Police investigate Rayner over council house sale3Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to4UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone5Netanyahu meets officials as Iran attack fears grow6Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold7’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts8Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands9Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born10’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children – UK doctorBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNetanyahu meets top officials as fears of Iran attack on Israel growPublished12 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be meeting with top officials over a possible Iran attackBy Kathryn ArmstrongBBC NewsIsrael’s prime minister is to meet top officials to prepare for a possible attack by Iran, local media report.Tensions are high over the possibility that Tehran will retaliate for an air strike that killed senior Iranian commanders nearly two weeks ago. Several countries have now warned their citizens about travelling in both countries.US officials have told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that a major attack on Israel could happen imminently. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet members of his war cabinet, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and opposition figure Benny Gantz. One US official CBS spoke to warned Iran could use more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and possibly ballistic missiles. These would reportedly be aimed at military targets in Israel in a strike the size of which Israel would find “challenging” to defend against. The official added that there was still a possibility Iran could decide to hold back. A second source also confirmed to CBS that an Iranian action could happen on Friday. They put the number of cruise missiles that could be used by Iran to attack Israel at 150 and said the planned scale of the attack had grown in recent days – reportedly to make sure that at least some of the drones and missiles would get through Israeli air defence systems.How might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?Why are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?The comments come after the US earlier warned that such a strike was imminent.President Joe Biden has already promised Israel his country’s “ironclad” support in the event of an Iranian attack. The mounting tensions have led counties including the US, UK, India and Australia to issue travel warnings. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, but is widely considered to have carried it outThirteen people were killed in the 1 April missile strike on an Iranian consulate building next to its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus.They included senior Iranian military leaders, among them Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but is widely considered to have carried it out.The current war was sparked when Hamas attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, killing about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking more than 250 hostage. Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead.More than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says.The conflict has also seen Israel trade almost daily fire across its northern border with the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, while Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen have attempted to hit Israeli territory as well as US bases in Iraq and Syria. Yemen’s Houthi movement has also attacked shipping in the Red Sea, sinking at least one ship and prompting the US and UK to launch missiles against the group.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyUS restricts travel for diplomats in IsraelPublished2 hours agoIsrael ‘can handle’ threat from Iran, says militaryPublished4 days agoGPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threatPublished4 AprilTop StoriesLive. I wasn’t aware Royal Mail was involved in prosecutions, says CrozierPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished2 hours agoNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished4 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts7Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands8Concerns over TV show farm tenancy9Star Trek’s Scotty played by a Scot for first time10Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussia Kazakhstan floods: High water levels swamp Orenburg housesPublished16 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, EPAImage caption, More than 10,000 people have been evacuated in OrenburgBy Robert GreenallBBC NewsFloods in the Russian city of Orenburg have raised water levels to two metres above critical, leaving just the roofs of some houses showing.The city’s mayor urged many residents to leave home, as sirens sounded.Levels in Orenburg are likely to peak on Friday, but floods are expected to spread through neighbouring regions over the coming days and weeks.Kazakhstan has also been badly affected, with 100,000 people evacuated from their homes in the last week.The flooding is being described as the worst to hit the region in 80 years.Last week, several rivers – including the Ural, Europe’s third-largest – burst their banks. A number flow back and forth between Russia and Kazakhstan.High seasonal temperatures have led to rapidly melting snow and ice, compounded by heavy rains.The Ural river reached 11.43m (37ft) in Orenburg on Friday. Authorities say that more than 10,000 people have been evacuated there, and 11,700 homes have been flooded.Mayor Sergei Salmin has called for further mass evacuations in some districts.”Leave your homes immediately. The situation is critical, don’t waste time!” he said on his Telegram channel, adding that the sirens being heard in the city were not an exercise.The city has a population of half a million and is about 1,500km (930 miles) south-east of Moscow. Water levels have fallen in Orsk, further east and upstream of Orenburg. Orsk was badly affected last weekend after a dam burst and saw rare public protests against low compensation offers and perceived failures by local authorities to save the dam..flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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From Orenburg the Ural flows through northwest Kazakhstan and into the Caspian Sea. The Ishim and Tobol rivers are also reaching dangerous levels, and are only predicted to peak around 23-24 April.Floodwaters are threatening a whole swathe of northern Kazakhstan and many dams and reservoirs there are filled to capacity.In Petropavl on the Ishim river, in North Kazakhstan region, a local reservoir was threatening to overflow, potentially flooding a major road between two Russian cities – Chelyabinsk and Novosibirsk.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Some 100,000 people have been evacuated in northern KazakhstanMeanwhile the Russian village of Kaminskoye has been evacuated after levels in the Tobol rose 1.4m overnight, regional governor Vadim Shumkov said.Kurgan, the regional capital and city of 300,000, lies downstream and is also thought to be at risk.Mr Shumkov said a dam near the city was being reinforced.States of emergency have been declared in Kurgan region and in neighbouring Tyumen, in western Siberia.Flooding often happens in this part of the Eurasian landmass when winter transitions to spring, but there has been nothing on this scale in living memory.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Drone shows Russian cities hit by record floodingRelated TopicsKazakhstanFloodsRussiaMore on this storyFloods surge to critical levels in southern RussiaPublished1 day ago’Worst floods in decades’ hit Kazakhstan and RussiaPublished4 days agoThousands evacuated as dam burst worsens Russia floodsPublished6 days agoThousands forced to evacuate after Russian dam burstsPublished6 days agoTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought prosecutions, ex-boss tells inquiryPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished1 hour agoNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished3 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands7’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts8Concerns over TV show farm tenancy9Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups10Star Trek’s Scotty played by a Scot for first timeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaIndia election 2024: When are they, why do they matter and who can vote?Published21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndia elections 2024Image source, R. SATISH BABU / Getty ImagesIndia’s 2024 general election – to be held over six weeks between 19 April and 1 June – will be the biggest the world has ever seen.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping to win a third successive term, but opposition parties say Indians face the loss of many freedoms if he stays in power.Which parties are standing against Narendra Modi’s BJP? Recent opinion polls suggest Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will win the election for the Lok Sabha – the lower chamber of India’s parliament – for a third time running.The Lok Sabha chooses the prime minister, who in turns chooses government ministers.In the 2019 election the BJP won 303 seats, and the coalition of parties it is in, the National Democratic Alliance, took 352 seats overall.The Hindu foot soldier who became prime ministerThe main challenge in 2024 comes from a coalition of political parties headed by the Indian National Congress, the biggest opposition party.More than two dozen parties have joined it to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (“India” for short). Key politicians in this group include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, as well as siblings Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, whose father was the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Their mother, Sonia Gandhi, is a powerful opposition leader but is not expected to campaign as hard as she did in 2019. Delhi’s governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is part of the coalition, along with several important regional parties. Three AAP leaders have been recently arrested, accused of corruption. The party accuses Mr Modi and the BJP of conducting a political vendetta against it, which the BJP denies.’Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy India opposition leader Kejriwal to remain in jailIndia’s opposition challenge to Modi may be implodingWhat are the key issues and why does the India general election matter?Mr Modi can claim India’s global standing has risen thanks to its growing economy and closer relations with the US, which wants India to be its ally against China.He has recently introduced generous welfare schemes, such as providing free grain to 800 million of India’s poorest, and a monthly stipend of 1,250 rupees ($16; £12) to women from low-income families. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Rahul Gandhi is one of the leaders of the “India” coalition of parties challenging the BJPIn its manifesto Congress argues that unemployment remains high, especially for young people. And it promises increased welfare payments for women, three million extra government jobs and more apprenticeships for college leavers.It also promises that it will stop India’s “slide into autocracy”.Minority groups say that they often face discrimination and attacks, and have been forced to live as “second-class” citizens under Mr Modi’s rule – an allegation the BJP denies. The campaign group for international civil liberties, Freedom House, says that journalists and others who question the BJP government have increasingly been harassed. It classifies India as only “partly free”.BBC splits news operation in India ‘Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy What are the dates of the polling days, and why does voting take so long?Voting is taking place in different parts of India on seven polling days: 19 April, 26 April, 7 May, 13 May, 20 May, 25 May and 1 June.The results will be announced on 4 June.Voting is staggered to enable security staff to guard polling stations across the country.Millions of electronic voting machines will be used, which let people choose between candidates or pick “none of the above”.Who can vote in elections for the Lok Sabha?India is the world’s most populous country, with 1.4 billion inhabitants, and 969 million of them can vote in this year’s election – roughly one in eight of the global population.Voters must be Indian citizens, 18 years of age or older and be on the electoral register. They also need valid voter ID cards.A simple guide to India’s general election Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, 969 million people are eligible to vote in India’s 2024 general electionThe 13.4 million Indian citizens who live abroad can also vote, but must register and return to India to do so. There are 543 elected MPs in the Lok Sabha, and an individual party or coalition needs at least 272 seats to form a majority to govern. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a five-year term to represent a single constituency, the winner being the candidate with the most votes.There are 131 seats reserved for MPs from so-called “scheduled castes” and “scheduled tribes”. These are groups officially recognised as disadvantaged, and make up about a quarter of India’s population.India has also passed a law to allocate a third of the seats to women, but this will not come into force for several years.How are all the votes collected across India?.flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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India is 1.3 million sq miles (3.3 million sq km) in area, and electoral rules say there must be a polling booth close to every human habitation.The 2019 elections had a polling booth in a remote forest area of the Gir National Park in Gujarat for the one man living there.In the 2024 elections, officials will trek 24 miles (39km) to a village in Arunachal Pradesh state in north-east India, to collect the vote of a single female voter.Related TopicsIndia elections 2024Narendra ModiIndiaTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought prosecutions, ex-boss tells inquiryNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished2 hours agoPolice investigate Angela Rayner over electoral law claimsPublished8 minutes agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCLet’s banish complicated toilet flushesPaul Merton talks to Hannah Fry to find out what she would send to Room 101AttributionSoundsReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsRemembering an alternative rock legend6 Music reflects on the influences and work of Kurt Cobain, 30 years after his passingAttributionSoundsThe man who entertained the UK for eight decadesPolitical writer and broadcaster Steve Richards reminisces on the genius of Bruce ForsythAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands7Concerns over TV show farm tenancy8Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups9’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts10GDP rises in February increasing hopes UK is out of recessionBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireCloseFive years after a devastating fire at the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, video shows the progress of renovation work.The 850-year-old Gothic building’s spire and roof collapsed in April 2019 but the main structure, including the two bell towers, were saved.SubsectionEuropePublished18 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished18 minutes ago0:58Up Next. US carpenter helps rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral. Video, 00:01:02US carpenter helps rebuild Notre Dame CathedralSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 June 2023Up Next1:02Notre-Dame Cathedral on track to reopen in 2024. Video, 00:01:03Notre-Dame Cathedral on track to reopen in 2024SubsectionEuropePublished28 July 20221:03Rebuilding Notre-Dame… with 1,000 oak trees. Video, 00:02:44Rebuilding Notre-Dame… with 1,000 oak treesSubsectionEuropePublished15 April 20212:44President Macron visits Notre Dame two years after fire. Video, 00:00:53President Macron visits Notre Dame two years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished15 April 20210:53Editor’s recommendationsJailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished16 hours ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. 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Video, 00:00:42Watch: Guatemala landfill fire declared a disasterSubsectionLatin America & CaribbeanPublished1 day ago0:42Watch: Bus passengers rescued from flood waters. Video, 00:00:45Watch: Bus passengers rescued from flood watersSubsectionAfricaPublished2 days ago0:45BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentBrightest-ever cosmic explosion solved but new mysteries sparkedPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Aaron M. Geller Image caption, Artwork of the brightest cosmic explosion of all timeBy Pallab GhoshScience correspondentResearchers have discovered the cause of the brightest burst of light ever recorded.But in doing so they have run up against two bigger mysteries, including one that casts doubt on where our heavy elements – like gold – come from.The burst of light, spotted in 2022, is now known to have had an exploding star at its heart, researchers say.But that explosion, by itself, would not have been sufficient to have shone so brightly. And our current theory says that such exploding stars, known as supernovas, also produce all the heavy elements in the universe such as gold and platinum.But the team found none of these elements, raising new questions about how precious metals are produced. Prof Catherine Heymans of Edinburgh University and Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, who is independent of the research team, said that results like these help to drive science forward.”The Universe is an amazing, wonderful and surprising place, and I love the way that it throws these conundrums at us!”The fact that it is not giving us the answers we want is great, because we can go back to the drawing board and think again and come up with better theories,” she said.Image source, NASA/ESA/CSA/M.Matsuura et alImage caption, Supernovas occur when large stars die resulting in powerful explosionsThe explosion was detected by telescopes in October 2022. It came from a distant galaxy 2.4 billion light-years away, emitting light across all frequencies. But it was especially intense in its gamma rays, which are a more penetrating form of X-rays. The gamma ray burst lasted seven minutes and was so powerful that it was off the scale, overwhelming the instruments that detected them. Subsequent readings showed that the burst was 100 times brighter than anything that had ever been recorded before, earning it the nickname among astronomers of the Brightest Of All Time or B.O.A.T.Gamma ray bursts are associated with exploding supernovas, but this was so bright that it could not be easily explained. If it were a supernova, it would have had to have been absolutely enormous, according to the current theory.The burst was so bright that it initially dazzled the instruments on Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The telescope had only recently become operational, and this was an incredible stroke of luck for astronomers wanting to study the phenomenon because such powerful explosions are calculated to occur once every 10,000 years.As the light dimmed, one of JWST’s instruments was able to see there had indeed been a supernova explosion. But it had not been nearly as powerful as they expected. So why then had the burst of gamma rays been off the scale?Image source, Anthony BradshawImage caption, All the gold on Earth was produced in cataclysmic explosions in outer spaceDr Peter Blanchard, who co-led the research team, doesn’t know. But he wants to find out. He plans to book more time on JWST to investigate other supernova remnants.”It could be that these gamma ray bursts and supernova explosions are not necessarily directly linked to each other and they could be separate processes going on,” he told BBC News. Dr Tanmoy Laskar, from the University of Utah and co-leader of the study the study, said that the B.O.A.T’s power might be explained by the way in which jets of material were being sprayed out, as normally occurs during supernovas. But if these jets are narrow, they produce a more focused and so brighter beam of light.”It’s like focusing a flashlight’s beam into a narrow column, as opposed to a broad beam that washes across a whole wall,” he said. “In fact, this was one of the narrowest jets seen for a gamma ray burst so far, which gives us a hint as to why the afterglow appeared as bright as it did”. Theory rethinkBut what about the missing gold? The current theory that is taught to all astronomers at university is that one of the ways heavy elements – such as gold, platinum, lead and uranium – are produced is during the extreme conditions that are created during supernovas. These are spread across the galaxy and are used in the formation of planets, which is how, the theory goes, the metals found on Earth arose.But the researchers found no evidence of heavy elements around the exploded star. So, is the theory wrong and heavy elements are produced some other way, or are they only produced in supernovas under certain conditions?”Theorists need to go back and look at why an event like the B.O.A.T is not producing heavy elements when theories and simulations predict that they should,” says Dr Blanchard.The research has been published in the journal Nature Astronomy.Follow Pallab on X, formerly known as TwitterRelated TopicsCosmologyMore on this storyAstronomers crack 37-year cosmic ‘murder mystery’Published23 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought its own prosecutions, says ex-bossNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished13 minutes agoPolice investigate Angela RaynerPublished14 minutes agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76What is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Elsewhere on the BBCLet’s banish complicated toilet flushesPaul Merton talks to Hannah Fry to find out what she would send to Room 101AttributionSoundsWhy did Vine end up toast?Sean Farrington investigates what happened to the first ever video app sensationAttributionSoundsRemembering an alternative rock legend6 Music reflects the influences and work of Kurt Cobain, 30 years after his passingAttributionSoundsThe man who entertained the UK for eight decadesPolitical writer and broadcaster Steve Richards reminisces on the genius of Bruce ForsythAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Angela Rayner2Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born3Sir Ian McKellen taking the role he always said no to4Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold5Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands6Concerns over TV show farm tenancy7Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash8Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups9Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 7610GDP rises in February increasing hopes UK is out of recessionBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaThe $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporePublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The case has put Singapore’s status as a financial hub in the spotlightBy Kelly NgBBC News, SingaporeA Singaporean court has begun handing out sentences in a sensational case, which saw 10 Chinese nationals charged for laundering $2.2bn (£1.8bn) earned from criminal activities abroad. The scandal embroiled multiple banks, property agents, precious metal traders and a top golf club. It led to extensive raids in some of the most affluent neighbourhoods, where police seized billions in cash and assets. The lurid details have gripped Singaporeans – among the seized assets were 152 properties, 62 vehicles, shelves of luxury bags and watches, hundreds of pieces of jewellery and thousands of bottles of alcohol. Earlier this month, Su Wenqiang and Su Haijin, became the first to be jailed in the case. Su Haijin, police said, jumped off the second-floor balcony of a house trying to flee arrest. Both men will serve a little over a year in prison, after which they will be deported and barred from returning to Singapore. Eight others are still awaiting the court’s decision. Even as it draws to a close, the case – the biggest of its kind in Singapore – has raised inevitable questions. The money that paid for their plush lives in the country, prosecutors said, came from illegal sources overseas, such as scams and online gambling.How did these men, some of whom had multiple passports from Cambodia, Vanuatu, Cyprus and Dominica, live and bank in Singapore for years without drawing scrutiny? It has sparked a review of policies, with banks tightening rules, especially around clients who hold multiple passports.Most important, the case has spotlighted the country’s struggle with welcoming the super wealthy, without also becoming a destination for ill-gotten gains. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Luxury cars were among assets police seized in their raidsShow me the moneySingapore, which is often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, started wooing banks and wealth managers in the 1990s. Economic reforms in China and India had begun to pay off, and then in the 2000s, a newly-stable Indonesia saw wealth grow as well. Soon, Singapore became a haven for foreign businesses, with investor-friendly laws, tax exemptions and other incentives.Today, the ultra-rich can fly into Singapore’s private jet terminal, live it up in luxurious quayside neighbourhoods, and speculate on the world’s first diamond trading exchange. Just outside the airport is a maximum-security vault called Le Freeport that provides tax-free storage for fine art, jewels, wine and other valuables. The $100m-facility is often dubbed Asia’s Fort Knox.Singapore’s asset managers drew S$435bn from abroad in 2022, almost double the figure in 2017, according to the country’s market regulator. More than half of Asia’s family offices – firms which manage private wealth – are now in Singapore, according to a report by consulting giant KPMG and family office consultancy Agreus. They include those of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, British billionaire James Dyson and Chinese-Singaporean Shu Ping, boss of the world’s biggest chain of hotpot restaurants, Haidilao. Rent ‘doomsday’ in Singapore as prices surge How a tote bag sparked a class debate in SingaporeAuthorities say some of the accused in the money laundering case may be linked to family offices that were given tax incentives.”There is an inherent contradiction for a place like Singapore, which prides itself on clean and good governance but also wants to accommodate the management of massive wealth by offering advantages such as low taxes and banking secrecy,” says Chong Ja-Ian, a non-resident scholar at Carnegie China.”The risk of also becoming a banker for individuals who earned their money through nefarious or illicit means grows.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Singapore’s attraction for the ultra-rich comes with risks, analysts sayFor rich Chinese, Singapore is a top choice because of its reputed governance and stability, as well as its cultural links to China. And more Chinese money has been entering Singapore in recent years. One of the 10 suspects in this case was wanted in China since 2017 for his alleged role in illegal gambling online. Prosecutors claimed that he settled in Singapore because he “wanted a safe place to hide from the Chinese authorities”.Hiding in plain sightThis isn’t the first time Singapore-based banks have been implicated in a financial crime. They were found to have played a role in cross-border laundering in the 1MDB scandal, where billions were misappropriated from Malaysia’s state investment fund. Dan Tan, who was once described by Interpol as “the leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate” also had strong business links to Singapore. He was arrested here in 2013.The country has strict rules targeting white collar crimes and is an active member of the Financial Action Task Force, a global body which targets money laundering and financing for terror networks. Over the years, banks have invested heavily to strengthen compliance, to screen prospective customers and to urge regulators to report suspicious transactions. But none of this is foolproof. For one, it is difficult for regulators to spot suspicious cases in a sea of high-value transactions.”It’s not just one needle in a haystack, but one needle in several haystacks,” Singapore’s second minister for home affairs, Josephine Teo, told parliament in October last year. Singapore’s buoyant property market is a popular means to “clean” dirty money, some experts pointed out. And there are the casinos, nightclubs and luxury stores. “Massive amounts of money pass through Singapore’s banking system every day. Criminals can exploit this feature and disguise their money laundering activities among legitimate ones,” accounting professor Kelvin Law from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University told the BBC.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Singapore’s property market is one of the routes for dirty money, experts saySingapore also does not limit the amount of cash that can be carried in and out of the country, only requiring a declaration if the sum exceeds S$20,000. And that is an advantage, says Christopher Leahy, the founder of Singapore-based investigative research and risk advisory firm Blackpeak. “If you want to move lots of money, you hide it in plain sight and Singapore is a great place for that. There is no point putting it in the Cayman Islands or the British Virgin Islands, where there is nothing [to spend money on],” he said.When asked for a response to analysts’ comments that Singapore’s advantages as a financial capital are also a draw for dirty money, authorities pointed the BBC to the law and home affairs minister interview in a local newspaper last year. “We can’t close the window, because if we did that, then legitimate funds will also not be able to come. And legitimate business also can’t be done, or becomes very difficult to do. So we have to be sensible,” K Shanmugam said.”When you are successful, you are a major financial centre, a lot of money comes in, some ‘flies’ will also come in,” he added, referring to an oft-repeated quote of the late Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping.Singapore has to decide how far it will go in accepting “money with varying shades of grey”, says Dr Chong of Carnegie China. While increased regulation will help, he says transparency poses a bigger challenge: “Transparency goes against the very model of discretion that allows many wealth management hubs to thrive.” Some analysts say this may well be the price Singapore is willing to pay to retain its position as a financial hub. “The vast majority of the funds are legitimate, after all,” Mr Leahy says. “But there is an inevitable cost to being a major financial centre.” Related TopicsSingaporeAsiaMoney launderingMore on this storySingapore picks a president who could’ve been much morePublished1 September 2023Cash, cars and homes seized in $735m Singapore raidsPublished17 August 2023Singapore deputy addresses scandals in BBC interviewPublished26 July 2023Singapore rocked by rare political scandalsPublished20 July 2023Top StoriesNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished3 hours agoUS restricts travel for employees in IsraelPublished1 hour agoLive. 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Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76What is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?South Korean leader learns political cost of a spring onionElsewhere on the BBCLet’s banish complicated toilet flushesPaul Merton talks to Hannah Fry to find out what she would send to Room 101AttributionSoundsWhy did Vine end up toast?Sean Farrington investigates what happened to the first ever video app sensationAttributionSoundsRemembering an alternative rock legend6 Music reflects the influences and work of Kurt Cobain, 30 years after his passingAttributionSoundsThe man who entertained the UK for eight decadesPolitical writer and broadcaster Steve Richards reminisces on the genius of Bruce ForsythAttributionSoundsMost Read1Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born2Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash3Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands4Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups5Concerns over TV show farm tenancy6Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 767US restricts travel for employees in Israel8UK economy grows in February increasing hopes it is out of recession9UK food production at threat after extreme flooding10David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks
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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersCloseJury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors.They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among other things, if they can be impartial about the former president.The BBC asked some of those questions to Manhattan residents.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New Yorkers. Video, 00:02:16Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes ago2:16Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished19 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:12Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 seconds. Video, 00:01:00Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 secondsSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished31 March 20231:00Editor’s recommendationsCopenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fire. Video, 00:01:03Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fireSubsectionEuropePublished12 hours ago1:03Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchange. Video, 00:00:43Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchangeSubsectionEuropePublished11 hours ago0:43Dormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished1 day ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished22 hours ago0:35Huge fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Huge fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago0:33Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished1 day ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished1 day ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:28BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsFirst product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealedPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Meghan pictured at a polo match in Florida last weekBy Sean CoughlanRoyal correspondentA first glimpse of the new business venture from the Duchess of Sussex has been teased on social media, with pictures of a jar of strawberry jam.In a bid to preserve a sense of mystery, the jam from the new American Riviera Orchard brand seemed to be spread among friends and influencers.Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam on Instagram.It was numbered “17 of 50”, suggesting the number of recipients of this first fruit of the new business.The arrival of Meghan’s new California-based lifestyle brand had been signalled on social media last month and this suggests that it will be selling food products.What do we know about Meghan’s new brand?Five things about Harry and Meghan’s brand revampWhy did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?There seemed to be have been something of a re-launch for Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s brands and businesses this year, beginning with the overhaul of their regal-looking website under the sussex.com label.Their latest projects seem to be moving away from a previous focus on their time as working royals, such as their Netflix film Harry and Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.The hint about the strawberry jam from Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand seems to fit with the couple’s latest Netflix plans.Meghan is going to launch a Netflix show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship”.Prince Harry will be involved in another Netflix venture showing the inside track on the world of polo. That’s the equestrian sport, not the mints.Delfina Blaquier, married to Prince Harry’s polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras, also posted a picture of the new jam, with hers labelled “10 of 50”.The social media trail for American Riviera Orchard evokes a sense of the couple’s home in California – and this soft launch for the jam show pictures of the jars in a sunny basket of lemons.It’s not known how much items from the new lifestyle brand will cost. Although there are already plenty of other royals getting into jams. Visitors to the gift shops in royal palaces can get a Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve for £3.95 or Windsor Castle Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade, also for £3.95.On both sides of the Atlantic they seem to be conserving their finances.Related TopicsUK Royal FamilyMeghan, Duchess of SussexMore on this storyWhat we know about Meghan’s regal lifestyle brandPublished16 MarchMeghan launches surprise new lifestyle brandPublished14 MarchTop StoriesMPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009Published8 minutes agoMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished7 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlinePlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Nursery boss ‘killed baby she strapped to beanbag’2Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident3Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5MPs back smoking ban for those born after 20096Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline9Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told10Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint singleBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSupreme Court hears 6 Jan case that may hit Trump trialPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS Capitol riotsImage source, Brent StirtonImage caption, Hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol after holding a “Stop the Steal” rally on 6 January, 2021By Nadine YousifBBC NewsThe US Supreme Court have begun hearing a case that could undo charges for those who stormed the Capitol in 2021. It focuses on whether a 2002 federal law created to prevent corporate misconduct could apply to individuals involved in the 6 January riots. More than 350 people have been charged in the incident under that law, which carries a 20-year prison penalty.Donald Trump faces the same charge in the pending federal case accusing him of election interference. The law makes it a crime to “corruptly” obstruct or impede an official proceeding. On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justices heard two hours of arguments over the law’s interpretation. However, it remained unclear how they would rule. A lawyer for a man who stormed the Capitol and was prosecuted under the law argued before the Justices that “a host of felony and misdemeanour” crimes already exist to prosecute his clients actions.The 2002 law passed in the wake of the Enron accounting scandal, Jeffrey Green said, was not one of them. US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar counterargued that rioters deliberately attempted “to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the election,” therefore obstructing an official proceeding. Both fielded sceptical questions from the Justices. At one point, Mr Green argued that there is no historical precedent in which the law was used to prosecute demonstrators.Justice Sonia Sotomayor replied: “We’ve never had a situation before where (there was an attempt) to stop a proceeding violently, so I am not sure what a lack of history proves.”On the other hand, Ms Prelogar fielded questions from Justice Neil Gorusch on whether the law could then be stretched to apply to a “sit-in that disrupts a trial” or “a heckler” at the State of the Union Address. “Would pulling a fire alarm before a vote qualify for 20 years in federal prison?” he asked, appearing to reference an incident in which Jamaal Bowman, Democrat House representative, pressed a fire alarm in the Capitol.How the top court rules could have wide-ranging effects on the hundreds of people charged, convicted or sentenced under the law, as well as the prosecution of Mr Trump. Here is a breakdown of the key players and the law being argued: What is the 2002 federal law at the centre of the trial?The law is called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It was passed in response to the Enron scandal in the early 2000s, after it was exposed that those involved had engaged in massive fraud and shredding documents. It criminalizes the destruction of evidence – like records or documents. But it also penalises anyone who “otherwise obstructs, influences or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so.” How has it been used in response to the 6 January riots?Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has brought obstruction charges against those who participated in the storming of the Capitol. Federal prosecutors argue they did so to impede Congress’ certification of the presidential electoral vote count to cement Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. Therefore, the latter portion of the law that deals with obstructing an “official proceeding” would apply, the DoJ says. Who is challenging the law’s use in this case, and why? The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to the law’s application brought forward by a former Pennsylvania police officer.Joseph Fischer was charged under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with obstruction of a congressional proceeding on 6 January, as well as assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct. His lawyers argue that prosecutors overreached with applying the Act, which they say deals explicitly with destroying or tampering with evidence integral to an investigation. Those who challenge the law’s application in 6 January cases also argue that a broad interpretation of the law would allow the prosecution of lobbyists or protestors who disrupt matters in Congress.How could the Supreme Court ruling impact Trump?The former president is charged under the very same law in a federal case accusing him of working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Mr Biden.If Supreme Court justices rule that the law does not apply to the 6 January rioters, Mr Trump could seek dismissal of half the charges he faces in that case.It also could be seen as a political win for the former president, who is seeking re-election in November, as he repeatedly has accused prosecutors of overreach. A final ruling is not expected until June. Related TopicsUS Capitol riotsDonald TrumpMore on this storySupreme Court to hear appeal over Capitol riot chargePublished13 December 2023A very simple guide to Trump’s indictmentsPublished25 August 2023Supreme Court asked to rule on Trump’s immunityPublished12 December 2023Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished1 hour agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoNo liberty in addiction, says health secretary on smoking banPublished4 minutes agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Birmingham Airport suspends flights over incident3First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed4Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference5Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told6Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8No liberty in addiction, says minister on smoking ban9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Boy, 4, dies after fire at family home in WiganBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNational Conservatism Conference: Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels eventPublished4 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Nigel Farage said the decision to shut the conference down was as an attempt to stifle free speechBy Nick Beake in Brussels and Laura GozziBBC NewsBrussels police have been ordered to shut down a conference attended by right-wing politicians across Europe, including Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.Organisers say the National Conservatism Conference in the Belgian capital is continuing, but guests are no longer allowed to enter. Local authorities had raised concerns over public safety.A UK spokeswoman called reports of police action “extremely disturbing”. She said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was a “strong supporter and advocator for free speech” and that he was “very clear that cancelling events or preventing attendance and no-platforming speakers is damaging to free speech and to democracy as a result”.Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, said that the shutting down of the conference was “unacceptable”.Referring to the fact that it was the local mayor, Emir Kir, who opposed the conference, Mr De Croo added that while municipal autonomy was a cornerstone of Belgium’s democracy it could “never overrule the Belgian constitution guaranteeing the freedom of speech”. “Banning political meetings is unconstitutional. Full stop,” Mr De Croo wrote on X.In a message to organisers, Mr Kir had said some of the attendees of Tuesday’s conference held anti-gay and anti-abortion views. “Among these personalities there are several particularly from the right-conservative, religious right and European extreme right,” his statement said.Mr Kir also wrote on X: “The far right is not welcome.”Nigel Farage, who took to the stage this morning, told the BBC the decision to close down the conference because there were homophobes in the audience was “cobblers”, and that he condemned the decision as an attempt to stifle free speech. “Thank God For Brexit”, he said.Organised by a think-tank called the Edmund Burke Foundation, the National Conservatism Conference is a global movement which espouses what it describes as traditional values, which it claims are being “undermined and overthrown”. It also opposes further European integration.The conference said it aimed to bring together “public figures, journalists, scholars and students” who understood the connection between conservatism and the idea of nationhood and national traditions. French far-right politician Eric Zemmour, arriving for the conference after police had blocked the entrance, told journalists that Mr Kir was “using the police as a private militia to prevent… Europeans from taking part freely”.Organisers said Mr Zemmour was not allowed into the venue and that his address would be postponed.Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman and far-right French politician Eric Zemmour were listed as keynote speakers. The National Conservatism Conference reportedly started around 08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday and carried on for three hours until police showed up and asked the organisers to make attendees leave.Later, organisers wrote on X: “The police are not letting anyone in. People can leave, but they cannot return. Delegates have limited access to food and water, which are being prevented from delivery. Is this what city mayor Emir Kir is aiming for?”Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki were due to speak tomorrow. Earlier, the organisers said on X that they would challenge the order to shut the conference down. “The police entered the venue on our invitation, saw the proceedings and the press corps, and quickly withdrew. Is it possible they witnessed how peaceful the event is?,” they wrote on X.The Claridge event space – located near Brussels’s European Quarter – can host up to 850 people. Around 250 people were in attendance on Tuesday afternoon.Mohamed Nemri, the owner of Claridge, told the BBC he had decided to host the event because “we don’t reject any party…. even if we don’t have the same opinion. That’s normal”.”I am Muslim and people have different opinion and that’s it. We are living in a freedom country. I’d like to people to talk freely,” he added.It is the third venue that was supposed to hold the event, after the previous two fell through. Belgian media reported that one venue pulled out after pressure by a group called the “Antifascist coordination of Belgium”.Related TopicsBelgiumTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished43 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive careBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNasa says part of International Space Station crashed into Florida homePublished40 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, NASAImage caption, The recovered object was part of a stanchion used to mount batteries to a cargo palletBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS space agency Nasa confirmed that an object that crashed into a home in Florida earlier this month was part of the International Space Station (ISS). The metal object was jettisoned from the orbiting outpost in March 2021, Nasa said on Monday after analysing the sample at the Kennedy Space Center.The 1.6lb (0.7kg) metal object tore through two layers of ceiling after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Homeowner Alejandro Otero said his son was nearly injured by the impact. Nasa said the object was part of some 5,800lbs of hardware that was dumped by the station after it had new lithium-ion batteries installed. “The hardware was expected to fully burn up during entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024. However, a piece of hardware survived and impacted a home in Naples, Florida,” the agency said.The debris was determined to be part of a stanchion used to mount batteries on a cargo pallet. The object, made from metal alloy Inconel, has dimensions of 4in by 1.6in (10.1cm by 4cm).Mr Otero told CBS affiliate Wink-TV that the device created a “tremendous sound” as it blasted into his home.”It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all,” he said.”I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage,” Mr Otero continued.”I’m super grateful that nobody got hurt.”According to Nasa, the ISS will “perform a detailed investigation” on how the debris survived burn-up.What’s the risk of being hit by falling space debris?Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkSpace junk has been a growing a problem. Earlier this month, sky watchers in California watched mysterious golden streaks moving through the night sky.US officials later determined that the light show was caused by burning debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering earth’s orbit.In February, a Chinese satellite known as “Object K” burned up as it re-entered the atmosphere over Hawaii.Last year, a barnacle-covered giant metal dome found on a Western Australian beach was identified as a component of an Indian rocket. There are plans to display it alongside chunks of Nasa’s Skylab, which crashed in Australia in 1979. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Object thought to be a satellite burns up on re-entering Earth’s atmosphereRelated TopicsSpace debrisNasaFloridaUnited StatesMore on this storyIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkPublished3 AprilRobot dog trains to walk on Moon in Oregon trialsPublished3 days agoTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished50 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished4 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care10Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFormer Marine jailed for nine years for bombing abortion clinicPublished7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS abortion debateImage source, CBSBy Max MatzaBBC NewsA former US Marine has been jailed for nine years for firebombing a California Planned Parenthood clinic and plotting other attacks to spark a “race war”.Chance Brannon, 24, pleaded guilty to the March 2022 attack on the healthcare clinic, which provides abortions in some of its locations.He also plotted to attack Jewish people and an LGBT pride event taking place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. At the time of his arrest, he was an active duty member of the US Marines. Prosecutors said Brannon was a neo-Nazi who frequently spoke of “cleansing” the US of “particular ethnic groups”. In November, Brannon pleaded guilty to conspiracy, destruction of property, possession of an explosive and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility.Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, said the attack “was designed to terrorise patients seeking reproductive healthcare and the people who provide it”.The explosion damaged the front entrance to the clinic in Costa Mesa, Orange County. No one was injured.However, Mehtab Syed, of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said Brannon’s “deep-rooted hatred and extremist views… could have killed innocent people”. Mr Syed added that Brannon plotted to rob Jewish residents in the Hollywood Hills, and had also discussed plans to attack the power grid. Further to this, in 2022, Mr Syed said Brannon, of San Juan Capistrano, placed calls to two US “adversaries” hoping to offer himself as a “mole” providing US intelligence.Two co-defendants, Tibet Ergul and Xavier Batten, have pleaded guilty to similar charges and will be sentenced next month.According to the National Abortion Federation, a group representing US abortion providers, there was a “sharp increase” in violence against clinics in 2022. Related TopicsAbortionUS abortion debateUnited StatesCaliforniaMore on this storyWhat is Planned Parenthood?Published25 September 2015Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished53 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished3 hours agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference3Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9William to return to duties after Kate diagnosis10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive careBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’Published25 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, SuppliedImage caption, “Israel, strike the supreme leader’s [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] house”, reads graffiti in TehranBy Jiyar Gol and Behrang TajdinBBC PersianTehran is tense, two days after Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel.Worried about war and its impact on Iran’s already flailing economy, a significant proportion of Iranians oppose what they see as the reckless adventurism of the country’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC), which fired more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night.In a letter sent to BBC Persian, a long list of Iranian activists both inside the country and abroad criticised the IRGC’s actions and saying “No to warmongering!”Many Iranians also see the Iran-Israel confrontation now emerging from the shadows as being orchestrated by the Iranian government rather than reflective of the will of the Iranian people. This perception is underscored by a heavy police presence on the streets of Tehran – ostensibly about enforcing strict Islamic dress codes requiring women to cover their hair but which many suspect is mainly about crushing any possible protests.Many decision-makers fear that if Iranian security forces and the IRGC’s command centres are hit in a war with Israel and the US, this could reignite nationwide protests that erupted in 2022 after the death of a young woman in police custody.Some graffiti has appeared on walls in Iranian cities – “Israel, strike the supreme leader’s [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s] house,” reads one. “Israel hit them, they lack the courage to retaliate,” read another.The government has its own billboards – “Tel Aviv is our battleground, not Tehran,” reads one.Image source, SuppliedImage caption, “Tel Aviv is our battleground not Tehran”, says a propaganda billboard in the Iranian capitalImmediately after the IRGC attack, supporters of the Islamic Republic celebrated and a banner warning Israelis that “the next slap will be fiercer” was hung from a building in Tehran.”I believe it was the right decision to attack Israel to prevent further killings of Iranian commanders in Syria and elsewhere,” one woman said in a voice message sent to BBC Persian. But another said: “Iranians themselves are in a state of war with the current regime. We harbour no animosity towards any nation, including Israel.”Meanwhile a woman said she was concerned about a wider war. Such fears appeared to prompt people to scramble to stock up on essentials like food and fuel, with pictures showing queues forming outside petrol stations in Tehran and supermarkets inundated with shoppers.With the official inflation rate standing at just over 40% and tens of millions of people struggling with the cost of living, a military confrontation with Israel was the last thing most Iranians wanted.The value of the Iranian rial fell against the US dollar after the IRGC attack, as it had already done after Israel’s earlier attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria.Many worry that, sooner or later, the military escalations will hike the prices of many goods, from mobile phones to home appliances and many foodstuffs.Image source, EPAImage caption, A Tehran billboard showcasing the country’s missile capabilityThe Iranian government sets the price of some essential items such as bread and fuel, and lets many items be imported on a preferential exchange rate (in other words cheap foreign currency). But still the price of many goods follow the open market exchange rate.Iran’s economy has been struggling since the US left an international deal to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in 2018 and re-imposed crippling sanctions, particularly curbing Iran’s ability to export crude oil.On Tuesday, Iranian newspapers were focusing on international pressure on Israel to show restraint but also attempting to allay any economic concerns.Iran’s press – which reflects a range of political viewpoints, albeit within unwritten rules – has been largely supportive of the IRGC action. LATEST: Follow Israel-Iran latest news liveEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?CATCH UP: How Iran’s attack on Israel unfoldedANALYSIS: Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineKeyhan insisted that there was “economic calm by showing Iran’s power”. Hardline Vatan-e Emrouz said Sunday night’s emergency UN Security Council meeting called by Israel was a “night of isolation” for Israel, while reformist newspaper Arman-e Emrouz noted a “global wave to end tensions in the Middle East”.Online, the Islamic Republic’s supporters have been posting under the Persian-language hashtags #punishing_the_aggressor and #we_made_them_regretful.However critical posts under the English hashtag #IRGCterrorists have swept Persian-language X, urging Western countries to designate the IRGC a terrorist organisation and paying tribute to protesters that they say the IRGC and other security forces killed during the 2022 nationwide protests.Popular former footballer Ali Karimi, also based outside Iran, meanwhile posted a photo of intertwined hands overlaid with the Israeli flag and a previous version of the Iranian flag that was in use before the 1979 Islamic revolution. “We are Iran, not the Islamic republic,” he said.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished2 hours agoTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished2 hours agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism3Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames4William to return to duties after Kate diagnosis5Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’6MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20097Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care8Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack9Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice forever10Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroomBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentClimate change: El Niño ends with uncertainty over cooler futurePublished36 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, Getty ImagesBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondentThe powerful El Niño weather event which along with climate change has helped push global temperatures to new highs, has ended, say scientists.The Australian Bureau of Meteorology says the Pacific Ocean has “cooled substantially” in the past week.This naturally occurring episode that began last June brought warmer waters to the surface of the Pacific, adding extra heat to the atmosphere.But what happens next is uncertain, say researchers.A string of recent global monthly high temperature records has led some scientists to fear that the world could be tipping into a new phase of even faster climate change.Scientists say that the months after the end of El Niño will give a strong indication as to whether the recent high temperatures are due to accelerated climate change or not.What is El Niño and how does it change the weather?World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatUK food production at threat after extreme floodingEvery few years, the onset of El Niño brings dramatic change to weather in many parts of the world. The surge of warmer water that comes to the surface off the coast of Peru in South America is linked to increased droughts and floods in different parts of the world.The full name of the pattern is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation or ENSO. It’s marked by three different phases, the hot El Niño, neutral conditions or a cooler period called La Niña. This current El Niño was declared last June, and reached a peak in December. The resulting warmer water in the Pacific has helped push global average temperatures to new highs, with March making it ten months in a row to break the record for that period. But now, perhaps quicker than expected, El Niño is gone.The critical question is what happens next and on this scientists are divided. US researchers recently said there was 60% chance of a La Niña developing between June-August, and an 85% chance of this happening by Autumn.But the Australian Bureau say such statements such be treated with caution. They expect neutral conditions to last until at least July. They point to the current hot state of the global oceans which they believe is affecting ENSO. “As the current global ocean conditions have not been observed before, inferences as to how ENSO may develop in 2024 that are based on past events may not be reliable,” they said in a statement. Whether or not a La Niña forms really matters, say researchers. It can have a significant impact on storms and hurricanes, with some experts predicting that if La Niña does arrive, it would herald a highly active hurricane season in the Atlantic.La Niña’s cooling effect may also slightly slow the rate of global heating. That might indicate that the record temperatures experienced over the past year were something of a mystery, and not evidence that the world has moved into a more rapid phase of warming.Related TopicsIntergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeEl NiñoParis climate agreementClimateTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished57 minutes agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published3 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverHow to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedPlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism3Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames6MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20097’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review8Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attackBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, EPAImage caption, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing challenges on multiple frontsBy Jeremy BowenBBC international editor It wasn’t many days ago that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was under enormous pressure. After seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed by the Israeli army in Gaza on 1 April, US President Joe Biden seemed finally to lose patience with his troublesome ally. On the same day, Israel attacked the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, killing a senior general, at least six other officers, and violating legal conventions that prohibit attacks on embassies. Israel claimed, unconvincingly, that Iran had forfeited that protection by turning the consular building it destroyed into a military outpost. Iran promised it would retaliate, but previous attacks on senior commanders had generated more words than actions. Outside Iran, the attack on Damascus was overshadowed by the fury caused by the killing of the team from World Central Kitchen, a US-based charity.The White House issued a furious statement from President Biden. He was “outraged and heartbroken”. It was not a standalone incident. Israel was not doing enough to protect aid workers or Palestinian civilians. In an angry call with the prime minister, he demanded major concessions. Gaza should be flooded with humanitarian aid. Israel must open more border crossings, as well as the container port in Ashdod, less than an hour’s drive away from children starving to death in northern Gaza. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Israel has used US-supplied weapons to devastating and deadly effect in GazaPrime Minister Netanyahu promised that things would change. Despite that, Israel was stalling. As well as feeling the heat from the White House, Mr Netanyahu was also under pressure from the ultranationalist extremists whose backing in Israel’s parliament keeps his coalition in power. Not only are they opposed to flooding Gaza with aid. They believe the war has presented Israel with a priceless opportunity to re-settle Jews in Gaza. Jewish settlements there were evacuated and demolished by Israel in 2005 as part of a unilateral withdrawal from the territory. By the end of last week, the US was increasing the pressure. On Thursday, Samantha Power, the top US humanitarian official, said it was “credible” that famine was already affecting parts of Gaza. It was apparent to Israel’s friends as well as its enemies that its six-month siege of Gaza had created the world’s most urgent food crisis. There was another burst of speculation that the US would put conditions on the use of the weapons it supplies to Israel. On Saturday morning, hours before the Iranian attack on Israel, The New York Times echoed deepening outrage, especially among prominent Democrats in the US Congress. It called for a pause in the supply of weapons to Israel and laid into Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the headline, Military Aid to Israel Cannot Be Unconditional, the paper’s editorial board slammed Mr Netanyahu and the hardliners in his government for breaking “the bond of trust” with America. The US commitment to Israel, and its right to defend itself, did not mean that President Biden “should allow Mr. Netanyahu to keep playing his cynical double games”, it said.Then Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel offered the prime minister a lifeline. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyIn a remarkable feat of military co-operation, the US and other Western allies helped Israel shoot down more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. No Arab leader has been a sterner critic of Israel’s war in Gaza than King Abdullah of Jordan. But Jordan’s air force joined the operation, downing projectiles heading for Israel. Calls for putting conditions on military aid to Israel were replaced by resounding expressions of solidarity. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been presented with new political opportunities. Gaza is out of the headlines, for a day or two at least. LATEST: Follow Israel-Iran latest news liveEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?CATCH UP: How Iran’s attack on Israel unfoldedBut pressure on the prime minister has changed. It has not gone. Israel’s next moves might redouble it. President Biden has made it very clear what he thinks should happen next. Israel should declare victory in this episode, “take the win”, and not hit back. He declared, again, that America’s support for Israel was “ironclad”.That fitted in to his consistent policy since the Hamas attacks on 7 October. The president and his administration have worked hard to stop a wider, all-out war in the Middle East, even as they funnelled massive supplies of arms to Israel that have been used to devastating and deadly effect in Gaza. Since October Israel has accepted the weapons and the diplomatic support that accompanied them and ignored Joe Biden’s increasingly desperate and angry calls to respect the laws of war and protect civilians. Just a few days after unprecedented military co-operation from its allies against Iran, Israel looks once again to be bent on ignoring not just Joe Biden’s advice not to retaliate, but very similar sentiments from the other countries that helped out on Saturday night. Just like Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Britain and President Emmanuel Macron in France deployed combat aircraft, both condemned Iran, and both have urged Israel not to hit back. Image source, Israeli government handoutImage caption, Israel’s war cabinet met on Sunday, as seen in this Israeli government handoutThey are coming up against long-held beliefs and instincts in Israel. One is the deep conviction that Israel’s survival depends on responding to attacks with overwhelming force. Another is Benjamin Netanyahu’s view, expressed many times over his years in power, that Iran is Israel’s most dangerous enemy, bent on the destruction of the Jewish state. Many Israelis share that view. Now, after years of enmity since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has for the first time mounted a direct attack on Israel. A long clandestine war has come out of the shadows. Israel has said the question is not if it will hit back, but when and how. The war cabinet has been debating how to do it without igniting an all-out war. In the end, though, any attack will gamble that Iran does not want all-out war either, and will respond accordingly. That is a dangerous assumption. Both sides have already badly misjudged the other’s intentions. Once again, Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are bent on ignoring the wishes of allies who have gone the extra mile to help Israel against its enemies. His ultranationalist allies are demanding a crushing attack on Iran. One of them said Israel should “go berserk”. At the same time the humanitarian catastrophe continues in Gaza. International attention has swung away from it but will return. Israel’s military is still operating in Gaza and still killing civilians. Deadly violence between Palestinians and Jewish settlers in the West Bank has surged again. Israel’s border war with Hezbollah could escalate fast. Iran has vowed to retaliate more strongly if Israel attacks. The chief of staff of its armed forces, Hossein Baqeri, said the attack on Israel had been “limited” and promised a “far greater” response if Israel retaliated. The Americans have said they will not assist if Israel attacks Iran. But it is hard to believe that Joe Biden’s definition of an “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security would keep the US on the sidelines if Iran answered an Israeli attack with another of its own. The slide continues towards a wider war in the Middle East and a deeper global crisis. Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranBenjamin NetanyahuMore on this storyIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished11 hours agoBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 day agoWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published1 day agoBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingPublished4 days agoBowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than everPublished7 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished21 minutes agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published2 hours agoFeaturesHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Meteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyPlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJCouple find medieval relic hidden in toiletWhy has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames3Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’4MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20095Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom6’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review7Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls8Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack9Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say10Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussia Kazakhstan floods: ‘Colossal’ floods heading for KurganPublished37 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Flooding has already devastated areas of Orenburg region further westBy Robert GreenallBBC NewsA “colossal” amount of water is moving towards the Russian city of Kurgan, the region’s governor has said.Vadim Shumkov said that the swollen Tobol river and its tributaries had produced water levels twice those of the last major flood in 1994.Floods over the past two weeks have forced evacuations of tens of thousands of people from northern Kazakhstan and bordering areas of Russia.They are caused by the rapid melting of snow and ice combined with heavy rain.On his Telegram channel, Mr Shumkov urged everyone in areas threatened by flooding to leave their houses immediately, with waters expected to rise as high as 11m (36ft) above normal.”This isn’t just a flood, it’s a genuine threat!” he said.”Therefore, take children, elderly people, relatives with limited mobility and neighbours to a temporary shelter or to friends and acquaintances. Collect documents and valuables.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Drone shows Russian cities hit by record floodingKurgan – a city with more than 300,000 inhabitants – is the location of the military factory Kurganmashzavod, whose production includes infantry fighting vehicles and light tanks. There has been speculation by foreign defence media that it may at some point be in the flood zone.People in the town of Ishim further east have also been asked to evacuate because of high levels of the river of the same name. Petropavl in northern Kazakhstan has also been badly affected by flooding of the river Ishim. A number of rivers flow back and forth between the two countries.Elena Kurzayeva, a 67-year-old Petropavl pensioner, told AFP on Sunday: “I was taken out yesterday and within 15 minutes, the water had come in.”Water levels in both the Ishim and the Tobol, which form part of the world’s seventh longest Ob river system, are not expected to peak until 23 or 24 April.Focus has shifted to the two rivers after flooding in the Ural river basin devastated a swathe of Russian and Kazakh territory further west last week.The flooding is being described as the worst to hit the region in 80 years.In the city of Orenburg, houses in some areas were left almost completely submerged.A week earlier, the city of Orsk was badly affected after a dam burst and saw rare public protests over how officials handled the floods.Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov, who is visiting the area, has assured Orsk residents they will be compensated..flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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Related TopicsKazakhstanFloodsRussiaMore on this storyRussia floods leave houses almost submergedPublished3 days agoFloods surge to critical levels in southern RussiaPublished5 days ago’Worst floods in decades’ hit Kazakhstan and RussiaPublished7 AprilThousands evacuated as dam burst worsens Russia floodsPublished6 AprilThousands forced to evacuate after Russian dam burstsPublished6 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectLive. Horizon caused problems from the start, Post Office inquiry hearsMPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 2009Published1 hour agoFeaturesHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Meteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyCouple find medieval relic hidden in toiletWhy has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherWhat if you don’t get the primary school you want?Calls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2How to register to vote, ahead of midnight deadline3Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroom4MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20095’Inoperable’ Eva gets spinal surgery after review6Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack7Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say8Chinese internet amused by building that looks like sanitary pad9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Bollard Man’: Hero who confronted stabber promised Australia visaPublished5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, The viral video showing Damien Guerot confronting the attackerBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC NewsA Frenchman who tried to stop a deadly stabbing rampage at a Sydney mall has been promised an Australian visa.Damien Guerot was labelled a hero after footage of him confronting knifeman Joel Cauchi with a bollard during Saturday’s attack went viral.Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured 12 others before he was shot dead by a police officer.The attack in Bondi, which police say seems to have targeted women, has horrified the nation.Amid the outpouring of grief around the country this week, there has also been a push to secure Mr Geurot – whose visa reportedly expires in a month – the right to stay in the country.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will make sure Mr Guerot – who has been dubbed by some as “Bollard Man” – has no issue renewing his visa.”I say this to Damian… you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.”This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France. We thank him for his extraordinary bravery.”Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesSydney stabbings: Who were the victims?The scene of Mr Guerot in a white T-shirt confronting Cauchi on an escalator has been broadcast around the globe. The video shows him wielding a plastic pole to ward him off. Mr Guerot says he and a friend, Silas Despreaux, both construction workers, had just launched into action without thinking – acting on pure adrenalin.”We just saw him coming… we were thinking, ‘We need to try to stop him’,” Mr Guerot said in an interview with Australian TV network Channel Seven on Sunday.Cauchi then turned and fled back down the escalator, with the pair in hot pursuit.”We tried to maybe throw the bollard to him but we couldn’t [get him],” Mr Guerot said.Grabbing a chair, he sprinted after Cauchi on the next level down. At that point, a police officer was also on Cauchi’s tail, and the men directed Inspector Amy Scott to her target. As he lunged at her with the knife, she shot him dead.’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackThe pro-Kremlin troll and the false Sydney attack claimsPolice are now investigating how and why Cauchi, who is from the state of Queensland, committed such violence.He had lived itinerantly for several years and was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, Queensland Police have said.New South Wales Police on Monday said it seems “obvious” that he targeted women, who make up five of the six people killed.The attack – at one of the country’s biggest and most popular shopping centres – has shocked Australia, where mass killings are rare.Flags across the nation have been lowered, the sails of the Opera house lit up in a tribute to the victims, and crowds of mourners have flocked to Bondi Junction to leaving flowers, teddy bears and cards.Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this story’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackPublished1 day agoTop StoriesLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectMPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban billPublished1 hour agoCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished33 minutes agoFeaturesChris Mason: Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2MPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban bill3Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack4Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say5Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race6No final goodbye with mum due to ‘decomposition’7Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls8Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss book9Superdry to quit stock market in huge restructuring10’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished19 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Huge fire breaks out at Copenhagen exchangeBy Paul KirbyBBC NewsDenmark’s historic old stock exchange building in the centre of Copenhagen has been engulfed by fire.The 17th Century Børsen is one of the city’s oldest buildings and onlookers gasped as its iconic spire collapsed in the flames.Everyone inside the building was able to leave and people rushed to rescue some of its historic paintings.Culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said 400 years of Danish cultural heritage had gone up in flames.The building, dating back to 1625, is a stone’s throw from Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, and the royal palace, Christiansborg. Danish media said the nearby square was being evacuated.The old stock exchange was being renovated and had been shrouded in scaffolding and protective plastic covering. It currently houses the Danish chamber of commerce, which described the scenes on Tuesday morning as a terrible sight. Local craftsman Henrik Grage told Danish TV that it was a tragic day. “This is our Notre-Dame,” he said, comparing it with the fire that engulfed the roof and spire of the cathedral in the centre of Paris in 2019.Passing residents joined emergency services, as well as chamber of commerce director Brian Mikkelsen, in saving the art treasures from the Børsen.The Dutch Renaissance-style building on the city’s Slotsholmen, or palace island, was commissioned by Denmark’s King Christian IV with the aim of turning Copenhagen into a major trading centre. Its spire featured four dragons whose tails were twisted into a spear and three crowns, symbolising close ties with neighbours Norway and Sweden.Image source, Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AFPImage caption, As the historic spire collapsed, onlookers recalled the fire that engulfed Notre-Dame cathedral in ParisImage source, Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie OdgaardImage caption, Danish chamber of commerce director Brian Mikkelsen joined ambulance workers in rescuing the building’s art treasuresRelated TopicsCopenhagenDenmarkMore on this storyNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after firePublished3 days agoTop StoriesLive. Israel vows retaliation over Iran attack after calls for restraintMPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban billPublished58 minutes agoCopenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flamesPublished19 minutes agoFeaturesChris Mason: Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss bookThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsA really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Copenhagen’s historic stock exchange in flames2Sydney church stabbing was a ‘terrorist’ attack, police say3Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims about Sydney mall attack4MPs to vote on PM’s smoking ban bill5Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race6No final goodbye with mum due to ‘decomposition’7Six things that stand out for me in Liz Truss book8’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins9Unemployment jumps as UK jobs market stalls10Couple find medieval relic hidden in bathroomBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWatch: Fires blaze along Miami highwayThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Watch: Fires blaze along Miami highwayCloseHeavy smoke and flames lick the sides of a Miami highway with brush fires burning there for several days now.Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) say roads have been closed and traffic rerouted.There have been no casualties or injuries reported as the fires raged over more than 150 acres of land.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Watch: Fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 minutes ago0:33Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished6 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished14 hours ago1:12Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago1:28Editor’s recommendationsDormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished13 hours ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished10 hours ago0:35Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished9 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished16 hours ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished19 hours ago0:28BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. Video, 00:01:09BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago1:09Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate Bridge. Video, 00:00:31Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished11 hours ago0:31’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days ago0:30Israel-Iran latest: Israel vows retaliation over Iran attack after calls for restraintBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaPakistan: Lightning and unusually heavy rain kill dozensPublished41 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, EPAImage caption, With more rain expected in the coming days, Pakistani authorities have also warned of landslides and flash floodsAt least 39 people have been killed in Pakistan after days of unusually heavy rains battered the country’s southwest.Some of those killed were farmers struck by lightning while harvesting wheat, authorities said.Images online show swathes of farmland engulfed by rainwater. Flash floods have also disrupted power supplies and transportation networks.Pakistan has experienced an increase in extreme weather events, as it grapples with the impacts of climate change.In 2022, one-third of the country was completely submerged by unprecedented flooding, killing more than 1,700 people and injuring thousands. Millions were left homeless and lacking clean drinking water for months after.Some of the areas affected by the 2022 floods, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, are being impacted again by the recent storms.With more rain expected in the coming days, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has also warned of landslides and flash floods.Pakistan floods: ‘It’s like fighting a war with no end’Pakistan floods ‘likely’ made worse by warmingPakistan’s most populated province Punjab has suffered the highest death toll so far, with 21 people killed by lightning between Friday and Sunday, AFP news agency reported.At least eight were killed in the westernmost Balochistan province according to AFP, where authorities have declared a state of emergency. Schools in the province were ordered to shut on Monday and Tuesday. Extensive areas of Pasni, a Baloch coastal town, have been covered by rainwater.”Pasni looks like a big lake at the moment as flash floods entered the human settlements and main commercial areas,” Noor Ahmed Kalmati, chairman of town’s municipal committee, told Pakistan newspaper Dawn.Heavy flooding has also been reported in neighbouring Afghanistan. At least 33 people have been killed and hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, Afghan authorities said on Sunday.Scientists have said that global warming is likely to have played a role in the devastating floods that hit Pakistan in 2022. Pakistan is also ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the UN’s Global Climate Risk Index.Related TopicsPakistanFloodsAsiaLightningClimateSevere weatherTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished5 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished7 hours agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation AlphaPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha4Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’5Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims Jewish student was Sydney killer6Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison7Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins8Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response9Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted10MPs reject Lords amendments to Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessChina economy grows faster than expected in first quarterPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, China’s first quarter retail sales growth slippedBy Mariko OiBusiness reporterChina’s economy made a stronger-than-expected start to the year, even as the crisis in its property sector deepened.According to official data, gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.3% in the first three months of 2024, compared to a year earlier.That beat expectations the world’s second largest economy would see growth slow to 4.6% in the first quarter.Last month, Beijing set an ambitious annual growth target for world’s second largest economy of “around 5%”.Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also showed first quarter retail sales growth, a key gauge of China’s consumer confidence, fell to 3.1%.”You cannot manufacture growth forever so we really need to see households come to the party if China wants to hit that around 5% growth target,” Harry Murphy Cruise from Moody’s Analytics told the BBC.In the same period property investment fell 9.5%, highlighting the challenges faced by China’s real estate firms.The figures came as China continues to struggle with an ongoing property market crisis. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the sector accounts for around 20% of the economy.The latest data also showed new home prices fell at the fastest pace for more than eight years in March.The real estate industry crisis has been highlighted in January when property giant Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by a court in Hong Kong.Rival developers Country Garden and Shimao have also been hit with a winding-up petitions in the city.Last week, credit ratings agency Fitch cut its outlook for China, citing increasing risks to the country’s finances as it faces economic challenges.At the annual gathering of China’s leaders in March officials said the economy grew by 5.2% in 2023.For decades the Chinese economy expanded at a stellar rate, with official figures putting its GDP growing at an average of close to 10% a year.Related TopicsXi JinpingInternational BusinessChinaChina economyTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished4 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished4 hours agoMPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation AlphaPublished35 minutes agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha4Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error5Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins6Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’7The pro-Kremlin troll and the false Sydney attack claims8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison10Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responseBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney mall attack: Confronting pro-Kremlin troll on false claims Jewish student was killerPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSydney attackImage source, Aussie CossackImage caption, Simeon Boikov, known as Aussie Cossack online, fled to the Russian consulate in Sydney last yearBy Marianna SpringDisinformation and social media correspondent”I never falsely suggested anything,” Simeon Boikov tells me.Under the alter ego “Aussie Cossack”, he posted untrue speculation that a 20-year-old Jewish university student was the attacker who had stabbed and killed five women and one man at a Westfield shopping centre in Sydney.He said on X: “Unconfirmed reports identify the Bondi attacker as Benjamin Cohen. Cohen? Really? And to think so many commentators tried to initially blame Muslims.”The actual attacker, shot dead by police, was later identified as Joel Cauchi, 40. The authorities say his actions were most probably related to his mental health.Within hours of Mr Boikov’s post on X, the false claims he amplified had reached hundreds of thousands of people on X and Telegram, and had even been repeated by a national news outlet.I tracked him down because I want to understand how his posts triggered an online frenzy that reached the mainstream media – with serious consequences for Mr Cohen, who’s described his distress at being accused of an attack he had nothing to do with.Mr Boikov is speaking to me from the Russian consulate in Sydney, to where he fled more than a year ago after a warrant was issued over his arrest for alleged assault. The pro-Kremlin social media personality was granted Russian citizenship by Russian President Vladimir Putin last year – and has requested political asylum in Russia.He wasn’t the first user to mention the name Benjamin Cohen. It appeared to originate on a small account sharing almost exclusively anti-Israel content.This is one of the ways disinformation now spreads.Digital disinformation expert Marc Owen-Jones says: “It’s less obvious and suspicious than if an influential and known partisan account was to initially tweet it.”Then more established accounts can use this ‘seeded’ narrative as if it’s a legitimate vox pop, and claim they are just ‘reporting’ what’s being said online.”There were also other larger accounts suggesting the attack was somehow connected to Israel or Gaza – before Aussie Cossack’s posts on X.But his were the first featuring Mr Cohen’s name to go viral.That’s likely because he had purchased a blue tick, meaning his content was prioritised ahead of other users and appeared higher up on people’s feeds, including users who did not follow him.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, PM Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns (both centre) were among those laying flowersThe initial post racked up more than 400,000 views, according to X’s own data – before police identified the attacker as Cauchi, not Benjamin Cohen. Aussie Cossack followed up with another post on X with the likeness of a video showing the actual attacker, Cauchi, side by side with a picture of Mr Cohen.On Telegram, he also posted a screengrab of Mr Cohen’s LinkedIn page, revealing where he worked and studied.But speaking to me, Mr Boikov stresses the scepticism in his tweet – he says he was the “first large platform to warn this is unconfirmed”.He suggests he pointed out the unconfirmed nature of the claim to “the hundreds of thousands of people who saw my posts”.However, comments from lots of users online in response to his posts suggest they viewed it the opposite way, and assumed Mr Cohen was the attacker.I challenged Mr Boikov on how his posts had amplified false claims to hundreds of thousands of people, causing serious harm to the student at its centre. This came as families were – and still are – grieving for loved ones killed in the attack.”Sorry, love, you’re doing that right now,” he said. “What you’re doing now is you are talking about the speculation of a false claim, and you’re writing a story about it.”Share in revenueMr Boikov’s is one of hundreds of very active accounts on X with blue ticks now regularly sharing content in this way – whether or not it’s true.Under X’s new guidelines – since Elon Musk bought the social media company – users can receive a “share of the revenue” generated by ads from their posts, if they purchase a blue tick.Aussie Cossack’s posts were picked up and re-circulated by dozens of other accounts, including several with a track record of sharing false claims. Several regularly share content critical of Israel or content relating to the war in Gaza.These false accusations soon bled on to other social media platforms.”Benjamin Cohen” was the search option suggested on several videos of the attack by TikTok when I was looking through content related to the stabbing on Saturday night.Scrolling through these clips, I found the comments were littered with his name before the police had confirmed the real identity of the attacker.”The attacker’s name is Benjamin Cohen IDF Soldier,” one user wrote. Their account had no posts, and no profile picture. I sent a message. No response.”Shame he’s a Jew right? Why don’t the media outlets label him?” another account wrote on a video showing people running through the mall. As soon as I messaged this one asking about its comments, it blocked me.Repeated by news channelIt’s hard to confirm definitively where these accounts are based. They have the hallmarks of inauthentic profiles, without any identifying features and sharing divisive comments repeatedly.X, Telegram and TikTok have not yet replied to the BBC’s requests for comment.Worryingly, the speculation was picked up by Australian media outlet 7News, which named Benjamin Cohen as the “40-year-old lone wolf attacker”. Screengrabs of their report further fuelled the wildfire online.7News later retracted the report and apologised, attributing it to “human error”. But by this point, antisemitic threats were being directed at Benjamin Cohen, who has described the incident as “highly distressing and disappointing to myself and my family”. He has expressed shock not only that he was falsely accused repeatedly on social media, but that even a major news network had identified him.While the social media frenzy was unfolding, his dad Mark Cohen defended his son on X. He called on New South Wales Police to reveal the name of the attacker “before this nonsense claiming it was my son causes more harm”.Image source, XIn parallel, false claims were circulating that the attacker was Muslim. These were shared by prominent journalists and political accounts on X with hundreds of thousands of followers from the UK to the US.British journalist and presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer suggested the stabbings were “another terror attack by another Islamist terrorist”, while TV presenter Rachel Riley said it was part of a “Global Intifada”. They both later retracted their posts.Hartley-Brewer posted that she had been “incorrect” and that the Sydney massacre “was not an Islamist terror attack”, while Riley said she was “sorry” if her message had been “misunderstood”.Dozens of accounts on TikTok also spread false claims that the attacker was Muslim. I messaged several of them – but they haven’t responded.New South Wales Police have suggested the real attacker, Cauchi, deliberately targeted women – who make up five out of six of the victims.Several online forums dedicated to incels – a subculture who define themselves as unable to get a sexual partner, despite desiring one – have praised Cauchi as one of their own for the attack.But so far there’s no concrete evidence of Cauchi being involved directly with these online movements. When asked why Cauchi could have targeted women, his father said that his son had “wanted a girlfriend” and that had had “no social skills and was frustrated out of his brain”.Increasingly, attacks in the real world are being followed by this kind of social media frenzy – where misinformation is hugely amplified.For the families and friends of those who have been killed, and the innocent bystanders falsely accused, this toxic rumour-mill is causing serious harm.Related TopicsIslamophobiaSydney attackRussiaDisinformationAntisemitismSydneyAustraliaTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished3 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished3 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished5 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCWere three prime ministers brought down by WhatsApp?Helen Lewis investigates how instant messaging can lead to chaos, confusion, and comedyAttributionSoundsWhen the Queen parachuted from a helicopter with James BondHow did the memorable moment from the 2012 London Olympic Games come about?AttributionSoundsThe Austrian house where children were experimented onEvy Mages uncovers the full, disturbing truth of what happened thereAttributionSoundsReady to rock through time with the Doctor and Ruby?A sneak peek of the new series of Doctor Who, starting May 11…AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’4Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison7MPs to vote on smoking ban for Generation Alpha8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response10Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ requestBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaKenya doctor strike: The public caught between the medics and the governmentPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Basillioh RukangaBBC News, NairobiMost of the beds at the labour ward of Kihara Level 4 Hospital on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, are empty.Only three are occupied out of more than a dozen. A nurse says the hospital is not taking in women who need a Caesarean as there is no doctor to perform the operation.The doctors here – and across the country – have been on strike for about a month now. Public hospitals are virtually empty. There is an unsettling silence in places normally brimming with people seeking a host of critical services.Patients are now forced to go to expensive private hospitals or delay treatment, resulting in worsening chronic illnesses and sometimes deaths.Doctors are striking over a number of issues, including pay and the failure to hire trainee doctors, who cannot qualify without getting an intern position.The medics are aware of the problems the strike is causing but argue that industrial action is necessary “to help the public get quality health care” in the long run, as their working conditions and the lack of equipment mean they cannot treat patients properly, says Davji Bhimji, the secretary-general of the doctors’ union, KMPDU.”Sometimes we are just there to supervise death,” he tells the BBC.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Patients have been failing to get treatment at state hospitals in KenyaPresident William Ruto has asked the striking doctors to return to work and agree to the offer that the government has made, saying the country must “live according to our means”.Many who have had to rely on the public health service are sympathetic as they have seen the problems for themselves, but that sympathy is being tested.One woman tells the BBC that her sister-in-law, who was in labour and needed an operation, lost her unborn child because of the strike.The patient had travelled from western Kenya, where she could not get treatment, to the main referral hospital in Nairobi, but was turned away. She was eventually taken to a private hospital but it was too late to save her baby. Lucy Bright Mbugua, 26, says her 10-month-old baby has been at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi since January. Her baby is being treated for a condition that requires constant attention but only a few doctors are available. They now come around twice a week rather than daily.”It’s painful when there is no service. The baby is suffering and there are no drugs,” she tells the BBC.Her mother, Anne, says she often spends nights at the outpatient centre so that she is available for her daughter, and to save on transport costs.The peasant farmer, who came to Nairobi from her rural home 200km (125 miles) away after her grandchild got sick, says she is trying to help her daughter financially but it is very difficult.”Why can’t they sit down and agree,” she says of the striking doctors and the government, adding that “we, the small fish, are really suffering” – a view echoed by many.Image source, AFPImage caption, The medics say the government has reneged on a previous agreementSome have been seeking solace in prayers. A pastor in Kibera, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, says he has been seeing about five sick people a week.”You know that they require to be seen by doctors, but if there is no treatment, you offer prayers so that they stop having other thoughts or give up hope,” Pastor Stephen Genda tells the BBC.The problems have now been compounded as clinical officers have joined the strike.They provide outpatient services and constitute the backbone of healthcare, especially in rural areas. But they have vowed not to budge until their demands are met.”The government is not going to give anything without a fight,” says Peterson Wachira, the chairman of the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers.The government says it is paying salary arrears to doctors and has offered to hire intern doctors. The offer followed negotiations, including court-mandated talks that involved representatives of different government departments.But the doctors rejected it, saying the pay being offered to interns amounted to a big reduction of the amount that had been agreed in a 2017 deal. The government set the new figure at $540 (£430) a month, but the union says $1,600 had been agreed for pay and allowances in the deal. The authorities have been unable to hire all the trainee doctors as they say there is not enough money to pay all the prospective interns.This has left many feeling bitter and unwanted.Image source, ReutersImage caption, All aspiring doctors have to spend a year as an intern before qualifyingMicheni Mike, a graduate doctor waiting to be posted, told the BBC at the beginning of the strike that the government “does not prioritise you and the skills that you hold”.Shirley Ogalo, a dental surgeon who is also waiting to be hired, says that graduating was a very a nice moment “but now I’m fighting”. “You see your colleagues – the people who did other courses – they are flourishing. Some have started families. It’s depressing, it gives you a lot of frustration,” she tells the BBC.The authorities are beginning to take a harder line.Some of the governors heading county governments, which are responsible for the bulk of health functions, have threatened to sack the doctors. The Council of Governors Health Committee chairman, Muthomi Njuki, has said some of the doctors’ demands were “unreasonable” and “difficult to implement”.One public hospital in Nairobi announced last week that it was laying off more than 100 doctors participating in the strike. But up to now the health workers have vowed to stay put. Mr Bhimji accused the government of not being “concerned about the services that we offer, otherwise if they had concerns they would be sitting down and discussing” the issues.Religious figures and opposition leaders are among those who have called on the government to re-open negotiations with the doctors and have the hospitals back running.But this could still drag on for months – the stoppage in 2017 lasted about 100 days.But Ms Mbugua, who has a 10-month-old sick baby, hopes the strike will end soon.”We want the doctors to come back – for things to be normal again,” she says.More on this topic:Kenya doctors’ strike: The cancer patient and the medicKenya’s unhappy doctors and nursesIs it worth becoming a doctor in Kenya?Related TopicsKenyaAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished2 hours agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished2 hours agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished4 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?What you need to vote has changed. VideoWhat you need to vote has changedListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Elsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins4Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Sydney church stabbing declared a ‘terrorist attack’7Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response8Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted9Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaParis 2024: How is France preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesThe Olympic torch is being lit in Greece on Tuesday, ahead of its journey to Paris for the start of the Games on 26 July. Security has become a major concern for the French government, and plans for the opening ceremony are being reconsidered.When are the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games?The summer Olympics are from 26 July to 11 August, with 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events. The Paralympics run from 28 August to 8 September, featuring 4,400 athletes in 549 events.There will be 206 countries represented at the Olympics, and 184 at the Paralympics. More than 15 million tourists are expected in Paris during the Games. All you need to know for Paris 2024Where will Olympic and Paralympic events take place? The main athletics events will be held at the Stade de France, on the outskirts of Paris.However, there will be 15 Olympic and 11 Paralympic venues in central Paris. For example, the Pont d’Iena will host cycling events and the start and finish points for the marathon will be at the Hotel de Ville and Les Invalides.Paris to bring back swimming in Seine after 100 yearsHow are France’s security forces preparing for the Olympics?Worried about threats such as a drone attack, the government has cut spectator numbers at the Olympic opening ceremony. The event is expected to see the national teams parading in boats along a 6km (3.8 mile) stretch of the River Seine through central Paris.The original plan was for an estimated 600,000 members of the public to watch from the banks.However, the government now says only 300,000 invited guests will be allowed. Image source, Paris 2024 Image caption, The opening ceremony for the Olympics will feature a parade of athletes on boats on the SeineAnd President Emmanuel Macron has said the ceremony could be moved from the Seine altogether if the security risk is too great.Instead, the entire event could be in the Trocadero or the Stade de France.”There are Plan Bs and Plan Cs,” President Macron said, adding, “We are preparing them in parallel, we will analyse this in real time.”Image caption, French soldiers have had special security training ahead of the OlympicsThe French government is using about 20,000 soldiers and more than 40,000 police officers to provide security. It also has support from about 2,000 troops and police officers from other countries.Security services have been screening one million people involved in the Games, including athletes, residents living close to the Olympic venues, medical staff and volunteers.France’s Prime Minster Gabriel Attal has said intelligence services uncovered two plots against the country by suspected Islamic militants in early 2024. “The terrorist threat is real, it’s strong,” he said. Has Russia been banned from Paris 2024?Neither Russia nor Belarus are allowed to send teams, because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’s support for it. Competitors from those countries will only be allowed to take part as neutral athletes. They will not be allowed to parade in the opening ceremony and will not have their national anthems played, or their national flags raised, if they win medals. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Soviet Union held “Friendship Games” as a rival to the 1984 Olympics and Russia will do the same in 2024Russia has said it is “outraged” at its athletes’ treatment and has announced a “World Friendship Games” in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in September. The Soviet Union held a similar event in 1984, after boycotting the summer Olympics in Los Angeles.President Emmanuel Macron said that Russia has also been conducting a propaganda campaign to undermine the Paris Games.This has included putting out stories claiming they are being badly organised. Has Israel been banned? Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for not also barring Israel from taking part, because of its military operation is Gaza.However, IOC president Thomas Bach rejected the demand and confirmed Israel’s participation. Are the Games popular in France?One opinion poll suggested that 44% of Parisians think hosting the Olympics is a “bad thing”, with many planning to leave town.Bus and metro fares will double in Paris during the Games. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Les Phryges’ motto is “Alone we go faster, but together we go further”The Olympic and Paralympic Village and a new aquatics centre are in a region north of Paris called Seine-Saint-Denis – one of the poorest parts of France. Charities complained after hundreds of squatters were evicted from buildings close to the new venues. Games venues in the centre of Paris will be cordoned off to the public and there will be extensive traffic restrictions.A number of Metro stations and railway stations will be closed for part or all of duration of the Games.”Paris will be unbearable,” one resident told the BBC. “Impossible to park; impossible to move around; impossible to do anything.”Related TopicsParisTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished58 minutes agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished1 hour agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished3 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: ‘Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial beginsSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2’Frantic diplomacy’ over Iran and Trump trial begins3Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins4Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison5Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted8Sydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’9Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsraeli war cabinet meets to discuss response to Iranian attackPublished1 minute agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Israeli government handoutImage caption, The war cabinet also met on Sunday, as seen in this Israeli government handoutBy Ido VockBBC NewsIsrael’s war cabinet has met to discuss its response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack.Israel did not make public whether a decision had been reached.Its allies have strongly condemned Iran’s actions, but urged Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to show restraint. While Iran has signalled it considers the matter closed, the Israeli military’s chief of staff said the attack would not go unanswered.”Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response,” Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said.He did not specify a course of action, or give a timescale.Former CIA head David Petraeus had told BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight programme that Washington does not want to risk the wellbeing of the global economy with any Israeli retaliation against Iran.Gen Petraeus, who also commanded the international forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the Iranian attack was a “very big deal”, and that the West had to understand how significant this was for Israel. “The challenge now, of course, is that there are somewhat different perspectives on what to do next. If for some reason the Brent crude prices spike, or if there is some kind of freedom of navigation issue in the Gulf. And there is already some concern over Iran taking an oil tanker the other day.”Gen Petraeus, who is now retired now, said the debate inside the Israeli government was about how to formulate a response what would show Israeli deterrence without “ratcheting up the escalation any further”.He added that Israel had a number of asymmetric options that could allow it to respond without increasing tension.What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Lt Gen Halevi was speaking from Nevatim air base in southern Israel, which sustained damage in Saturday’s overnight attack but was said by Israel to be “still functioning”.Tehran said the operation was retaliation for a 1 April strike on its consulate in Syria, which killed senior Iranian military commanders.The Israeli military said more than 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel. It said almost all were brought down by its forces, with support from the US, UK, France and other countries, before reaching their targets. No deaths were reported and Israel said the damage was limited. World leaders have urged restraint amid concerns about a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East.US President Joe Biden spoke to Mr Netanyahu following the launch of the Iranian attack and reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”.But on Sunday the US told Israel it would not join in any counter-strike on Iran, according to a senior White House official.”We’re committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict spreading more than it already has,” Mr Biden said on Monday. Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israeli communities on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 250 to the Gaza Strip as hostages. Israel responded with an aerial and ground campaign, and more than 33,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health authority.Addressing Iran-Israel tensions in the UK Parliament on Monday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called on “all sides” to “show restraint”. He added that he would speak to Mr Netanyahu to express solidarity and discuss how to prevent “further escalation”. Separately on Monday, violence continued to surge in the occupied West Bank following the killing of an Israeli teenager, Benjamin Achimeir. He had taken a flock of sheep out to graze from a settler outpost near Ramallah when he went missing on Friday last week. The Israel Defence Forces later found his body.The Israeli government has said he was the victim of a “terrorist attack”.The US has condemned retaliatory violence by Israeli settlers, including the killings of two young Palestinians, Jihad Abu Aliya and Omar Ahmad Abdulghani Hamed.On Monday, Israel said it would investigate the killings of two more Palestinians near the city of Nablus, apparently by Israeli settlers.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael & the PalestiniansIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 day agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished23 hours agoTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished1 hour agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished16 minutes agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished2 hours agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2Sydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’3Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison4Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error5Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted8Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request9Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears10Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blazeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney church stabbing treated as ‘terrorist act’Published7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Simon AtkinsonBBC News, AustraliaAustralian police have declared Monday’s stabbing at a church in Sydney a “terrorist act”.A 15-year-old boy was arrested after a bishop and several churchgoers were stabbed during the sermon.The incident happened in the evening at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley.At least four people were stabbed but police say none of their injuries were life-threatening. The incident triggered unrest.Hundreds of people gathered outside the church, clashing with police – two of whom were injured.Twenty police vehicles were damaged – with 10 left unusable.Chief commissioner Karen Webb said those involved in the riots would be hunted by police, describing the actions as “unacceptable”.New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: “I convened a meeting of faith leaders representing major religious organisations across Western Sydney. “And their message to their communities was universal and identical, and that is that they deplore violence in all forms that they have faith in the New South Wales police to undertake their investigation.”They call for peace amongst all communities in Sydney, and most importantly, that people remain calm during this obviously distressing period.”Paramedics had to retreat for cover in the church and were “holed up” there for more than three hours. Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished30 minutes agoDozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial beginsPublished1 hour agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished1 hour agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Truss endorses Trump to win US presidential race2Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison3Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error4Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request5Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted6Israel war cabinet meets to discuss Iran response7Dozens of jurors ruled out as historic Trump trial begins8Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blaze9Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears10MPs reject Lords amendments to Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaTrump trial: Difficult search begins for impartial juryPublished13 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump is the first former president to ever go on trialBy Madeline Halpert & Kayla EpsteinBBC News, New YorkDonald Trump’s unprecedented criminal trial began on Monday with half of a group of potential jurors ruled out within minutes on impartiality grounds.Mr Trump denies falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Sixty of 96 potential jurors were quick to say in the New York court that they could not be impartial.Those left were then asked multiple questions, including about their news and book reading habits.”I just couldn’t do it,” one prospective juror was heard saying as she left court. The dismissals were an indication of how challenging it could be to find a group of 12 impartial jurors for a case concerned with a high-profile sex scandal involving a former president running once again for the White House.The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleges that Mr Trump directed his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 (£104,000) in exchange for her silence about an alleged sexual encounter that the former president denies took place. Prosecutors say he did so to “unlawfully influence” the 2016 election. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Jury selection began in the afternoon. The judge started by dismissing jurors who raised their hand to say they could not be impartial, leaving around 34 people. Those left were then grilled on 42 questions in the jury questionnaire, including on their news-reading habits, whether they had attended any Trump rallies or read any of the former president’s books. Eighteen were placed at random in the jury box, and they began to answer the questionnaire one by one. One man from Midtown Manhattan said that he read the Wall Street Journal. Another from the Upper West Side said his radio habits included listening to whatever was on when he was in the shower. He later clarifying he meant NPR. Neither was dismissed immediately.A woman was asked: “Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former president Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?”She simply replied “yes” and was dismissed, although Mr Trump’s team initially objected to excusing her. All jurors will remain anonymous due to the high profile nature of the case, although Mr Trump’s legal team and prosecutors will know their identities.Quiet in the courtThe accused stayed quiet during the day, speaking to his lawyers in a hushed tone while maintaining a stern expression. He said three words in the entirety of the morning to the judge, New York Justice Juan Merchan – all “yes”, when asked about what conduct was required in in court.But outside of the court, Mr Trump took a more aggressive tone, stating that the trial was “nonsense” and an “assault on America”. Mr Trump’s public remarks about the case were the subject of several minutes of debate during the morning in court. Prosecutors claimed some of Mr Trump’s posts on his social media site, Truth Social, violated a gag order Justice Merchan imposed on him. The order bars Mr Trump from making public comments about people related to the case, including potential witnesses. The order was expanded to relatives of those involved after Mr Trump attacked Justice Merchan’s daughter on social media. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office asked Justice Merchan to fine Mr Trump $3,000 (£2,400) in total for three posts. The judge set a hearing date of 23 April to make a decision. The judge used the morning in court to resolve what evidence would be permissible in court. The defence and the prosecution sparred over an infamous Access Hollywood Tape that came out just before the 2016 election. In the tape, Mr Trump talks about grabbing women by their genitals. Prosecutors asked to include an email chain between Trump campaign officials and the Washington Post reporter who broke the Access Hollywood story, which included a transcript of the tape. Image source, EPAImage caption, A woman holds a banner in front of New York criminal courtThe judge said the emails would be allowed if “set up properly”, despite objections from Mr Trump’s legal team. Throughout the day, Mr Trump was cheered on by dozens of people who rallied peacefully but loudly outside of court.They included a man playing the Star-Spangled Banner on the flute for hours and a person imitating the former president wearing a blonde wig and red tie. The were others decidedly less enthusiastic about the former president. One held a banner that stated: “Convict Trump already.”The hush-money trial is just one of four criminal cases the former president is facing. But it could be the only one to go to trial before the 2024 presidential election, a rematch between Mr Trump and the incumbent, Joe Biden. If convicted, Mr Trump would be the first major-party nominee to run for president as a convicted felon. No law prevents him from doing so. Justice Merchan also rejected a defence request that Mr Trump be excused from the trial next Thursday so that he can attend Supreme Court arguments on the immunity claims he raised in another of his criminal cases.”Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal,” Justice Merchan said, before adding: “A trial in New York Supreme Court … is also a big deal. I will see him here next week.”Image source, EPAImage caption, Trump supporters in New YorkRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpNew YorkDonald TrumpMore on this storyDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialPublished2 days agoWho is Stormy Daniels, and what happened with Donald Trump?Published7 hours agoTop StoriesIsrael war cabinet meets to discuss Iran responsePublished27 minutes agoDifficult search begins for impartial Trump juryPublished13 minutes agoTruss endorses Trump to win US presidential racePublished5 minutes agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison2Wrong couple divorced after law firm computer error3Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request4Prime minister not at Eid party guests boycotted5Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears6Girl, six, wakes sleeping family during home blaze7Mini rope bridges built for forest dormice8Harry to fight on in legal battle over security9’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack10World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaPro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeClosePro-Palestinian demonstrators forced the closure of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on Monday, causing hours of gridlock. The protesters held signs that read “Stop the world for Gaza” and “End the siege on Gaza now”.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished42 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore morePro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate Bridge. Video, 00:00:31Pro-Palestinian protest blocks Golden Gate BridgeSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished42 minutes ago0:31Up Next. Biden says Netanyahu making ‘a mistake’ in Gaza. Video, 00:00:35Biden says Netanyahu making ‘a mistake’ in GazaSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished5 days agoUp Next0:35Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished3 days ago4:06Editor’s recommendationsWheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished6 hours ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished9 hours ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 hour ago1:28BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. Video, 00:01:09BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelSubsectionMiddle EastPublished23 hours ago1:09’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished2 days ago1:26BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEndangered California condor chicks hatched in LAThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LACloseEndangered California condors are part of a recovery program that aims to release them into the wild.Zoos in the state work closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the California Condor Recovery Program after the species almost went extinct in the 80s.Now every condor chick born in captivity starts a process of adaptation towards release in a protected area.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished30 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreEndangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished30 minutes ago1:28Up Next. Watch: Zoo welcomes birth of southern white rhino. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Zoo welcomes birth of southern white rhinoSubsectionBeds, Herts & BucksPublished15 MarchUp Next0:30Zoo shares first images of ocelot born this year. Video, 00:00:54Zoo shares first images of ocelot born this yearSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished15 December 20230:54Editor’s recommendationsWheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished4 hours ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished8 hours ago0:28BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. 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Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished2 days ago0:30BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureHannah Gutierrez-Reed: Rust armourer sentenced to 18 months for Halyna Hutchins’ deathPublished24 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hannah Gutierrez-ReedBy Helen BushbyCulture reporter Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie set weapons handler who loaded a gun for actor Alec Baldwin before it fired and killed a cinematographer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The armourer, 26, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March.She was found not guilty of a second charge – tampering with evidence over the 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.The sentence Ms Gutierrez-Reed received is the maximum possible. Mr Baldwin, 65, also faces a manslaughter trial in July. He has said he is not guilty of the charges.Ms Hutchins, 42, was killed after a gun Mr Baldwin used in a rehearsal fired a live round on the set of the Western in New Mexico.Prosecutors said Gutierrez-Reed had failed to ensure the weapon was only loaded with dummy rounds – fake bullets used to look and sound like real ones. “This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being,” prosecutor Kari T Morrissey said during closing arguments in the trial.Gutierrez-Reed was “negligent”, “careless” and “thoughtless” when she failed to notice that live bullets had mixed with dummy rounds in a box of ammunition on set, Ms Morrissey told the jurors.One of those bullets was in the firearm that was used by Mr Baldwin, prosecutors said.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Moment Rust armourer is found guilty of manslaughter, in MarchJurors deliberated for three hours before returning their verdict and Gutierrez-Reed remained expressionless as she learned her fate. As she was led away by two officers she told her weeping mother, “It’ll be OK,” according to Reuters.Ms Hutchins’ parents and her sister said they were “satisfied” with the verdict.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Halyna Hutchins was killed while on set in 2021Their statement added: “We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna’s death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions.”How the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedDead cinematographer ‘was an incredible artist’ This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, WATCH: Bodycam footage from Rust shooting aftermathDuring the trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that Gutierrez-Reed had brought a box of live bullets to the New Mexico film set from her California home. They said these live rounds slowly spread throughout the set over the course of 12 days. Ms Morrissey said she believed the armourer did not intend to bring live rounds to the set, but rather that Ms Hutchins’ death was a case of tragic negligence. The prosecutor added that Gutierrez-Reed was more “worried about her career” and less about the victims in the aftermath of the shooting. Gutierrez-Reed did not testify in the two-week trial, but her lawyer said in closing arguments that prosecutors had failed to prove his client was the sole person responsible for the fatal shooting. “The [ammunition] boxes don’t matter, because we don’t know what was in them three or four days before,” her lawyer, Jason Bowles told the jury, arguing his client did not know that there were real bullets on set.Mr Bowles also blamed Mr Baldwin, arguing that he had “gone off-script” when he pointed the gun at film crew. “It was not in the script for Mr Baldwin to point the weapon,” he said. “She didn’t know that Mr Baldwin was going to do what he did.”He had vowed to appeal the guilty verdict. For his pending caseGutierrez-Reed was found not guilty of evidence tampering stemming from accusations that she attempted to dispose of a small bag of narcotics after the shooting. Last year, the movie’s cast and crew finished filming in tribute to Ms Hutchins, with her husband serving as an executive producer.Related TopicsFirearmsFilmNew MexicoMore on this storyRust film armourer guilty over shooting deathPublished7 MarchDead cinematographer ‘was an incredible artist’Published22 October 2021Rust armourer ‘sloppy’ before Alec Baldwin gun firedPublished22 FebruaryBaldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughterPublished1 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Iran attack ‘will be met with response’, Israel’s army chief saysLive. Jury selection begins in Trump’s hush-money trialWorld’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatPublished2 hours agoFeaturesSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Why has the weather changed again?AttributionWeatherUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison2Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Marten told ‘big lies’ over baby death, court hears5World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heat6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce8’Worst’ cafe makes light of negative review9Battery factory ditched in favour of data centre10Boy, 15, arrested after bishop stabbed in SydneyBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC SportMenuHomeFootballCricketFormula 1Rugby URugby LTennisGolfBoxingAthleticsMoreA-Z SportsAmerican FootballAthleticsBasketballBoxingCricketCyclingDartsDisability SportFootballFormula 1Gaelic GamesGolfGymnasticsHorse RacingMixed Martial ArtsMotorsportNetballOlympic SportsRugby LeagueRugby UnionSnookerSwimmingTennisWinter SportsFull Sports A-ZMore from SportEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandMy SportMatch of the DaySports Personality5 Live SportSport on the BBCNews FeedsHelp & FAQsAthleticsResultsCalendarBeijing half marathon: Organisers investigating controversial finishPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, He Jie (pictured winning the 2023 Asian Games) won the half marathon in one hour three minutes 44 secondsOrganisers of the Beijing half marathon are investigating allegations that three African athletes deliberately allowed China’s star runner He Jie to win Sunday’s race.Footage appeared, external to show Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat and Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu pointing to the line and slowing down before waving past He, 25.The result was criticised by some Chinese social media users.Mnangat has told BBC Sport Africa that the trio ran as pacemakers.The Kenyan said four runners had been contracted to help He break the Chinese half-marathon record of one hour two minutes 33 seconds, and that one of them did not finish the race.He missed out on the record with a time of 1:03:44, one second ahead of the trio, who tied for second place.”I was not there to compete,” said Mnangat. “It was not a competitive race for me.”A spokesperson at the Beijing Sports Bureau told AFP they were investigating the incident, adding: “We will announce the results to the public once they are available.”Xstep, a Chinese sports brand who sponsored the event and have a contract with He, told Chinese state-owned The Paper:, external “The situation is still being confirmed and verified by multiple parties. Further information will be communicated as soon as possible.”Mnangat added: “I don’t know why they put my name on my bib/chest number instead of labelling it as a pacemaker.”My job was to set the pace and help the guy win but unfortunately, he did not achieve the target, which was to break the national record.”None of the other runners have commented on the incident yet. China’s He won marathon gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and is his country’s record holder for the full marathon.A statement from World Athletics to BBC Sport said: “We are aware of the footage circulating online from the Beijing half marathon this weekend and understand an investigation is currently being conducted by the relevant local authorities. “The integrity of our sport is the highest priority at World Athletics, while this investigation is ongoing we are unable to provide further comment.”Users of Chinese social media site Weibo have posted about the race, with a comment saying “this is no doubt the most embarrassing title of He Jie’s career” receiving more than 1,000 likes. Another post added: “With such a major organiser and such a well-known event, this really pushes sportsmanship to the ground in shame.”ABBA’s definitive story: How much do you really know about Sweden’s biggest musical export?Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down? Toast analyses the pioneering app’s fortunes and misfortunesRelated TopicsAthleticsRelated Internet LinksBritish AthleticsWorld AthleticsThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.Top StoriesEngland and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78Published3 hours ago’Scintillating Scheffler lives up to expectation as Aberg arrives’Published3 hours agoMurray will not have surgery on ankle injuryPublished27 minutes agoElsewhere on the BBC’It was a collision of two very dangerous people’A raw documentary about the life and crimes of televangelist turned cult leaders Susan and Tony AlamoAttributioniPlayerThe best players relegated from the Premier LeagueGary, Alan and Micah rank the Top 10 who have suffered this fate…AttributionSoundsWill they manage to track down the Soviet mole?Film adaptation of John le Carré’s Cold War novel with a stellar castAttributioniPlayer’That’s why I wanted to play it to somebody else’The pioneering late DJ, Annie Nightingale, was Lauren Laverne’s castaway in 2020AttributionSoundsElsewhere in Sport’You can hear panic set in’ – how pressure is affecting the title race’Was this the day the Premier League title tide turned?”Golf dropping in priority but I still love winning’Scheffler hits ‘shot of the tournament’ on ninth. VideoScheffler hits ‘shot of the tournament’ on ninth’Incredible feeling’ – Alonso toasts Leverkusen titleMan Utd hold off Chelsea to reach Women’s FA Cup final. VideoMan Utd hold off Chelsea to reach Women’s FA Cup finalInside Lingard’s stuttering start to life in SeoulWomen’s Six Nations needs ‘closer games’ – AlphonsiSpurs beat Leicester after extra time to reach FA Cup final. VideoSpurs beat Leicester after extra time to reach FA Cup final’Sweet’ messages & running jokes – how GB beat FranceWhat happened to your Grand National horse?Raducanu’s ‘magical’ winning moment in BJK Cup. VideoRaducanu’s ‘magical’ winning moment in BJK CupEngland thrash Scotland to continue perfect start. VideoEngland thrash Scotland to continue perfect startFacing disaster – the Forest fans at Hillsborough’To win the Bundesliga is unthinkable’ – Leverkusen make history by winning title. Video’To win the Bundesliga is unthinkable’ – Leverkusen make history by winning title’More than a fighter’ – how Rousey finally found peaceJoin the BBC Sport WhatsApp channelsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFBI opens investigation into Baltimore bridge collapsePublished6 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Six people died after the Dali cargo ship collided with the bridge, causing its catastrophic collapseBy Nadine YousifBBC NewsThe FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse, sources familiar with the matter told the BBC’s US partner CBS.The investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the incident, in which six people were killed.The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell on March 26 after it was struck by a large container ship called the Dali. Federal agents have been present at the site since, the sources said.In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said the “FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity”. ‘A game of Jenga’: Inside the perilous Baltimore bridge clean-up No further information will be shared publicly on the investigation at this time, the spokesperson said. Erek Barron, the US Attorney in Maryland who is aiding in the FBI investigation, said his office would not comment on the existence of a probe. But he said “the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible”. The FBI investigation is separate from an ongoing probe by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Also on Monday, Baltimore’s mayor Brandon Scott announced that his city is taking “legal steps” to address the collapse by partnering with two national law firms.Mr Scott said the firms will take ”action to hold the wrongdoers responsible, and to mitigate the immediate and long-term harm caused to Baltimore City residents.”He said the aim is to hold “all entities accountable”, including the owner, charterer, manager and operator of the Dali ship, as well as potentially liable third parties. Most of the 47-year-old bridge collapsed when it was struck by Dali – a 948ft (289m) cargo ship – at around 01:28 local time, plunging eight men who were working on bridge maintenance at the time into the Patapsco River. The bodies of three have since been recovered and three others are presumed to be dead by authorities. Two others were rescued shortly after the bridge fell. A salvage mission that includes the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Navy, the Coast Guard and Maryland authorities is still ongoing to recover parts of the bridge, as well as to find the bodies of the remaining victims.Investigators also have recovered the data recorder of the Dali ship, which they hope may explain the catastrophic power failure that caused it to go off course and hit the bridge. Officials said the ship had been moving at eight knots, or roughly 9mp (15 km/h).Jennifer Homandy, the head of the NTSB, has said one of the factors under investigation is whether contaminated fuel played a role in the ship losing power. A mayday signal was sent when the ship was approaching the bridge, authorities had said, which gave authorities time to stop cars driving onto the bridge.The collapse led to the closure of the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the US and a key hub for the transport of vehicles, though two alternative channels have since been opened as the salvage operation continues.Related TopicsBaltimoreFBIMarylandUnited StatesMore on this storyWhere Baltimore bridge investigation goes nowPublished28 MarchBaltimore victims remembered as fathers, immigrantsPublished6 AprilLost power, mayday call and crash before Baltimore bridge collapsePublished26 March’A game of Jenga’: Inside the perilous Baltimore bridge clean-upPublished6 AprilTop StoriesLive. ‘All sides must show restraint’ says Sunak, as Israel considers Iran responseLive. Trump in court for historic hush-money trialWorld’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heatPublished26 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsCalls for Germany to legalise abortions in first trimesterHow is Paris preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics?Ukraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request2World’s coral turns white from deadly ocean heat3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Bishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney5Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Plans for gigafactory ditched in favour of data centre8City falls silent for 35th Hillsborough anniversary9Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties10England and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78AttributionSportBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityTechnologyTesla lays off more than 10% of its workforcePublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Shiona McCallumTechnology reporterTesla will lay off more than 10% of its global electric vehicle workforce.In a memo, first reported by news website Electrek, billionaire owner Elon Musk told staff there was nothing he hated more, “but it must be done”.The world’s largest auto-maker by market value had 140,473 employees globally as of December, according to its latest annual report.Tesla did not immediately respond to the BBC’s request for comment.”We have done a thorough review of the organisation and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally,” said the email from Mr Musk.”There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle.”A Tesla employee who had been told he was being let go told the BBC he had subsequently been locked out of his emails as had all other staff being laid off.The company is set to report its quarterly earnings later this month but has already reported a decline in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, its first in nearly four years and also below market expectations. Some analysts described the results as “tumultuous.”Last month, Tesla reduced production at the Gigafactory in Shanghai and last week Tesla told employees who work on the Cybertruck that shifts will be shorter on the production line at the Austin.Tesla has begun to feel the impact of slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).Elon Musk has recently denied reports that the company has scrapped plans to produce an inexpensive car, which has been one of his longstanding goals to make affordable EVs for the masses.Tesla shares were down 0.8% in premarket trading on Monday.The EV maker has been slow to refresh its aging models as high interest rates have sapped consumer appetite for big-ticket items.There is also the ongoing pressure from China as the rise of their inexpensive EVs have begun to flood the market with affordable models.Related TopicsElon MuskTeslaTransportMore on this storyTesla ‘disaster’ with fewest deliveries since 2022Published2 AprilChinese smartphone giant takes on TeslaPublished29 MarchTesla warns of ‘notably lower’ sales growth in 2024Published25 JanuaryTesla to settle over fatal Autopilot crashPublished6 days agoTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished26 minutes agoLive. Trump arrives at court for historic hush-money trialFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsLegalise abortions in first trimester, German commission saysUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackElsewhere on the BBCMarking the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s deathA powerful documentary about one of music history’s most shocking storiesAttributioniPlayer’It’s a way of making sure she’s not forgotten’Georgia Gabriel-Hooper deals with a personal tragedy by raising awarenessAttributionSoundsRomesh Ranganathan’s bittersweet comedy gem returnsFrom lost to found, follow Jonathan’s journey as he navigates single parenthoodAttributioniPlayerAre we close to a breakthrough for MS?The Inquiry explores if trials for a vaccine against EBV could eventually lead to preventing MSAttributionSoundsMost Read1Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request2Bishop attacked during sermon in Sydney3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforce5Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties6Britishvolt site battery plant plan collapses7UK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron8’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack9’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police10England and Kent spinner Underwood dies aged 78AttributionSportSaudi FA to review fan code of conduct after supporter appears to whip playerBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaLegalise abortions in first trimester, German commission saysPublished19 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pro-abortion protesters in Cologne last SeptemberBy Damien McGuinnessBBC News, BerlinA government-appointed expert commission has called on Germany country to legalise the termination of a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks.It might come as a surprise to many, but abortions are, in fact, generally illegal in Germany. There are exemptions. For instance, a woman is not punished for terminating a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks if she has an official medical consultation beforehand. Other exemptions include cases of rape or when the woman’s life is in danger.In other words, while abortions are in theory illegal, they are generally not prosecuted. In some cases, charges are pressed against doctors or clinics and women are sometimes questioned by police, which can be traumatic.The result of this legal limbo is that some clinics and doctors either don’t publicise the service on their websites, or refuse to carry out abortions at all out of fear of prosecution. Some women report that provision of terminations can be patchy or hard to find, particularly in rural areas. Liberalisation campaigners say all this adds to the stigma surrounding abortions, making an already difficult situation unnecessarily stressful for women. Hurdles, such as finding and organising a pre-termination consolation, mean that abortions are sometimes carried out later. Women also have to pay for abortions privately. The procedure is not included in the healthcare provided by the expensive compulsory health insurance that all people in Germany have to pay. To clear up the confusion, a year ago Germany’s leftwing-led government set up an independent commission of scientific experts to recommend how to reform the system. On Monday, they released their 628-page report, recommending that abortions be allowed within the first 12 weeks. Liane Wörner, a lawyer who leads the commission, said on Monday in Berlin that keeping early-stage abortions illegal is “no longer tenable” given the constitution, human rights and European law.So will the law on abortions now be liberalised in Germany? Not necessarily. The government is not obliged to follow the expert commission’s advice, and so far ministers have been reticent about sharing their opinion. But opposition conservatives are not holding back, threatening to take the issue to the constitutional court if the law is changed. The Bavarian conservative CSU party has accused the commission of political bias, saying it is simply delivering the result the government wanted. Right-wing MPs say the government is launching a culture war over abortion rights, similar to the fierce rows in other countries. “If you want to wage a culture war, then wage it with us,” declared parliamentary group leader for the far-right AfD Beatrix von Storch. The leaders of Chancellor Scholz’s centre-left Social Democrat SPD party, meanwhile, have called on right-wingers to avoid polarising and incendiary language. “That doesn’t help anyone,” said Katja Mast, deputy SPD leader. Until now Germany has managed mostly to avoid the heated left-right politicisation of abortion rights seen in many countries, such as Poland or the US. At the weekend there were protests from both sides in Munich, but they were small and peaceful. But all major parties are struggling in the polls, so some politicians may be tempted by the idea of using identity politics to boost flagging support. National parliamentary elections are due next year. This means it is unlike there will be enough time to change the law on abortion, given the complexities around the issue — but certainly enough time to argue about it, politicise the issue and fire up a culture war. Related TopicsGermanyMore on this storyThe German medical students who want to study abortionPublished25 September 2020German doctors fined over abortion adsPublished14 June 2019Top StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot down Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished2 hours agoBishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney, reports sayPublished30 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Bishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney2Waddingham rejects red carpet ‘show leg’ request3Macron says Paris Olympics opening could be moved4Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties5UK shot Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron6’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police7Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness8’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack9Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day10Tesla lays off more than 10% of its workforceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney: Bishop stabbed during sermon – reportsPublished3 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, TwitterImage caption, The bishop was reportedly stabbed while giving a sermon that was being livestreamedA bishop and several other people have been stabbed during a sermon in Sydney that was being streamed online, local media report. The incident reportedly happened on Monday night in the suburb of Wakeley. Police responded to reports that a number of people had been stabbed but said none of their injuries were life-threatening. They added that a man had been arrested and was assisting them with their inquiries. It was not immediately clear what weapon was used in the attack, which is reported to have happened at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church. In the livestreamed video on the sermon, a man dressed in dark clothing can be seen approaching the bishop before appearing to strike him. Several other people then attempt to intervene and screams of horror can be heard. “The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” police said in a statement. The community has been asked to avoid the area. The stabbing comes days after six people were killed at a shopping mall in the same city. The attacker was later shot dead by a police officer. There is no suggestion that the two events are linked. Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished1 hour agoBishop stabbed during sermon in Sydney, reports sayPublished10 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties2’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police3Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash5Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day6UK shot Iran drones to de-escalate – Cameron7Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection8Controversial half marathon result being investigatedAttributionSport9’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack10Standoff continues as MPs to vote on Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessFlights cancelled and disrupted after Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Dearbail JordanBusiness reporter, BBC NewsAirline passengers are facing cancellations or disruption to flights to Israel and surrounding countries after Iran’s airstrikes at the weekend.EasyJet has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv up to and including Sunday, 21 April.Wizz Air said it would resume journeys to Israel on Tuesday, 16 April after stopping flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday.However, it warned: “Passengers may experience some schedule changes.”Wizz Air said that it was “closely monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities and keeping its passengers informed of all schedule changes”.”All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options,” it added.Israel closed its airspace on Saturday evening after Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on the country. Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation for a strike on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus on 1 April.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.Why has Iran attacked Israel?Israel reopened its airspace early on Sunday morning as did Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, which had stopped flights for a period.German airline group Lufthansa said that it had suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Erbil and Amman up to and including Monday, but said they would re-start on Tuesday.However, it said that flights to Beirut and Tehran would remain suspended until at least 18 April.A spokesperson said: “The Lufthansa Group had already decided on Friday, 12 April, to fly around Iranian airspace up to and including Thursday, 18 April, and thus temporarily suspend flights to Tehran.”Other airlines are re-routing their flights which could add time to journeys. Australia’s Qantas said its planes are changing course to avoid Iran’s airspace.The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reiterated its previous guidance to airlines to use caution in Israeli and Iranian airspace.”The European Commission and EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any potential safety risks for EU aircraft operators and be ready to act as appropriate,” it said. Related TopicsMiddle EastEasyjetIsraelIranWizz AirAir travelLufthansaMore on this storyMissile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says UK foreign secretaryPublished1 day agoOil prices dip after Iran attack on IsraelPublished1 hour agoTop StoriesLive. Western allies call on Israel to avoid escalation after Iran attackUK shot Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, says CameronPublished23 minutes agoBBC Verify uncovers real and fake clips among Iran attack footage. VideoBBC Verify uncovers real and fake clips among Iran attack footagePublished12 hours agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash3Grimes sorry for Coachella technical difficulties4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5Universal credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack7Controversial half marathon result being investigatedAttributionSport8Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection9Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel10Standoff continues as MPs to vote on Rwanda billBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBondi Junction mall stabbings: Who were the victims of the Sydney attack?Published10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyTributes are flowing to the six people who died during a stabbing rampage at a popular Sydney shopping centre.Joel Cauchi’s victims at the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday were five women and a man. Several others, including a baby, were injured before Mr Cauchi was shot dead.Authorities have said the attack was most likely related to Mr Cauchi’s mental health, and that it appeared he had targeted women.Here is what we know so far about those who died.Dawn Singleton, 25Ms Singleton, the daughter of high-profile Sydney businessman John Singleton, was working a shift in a retail store when the attack began. In the hours after the attack her father became increasingly worried she was among the dead, according to Australian radio host and and family friend Ray Hadley.”I rang him and he said: ‘I think my Dawnie is one of those who have lost their lives. I can’t confirm it, can you do something?'” he said on radio station 2GB.Hadley detailed how he called police contacts and confirmed Ms Singleton – who he had known since she was born – had died.”I had the job of ringing John back and officially confirming that his dear, darling daughter had been stabbed to death by this lunatic.”Ms Singleton’s fiance, who is a police officer, was responding to the attack at the centre when the family learned she was killed.”The other officers intervened when he arrived there, apparently,” Hadley said.White Fox Boutique, where Ms Singleton was working, said they were “truly devastated” by her loss.”Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.”‘Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – policeKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesJade Young, 47Image source, SuppliedImage caption, Jade Young has been remembered as warm and kindMs Young was an architect and mother of two. Her boss, Georgia Wilson, said Ms Young had worked for her boutique firm for 12 years and was “family”. “I can’t even believe I am writing this, it doesn’t feel real,” she said on Instagram. “Anyone who knew Jade knew what a beautiful, kind and warm soul she was. We are completely devastated.”Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club said Ms Young and her family were “much-loved members” and contributors to the local beachside community.”Many club members will be affected by the loss of Jade and the impact of this senseless and tragic event will affect each of us differently over time,” spokesman Basil Scaffidi said.”On behalf of Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club, we extend our deepest condolences to the family.”Ashlee Good, 38Image source, Family handoutImage caption, Ashlee Good has been described as a “beautiful person”Ashlee Good was fatally wounded while trying to shield her nine-month-old daughter from the stabbing attack.Witnesses have described how the new mother fled into a nearby store, passing her baby girl – who was also hurt – to bystanders. They desperately pulled clothes off racks to put pressure on their wounds and stem the bleeding.Ms Good died shortly after arriving at hospital. Her daughter has undergone surgery and is now in a stable condition.Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person'”We are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human,” the family said in a statement, also thanking those who “cared for our baby when Ashlee could not”.Friends have paid tribute to her as “full of life and love” and someone with a “permanent glow”.Ms Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. The club wore black armbands in her memory during a match on Sunday, and the club’s coach, Alastair Clarkson, fought back tears as he spoke before the match.”It’s just so sad. Ash and her beautiful little girl… She’s not going to have a mum – it breaks our hearts,” he told Fox Sports.Faraz Tahir, 30Image source, HandoutImage caption, Faraz Tahir had come to Australia about a year before the stabbingsThe only man killed in the attack, security guard Faraz Tahir died trying to protect others.He had sought refuge in Australia from Pakistan just a year ago, according to members of his local community. Friends have told local media he had worked at the shopping centre for only a week.In a statement, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said he was an “integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness”.Ejaz Khan, a solicitor and the president of the Pakistan Australia Association, said the local Pakistani community is “mourning and… very distressed”.”He was a lovely guy, he was very helpful all the time, he was working very hard and studying very hard in order to have a better future in Australia,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, said Mr Tahir had “lost his life while saving others”, adding that his family had requested his body be returned to Pakistan.’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackPikria Darchia, 55Image source, Family handoutImage caption, Pikria Darchia has been named as a victim of the Bondi mall stabbingsPolice have also named Pikria Darchia as one of the victims. She described herself as an artist on LinkedIn and is reported to have been originally from Tbilisi in Georgia.Few details about her have been reported so far.Cheng Yixuan, 25The last victim identified, Cheng Yixuan, was a Chinese student studying at the University of Sydney.Chinese social media has been alight since Saturday with people trying to track her down, after her family reportedly said she had called them from the shopping centre in the minutes before the attack.The Australia Today App – a Chinese language publication – said her fiance, known only as Mr Wang, said: “She even tried on clothes for me to see.””I contacted her day and night, but there was no response at all. The whole family was so anxious that they didn’t dare to think too much.”In an email to students, University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott confirmed a student – who he declined to name – had died, adding he was “shocked and saddened by the senseless loss of life”.Wang Chunsheng, China’s acting consul general in Sydney, said he was “very sorry to hear about” Cheng’s death.Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Missile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says UK foreign secretaryBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished11 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished1 hour agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBowen: As Israel debates Iran response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel3Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack6Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true7Three men in their 20s killed in retail park crash8Stonehenge research explores possible Moon connection9Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureSalman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every dayPublished7 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsBooker PrizeThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Sir Salman Rushdie on the stabbing attackBy Alan Yentob & Noor NanjiBBCSir Salman Rushdie has spoken in chilling detail to the BBC about what he remembers of the attack two years ago, in which he was stabbed on stage.The Booker Prize-winning author said his eye was left hanging down his face “like a soft-boiled egg”, and that losing the eye “upsets him every day”.”I remember thinking I was dying,” he said. “Fortunately, I was wrong.”Sir Salman said he is using his new book, Knife, as a way of fighting back against what happened.Rushdie has ‘crazy dreams’ about stabbing attackSalman Rushdie in surgery after stabbing attackHorrifying, ghastly: Authors condemn Rushdie attackThe attack took place at an education institute in New York state in August 2022, as he was preparing to give a lecture.He recalled how the assailant came “sprinting up the stairs” and stabbed him 12 times, including in his neck and abdomen, in an attack lasting 27 seconds.”I couldn’t have fought him,” the author said. “I couldn’t have run away from him.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: From the scene where Salman Rushdie was attacked on stageSir Salman said he fell to the floor, where he lay with “a spectacular quantity of blood” all around him.He was taken to a hospital by helicopter and spent six weeks recovering there.The Indian-born British-American author, 76, is one of the most influential writers of modern times. The attack dominated news headlines across the world.Image caption, Alan Yentob and Sir Salman, pictured with Lady Rushdie, have known each other more than 40 yearsSir Salman previously spent several years in hiding after the 1988 publication of The Satanic Verses triggered threats against his life.He admitted he had thought someone might “jump out of an audience” one day.”Clearly it would’ve been absurd for it not to cross my mind.”‘Upset every day’The attack damaged Sir Salman’s liver and hands, and severed nerves in his right eye.His eye looked “very distended, swollen,” he said. “It was kind of hanging out of my face, sitting on my cheek, I’ve said like a soft-boiled egg. And blind.”Sir Salman said losing one eye “upsets me every day”. He finds he has to take greater care when walking down stairs, or crossing a road, or even when pouring water into a glass.But he considers himself lucky to have avoided brain damage. “It meant I was actually still able to be myself.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A rally to show solidarity for free expression was held in New York after Sir Salman was attackedThe moderator at the event where Sir Salman was stabbed told the BBC he wished he could have done more to prevent the attack.”You feel like if you had acted quicker, a lot of this could’ve been prevented,” said Henry Reese.But Sir Salman’s gratitude to the people who helped him on the day, including Mr Reese, as well as the doctors who cared for him, is clear from the very opening page of Knife.The book is dedicated, simply, to “the men and women who saved my life”.’Is that a reason to kill?’For the first time, Sir Salman has revealed what he would like to say to his alleged attacker.Hadi Matar, a 26-year-old New Jersey resident, has been charged with stabbing him. Mr Matar has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.In an interview with the New York Post from jail, Mr Matar said he had watched videos of Sir Salman on YouTube. “I don’t like people who are disingenuous like that,” Mr Matar said.Sir Salman Rushdie: The InterviewSir Salman Rushdie speaks about the knife attack which almost ended his life in 2022, in an interview with Alan Yentob ahead of the publication of a new book about the aftermath of the incident.Watch now on BBC iPlayer (UK Only)In Knife, Sir Salman has an imaginary conversation with his attacker, in which he responds to that.”In America, many people pretend to be honest, but they wear masks and lie. And would that be a reason to kill them all?” he asks.Sir Salman has never met Mr Matar. But he is likely to come face to face with him in court when the trial gets under way.The trial was delayed after lawyers for the defendant argued they were entitled to review Sir Salman’s book, as it could be evidence. It’s now expected to take place in the autumn.Why was The Satanic Verses so controversial?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Satanic Verses prompted widespread protestsSalman Rushdie shot to fame with Midnight’s Children in 1981, which went on to sell more than one million copies in the UK alone.But his fourth book, The Satanic Verses’, depiction of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and its references to religion were considered blasphemous and banned in multiple Muslim-majority countries.Iran’s then-leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa – or religious decree – in 1989, calling for Rushdie’s assassination and placing a $3m (£2.4m) bounty on the author’s head. That fatwa has never been rescinded.As a result, Rushdie was forced into hiding for nearly a decade and required an armed bodyguard due to the number of death threats he received.Sir Salman, who was born to non-practising Muslims and is an atheist, has long been a vocal advocate for the freedom of expression.But he warned it has become “much more difficult”.Salman Rushdie: The writer who emerged from hiding”A lot of people, including a lot of young people, I’m sorry to say, have formed the opinion that restrictions on freedom of speech are often a good idea,” he said.”Whereas of course, the whole point of freedom of speech is that you have to permit speech you don’t agree with.”Sir Salman recalls how, when he was lying in a pool of blood, he found himself “idiotically thinking” about his personal belongings.He was worried his Ralph Lauren suit was getting ruined, and that his house keys and credit cards might fall out of his pocket.”At the time of course, it’s ludicrous. But in retrospect, what it says to me, is there was some bit of me that was not intending to die. There was some bit of me that was saying, ‘I’m going to need those house keys, and I’m going to need those credit cards’.”He added that it was a “survival instinct” that was saying to him: “You’re going to live. Live. Live.”A year before the attack, Sir Salman married his fifth wife, the American poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths.Lady Rushdie told the BBC that when she heard about the attack, she “just started screaming. This was the worst day of my life.”Lady Rushdie describes being at Sir Salman’s side as doctors sewed his eyelids together.”I love his eyes, and he left home with two of them, and then our world changed,” she said. “And now I love his single eye even more because of how he sees the world.”Sir Salman describes Knife as “at least as much a love story” as a story of horror.”There were two forces in collision here. One was a force of violence, fanaticism, bigotry, and the other was the force of love,” he said. “And of course, the force of love is embodied in the figure of my wife Eliza.””And in the end, the way I understand what happened is that the force of love proved to be stronger than the forces of hatred.”Sir Salman said he will do public events again, but he will be “more careful” in future. “The security question is going to be the first question. Unless I’m satisfied about that, I’m not going to do it.”But he added, he is “a pretty obstinate person”.”I don’t want some restricted or confined life,” he said. “I’m going to have my life.”Related TopicsSalman RushdieFreedom of expressionNew York CityBooker PrizeNew YorkPennsylvaniaMore on this storyRushdie has ‘crazy dreams’ about stabbing attackPublished12 July 2023Salman Rushdie: The writer who emerged from hidingPublished13 August 2022Horrifying, ghastly: Authors condemn Rushdie attackPublished13 August 2022Top StoriesLive. Missile attack was ‘double defeat’ for Iran, says CameronBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelPublished10 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished15 minutes agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Watch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’The sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel3Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attack6Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true7Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’8Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record9Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned10Why has Iran attacked Israel?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine’s power plants at the mercy of Russian missilesPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Barely any of Ukraine’s power plants have escaped Russia’s drone and missile attacksBy Sarah RainsfordEastern Europe correspondent in KharkivRussia’s war on Ukraine has entered a new phase. Drone and missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are now frequent and massive, overwhelming its current air defences.They often include the same Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Tehran at Israel. Seeing the robust response to that attack by Israel’s allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that when it came to Ukraine “rhetoric does not protect the sky”. He said the sound of those drones, whether over the Middle East or in Europe, “must serve as a wake-up call to the free world”.Officials in Ukraine say they can “count on one hand” the thermal and hydro power plants across the country that are not yet badly damaged or totally destroyed. As Ukraine scrambles to repair what it can, and keep the electricity flowing to homes and industry, Russia’s assault has not stopped.A major facility close to Kyiv was hit last week and to the northeast, in Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv, all three major power plants are in ruins. The red-and-white striped chimneys of Kharkiv’s Thermal Power Plant No.5 are still visible from miles away. Approach a little closer, and the destruction beneath is revealed. The main building has a huge hole blown through the heart of it. All around is a mess of blackened metal and smashed concrete.Image caption, Kharkiv’s Thermal Power Plant No.5 has seen devastating damage from Russian strikesThe attack on 22 March was deliberate and devastating. Five Russian missiles struck the same spot, mangling turbines, generators and transformers and taking the plant offline. A week later, Russia targeted the city’s power plants again.For Ihor Orlovskiy this feels personal.”It’s like looking at the ruins of your own home. It brings pain and tears,” the deputy director says, leading me across chunks of metal and stone to the spot where the missiles exploded.He’s worked here since Soviet times.”It’s a very bitter feeling. But this mobilises us too, to build back. Because we know a city of more than a million people is depending on us.”There have been six attacks on this plant since the start of the full-scale invasion, but the one in March was the worst by far.It was also the most demoralising: it took engineers a full year to repair one section of the plant, then two weeks after it was restarted Russia hit exactly the same spot.Other industry sources tell similar stories of increasingly accurate strikes. In the past, they say, missiles would fall short or cause less damage. That leads some to suspect Russian agents inside Ukraine are feeding information to Moscow: the power plants cover vast territory and the damage, or repairs, are impossible to conceal.But Russia already knows where to target.The heavy machinery dates back to the USSR, there are still Soviet labels on the ruins, and Moscow has the old blueprints of the plants.Ihor Orlovskiy suspects the increased precision is more likely down to the sheer intensity of recent attacks. “When you launch five, six, seven missiles at the same spot, some are bound to hit.”Image caption, Ihor Orlovskiy believes the increased precision of the attacks is down to their sheer intensityIn the fields all around there are giant electricity pylons. But since March there’s been nothing flowing along the lines from Power Plant No.5, or Kharkiv’s other thermal power plants.The city has to bring in power from western Ukraine, which means limited supply and regular blackouts. The Russians have targeted electricity substations too.Local authorities are scrambling to minimise the impact and reduce the time homes and businesses are left in the dark. Residents have learned to charge their devices, and multiple power banks, as soon as the electricity comes on. They also keep reserves of water for drinking and washing.The Kharkiv metro is back working, albeit in fits and starts, and so are the traffic lights. But with an unreliable power supply that could get worse, businesses are creating their own solutions.Kharkiv is a major publishing hub and Oleksandr Popovich, the boss of a large printing firm, says for weeks they have been relying on three generators. Image caption, Kharkiv’s power supply is currently limited so there are regular blackoutsEarly in the war a missile hit 100m (330ft) from the main production line.”It destroyed all our storage and 10 tonnes of paper. But a tough day only makes us tougher,” says Mr Popovich, radiating the spirit of defiance and determination that has become Kharkiv’s trademark.”Unfortunately, I can’t fix the electricity,” he says.”But everyone has to do their own job. Mine is to produce books until our victory. We must keep working. We must give people in Ukraine the chance to read new books.”The firm did consider relocating further away from the Russian border, but they decided to stay and have even invested in increasing production.Now that Russia is targeting Kharkiv with renewed focus he admits to worrying: “Then I think about our army. Our soldiers need to know they are not defending empty cities. They are defending cities with people.”Image caption, Oleksandr Popovich says his large printing firm must keep working to provide Ukrainians with booksDozens of his own staff have signed up to fight. The photograph of one, killed in action on the eastern front line, hangs beside the main entrance.Reports from the front are now sobering.Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Gen Oleksander Syrskyi, said at the weekend the situation along sections of the front line had “significantly worsened”. Warmer weather and firmer ground were helping Russia launch assaults in armoured vehicles and put Ukrainian forces under renewed pressure, he wrote on Telegram.Fighting around Chasiv Yar in the Donbas is especially intense. The general believes Russia wants to take the territory by 9 May, a symbolic date when Moscow celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.Gen Syrskyi described the “heroic” efforts of his troops in “holding back the enemy’s daily attacks”. But he also mentioned the need to improve their “moral and psychological” state.After more than two years, they are exhausted. But when MPs in Kyiv finally voted on a new law regulating how men are mobilised, the amendment setting a limit for how long they have to fight had been removed.Against the larger army of its enemy, Ukraine needs all the soldiers it can muster.The slip in morale is compounded by a shortage of ammunition now reaching the front lines and the continuing failure of the US Congress to approve a critical package of aid for Kyiv.Ukraine’s troops, like everyone here, sense their war sliding down the international agenda.And now there’s new cause for dismay, as many note the difference in response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.Israel has had direct support to protect its skies from Iranian missiles and drones, even as the same countries limit their help to Ukraine which is under Russian attack every day.President Zelensky hinted at the frustration in his condemnation of Iran’s actions.”The world cannot wait for discussions to go on,” Ukraine’s president wrote on Twitter, or X. “Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating.”Germany has just promised to send an additional Patriot air defence unit to Ukraine “immediately”. Thanking Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the support at a “critical moment”, Volodymyr Zelensky urged other countries to follow suit.The staff of Kharkiv’s power plant No.5 would welcome the protection.Repeat attacks”We’d only just repaired things, and now we have to start all over again,” a worker called Yury told me. “We will sort it, but the main thing is not to get hit again!”As he and others assess the damage, salvage what they can and draw up a plan for rebuilding, they face numerous air raid sirens every day.Image caption, Yury says the team had only just finished repairing the plant when it was hit againThere are two kinds of alert, a fire safety officer explains. If the threat seems focused around the border, about 40km (25 miles) away, some keep working.”But if we see there’s a rocket risk for Kharkiv then there’s an announcement: ‘Urgent! To the shelter immediately!’,” he says.That slows the recovery work and it shatters the nerves. Any missile fired at Kharkiv will hit within seconds, and the staff are surrounded by stark evidence of the danger.But it’s not just the engineers and construction teams back at work.When we arrived at the plant, a group of women were out cleaning the paths, painting the kerb, even pulling up dandelions around the main entrance.A little later I found them down in the shelter during another air raid.”Life goes on, and we still need to keep things nice,” said one woman, despite the entire power plant being in tatters.”We like to keep things clean and in order. It’s our job. But it’s also good for the spirit!”Image caption, A group of women who work at the plant still spend time cleaning the area in order to keep morale upThe women had also painted the underground shelter in a fresh “salad” green, adding a splash of cheer to a Cold War-era bunker built to withstand nuclear attack by the West.Instead it protects Ukrainians from ballistic missiles launched by their neighbour.”They say it’s so we surrender, that they want to frighten us into running from here,” another woman chips in as the air raid ends and she prepares to head back up to work. “They want us to leave Kharkiv. But we won’t do that.”Produced by Hanna Tsyba and Kostas KallergisRelated TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyRussian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers tooPublished1 day agoBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished7 days agoBarrage of Russian attacks aims to cut Ukraine’s lightsPublished31 MarchTop StoriesLive. Middle East ‘on the brink’ after Iran’s attack on Israel, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published13 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished1 hour agoFeatures’Hero’ who took on killer describes Sydney attackThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Listen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel? AudioListen: Is this a turning point for Iran and Israel?AttributionSoundsSarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionElsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel7Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned8Judge finds Australia parliament rape reports were true9Why has Iran attacked Israel?10Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New YorkBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDonald Trump’s historic hush-money trial to begin in New YorkPublished5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpImage source, Getty ImagesBy Madeline HalpertBBC News, New YorkDonald Trump will set foot in a New York courthouse on Monday and become the first former US president to stand trial in a criminal case.He is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star, shortly before the 2016 election.Mr Trump, 77, faces a maximum of four years in jail if convicted, but could avoid jail time and be fined instead.He has pleaded not guilty. Mr Trump’s historic trial will take place against the backdrop of his presidential campaign, and could ultimately see the presumptive Republican nominee become a convicted felon months before voters head to the polls in November.”It’s unprecedented,” said Alex Keyssar, a professor of history and public policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. “There’s been nothing remotely comparable to it.” The trial, which will begin with jury selection on Monday, is expected to last six to eight weeks and will centre around a reimbursement Mr Trump made to his former fixer Michael Cohen. Cohen, 57, claims he was directed to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 (£104,000) in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair with Mr Trump, something prosecutors have described as an attempt to “unlawfully influence” the 2016 election.Hush money payments are not illegal. But the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office alleges that Mr Trump committed a crime by improperly recording the reimbursement to Cohen as legal expenses.In total, he is accused of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. To reach a verdict, all 12 jurors must agree on whether Mr Trump is guilty or not guilty of a specific charge.The trial in Manhattan is expected to feature testimony from a cast of colourful characters at the heart of the case, including Cohen, Ms Daniels, and Mr Trump’s personal lawyer who went to prison in part over the scandal.Experts are divided over the strength of the prosecution’s case, which involves a more novel legal approach to bringing felony charges over the falsification of business records. What you need to know about the hush-money trialA guide to Trump’s four criminal cases’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump juryMr Trump has made several unsuccessful attempts to delay the jury trial and move it from Manhattan, which is comprised predominantly of Democrats. His fiery remarks about the case, which he has repeatedly described as politically motivated, led the judge to impose a gag order which bans him from making public comments about people related to the case, including witnesses.The order was extended after Mr Trump turned his online attacks to the judge’s daughter, calling her a “Rabid Trump Hater”.The Trump campaign said the gag order was unconstitutional and violated his free speech rights.This criminal case is just one of four Donald Trump is facing this year. But it could be the only trial to take place before his 2024 election rematch with President Joe Biden. As a first-time offender, even if Mr Trump is convicted, experts say he is unlikely to go to prison. Even if he did, under US law, he could still serve as president.But his conviction would mark the first time a felon has run for president as a major-party nominee, Mr Keyssar said. “What’s remarkable about this is that it doesn’t seem to bother a significant portion of the electorate,” Mr Keyssar said, noting Mr Trump’s popularity has not suffered as a result of his criminal indictments.But the potential court drama will place him at the centre of the news cycle with just months to go before the election. And that heightened attention means that any small news from court – good or bad for Mr Trump – could play a role in the race between the former and current president, said Georgetown University government Professor Hans Noel. “I expect this to be a very close election,” he said, “and so any small thing could matter”.Related TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpUS election 2024New YorkDonald TrumpUS politicsUnited StatesMore on this storyJury questionnaire in Trump hush money trial releasedPublished6 days agoWhat happened between Stormy Daniels and Trump?Published15 FebruaryWhat you need to know about Trump’s hush-money trialPublished2 days agoA guide to Trump’s four criminal casesPublished4 days agoTop StoriesLive. Middle East ‘on the brink’ after Iran’s attack on Israel, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published12 hours ago’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women, police sayPublished30 minutes agoFeaturesThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsIn pictures: Stars hit the red carpet at Olivier AwardsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7Oil prices dip after Iran attack on Israel8Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Cooper defends Rayner as house row rumbles onBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBruce Lehrmann: Judge finds Brittany Higgins was raped inside parliamentPublished36 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bruce Lehrmann was in court to hear the decisionBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyFormer Australian political staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped his colleague Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House, a judge has found in a defamation case.Mr Lehrmann has always denied sex took place at all and sued Network 10 over a TV interview with Ms Higgins.The outlet successfully defended the story as substantially true.Their report in 2021 shocked the nation and stirred huge public anger over the treatment of women in politics.In the interview, a teary Ms Higgins detailed how she had woken up on a couch in a minister’s office to find a colleague raping her, after a night out in Canberra in 2019.However Mr Lehrmann told the Federal Court the pair had shared an Uber back to their office before going their separate ways.Ruling that Mr Lehrmann had told “deliberate lies”, Justice Michael Lee on Monday said the 28-year-old had been “hellbent” on having sex with Ms Higgins and was “recklessly indifferent” to whether she wanted to as well.”So intent upon gratification… [Mr Lehrmann] went ahead with sexual intercourse without caring whether or not she consented.”The standard of proof in defamation cases is lower than in criminal proceedings – a defendant must only prove the claims are more likely to be true, than not.Mr Lehrmann faced a criminal trial in 2022, but it was aborted due to juror misconduct. A retrial was later abandoned out of concern for Ms Higgins’ mental health.Referring to the criminal proceedings, Justice Lee concluded his judgement by saying: “Having escaped the lion’s den Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of coming back for his hat.”Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Middle East conflict ‘on the brink’, warns UN chiefBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published11 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished4 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation8Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York9Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The presence of Zoran Milanovic means the result of the Croatian election has become unpredictableBy Guy DelauneyBBC News, Zagreb, CroatiaThe involvement of Croatia’s sharp-tongued president in the country’s parliamentary election on Wednesday may not be constitutional. But it is certainly livening up what had threatened to be a predictable affair. The country’s parliamentary polls tend to follow a pattern. A centre-left coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) runs against the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), whose support runs from centre-right to right-wing nationalist. Most of the time, the HDZ wins. It consistently reaps the rewards of a large membership base and strong organisation – though opposition parties claim that patronage and corruption are just as influential.But this election looks like it might be different. And that is all down to the presence of Zoran Milanovic.He has consistently been rated as the country’s most popular politician since he became president four years ago, even though as head of state he has little actual power in running the country. So, announcing that he would be the SDP’s candidate for prime minister – the most senior political position in Croatia – meant that all bets were off.”The elections were already decided before that move,” says Kresimir Macan, a political analyst and consultant.”It was obvious that the ruling party, the HDZ, would be in a position to make a new governing coalition quite easily. But then Milanovic started a crusade against corruption and everything he says [the current] Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, stands for.””People may not approve of Milanovic as president, but they like the way he talks.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Whatever the result of the election, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stagePromoting the president as a potential prime minister had an immediate impact on the opinion polls. The previously yawning gap between the SDP and HDZ narrowed significantly. Smaller parties started smacking their lips at the prospect of being kingmakers in the formation of a new government.But then the judiciary intervened. Croatia’s constitution insists that the president should not be a party-political figure – but act as the head of state for all citizens. And the Constitutional Court duly ruled that Mr Milanovic could play no part in the election campaign – unless he resigned.The president’s response was, predictably, one of outrage. He accused the judges of doing the bidding of the HDZ – “the gangster clique”, as he put it.Just for good measure, he described the country’s senior jurists as “peasants” and labelled their judgement “illiterate”.For Mr Milanovic, this was very much on-brand. Officially, he is no longer a candidate in the election, but that has not stopped him from travelling around the country and launching invective at the HDZ.This has been highly discomfiting for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who has been in office since 2017. He finds himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and comments, despite Mr Milanovic’s lack of an official role in the campaign.This was very much the situation on a sunny late afternoon in the capital, Zagreb, when the prime minister attended an event at a children’s playground in the city and faced the media under the shade of some nearby trees.Image caption, Prime Minister Plenković has found himself having to respond to the president’s accusations and commentsHe rattled off a list of his government’s achievements – and set out his plans for his next term. But reporters still wanted to hear his views about the president’s latest comments.”It’s bizarre,” Mr Plenkovic told the BBC.”I’m trying to minimise the negative effects of the unconstitutional acts that were committed by the president. The Constitutional Court couldn’t have been clearer. For us, it’s the continuation of a very odd behaviour, to be very polite, for the BBC.”The president, on the other hand, relishes being impolite. And he is not just rude about the prime minister and his party.People in neighbouring Bosnia, illegal immigration, and military aid to Ukraine have all been lashed by Mr Milanovic’s sharp tongue. Meanwhile, he has spoken admiringly about Russia’s military prowess.These are all unusual positions for an ostensibly centre-left leader to adopt. Not to mention worrying for people who would rather Croatia did not have a populist government.For now, however, many on the left are hoping that the president is playing a cunning game, rather than revealing his true character.Image caption, Sandra Bencic, prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, says the president is being tactical about his approach”A lot of the reaching out towards the right wing is actually tactics,” reckons Sandra Bencic, the prime ministerial candidate for the green-left Mozemo party, which is not part of the SDP coalition, but says it would be willing to join a Milanovic-led government.”He’s taking [on] the issue of security and the army, he’s taking [on] the issue of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He’s taking on all these mythical [positions] that are [usually] part of the HDZ’s strategy.”Whether he can take the SDP to victory is another matter. If the party succeeds, Mr Milanovic is likely to resign so he can become prime minister.But even if his party falls short, the president plays a major role in the post-election formation of a governing coalition. So, either way, Mr Milanovic is likely to remain centre stage.Related TopicsCroatiaMore on this storyAlleged Serbian war criminal found hiding in IrelandPublished14 April 2023Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin talks to join EUPublished21 MarchTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published10 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished3 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published17 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityBusinessMarket DataEconomyYour MoneyCompaniesTechnology of BusinessCEO SecretsAI BusinessIran-Israel tensions: Oil prices lower after attackPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iran is the seventh largest oil producer in the worldBy Peter Hoskins & Nick EdserBusiness reportersOil prices fell in early Asian trade after Iran’s reprisal attack on Israel over the weekend.Brent crude – a key benchmark for oil prices internationally – was lower but still trading close to $90 a barrel on Monday morning.Prices had already risen in expectation of action by Iran, with Brent crude nearing a six-month high last week.Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said the confrontation with Iran is “not over yet”.”Clearly, the oil market does not see the need to factor in any additional supply threat at this point,” energy analyst Vandana Hari said.Brent crude may well fall below the $90 mark, but a sizeable pullback is unlikely as traders remain focused on the risks associated with the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, she added.Analysts also said Israel’s reaction to the attack will be key to global markets in the days and weeks ahead.”I think we’ll see naturally volatility. If there was to be some sort of counter-move by Israel, then that would, I think, rocket energy markets very much to the upside,” Peter McGuire from trading platform XM.com told the BBC.Share markets in the Asia-Pacific region also slipped on Monday as investors weigh the impact of the attack.The Hang Seng in Hong Kong, Japan’s Nikkei and the Kospi in South Korea were all more than 1% lower in morning trade.Why has Iran attacked Israel?Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel at the weekend after vowing retaliation for an attack on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on 1 April.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.At the end of last week, the price of Brent crude touched $92.18 a barrel, the highest since October, before falling back to close at $90.45.Iran is the seventh largest oil producer in the world, according to the US Energy Information Administration, and the third-largest member of the Opec oil producers’ cartel.Analysts say that a key issue for the oil price going forward is whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be affected.The Strait – which is between Oman and Iran – is a crucial shipping route, as about 20% of the world’s total oil supply passes through it.Opec members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq send most of the oil they export through the Strait.On Saturday, Iran seized a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warEconomicsIranOilGoldMore on this storyWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published11 hours agoWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published1 hour agoIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished14 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published9 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished2 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published16 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayThe sharp-tongued president livening up Croatia’s electionPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’Elsewhere on the BBCCharlotte Church explores her working class childhoodExpect mindful moments, laughter and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs…AttributionSoundsCould switching to olive oil be good for your health?Michael Mosley discovers the surprising benefits of this component of the Mediterranean dietAttributionSoundsMaggie Rogers performs in Radio 1’s Live LoungeEnjoy her song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ and an incredible cover of Tate McRae’s ‘Greedy’AttributioniPlayerThis is the poetry show without the poetry!Tim Key’s smart, comedic chaos with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly AdefopeAttributionSoundsMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10Israel ‘vows revenge’ as it ‘weighs up response’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSudan conflict: A front-row seat to my country falling apartPublished12 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPImage caption, A year of conflict has devastated life in large parts of SudanBy Zeinab Mohammed SalihLetter from Africa series, SudanI’m not supposed to cry as a journalist when I am covering stories, but I have been crying a lot lately.Before December, when I travelled on a reporting trip from my home in the Sudanese city of Omdurman – just across the river from the capital, Khartoum – the only people I would see from my window were those carrying the dead bodies of loved ones on their shoulders.They were looking for a roadside space to bury the corpses as going to a proper cemetery was too dangerous.The dead civilians, many killed by bullets and shells, were the collateral damage of a war that began exactly a year ago, when Sudan’s two leading military men fell out over the country’s political future, after seizing power together in a coup in 2021.I have lost many friends and acquaintances.The bustle of my close-knit, working-class neighbourhood was replaced by silence, sometimes interrupted by the sound of a military plane foreshadowing an airstrike as the army would be targeting an area controlled by fighters from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.People would flee their homes fearing that they would be hit.On 15 April last year, I remember looking forward to breaking the Ramadan fast in the evening with some fellow journalists. I was planning later to reunite with a long-lost childhood friend.We never met and I have not seen him to this day. He left the country while I remained.
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Zeinab Mohammed SalihWe were hoping that the war would end soon, believing that maybe the international community would intervene to stop this madness”Zeinab Mohammed SalihSudanese journalistI began to feel uneasy that morning when I started seeing social media posts about RSF attacks near the city. Then I read about clashes at the international airport. I still thought that the violence would stop.But when a third friend posted that there was fighting at the presidential palace, I knew that this was war.While many others decided to leave the city, my family and I stayed put. We were hoping that the war would end soon, believing that maybe the international community would intervene to stop this madness, but the suffering of the Sudanese people was seemingly ignored.Residents not only feared the street combat that was taking place, but also the armed men – from both sides – coming to loot. They stripped homes, taking everything from cars to spoons.I have been back to Omdurman but have not been able to reach my home. I have received reports that even its doors and windows have been taken off and carried away.As the conflict wore on, people began to look thinner and paler, due to the scarcity of food and drink as little aid was reaching the city. The only small market in my neighbourhood was hit by airstrikes as the army tried to flush out the RSF.The remaining hospitals were only treating the war wounded, those with other conditions were not being seen. My diabetic grandmother died as she could not get treatment.I too got very sick because of a lack of food.The only clinic that was functioning was a 30-minute walk away.My cousin accompanied me and I had to stop in the shade every two minutes as my energy was spent.The one doctor on duty prescribed me some medicine which, thanks to friends in Europe, I managed to get my hands on.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The civil war has forced more than eight million Sudanese from their homesWhile things have been bad in Omdurman and Khartoum, the worst-affected area is the western region of Darfur, where the conflict has assumed an ethnic dimension.I came here just over three months ago to report what was going on, following last year’s mass killings in cities like Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state.The UN said that more than 10,000 people died in the city during two massacres.People have told me of ethnically targeted killings and sexual violence. They remain traumatised, months afterwards. Everybody cries when I ask them about their experiences. I too was unable to hold back the tears, and I have been struggling to sleep. My nights were also disturbed on a trip to Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as airstrikes hit the city at night shaking everything and waking everyone up.I have been trying to tell our story but it feels that the world is looking away. International attention is focussed on Gaza and before that it was on Ukraine.I feel sad and angry.The international community must intervene to stop this war by putting pressure on the two sides and their regional backers. Without pressure, I cannot see an end.It is heart-breaking seeing my country fall apart, and there is a danger that things could get worse, with ordinary people being armed by both sides.More on the year-long conflict:Podcast: A year of war in SudanMy family buried my grandmother while ducking bulletsThe children living between starvation and deathFamine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapesBBC reporter: My heartbreaking decision to leave SudanRelated TopicsSudanAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published8 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished1 hour agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published15 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelIsrael to respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Sarah Snook’s chicken and nine other Olivier momentsWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attack. VideoWatch: Rushdie reveals extent of his wounds from knife attackWatching my country fall apart day-by-dayPrimary school places 2024: When do parents find out offers?New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating”I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the worldElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day4Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned5US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation6Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness7Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?8Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record9Trump’s first criminal trial to begin in New York10All eyes on Israel’s response to IranBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published34 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyBy Tom SpenderBBC NewsFor the first time ever, Iran has carried out strikes against Israeli territory.In the middle of Saturday night, air raid alerts went off in Israel, residents were urged to seek shelter while explosions were heard as air defences were activated. Interceptions lit up the night sky in several places across the country, while many drones and missiles were shot down by Israel’s allies before they reached Israeli territory.At least nine countries were involved in the military escalation – with projectiles fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen and downed by Israel, the US, the UK and France as well as Jordan.Here’s what we know about the attack so far.Attack involved drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missilesIran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, the Israeli military said on Sunday. The attack included 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, none of which entered Israeli territory, and 110 ballistic missiles of which a small number reached Israel, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement. The BBC has not independently verified those figures.The shortest distance from Iran to Israel is about 1,000km (620 miles) across Iraq, Syria and Jordan.Bombardment launched from several countriesOn Saturday night Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched drones and missiles. Iraqi security sources told Reuters that projectiles were seen flying over Iraq in the direction of Israel.The IRGC said ballistic missiles were fired almost an hour after the slower moving drones so that they would strike Israel at roughly the same time.The US defence department said US forces intercepted dozens of missiles and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.The Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon also said it had fired two barrages of rockets at an Israeli military base in the occupied Golan Heights, a plateau which Israel has annexed from Syria in a move not recognised by most of the international community.LIVE: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?UPDATE ME: All eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksUPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryIsrael and allies intercept majority of drones and missilesSome 99% of the incoming barrage was intercepted either outside Israeli airspace or over the country itself, Rear Adm Hagari said.They included all the drones and cruise missiles, which follow a flat trajectory, and most of the ballistic missiles, which are fired on an arcing trajectory that uses gravity to reach very high speeds.US President Joe Biden said US forces “helped Israel take down nearly all” drones and missiles launched by Iran on Sunday. In a statement, he said the US had moved aircraft and warships to the region before the unprecedented attack.US Central Command (Centcom) later issued an update saying its forces had destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles. Among these were a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven drones, which were destroyed on the ground in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen before they were launched. Operating from undisclosed bases in the region, US forces shot down a number of Iranian drones over southern Syria near the border with Jordan, security sources told Reuters.UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed that UK RAF Typhoon jets also shot down a number of Iranian attack drones. Mr Sunak said the Iranian attack was a “dangerous and unnecessary escalation which I’ve condemned in strongest terms”.Jordan – which has a peace treaty with Israel but has been highly critical of the way it has carried out its war against the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza – also intercepted flying objects that entered its airspace to secure the safety of its citizens, a Jordanian cabinet statement said. France helped to patrol airspace but it was unclear if they had shot down any drones or missiles, the Israeli military said. How many missiles got through and what damage did they cause?In Jerusalem BBC correspondents reported hearing sirens and seeing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system in operation, which uses radar to track rockets and can differentiate between those that are likely to hit built-up areas and those that are not. Interceptor missiles are only fired at rockets expected to strike populated areas.A few of the ballistic missiles got through and struck Israeli territory, Rear Adm Hagari said.One of them “lightly hit” the Nevatim air force base in the Negev desert in southern Israel. Rear Adm Hagari said the base was “still functioning”.Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the attack had dealt “heavy blows” to the air base.A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, Rear Adm Hagari said. The girl from a Bedouin Arab community near the southern town of Arad, was reported to have been injured after an Iranian drone was intercepted overhead. She was in intensive care.Jordan also said that some shrapnel had fallen on its territory “without causing any significant damage or any injuries to citizens”.What happens now?Israel’s Channel 12 TV cited an unnamed Israeli official as saying there would be a “significant response” to the attack.Israeli airspace has been reopened as has that of neighbouring countries, but Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the confrontation with Iran was “not over yet”.Meanwhile Iran has warned Israel its response “will be much larger than tonight’s military action if Israel retaliates against Iran”, armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri told state TV.He said US bases would also be attacked if the US took part in any Israeli retaliation.IRGC commander Hossein Salami also said Tehran would retaliate against any Israeli attack on its interests, officials or citizens.The UN Security Council is due to meet at around 20:00 GMT to the latest crisis at Israel’s request.Mr Biden said he would also convene leaders of the G7 group of wealthy nations on Sunday to coordinate a “united diplomatic response” to Iran’s “brazen” attack.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published7 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished45 minutes agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published13 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness5US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation6Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?7Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’10All eyes on Israel’s response to IranBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael says it will respond to Iran attack ‘when time is right’Published2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Ministry of Defense, IsraelImage caption, Israel’s war cabinet met early on Sunday as Iran’s aerial attack was under wayBy Hugo BachegaMiddle East correspondent, in JerusalemIsrael is weighing possible responses to Iran’s attack with hundreds of drones and missiles, amid growing calls for restraint to avert a wider war.Israel and its allies shot down nearly all projectiles fired in the first ever direct Iranian attack on Israel.The US has said it will not take part in any Israeli response, to avoid an escalation in regional hostilities.Centrist Israeli minister Benny Gantz said the country would “exact the price” from Iran when timing is right.For almost two weeks Iran had telegraphed its plans to respond to the 1 April air strike on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital, Damascus, that killed several military advisors, including two top generals. Iran blamed Israel for the attack, saying it was equivalent to a strike on its own soil.Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli military, said Iran fired around 300 explosive drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, but that 99% of them were intercepted by Israel, supported by US, British, Jordanian and other allied forces.In Jerusalem, the air raid sirens went off at around 01:45, followed by loud blasts after the air defence intercepted projectiles over the city. A map published by the Israeli military showed the entire country covered with red dots, symbolising areas at risk of being hit and where residents were urged to seek shelter.The attack, in the end, had limited impact. A military base in the south sustained minor damage, the Israeli military said, and a seven-year-old Israeli girl was critically wounded by a missile that got through the defences.What will Israel do next?Can the US and allies stop a slide into all-out war?In a phone call overnight, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu America’s “ironclad commitment” to the security of Israel, but said the US would not support an Israeli retaliation.Later, a senior administration official said Israel’s successful defence was already a victory over Iran, and that the country should “think carefully” about what it does next.”Big question is not only whether, but what the Israelis might choose to do, so this is a decision for them,” the official said.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, The BBC’s Hugo Bachega says it was a “very long night and a dangerous moment”Tensions between Israel and Iran have been high for decades and, since the start of the Gaza war, Iran’s proxies in the region – such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen – have carried out attacks on Israel and on targets linked to Israel or its allies.The overnight attack, and the possibility of an Israeli response, risked putting the two old enemies in open confrontation, and sparked a flurry of international diplomatic activity aimed at reducing tensions.Israel’s five-member war cabinet – which includes Mr Gantz – met on Sunday to discuss a possible reaction, but no decision was made amid a division over the timing and scale of any such response, according to the Reuters news agency.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Remains of an Iranian rocket booster that fell near Arad, southern IsraelThe Iranian army chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri warned Israel against retaliation, saying an Iranian response would be “much larger than [Sunday’s] military action”. Despite the rhetoric, Iranian officials have indicated not being interested in an escalation of hostilities.In Israel, the country seemed to be returning to normal on Sunday. The airspace was reopened and the airport was again operational. “The power of Israel is that we have a shield, a defence from these threats,” 54-year-old Ariel said, in Jerusalem. “[The attack] was expected. I hope there won’t be a war.”Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranMore on this storyAll eyes on Israel’s response to IranPublished12 hours agoBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published6 hours agoWhat was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?Published12 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published6 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished5 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published12 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned4US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation5Universal Credit ‘must change’ to tackle sickness6Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?7Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’10Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different placeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – Australian policePublished3 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThe man who went on a stabbing rampage in a Sydney shopping centre appears to have targeted women, police say.Joel Cauchi, 40, sent the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex into panic on Saturday when he began stabbing people with a long blade.Five of the six people who died were women. Several others, including a baby, were injured.The New South Wales police commissioner told Australia’s ABC News that it was “obvious” Mr Cauchi focused on women.The man killed was security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, who tried to intervene in the attack. “The videos speak for themselves, don’t they?” commissioner Karen Webb told ABC News Breakfast.”It’s obvious to me, it’s obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender focused on women and avoided the men.”We don’t know what was operating in the mind of the offender and that’s why it’s important now that detectives spend so much time interviewing those who know him, were around him, close to him.”So we can get some insight into what he might have been thinking.”Authorities previously said the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Cauchi, who was shot dead by a lone police officer on Saturday.He was already known to police but had never been arrested or charged in his home state Queensland. He had lived itinerantly for several years and was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, Queensland Police said.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this storyMum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’Published11 hours agoSydney police identify mall attacker who killed sixPublished13 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published5 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliationPublished4 hours agoAnalysis: What will Israel do next?Published11 hours agoFeaturesBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on Israel. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Iran’s attack on IsraelNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned3US tells Israel it won’t join any Iran retaliation4Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?5Sunset Boulevard equals Olivier Awards record6Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six7’Obvious’ Sydney killer targeted women – police8Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place9Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation10Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI5BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, The Americans helped Israel greatly in defending against Iran’s missile attacks, and in return want restraintBy Jeremy BowenBBC Middle East editorIsrael’s war cabinet has used a tried-and-trusted phrase to describe its next moves against Iran. Israel would respond “in the manner and at the time of our choosing”.Benny Gantz, the opposition leader who joined the war cabinet after the Hamas attacks of 7 October, emphasised the cohesion of Israel and its western allies. “Israel against Iran, the world against Iran. This is the result. That is a strategic achievement which we must leverage for Israel’s security.” The words Mr Gantz used did not rule out another attack on an Iranian target, or a first overt Israeli strike inside Iran (Israel has hit Iran’s nuclear programme repeatedly, with cyber-attacks and the assassination of officials and scientists). But there might be time for the diplomatic response President Joe Biden wants from the meeting he has called of the G7, the richest western countries. This most recent escalation of the war that has spread across the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel began two weeks ago, when Israel attacked Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus. The air strike, on 1 April, killed a senior general, his number two and other aides. The decision to attack was not coordinated with the Americans. Israel must have assessed the opportunity to kill senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a risk worth taking. Publicly Israel offers an unconvincing argument that the presence of senior military officers on diplomatic premises made the building a legitimate target. More importantly is the fact that Iran chose to interpret the airstrike as an attack on its own ground. Very quickly, it was clear that Iran would respond. Iran’s message was not transmitted with nudges and winks, but in unequivocal statements from its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel, the US and their allies had plenty of warning. Mr Biden had time to get back to the White House from a weekend trip to his home state of Delaware. Iran chose to open the attack not with supersonic ballistic missiles, but with slow drones, that were on radar screens for two hours as they approached their targets. CATCH UP: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksEXPLAINED: Why has Iran attacked Israel?ISRAEL’S DEFENSE: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryIt was a bigger attack than many analysts expected from Israel’s most bitter enemy; plenty of reasons for many Israelis to expect a response from their own side. For the first time Iran launched weapons – around 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles – from its own territory at Israel’s. Almost all of them were stopped by formidable air defences; Israel’s own considerable capabilities, bolstered by the US, UK and Jordan. Their allies, especially the US, helped them out enormously over the course of the night. President Joe Biden reiterated his promise: “ironclad” security for Israel, essentially saying ‘we’ve got your back’. In return, the Americans want restraint from Israel. President Biden sent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a clear message. Iran’s attack has been thwarted, Israel has a victory, so do not escalate this any further by responding with military strikes on Iranian soil. A senior western diplomat told me that it was now vital to draw a line, to stop further escalation. Drawing a line seems to be Iran’s hope too. It has signalled that Israel’s attack in Damascus has been answered; it will only escalate further if it is attacked again. The Iranians seem to want to cool the two weeks of crisis and threats that started with the Israeli strike on their diplomatic compound in Damascus. Perhaps Iran was hoping to do more damage than it did. Or it may have been open about its plans to give Israel less reason to hit back. Iran wanted to restore the sense of deterrence it lost when Israel attacked the compound in Damascus. That might be harder after Israel and its allies stopped almost all the projectiles launched their way. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Israel and allies shot down the vast majority of more than 300 drones and missiles fired by Iran, Israel saidIt was not a full-scale attack on Israel. Iran has been building up its rocket and missile forces for years. It could have fired many more weapons. Hezbollah in Lebanon would have joined in with an all-out offensive, and it did not. The Lebanese militia and political movement is Iran’s strongest ally, with an arsenal of rockets and missiles. Prime Minister Netanyahu might draw some satisfaction with the way that the Iran attack removed Gaza from the headlines. It gives him a respite from the humanitarian catastrophe, and Israel’s failure to achieve its war aims of freeing the hostages and crushing Hamas. A few days ago, international focus was on the rift between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu over the famine created by Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Now they talk about unity. Mr Netanyahu can also present himself as a resolute and reasonable leader, the protector of his people even though his many enemies in Israel want him out of office. They say his rash, unsafe policies before 7 October led Hamas to believe Israel was vulnerable. What has not changed is that the Americans want to find a way to stop the slide to an all-out Middle East war. Red lines have been crossed – Israel’s attack on a diplomatic site, and Iran’s direct attack on Israel. Immediately, some Israeli right-wingers demanded a response. Those calls will not stop. The job of the diplomats at the G7 will be to prevent the region entering a damaging wider conflict. The slide has been slow, but also steady and in one direction, towards disaster, in the six months since Hamas attacked Israel.If Israel takes President Biden’s advice not to hit back, the Middle East might be able to take a breath. It is by no means certain that this is the end of this dangerous episode. Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished6 hours agoIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished12 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published2 hours agoUS tells Israel it won’t participate in Iran responsePublished1 hour agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published7 hours agoFeaturesNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?3Stars hit the red carpet ahead of Olivier Awards4Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place5Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation6Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned7Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six8Why has Iran attacked Israel?9US tells Israel it won’t participate in Iran response10Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crashBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS tells Israel to ‘think carefully’ before Iran responsePublished44 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, Israeli and US aircraft and air defence systems shot down 99% of the drones launched by Iran.By Bernd Debusmann JrBBC News, White HouseJoe Biden “made it very clear” to Israel that he hopes to de-escalate tensions after Iran’s attack, according to senior administration officials. Over 300 drones and missiles were fired at Israel overnight, which Iran said was in response to an 1 April strike on its consulate in Syria. Almost all weapons were shot down by Israeli, US and allied forces before they reached their targets. Officials say the US will not participate in any Israeli response. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, a senior administration official said that Mr Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “think very carefully and strategically” about his response to the attack. The official added that the Biden administration believes Israel “got the best of it” in the exchange, which began when senior Iranian military commanders were killed at an Iranian consular building in Syria. About 99% of the missiles, drones and cruise missiles launched during Iran’s retaliatory operation were shot down or intercepted – which US officials point to as a sign of Israeli military superiority over Iran. US aircraft and naval vessels shot down dozens of Iranian projectiles as the attack took place. Some 70 drones and several ballistic missiles were downed by US aircraft and vessels or by air defence forces over Iraq. A conversation took place between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu at a time “of heightened emotion” just after the attack, which included about 100 ballistic missiles simultaneously flying towards Israel. During the call, the two leaders had a discussion “about how to slow things down and think through things”, with Mr Biden emphasising that Israel has “gotten the best of it”. The official declined to say, however, whether the White House warned against a significant response, saying only that “it is a calculation the Israelis have to make”. In a string of television appearances on US networks earlier in the day, national security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly said that the US has made it clear to Israel that it seeks to avoid a wider conflict. The senior administration said that the same message has been sent to Iran through diplomatic channels. As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran drone and missile attacksBoth Mr Kirby and the official said that the US would continue to defend Israel, but has ruled out participating in any Israeli response. The stance is one that has sparked criticism from some US lawmakers and former officials from both sides of the political spectrum. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, for example, criticised the administration for telling Israel to “take the win”. Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner said that Mr Kirby’s comments about de-escalating the conflict were “wrong”. “It is already escalating, and the administration needs to respond,” he said on NBC. In the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the body will “try again” to pass military aid for Israel.Previous attempts to send more aid to Israel have stalled amid Democratic calls that the aid package also include assistance for Taiwan and Ukraine. Mick Mulroy, a former Deputy Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, told the BBC that aid for Israel should be passed “without delay”. “If it wasn’t for US security assistance, we could be facing a major regional war,” he said. “That supplement and the ones for Ukraine and Taiwan are in our national security interest. It is not charity. It’s part of the US national defence.”This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as projectiles shot down from skyRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranJoe BidenMore on this storyAll eyes on Israel’s response to IranPublished7 hours agoWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published2 hours agoIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished5 hours agoTop StoriesBowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?Published1 hour agoUS tells Israel to ‘think carefully’ on Iran responsePublished44 minutes agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published6 hours agoFeaturesNew ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’Why has Iran attacked Israel?’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mumBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatFirst ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Bowen: As Israel debates Iran attack response, can US and allies stop slide into all-out war?2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Crooked House owners propose rebuilding pub in different place4Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six5Gordon Ramsay pub squatters defend occupation6Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’7Boycott of Downing Street Eid celebration planned8Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI59Why has Iran attacked Israel?10Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crashBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaGaza: Rafah residents hold Eid prayers by destroyed mosqueThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Gaza: Rafah residents hold Eid prayers by destroyed mosqueCloseDozens of worshippers in Gaza have gathered to hold prayers for Eid al-Fitr, by the ruins of the al-Farouk mosque in Rafah.The mosque was destroyed in February, during an Israeli offensive. More than a million Palestinians are sheltering in the southern city after being forced to flee their homes.Earlier this week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has set a date for a military offensive into Rafah, despite growing warnings that it could lead to high civilian casualties.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosque. Video, 00:00:39Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosqueSubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 days ago0:39Up Next. Palestinians return to Khan Younis to find homes in ruin. Video, 00:01:02Palestinians return to Khan Younis to find homes in ruinSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 days agoUp Next1:02‘We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan’ Video, 00:00:54‘We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 March0:54Survivors rescued from building in Rafah after air strike. Video, 00:00:33Survivors rescued from building in Rafah after air strikeSubsectionMiddle EastPublished27 February0:33Why is Rafah the new focus in Gaza war? Video, 00:01:51Why is Rafah the new focus in Gaza war?SubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 February1:51Editor’s recommendations’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished17 hours ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished17 hours ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished6 hours ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished1 day ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS media organisations push Biden and Trump for TV debate pledgePublished45 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump and Joe Biden last debated each other during the 2020 presidential election.By Vicky WongBBC NewsA dozen US news outlets have called on the presumptive US presidential nominees to commit to taking part in TV debates ahead of November’s election.The statement did not name Joe Biden or Donald Trump, but said it was never too early for candidates to publicly declare they will take part.The letter warned the stakes of this year’s poll were “exceptionally high.”Mr Trump, who skipped all four Republican primary debates, has said he is keen to debate President Biden.The statement – published on Sunday – was signed by the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, as well as ABC, AP CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, NBCUniversal News Group, NewsNation, NPR, PBS NewsHour, Univision and USA Today.It said that televised debates have “a rich tradition” in US democracy, dating back to 1976, and that tens of millions of people tune in to watch.Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostBiden draws election battle lines in fiery speechIs it time for America’s elder statesmen to retire?”If there is one thing Americans can agree on during this polarized time, it is that the stakes of this election are exceptionally high,” the statement said, adding that there was “simply no substitute for the candidates debating with each other, and before the American people, their visions for the future of our nation.”Mr Biden and Mr Trump have won enough delegates to secure their nominations at party conventions. There were no Democratic debates in this presidential election cycle, while Mr Trump secured his nomination despite skipping all the Republican presidential debates.Mr Trump, 77, has repeatedly claimed Mr Biden, 81, is too old and forgetful to debate him. Mr Biden has made similar allegations about Mr Trump. Last month, Mr Trump said he would take part in a TV forum with the Democratic president “anytime, anywhere, anyplace”.But the White House has expressed reluctance to commit to a contest amid concerns that the Commission on Presidential Debates – which administers the debates – would be unable to guarantee a “fair” bout. According to an Associated Press report last month, when asked by reporters if he would commit to a debate with Mr Trump, Mr Biden said: “It depends on his behaviour.”The televised debates are set to take place in September and October. But in a latter on Thursday, Mr Tump’s campaign called for “much earlier” and “more” presidential debates than initially proposed. “Voting is beginning earlier and earlier, and as we saw in 2020, tens of millions of Americans had already voted by the time of the first debate,” campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in the letter. In 2020, Mr Biden and Mr Trump took part in two ill-tempered presidential debates. Mr Trump’s repeated interruptions – which at one point prompted Mr Biden to exclaim “will you shut up, man” – saw NPR call the bout “maybe the worst presidential debate in American history”. Related TopicsUS election 2024Donald TrumpUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this storyIt’s official – Biden and Trump set for rematchPublished13 MarchA simple guide to the US 2024 electionPublished13 MarchHow does US electoral college choose presidents?Published30 JanuaryTop StoriesLive. Israel will ‘exact a price’ for Iran attack when timing right, minister saysAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished4 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published3 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crash3Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’4Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six5Why has Iran attacked Israel?6Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway finale pulls in 4m7Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI58Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules9New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’10RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – SunakBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSomali pirates free Bangladesh-flagged vessel, MV AbdullahPublished26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPImage caption, Pirates have been operating off Somalia’s coast for about two decadesSomali pirates have released a Bangladesh-flagged vessel and its 23-member crew after a ransom was reportedly paid. The MV Abdullah was carrying coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when it was hijacked off Somalia’s coast about a month ago. The pirates alleged that they received $5m (£4m), but there is no independent confirmation of the claim. A spike in hijackings has been reported off Somalia’s coast in recent months.More than a dozen vessels have been targeted since late November.Security experts said a security vacuum had developed off Somalia’s coast after foreign navies patrolling its waters turned their attention to the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi rebel group have been attacking ships.Between 2005 and 2012, pirates off the Horn of Africa raked in between $339m and $413m by holding crew members hostage and demanding ransom payments, the World Bank has estimated.Reuters news agency reported that it was told by two pirates that a $5m ransom was paid for the release of MV Abdullah and its crew. “We checked whether the money was fake or not. Then we divided the money into groups and left, avoiding the government forces,” Reuters quoted one of the pirates, Abdirashiid Yusuf, as saying.The vessel’s owner, the KSRM Group, said the vessel and its crew were freed following negotiations. “We struck a deal with the pirates,” Mizanul Islam of SR Shipping, the group’s maritime arm, told AFP news agency.”We cannot say more about the money,” he said, adding: “All the crew are safe and secure.” The ship has since sailed to UAE, escorted by two warships.More stories from Somalia: Are we witnessing a return of Somali piracy?The football pitch that doubles as an execution groundYoung, female and addicted in SomaliaRelated TopicsBangladeshSomaliaTop StoriesLive. Israel will ‘exact a price’ for Iran attack when timing right, minister saysAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished3 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published2 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals2Football fans in hospital after A1M minibus crash3Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six4Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’5RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57Why has Iran attacked Israel?8Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules9All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran10New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWhy has Iran attacked Israel?Published26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyBy Raffi Berg, Tom Spender and Jonathan Beale, defence correspondentBBC NewsIran launched drones and missiles towards Israel after vowing retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.Israel has not said it carried out the consulate strike, but is widely believed to have been behind it.It is the first time that Iran has attacked Israel directly.Previously Israel and Iran had been engaged in a years-long shadow war – attacking each other’s assets without admitting responsibility. Those attacks have ratcheted up considerably during the current war in Gaza sparked by the Palestinian group Hamas’s assault on nearby Israeli communities last October.Why are Israel and Iran enemies?The two countries were allies until the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, which brought in a regime that has used opposing Israel as a key part of its ideology.Iran does not recognise Israel’s right to exist and seeks its eradication.The country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has previously called Israel a “cancerous tumour” that “will undoubtedly be uprooted and destroyed”. Israel believes that Iran poses an existential threat as evidenced by Tehran’s rhetoric, its build-up of proxy forces sworn to Israel’s destruction, its funding and arming of Palestinian groups including Hamas and of the Lebanese Shia militant group Hamas, and what it believes is Iran’s secret pursuit of nuclear weapons, though Iran denies seeking to build a nuclear bomb.Iran wanted to hit back after attack on consulateIran says Saturday night’s bombardment of Israel is a response to the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus, which killed senior Iranian commanders. Iran blames Israel for the air strike, which it saw as a violation of its sovereignty. Israel has not said it carried it out but is widely assumed to have done so.Thirteen people were killed, including Brig Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi – an senior commander in the Quds force, the overseas branch of Iran’s elite Republican Guards (IRGC). He had been a key figure in the Iranian operation to arm the Lebanese Shia armed group Hezbollah.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The strike on the Iranian consulate killed senior commandersThe consulate attack follows a pattern of air strikes against Iranian targets widely attributed to Israel. Several senior IRGC commanders have been killed in air strikes in Syria in recent months. The IRGC channels arms and equipment, including high precision missiles, through Syria to Hezbollah. Israel is trying to stop these deliveries, as well as seeking to prevent Iran from strengthening its military presence in Syria. Who are Iran’s allies?Iran has built up a network of allies and proxy forces in the Middle East that it says form part of an “axis of resistance” challenging US and Israeli interests in the region. It supports them to varying degrees.Syria is Iran’s most important ally. Iran, along with Russia, helped the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad survive the country’s decade-long civil war. Hezbollah in Lebanon is the most powerful of the armed groups Iran backs. It has been trading cross-border fire with Israel on an almost daily basis since war erupted between Israel and Hamas. Tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to leave their homes.Iran backs several Shia militia in Iraq which have attacked US bases in Iraq, Syria and Jordan with rocket fire. The US retaliated after three of its soldiers were killed at a military outpost in Jordan.In Yemen, Iran provides support to the Houthi movement, which controls the most populated areas of the country. To show support for Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel and have also been attacking commercial shipping near its shores, sinking at least one vessel. The US and UK have struck Houthi targets in response.Iran also provides weapons and training to Palestinian armed groups including Hamas, which attacked Israel on 7 October last year, sparking the current war in Gaza and the confrontations drawing in Iran, its proxies and Israel’s allies in the wider Middle East. However, Iran denies any role in the 7 October attacks themselves.How do Iran and Israel’s military capabilities compare?Iran is much bigger than Israel geographically and has a population of nearly 90 million, nearly ten times as big as Israel’s – but this does not translate into greater military power.Iran has invested heavily in missiles and drones. It has a vast arsenal of its own, but has also been supplying significant amounts to its proxies – the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Iran has invested heavily in missiles and drones (file photo)What it lacks is modern air defence systems and fighter jets. Russia is believed to be co-operating with Iran to improve those in return for the military support Tehran has given Moscow in its war with Ukraine – Iran has provided Shahed attack drones and Russia is reportedly now seeking to manufacture the weapons itself.By contrast, Israel has one of the most advanced air forces in the world. According to the IISS military balance report, Israel has at least 14 squadrons of jets – including F-15s, F-16s and the latest F-35 stealth jet. Israel also has experience of conducting strikes deep inside hostile territory. Do Iran and Israel have nuclear weapons?Israel is assumed to have its own nuclear weapons but maintains an official policy of deliberate ambiguity.Iran does not have nuclear weapons and also denies it is attempting to use its civilian nuclear programme to become a nuclear armed state.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The remains of a rocket booster that Israeli authorities say severely wounded a 10-year-old girl in southern IsraelLast year the global nuclear watchdog found uranium particles enriched to 83.7% purity – very close to weapons grade – at Iran’s underground Fordo site. Iran said “unintended fluctuations” in enrichment levels may have occurred.Iran has been openly enriching uranium to 60% purity for more than two years in breach of a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. However that deal has been close to collapse since US President Donald Trump pulled out unilaterally and reinstated crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018. Israel had opposed the nuclear deal in the first place.LIVE: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksUPDATE ME: All eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksUPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?WATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryWhat message is Iran sending through its attack?”We blocked. We intercepted. Together we will win,” was how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assessed things.But Tom Fletcher, a foreign policy advisor to several UK prime ministers and a former UK ambassador to Lebanon, said the Iranian salvo was a “chilling signal of Iran’s capability and reach”.Leaderships in both Iran and Israel were both “under pressure at home, facing international criticism and are clearly ready to play with fire”, he warned.But he told the BBC that Iran’s unprecedented attack appeared to have been carefully calibrated.”Iran did telegraph these attacks in advance which made them easier to deter,” he said, comparing it to exchanges of fire he had seen while ambassador to Lebanon where “the intent is to show the capability but not necessarily to escalate”.He also said it was “positive” that Iran chose to respond directly rather than through Hezbollah. Some Israelis have called for the military to expand its confrontation with the Lebanese armed group to push it back from the border. Sanam Vakil from the Chatham House think tank said the attack had been a success from Iran’s point of view and Tehran was “calling Israel’s bluff”.”This is the first time that Iran has directly breached and violated Israel’s sovereignty,” she told the BBC.”The strikes were certainly calibrated, directed to military installations with the aim of not inflicting too much damage or hurting anyone.”Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished2 hours agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published1 hour agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran2Dad of girl missing since 1981 to hand back medals3Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six4Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’5RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules8New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10Iran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationPublished10 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyBy Doug FaulknerBBC NewsIran has warned Israel that any “reckless” retaliation to its unprecedented aerial attack would receive a “much stronger response”.More than 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel by Iran overnight, following the 1 April Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria.Israel said it and allies had intercepted 99% of the weapons.It marked Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, with the two countries having waged a years-long shadow war.World leaders have urged restraint amid concerns about a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East.Following the attack, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “together we will win”, but it is unclear how his country plans to respond.Last week, Israel’s defence and foreign ministers warned that if Iran attacked Israel, Israel would strike back inside Iran.LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest on the Iran-Israel attackEXPLAINED: Everything we know so far about wave of Iranian attacksLEARN: What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?UPDATE ME: Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackWATCH: Explosions in sky over JerusalemWATCH: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli militaryAn attack had been anticipated after the strike on the Damascus consulate killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers.In a statement reported by AFP, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said “if the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response”.Iran’s IRGC – the most powerful branch of its armed forces – said it had launched the attack “in retaliation against the Zionist regime’s [Israel] repeated crimes, including the attack on the Iranian embassy’s consulate in Damascus”.Following the strikes the Iranian mission to the UN said “the matter can be deemed concluded”.Iranian armed forces chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri told state TV the US had been warned – via Switzerland – that American backing of an Israeli retaliation would result in US regional bases being targeted.Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he had told the US attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence, Reuters news agency reported.US President Joe Biden spoke to Mr Netanyahu following the launch of the Iranian attack and reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”. He condemned the “unprecedented” attack on Israel and said the US had helped Israel and other allies to “take down nearly all” of the missiles and drones.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Iran drone attack ‘major escalation’ – Israeli military spokesmanSirens sounded across Israel and loud explosions were heard over Jerusalem, with air defence systems shooting down objects over the city.The New York Times, citing Israeli intelligence sources, reported that the main targets appeared to be military instillations in the occupied Golan Heights. An Israeli military spokesman said around 360 munitions had been fired – including 170 explosive drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles – but Israel has said very little damage had been done.Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said some Iranian missiles had hit inside Israel, causing minor damage to a military base but no casualties.Israel’s ambulance service said a seven-year-old Bedouin girl had been injured by shrapnel from falling debris in the southern Arad region and it has been reported she has undergone surgery.World leaders will be considering their response to the major escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, with many condemning the attack or warning of the dangers of escalation.Mr Biden said he would convene “my fellow G7 leaders to co-ordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack”.The UN Security Council will also hold an emergency meeting later, its president Vanessa Frazier said.UN Secretary General António Guterres issued a statement saying he “strongly condemn[ed] the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel” by Iran.He called for “an immediate cessation of these hostilities” and for all sides to exercise maximum restraint.UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the strikes “reckless”, while the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said it was a “grave threat to regional security”.China’s foreign ministry urged restraint, characterising it as “the latest spill over of the Gaza conflict”, while Russia’s foreign ministry expressed “extreme concern over another dangerous escalation”.On Sunday, France recommended its citizens in Iran should temporarily leave the country due to the risk of military escalation. Speaking to crowds at the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis made a “heartfelt appeal for a halt to any action that could fuel a spiral of violence with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict”.There have been increased tensions in the Middle East since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage, and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza.The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 33,729 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished5 hours agoRAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – SunakPublished40 minutes agoBiden blasts ‘brazen attack’ and backs Israel’s securityPublished8 hours agoIsrael says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranPublished15 hours agoWhat is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?Published6 November 2023Iran vows to avenge Syria strike blamed on IsraelPublished2 AprilTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished1 hour agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published44 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’ AudioIsrael says the confrontation is ‘not over yet’AttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify mall attacker who killed six2Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’3RAF jets shot down a number of Iran drones – Sunak4Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards5Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules6Hundreds of Manchester bomb survivors to sue MI57All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran8New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10Iran warns Israel against ‘reckless’ retaliationBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney stabbings: Mum who died protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’Published21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Family handoutImage caption, Ashlee Good, 38, who was killed in the stabbings at a Sydney shopping centre, has been described as a “beautiful person”By Doug FaulknerBBC NewsA mother who died protecting her baby from a knifeman at a Sydney mall on Saturday was an “outstanding human”, her family has said.Ashlee Good, 38, passed her injured baby girl to bystanders soon after being wounded, eyewitnesses said.”The mum got stabbed and… came over with the baby and threw it at me and [I] was holding the baby,” one man told Nine News. The nine-month old had surgery and is doing well, the family said. Just after 15:00 local time on Saturday, Joel Cauchi, 40, caused panic as he attacked shoppers with a large knife, sending crowds running for the exits.He killed five women and a man in the attack, and injured several others. He was shot dead by a lone police officer who has been hailed as a “hero”.Police said the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Mr Cauchi, who had a history of mental health issues. Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerMs Good’s family said they were “reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more”.They added their gratitude to the medical team at Sydney’s Children’s Hospital, the police and the two men who “cared for our baby when Ashlee could not”.”We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.Her former employers said they were “deeply saddened by the horrific news” of the stabbings.Danni and Coby du Preez, of massage therapy business Muscle Medicine, said: “Ash was a beautiful person, who worked with us for a short period of time. We send our love and thoughts to her family and best wishes for [her baby’s] recovery.”Image source, ReutersImage caption, Crowds gather to pay tribute to the victims on SundayThe man who took the baby from Ms Good told Nine News that the child looked “pretty bad” at the time. “There was a lot of blood on the floor. I hope the baby is all right.”The man’s brother said: “He helped with holding the baby and trying to compress the baby and same with the mother.”We just kept yelling out to get some clothes, get some shirts and just help us to compress and stop the baby from bleeding.”With my brother holding the baby so well and really compressing, I think the baby’s fine.”The man added: “We were just shopping and saw the man run up to the woman with the baby and then we were both ready to go and help out.”But I just said to my brother, ‘we’ve got to run in’, ran in, told the guys to lock up the doors and then the mother came with the baby bleeding… We got them into the store and just got them safe and then rang for help.”Ms Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. The club wore black armband’s in her memory during a match on Sunday, and the club’s coach, Alastair Clarkson, fought back tears as he spoke before the match. “It’s shocking for our club and in particular the Good family,” he told Fox Sports. “It’s just so sad. Ash and her beautiful little girl… She’s not going to have a mum – it breaks our hearts.”Another victim of the attack has been named as security guard Faraz Tahir, who died “trying to protect the community”.Image source, HandoutImage caption, Security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, had come to Australia about a year before the stabbings his community saidThe 30-year-old man had sought refuge in Australia from Pakistan only a year ago according to members of his local community.In a statement the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia expressed “profound sadness” over the attack.Mr Tahir was “a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack”, it said.”Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence,” it said.Scentre Group, which runs Westfield shopping centres in Australia, said Mr Tahir had suffered fatal injuries while trying to protect the community during the tragedy.”We are devastated by Faraz’s passing and recognise our team member’s bravery and role as a first responder,” it said in a statement.”Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who are mourning the loss of loved ones.”Our thoughts and concerns are also with the families and carers of those injured in the attack and the everyday heroes whose actions prevented further loss of life.”Another member of security staff was injured and remains in hospital, it said.Dawn Singleton, 25, has also been named locally as a victim of the stabbings.She worked at clothes retailer White Fox Boutique which paid tribute to her on Instagram.”We are all truly devastated by this loss,” it said. “Dawn was a sweet, kind hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.”We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.”New South Wales Police have also confirmed that 55-year-old Pikria Darchia was another victim of the attack. Related TopicsSydneyMore on this storySydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished2 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished3 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranAll eyes on Israel’s response to Iranian drone and missile attacksPublished32 minutes agoMum killed protecting baby from Sydney knifeman was ‘beautiful person’Published21 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe Papers: Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’The 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards5All eyes on Israel’s response to Iran6What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?7New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’8Mum killed protecting baby was ‘beautiful person’9Charities plan legal action against Rwanda removals10Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonCloseA multidisciplinary team has been given a two-year $2 million grant to help Nasa prepare to study the Moon’s surface. The LASSIE (Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments) Project is formed by professionals from Nasa, Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04Up Next. A look inside the Nasa jet chasing the solar eclipse. Video, 00:01:35A look inside the Nasa jet chasing the solar eclipseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished6 days agoUp Next1:35’We had to adapt our robots to the AI revolution’ Video, 00:01:36’We had to adapt our robots to the AI revolution’SubsectionBusinessPublished21 February1:36Editor’s recommendations’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished3 hours ago0:58The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished11 hours ago0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished11 hours ago0:35Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded? Video, 00:00:55Sydney attack: What’s known about how it unfolded?SubsectionAustraliaPublished9 minutes ago0:55Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished18 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished15 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished18 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDemocratic donors paid $1.7m to Biden lawyers in classified files probePublished1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesBy Brandon DrenonBBC News, WashingtonDemocratic donors paid at least $1.7m (£1.35m) of US President Joe Biden’s legal fees during the investigation into his handling of classified documents, records show.The Democratic National Committee paid a firm and a lawyer for the president.Mr Biden has repeatedly criticised former President Donald Trump, his likely election challenger, for using donor funds to pay his legal fees.On Friday, Republicans were quick to accuse the president of hypocrisy.”If these corrupt Democrats didn’t have HYPOCRISY, they’d have NOTHING!” the Republican National Committee said in a statement,Alex Floyd, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, said in a statement that there was “no comparison” between the DNC’s payments to the president’s lawyers and Mr Trump’s efforts to drive up donations for his legal cases.”The DNC does not spend a single penny of grassroots donors’ money on legal bills, unlike Donald Trump,” he said.The money for Mr Biden’s legal team came from the Democratic National Committee’s legal account, according to the Associated Press. It said that account is primarily funded by major donors who have already met contribution limits.First reported by Axios, the funds were paid to lawyers or firms representing Mr Biden during the special counsel investigation into his handling and retention of classified documents. That investigation began in January 2023 and concluded earlier this year. The final report found Mr Biden “wilfully” retained troves of files but the special counsel did not charge him with a crime.Following the probe, the Democratic National Committee – which has been fundraising large sums to aid Mr Biden’s re-election campaign – directed roughly $1.7m to lawyers representing Mr Biden, according to Federal Election Commission records.Roughly $1m was paid to Bob Bauer, Mr Biden’s private lawyer. The rest of the money went to a Boston law firm that employed a lawyer who was identified as Mr Biden’s counsel in the classified documents investigation.The committee using its funds to pay the party leader’s legal fees is not necessarily a new practice. The amount spent by the committee and its donors is similar to what it spent to cover legal fees for President Barack Obama during his first term, according to The New York Times.While the Democratic National Committee used $1.7m to pay Mr Biden’s fees, newspaper reports that Mr Trump has spent more than $100m in donor funds to address the costs he has accrued from his various court cases.Related TopicsDonald TrumpUnited StatesJoe BidenMore on this story’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counselPublished9 FebruaryHur will defend Biden remarks when he faces CongressPublished12 MarchWho is the special counsel in the Biden probe?Published12 MarchFive things in the Biden classified documents reportPublished9 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Israel says Iran confrontation ‘not over yet’ after shooting down drones from TehranIsrael on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished1 hour agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished17 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’First ladies rebel against being in husband’s shadowWhy did all the Little Chefs disappear?Honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thoughtUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’5Israel on high alert after unprecedented Iranian attack6Duke of Kent to step down as Colonel of Scots Guards7Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too8’I envy my peers with grandkids’ – Hillsborough mum9What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?10British theatre gears up for big night at OliviersBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael attack: ‘A very long night and a dangerous moment’This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Israel attack: ‘A very long night and a dangerous moment’CloseIran’s missile and drone attack on Israel raises the risk of an escalation in the region, the BBC’s Hugo Bachega in Jerusalem has said.The Israeli military said that more than 300 cruise missiles were intercepted, in what Iran described as an attack aimed at “specific targets”.The strike was an anticipated retaliation for an Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria, which killed a top Iranian military commander and several others earlier this month.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished56 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore more’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’ Video, 00:00:58’A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment’SubsectionMiddle EastPublished56 minutes ago0:58Up Next. Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours agoUp Next0:30Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished9 hours ago0:35Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulate. Video, 00:00:48Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulateSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 April0:48Editor’s recommendationsWatch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished16 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished13 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished16 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished21 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 day ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished23 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished1 day ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPImage source, PPPImage caption, Park Choong-kwon, 37, defected to South Korea in 2009 after graduating from university where he worked on building the North’s nuclear missilesFrances MaoBBC NewsSangmi HanBBC KoreanPublished12 April 2024As a young man, Park Choong-Kwon helped build the nuclear missiles that his homeland, North Korea, blasted off from time to time to threaten the West.Now he sits in its democratic neighbour’s legislature – a member of South Korea’s parliament elected just this week.When people migrate from authoritarian regimes to liberal democracies, they dream of a better life, of opportunities. A refugee becoming a lawmaker, or even one day president? It’s possible.But for a North Korean, it’s extraordinary. Park, at age 37, is just the fourth escapee ever to become a parliamentarian in the South.“I came to South Korea with nothing,” he told the BBC earlier this week, “and now I’ve entered the political arena.“I see all of this as the power of our liberal democracy and I think it’s all possible because our citizens made it happen. It is a miracle and a blessing.”For North Korean watchers, it’s also a sign of progress.”There are tens of thousands of North Koreans who voted with their feet, voted against the oppression of that regime with their lives – some lost – but others didn’t, and the world is benefiting from them,” says Sandra Fahy, an associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa who’s researched life in North Korea.”Who better to understand the importance of democratic representation and political engagement than those who have lived in a world where it was forbidden?”Park escaped the clutches of the North Korean state a decade and a half ago when he was 23, having breathed not a word of his plans to his parents and other family members. It was too risky, and if they had known, that could have put them in peril, he says.He had spent his last three years embedded in the National Defense University – one of the elite students seen as the next generation entrusted with developing the North’s nuclear weapons technology.While relatively sheltered in the capital, he had grown up in the North in the 1990s, the period of massive famine in the country where millions died and desperate citizens turned to black market goods.But he was exposed to life outside – through South Korean TV shows smuggled in and study abroad in China, where his fixation on new ideas drew scrutiny from his minders.By the time he graduated university, he told Korean media, he had realised “how completely wrong and corrupt the North Korean regime was”.So he hatched his plan and waited.The release came one day in April 2009. North Korea that day had just managed to successfully launch its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) – the very same weapon he had toiled away for years on building. The whole country was “in a celebratory mood”; he saw the opportunity and slipped away the next morning under the cover of the jubilant noise.Getting out was an ordeal of course – he chose the faster but vastly more expensive route to China, which cost nearly 10 million won (£5,800 pounds; $7,300). Despite the cost, the fake passport provided by the broker was a shoddy certificate.But in a interview with NK News last year, he recalled the moment he realised he was potentially free. Clambering onto the Chinese-side banks of the Tumen River, there was a mingled sense of freedom and loss – leaving him feeling like an “international orphan”.Another life-changing moment came some time later when he received his South Korean passport – one of the happiest moments of his life, he says.Compared to many other defectors from the North, about 35,000 of whom have settled in the South since the 1990s, Park adapted quickly to his new life, a challenge smoothed out by his elite background and education.He was accepted into the country’s most prestigious university – Seoul National University – where he earned a PhD in materials science and engineering, and then landed a highly coveted job at Hyundai Steel, one of the South’s powerhouse conglomerates.And then the president’s party came knocking.Park told the BBC he hadn’t ever considered entering politics, but when the People Power Party reached out, he felt he wanted to give back through public service.As the number two delegate on the ruling party’s list for proportional voting seats, he was essentially guaranteed a spot in Wednesday’s elections – no matter how unfavourable the turnout. The results in the end were terrible for the deeply unpopular President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling PPP.South Korea’s ruling party suffers crushing defeatDid a spring onion bring down the South Korean president’s party?But Park is forward-facing and has big plans now as an elected lawmaker.In the South’s previous parliament, there had already been two sitting North Korean members – both with significant profiles. Thae Yong-ho, who represents the luxury district of Gangnam, was formerly a North Korean ambassador to the UK who famously defected in 2016 during his London stint.The other is rights activist Ji Seong-ho, who lost his left arm and leg as a young teenager in 1996 when he and his starving family were stealing coal from a train. He fainted from hunger and fell through a gap between the train cars; the wheels ran over him. He later managed an escape from North Korea on crutches.North Korean defector becomes first to win South Korea parliamentary seatThose representatives have long sought to improve the situation for their fellow defectors.Many say while they may have a new lease on life since arriving in the South, it’s tinged with a feeling of being treated like second-class citizens.That pushed Ji into running for office in 2020, campaigning on the rights of North Koreans, after a case where defectors accused of smuggling were forcibly returned by South Korean officials.A year earlier, an impoverished North Korean mother and daughter were found dead in their apartment in Seoul, having reportedly starved to death.Park says one of his first aims is improving the support given to North Koreans when they arrive in the South – and he’s pushing for lifelong packages. He says since the flow of new arrivals slowed to a trickle due to pandemic border closures, the budget should be re-allocated.He also wants to leave his mark on inter-Korean relations.And in that vein, he’s heartily endorsed his president’s current hawkish attitude towards dealing with the North and Kim Jong-un’s increased missile provocations.While some say the North has reacted because it was spooked by Yoon pursuing closer relationships with the US and Japan, Park dismisses that theory.“Some people think that since the Yoon government came in, the threat of war has increased. But it’s not true – the provocations were stronger under the previous administration,” he told the BBC.He points out the North’s missile launches and weapons development increased during President Moon Jae-in’s administration – which sought a more conciliatory approach to engaging with North Korea.But appeasement must not be the approach taken, he argues: “Blocking North Korea’s provocations is the most important priority, and that will lead to reducing the threat of war.”He believes in eventual reunification between the two halves of the peninsula. This is despite Kim Jong-un this year taking concerted steps to stamp out that prospect: branding the South as the enemy state and reportedly blowing up a massive arch symbolising the two Koreas coming together in the future.But Park is undeterred. He’s determined to “play a role as a bridge” in the South Korean government.“I want to help South Koreans view North Korea’s regime and its people separately, fostering a mindset conducive to unification.”Related TopicsNorth Korean defectorsSouth KoreaNorth Korea–South Korea relationsTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down 300 Iranian drones and missiles with US help, says IDFIsrael on alert after unprecedented Iranian attackPublished54 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished24 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsloading elsewhere storiesMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD4Israel on alert after unprecedented Iranian attack5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too7British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers8Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine Russia war: BBC Russian journalist Ilya Barabanov branded ‘foreign agent’Published1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Personal archive/BBCImage caption, Asya Kazantseva and Ilya BarabanovBy Laurence PeterBBC NewsThe Russian justice ministry has labelled two prominent journalists – BBC Russian correspondent Ilya Barabanov and science reporter Asya Kazantseva – as “foreign agents”.Barabanov has written extensively about Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Wagner mercenary group. The BBC condemned the ministry’s move against him.”The BBC strongly rejects the decision,” a BBC statement said.The “foreign agent” label has very negative connotations in Russia.The government has used it to marginalise not only critics of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also voices challenging other Kremlin policies, including prominent cultural figures, media organisations and civil society groups.One of Russia’s most popular novelists – Boris Akunin – was put on the list in January. He is a long-standing critic of President Vladimir Putin.The term “foreign agent” recalls the Soviet-era campaign against “enemies of the people”. “Foreign agents” have to identify themselves as such on social media and in other publications, and face burdensome financial reporting requirements.Both Barabanov and Kazantseva are now living abroad. Kazantseva signed an open letter from Russian scientists and science journalists demanding that Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine. She left Russia in January, saying she was being harassed by pro-war figures and seeing her lectures and book presentations cancelled.The justice ministry accused Barabanov – now based in Latvia – of “spreading false information” about Russian government decisions and policies, and of opposing the war in Ukraine.The BBC statement condemned the move, stressing that “the BBC has a global reputation as a trusted and independent source of news”.It went on: “BBC News Russian has been a vital source of accurate and impartial news to Russian-speakers for 80 years. We are incredibly proud of all our journalists and our priority right now is to support Ilya and all his colleagues to ensure that all are able to continue their jobs reporting on Russia at such an important time.” Related TopicsWar in UkraineMediaRussiaVladimir PutinMore on this storyRussia designates popular author ‘a foreign agent’Published13 JanuaryRussia labels ex-PM Kasyanov ‘foreign agent’Published25 November 2023Russia labels Nobel winner Muratov ‘foreign agent’Published1 September 2023Top StoriesLive. Israel shoots down 300 Iranian drones and missiles with US help, says IDFIran launches aerial attack on Israel in major escalationPublished1 hour agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished2 hours agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Boy, 7, died from Aids after doctor ignored rules3Iran launches aerial attack on Israel in major escalation4UK jets deployed to shoot down Iran drones – MoD5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too7Iran’s drone ‘swarm’ and Sydney knife ‘rampage’8British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWatch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatCloseBars in the streets of Tel Aviv were still busy despite Iran launching dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack. A university student described the evening as “usual night in Tel Aviv”.Iran has launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack, the Iranian military has saidSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 hours ago0:35Up Next. Air strike flattens building in Syrian capital. Video, 00:00:22Air strike flattens building in Syrian capitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished20 JanuaryUp Next0:22Nova festival survivor returns to site of massacre. Video, 00:00:56Nova festival survivor returns to site of massacreSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 January0:56Tel Aviv protests: Thousands demand Netanyahu resign. Video, 00:00:41Tel Aviv protests: Thousands demand Netanyahu resignSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 April0:41Editor’s recommendationsWatch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missilesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 hours ago0:30Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished12 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished9 hours ago0:30Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished13 hours ago0:20Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished18 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished21 hours ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished20 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished23 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIsrael-Iran: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Israel-Iran: Sirens ring through Jerusalem as objects shot down from skyCloseSirens were activated in Jerusalem at around 01:45 local time (23:45 BST). Loud explosions were heard with the air defence systems shooting down objects over the city, and multiple interceptions lit up the night sky. Iran has launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack, the Israeli military has said.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch footage from Israel as Iran launches aerial attack. Video, 00:00:30Watch footage from Israel as Iran launches aerial attackSubsectionMiddle EastPublished4 hours ago0:30Up Next. Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threat. Video, 00:00:35Watch: Tel Aviv residents unfazed by Iran attack threatSubsectionMiddle EastPublished5 hours agoUp Next0:35Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 hours ago0:20Huge explosions as Israel strikes southern Lebanon. Video, 00:00:52Huge explosions as Israel strikes southern LebanonSubsectionMiddle EastPublished19 February0:52Editor’s recommendationsWatch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’ Video, 00:01:26Watch: ‘Someone took my car, and my 89-year-old mum’SubsectionUKPublished11 hours ago1:26Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished8 hours ago0:30Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mall. Video, 00:00:08Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallSubsectionAustraliaPublished17 hours ago0:08Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:54Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished20 hours ago0:54Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished19 hours ago1:04Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished22 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:04BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaTrump New York hush money trial is far from a slam dunkPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingBy Nada Tawfik & Kayla EpsteinBBC News, New YorkAn adult film star. Alleged secret payments. A turncoat lawyer. And a candidate for president of the United States.Donald Trump’s very first criminal trial – and the first of a former US president – involves charges of white-collar crime, but it features some of the most eye-catching details in any of the four criminal cases against him.The case revolves around a $130,000 (£104,000) hush money payment from Mr Trump’s lawyer to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006. But that payment was not actually illegal. Instead, the blockbuster case bringing 34 felony charges is based on allegations the former president falsified business records to cover up the payment – made just before the 2016 election – to avoid an embarrassing sex scandal which he denies. The trial, which starts in New York on Monday, has legal experts divided on the strength of the case. Some debate whether Manhattan’s District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, should have even brought the case and whether it is strong enough.Ambrosio Rodriguez, a former prosecutor who says he is no fan of the former president, believes the case legitimises Mr Trump’s ongoing argument that he is being prosecuted unfairly because of who he is.Mr Rodriguez argues that the case relies on old allegations, noting that federal prosecutors had investigated and declined to bring charges.”This is a waste of time and a bad idea, and not good for the country,” he told the BBC. “This seems just a political need and want to get Trump no matter what the costs are.” Others disagree. Nick Akerman, who worked on the Watergate prosecution, says it’s a serious case.”This is about an effort to defraud the American voters in 2016 to keep them from learning material information that would have affected their vote,” he told the BBC, referring to Mr Trump’s alleged efforts to hide payments reimbursing his then lawyer, Michael Cohen.A novel legal approachThe case also has come under scrutiny because it’s seemingly built on an untested legal theory.Mr Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. New York prosecutors say Mr Cohen paid off Ms Daniels, and accuse Mr Trump of trying to disguise the money he paid him back as legal fees. Ordinarily, falsifying business records is considered a misdemeanour – or low-level offence – in New York. But when it is done to conceal a crime, it can be elevated to a more serious felony charge.It is not unusual for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to do that, but Mr Bragg’s approach is a particularly novel one.Image source, BloombergImage caption, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin BraggHe says Trump Organization records were falsified to conceal or aid criminal activity. But even though the trial begins on Monday, he has not specified the exact crime allegedly hidden.He has however given clues. In court filings and interviews, Mr Bragg has said Mr Trump violated both state and federal election laws, and state tax laws. “The District Attorney’s office is not precluded from presenting to the jury a variety of alternative theories on sort of why the records were falsified,” says Shane T. Stansbury, a former assistant United States Attorney in New York’s southern district.But he adds that it is unclear if a state prosecutor can invoke a federal election crime, as it appears Mr Bragg intends to do.”We could have federal courts and even the US Supreme Court weighing in on some of the federal questions that are part of this theory, so I think we’re a long way from having resolution on this case,” he says.A former prosecutor in the New York federal office, Mark Pomerantz, said federal prosecutors went back and forth on charging Mr Trump so often that the investigation was nicknamed “the zombie case”.But due to the seriousness of charging a former president, some legal experts say that Mr Bragg had to bring the strongest possible case against Mr Trump, which is why he went for felony charges.”Given who the defendant is in this case,” said Anna Cominsky, a professor at the New York Law School, “Just a misdemeanour may not rise to the level of criminality that perhaps one would expect someone in Trump’s position to be charged with.”A wildcard witnessOne of the biggest wildcards in this case is the prosecution’s star witness: Michael Cohen.Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal campaign violations as part of the alleged cover-up, which he said was directed by Mr Trump.Since his release, he has become one of Mr Trump’s harshest critics, consistently attacking him in the press and on his podcast. He has also admitted in the past to lying to Congress under oath. That history makes him a “compromised witness,” said Mr Stansbury.But as the man at the centre of the alleged scheme, he is almost guaranteed to testify against his former boss.”His credibility is a huge issue for the prosecution, and definitely something the defence is going to attack,” said Ms Cominsky.Mr Bragg will try to bolster Mr Cohen’s testimony by presenting proof of the payments to the jury.Trump’s defence The former president is sticking with a strategy that amounts to attack-and-delay. He frequently calls the case a “hoax” and a “witch-hunt.”He has slammed Judge Merchan and District Attorney Bragg and attacked their family members on social media – to the extent that a partial gag order has now been imposed that prevents him from attacking court staff and their families. Image source, Pool/Getty ImagesImage caption, Mr Trump speaks to the press after a 25 March hearing in his New York criminal caseHis lawyers have tried to argue that the payments were made to keep the embarrassing information from Mr Trump’s family, rather than to hide anything from voters. Mr Akerman believes that argument, if used by the former president’s lawyers in court, would fall flat with the 12-person jury ultimately deciding Mr Trump’s fate. “First of all, all of this was done right before the election, it had nothing to do with his family,” he told the BBC. Should a jury vote to convict him, Mr Trump would enter the final stretch before November’s presidential election as a convicted felon. But his legal team only needs to persuade one juror that he is not guilty of the crimes alleged for him to walk free.”To me, the only defence that they have is to try and pick a jury and try and identify somebody who might actually hang the jury,” Mr Akerman said. “Try and find someone who is a little bit eccentric, somebody who might be more sympathetic to Donald Trump.” Related TopicsDonald TrumpMore on this storyA guide to Trump’s four criminal casesPublished3 days agoTrump gagged again after he attacks judge’s daughterPublished2 AprilTrump’s hush-money trial to begin 15 AprilPublished25 MarchTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished35 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished1 hour agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCWhat went disastrously wrong at Pontins?An investigation into the state of three holiday parks before their sudden closure…AttributioniPlayerA life-changing declutter!Stacey Solomon and her crack team help families transform their homesAttributioniPlayerFound on every continent and in every oceanSir David Attenborough reveals how mammals have conquered the EarthAttributioniPlayerFancy a film tonight?There’s something for everyone on BBC iPlayerAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel4New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’5Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too6British theatre gears up for big night at Oliviers7What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?8Wildcard witness and untested legal theory: How strong is first Trump case?9Five arrested after baby’s remains found10Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine war: Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers tooPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Ivan Samoilov/Gwara Media/Global Images UkraineImage caption, Kharkiv’s emergency services were among the victims in a double strike earlier this monthBy Vitaly ShevchenkoRussia Editor, BBC MonitoringOn the night of 3 April, a swarm of Russian drones attacked Kharkiv, in Ukraine’s northeast. The country’s second-largest city has been targeted almost incessantly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. But this time was worse than usual, because, when rescue workers arrived at the scene, there was a second strike. Three of them were killed. The following Friday, it happened again when Russian missiles hit Zaporizhzhia, a major city in Ukraine’s southeast. Rescuers and journalists rushed to the scene, and then two more missiles hit. In total, four people were killed and more than 20 were wounded, including two local journalists.Both the Kharkiv and the Zaporizhzhia attacks employed a technique called “double-tap” – when an initial air strike is followed by a second attack, killing rescuers trying to help the injured. Russia has carried out this kind of repeat attack before. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a strike on a building in the southern city of Odesa in March that killed 20 was a double-tap, and called it a “despicable act of cowardice”. Image source, DSNS Ukraine emergency serviceImage caption, Rescue service officials were among the victims of a deadly Russian double missile attack last month in OdesaBut Ukrainian officials say they have seen an increase in the use of such attacks. Oleh Synehubov, the governor of Kharkiv region, told Ukrainian media that Russia has started incorporating repeat strikes on its targets “day and night”. “The occupiers are using the tactic of double-taps to hit civilian rescuers and other workers who are there first to arrive at the scene,” he said. On Thursday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it had seen a “particularly troubling pattern” of double taps in recent weeks. It called them “cruel” and “unconscionable” and urged for them to stop. Rescuers from Ukraine’s State Emergencies Service DSNS often arrive to deal with the aftermath of Russian attacks before everyone else, and they also say the threat of repeat strikes is becoming ever more frequent. “Unfortunately, the tactic of double-tapping has been used increasingly often recently. This is difficult to comprehend. The Russians have no right to do this,” DSNS spokesman Oleksandr Khorunzhy told the BBC. “They know perfectly well what they’re doing, and not just to rescuers, police officers, utility workers or medics. This affects ordinary civilians,” Mr Khorunzhy said. He called double-taps “utterly immoral”. “I can’t wrap my head around this, it’s just inhuman,” he said. “They see perfectly well that unarmed rescuers are the first to arrive at the sites of their attacks.” The DSNS says 91 of its rescuers have been killed and more than 340 injured since the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kira Oves was one of the journalists injured in the Zaporizhzhia double-tap attack. She told the BBC that she had just arrived at the scene of a strike when she heard a whistling sound. “A colleague shouted: Incoming! On the ground!” She crouched and heard a massive explosion. She only realised that she was wounded after she felt blood streaming down her face. She and her colleague ran to what they thought was a safe place – only to hear another “enormous blast”. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Kira Oves was wounded in a double-tap strike in Zaporizhzhia earlier in April”I knelt down, and a policewoman rushed over to me to help close the wound. Another police officer bandaged my head to stop the bleeding. From the shouting we found out that another journalist had been wounded much more badly,” Kira said. She had not expected two more strikes to follow the one she had gone to report on. Ukrainians targeted by double-tap attacks accuse Russia of trying to crush their fighting spirit and resilience. They also worry that no medic or emergency worker would be prepared to risk coming to their rescue for fear of coming under fire, too. But there are other pragmatic reasons for Russia’s strategy too. “If you abandon any pretence at subscribing to international humanitarian law and even commonly accepted humanitarian norms, then there is a sound military rationale for double-tap attacks because you target high-profile targets,” says Keir Giles, director of the Conflict Studies Research Centre, a British think-tank. There is a limited supply of first responders such as medics, emergency personnel and fire crews and they are difficult to replace. “If you take them out by the second attack on the same spot, at exactly the time when they’ve congregated to help the victims of the first attack, you’re actually achieving quite a lot.” Karolina Hird, an analyst at the US-based Institute for the Study of War, says double-tap attacks targeting rescue workers could, and likely do, constitute a war crime. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Emergency workers carry an injured woman at the site of a Russian missile strike in Zaporizhzhia”If, indeed, Russian forces are found to be targeting specifically and intentionally these sections of the population – that would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and the general rules and norms of armed conflict,” Ms Hird told the BBC. A spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross told the BBC that all parties involved in a conflict had an obligation to “respect and protect” both the wounded and those who cared for them. If one party chooses to re-attack the same target, international humanitarian law requires them to take “particular care” when first responders are trying to evacuate the wounded, the ICRC said. Russia adopted the same strategy previously in Syria, where its troops fought against anti-government rebels between 2015 and 2017. In that case it targeted rescuers from the White Helmets, a civil defence group. “We have documented hundreds of such cases since Russia intervened in 2015,” the White Helmets chief Raed al-Saleh says. “Frankly, the Russian army has no morals when it comes to military operations. It focuses on breaking the will of civilians.” Russia has not explicitly disavowed double-taps, but it has repeatedly denied it aims for civilian targets.”Our military does not hit social facilities and residential neighbourhoods and does not hit civilians,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in January. But those in towns and cities across Ukraine see the opposite is the case. “They’re using double-taps to kill as many of us as possible,” says Kira Oves, the journalist wounded in one such attack in Zaporizhzhia. “But they’ll fail, because Ukrainians are survivors. We shall win.”Related TopicsWar in UkraineZaporizhzhiaUkraineMore on this storyKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished2 days agoUkrainian MPs pass law to boost troop numbersPublished2 days agoRussian strikes hit Odesa on city’s liberation dayPublished2 days agoTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished48 minutes agoSydney police identify knife attacker who killed sixPublished21 minutes agoFeaturesBeing blind helps me connect with people, says diplomatThe 276 schoolgirls whose kidnap shocked the world’I felt anger hearing my dad’s experience of racism’The first ladies no longer happy to sacrifice careers for their husbandsThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney police identify knife attacker who killed six2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel4Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub5New ‘Gen Z’ Scrabble: ‘It feels a bit like cheating’6What is Israel’s Iron Dome missile system?7Russian double-tap strikes hit civilians then rescuers too8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election10British theatre gears up for big night at OliviersBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaChibok girls feel let down 10 years after Nigeria kidnappingPublished5 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsNigeria schoolgirl kidnappingsImage source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina Ali became the first Chibok girl to escape prolonged captivity in 2016By Yemisi AdegokeBBC News, northern NigeriaWe had to meet Lisu in secret as she says the local Nigerian authorities are trying to prevent her from talking to journalists.She was one of the 276 girls abducted from their school in the town of Chibok exactly a decade ago – a kidnapping that shocked the world and sparked a global campaign to #BringBackOurGirls, which included former US First Lady Michelle Obama.More than 180 have either since escaped or been freed, including Lisu, who gave birth to two children while she was a hostage of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, living in a hideout in the Sambisa forest.After escaping, Lisu – which is not her real name – went through the government rehabilitation programme, before being placed in group accommodation with other escapees. “I do regret coming back,” she says, shuffling in her seat. Not exactly the message the authorities want coming out. The Borno state government has denied limiting the former captives’ freedom of speech.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Lisu is “deeply unhappy” about the way she has been treated in the government accommodationLisu feels the way she is now treated is worse than what she lived through before.”Sometimes I cry when I remember. I ask myself: ‘Why did I even leave Sambisa to come back to Nigeria, only to come and face such degrading treatment, being insulted almost daily?’ I never experienced such heartache while I was in Sambisa.”Lisu says she is barely surviving under state care; basic provisions like food and soap are not enough, her movements are closely watched and restricted by security guards and she has been subjected to verbal abuse from staff at the group home.”They yell at us all the time, I am deeply unhappy,” she says. “I had more freedom at the Boko Haram camp than I do here.”This is a characterisation that the Borno state government said it did not recognise. In a statement to the BBC, it said there were no restrictions on the movements of the young women in its care except when there were issues of their personal safety. The authorities said they were also providing enough food and nutrition for the former captives and their children. Though the experiences of those who fled or were freed are varied, and they are all at different stages of rehabilitation, a theme that promises made to them over the years had been broken emerged from those we spoke to.In 2016, Amina Ali became the first of the Chibok captives to escape since the immediate aftermath of the kidnapping.She too is dissatisfied with her treatment. The last time she saw the sprawling school campus that now stands in front of her, it was on fire – that was the night of 14 April, 2014.”Wow, this school still exists,” she says softly, gazing at the newly renovated, cream-coloured buildings. “After all that happened to us, it’s still here.””We used to sit under that tree,” she continues, pointing at a towering, barren tree in the corner of the compound. She looks around, noting all the changes.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina has ambitions to be a journalist and help tell the story of the Chibok girlsThe grass is overgrown, the tiles on the walkways are new. The rust-coloured main gate has been moved and the dormitories do not exist any more. When the grounds were rebuilt, it reopened as a day school in 2021.While the cosmetic changes to the school are significant, outside the gates little has changed in Chibok. Insecurity is still rife. Boko Haram gunmen continue to attack the area, the latest assault late last year.The poorly maintained roads are dotted with checkpoints and there is a heavy military presence in the town. Mobile communication is patchy, a telecom mast lies on its side next to the road, probably felled by militants, a local colleague says.Then there are the emotional scars.Amina spent two years as a hostage in Sambisa. Like many of the captives, she was forced to “marry” a militant and convert to Islam. There was a routine to life in the forest; cooking, cleaning, learning the Quran, but Amina never gave up hope that one day she would escape.”I just thought even if I spend 10 years [as a hostage], one day I will escape,” she says.And one day she did.It took weeks of trekking through thick bush in sweltering temperatures, little food and with her two-month-old baby strapped to her back, but she made it.Parents of Chibok girls heartbroken – againThe secret diaries of the Chibok girlsThe town that lost its girlsBut more than 90 girls are still missing. Her friend Helen Nglada is one of them. Amina and Helen were classmates. They were both singers in the church band that Helen led. After the kidnap, the two grew close in Sambisa forest, spending as much time as they could together. The last conversation Amina had with Helen was about Chibok and how much they wished they could go back there. Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, For Helen’s mother, Saratu, meeting Amina brings back painful memoriesThe agony caused by Helen’s continued absence is etched on the faces of her parents, Saratu and Ibrahim, who are sitting outside their modest home, a short distance from the school.Her mother tightly grips two photographs of Helen and her sister. The girls are wearing matching outfits, headscarves and serious expressions.”I just wish I got my friend back,” Amina says, “so we can share the happiness with her.”Saratu struggles to contain her emotions. “Any time you come to the house and I see you, my mind goes back to my daughter,” she says to Amina.She breaks down into floods of tears and Amina places a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.”I just want our [state] governor to do something and rescue our children,” Ibrahim says quietly. “He should put in more effort to rescue the other children.”Amina’s escape in 2016 was accompanied by huge fanfare and relief.After being debriefed by the military, she met government officials including then President Muhammadu Buhari, who said the course of her life would change for the better.”[The president said] he’s going to take care of us and send us to school and even our children too,” Amina recalls. “Because it’s not our fault to find ourselves in that situation and the children too, they don’t know anything. They’re innocent. So he’s going to take care of them.”Image source, AFPImage caption, When she escaped from Boko Haram in 2016, Amina (L) and her baby met then President Muhammadu BuhariLife today does not look like what was promised.Amina now lives in Yola, about five hours away from Chibok by road, and shares a small room with her daughter. They share an outdoor bathroom with a neighbour and she cooks on firewood outside.Money is tight. She receives 20,000 naira ($15; £12) a month to cover everyday expenses but nothing for her daughter’s education, despite the government’s promises. She pays that bill herself with the little money she makes from farming.”It’s hard for me to look after my daughter,” she says. “What can I do? I have to do it because I don’t have anyone.”Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Amina struggles with the money she has to bring up her daughter who was born in a Boko Haram campAmina is balancing raising her daughter while studying at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), a private and elite institution.AUN is the only option Amina and the other Chibok girls were given to resume their studies, but many of them have struggled to keep up and some have dropped out. “We didn’t choose AUN because we know the school standards are difficult for us, we girls come from poor backgrounds,” she says. “The former minister forced us to come to this school.” The girls said they would have liked more autonomy in choosing where they could study and wonder if some of the government’s money spent covering the AUN’s high fees could have been better spent directly supporting them. Amina has attended AUN since 2017, but is not close to graduating. Only one of the former captives has graduated.Nigeria’s Women’s Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye says the government has been paying AUN roughly $350,000 a year for the Chibok girls and their education over the last six years. It is an arrangement she says will be reviewed.”I’m not paying nobody that kind of money. Even if they put it on the budget, I will not release the money,” she says. “The girls should be considered first and foremost. School is important, first and foremost. But you don’t go to school on an empty stomach.”Rakiya Gali is another Chibok girl – she escaped from Boko Haram in 2017. She was a student at AUN briefly, but dropped out due to poor health.Rakiya says she does not receive any financial support and like Amina pays for her son’s education with the money she makes from farming, despite promises from the government.”The government has been unfair to us,” she says in an impassioned voice. “They knew that we went into [Sambisa forest] and came back with children. If they cannot help us, then who will help us?”In addition to the financial burden, Rakiya lives in fear, as her town is still being attacked by Boko Haram. She says militants recently burned down her son’s school.”Whenever I hear any sound, I think it is a gunshot,” she says.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, The school still exists – though it no longer takes boardersRakiya desperately wants to move forward with her life and secure the best possible education for her son, but the lack of support makes things feel impossible. So much so, she believes the Chibok girls who remain hostages would stay with Boko Haram if they could see how she and those who escaped are living outside the camp.”When [the girls] return [they] will come join us in this situation,” she says. “I would say it is better to stay [in Sambisa forest] with the child and the father will provide support, rather than going through this trouble.”The conditions she describes are a far cry from those of one of their former captors.Muhammad Alli, a former Boko Haram fighter who was involved in the Chibok kidnapping, is now living in Maiduguri with his family – including eight children. He was part of the militant group for 13 years and rose to the rank of commander, even forcefully “marrying” one of the Chibok girls.”At the time I married them, I did not feel any guilt,” he says. “But when I decided to surrender, I started to realise how awful they must have felt being forced to do these things.”Like thousands of other fighters, Muhammad was granted amnesty and completed the state government rehabilitation programme. He has a farm, but also works with the military to help rescue abducted girls.Image source, BBC/Simpa SamsonImage caption, Muhammad Alli is now helping the authorities tackle other hostage situationsLast year he was part of a group that rescued some of the same people he had helped kidnap. “They were in a terrible state when we found them,” he says. “I cried at the sight of them.”The amnesty programme is not without controversy, with some saying that former militants like Mohammad should serve jail time and be held accountable for their numerous crimes. “All I can say in that regard is to ask for forgiveness,” Mohammed counters. “I am remorseful, I am looking for ways to quench the fire we started, and I do this with the men whom I surrendered with. We are doing our best to weaken the effects of insurgency.”But the insurgency rages on, and kidnapping for ransom has become even more widespread in Nigeria. While reporting this story there were three separate kidnappings in north-eastern Nigeria, one of these attacks was on a school and was the largest of its kind since 2021.Mohammad says that the “success” of the Chibok kidnappings has encouraged these types of attacks.”We realised that the event shook the entire nation and Africa as a whole,” he says. “And the core mission of Boko Haram for [group leader] Abubakar Shekau was to ensure our activities attracted attention. “He also got money off some of these actions, which helped pay for transport and food, and that’s why they continued the abductions.”Serious questions remain around Nigeria’s military and its ability to tackle the insurgency that has spanned more than a decade and left hundreds of thousands of people dead, particularly as insecurity spreads to other parts of the country.Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s defence chief, has acknowledged the “enormous” challenges facing the military, calling the current state of insecurity in the country a “rude shock”, but is confident the tide is turning.As for the 91 Chibok girls still being held captive, Gen Musa says the military has not given up hope that they will be rescued.Despite her satisfaction with her current situation, Amina is hopeful too. She hopes to become a journalist one day, to be a voice for victims of kidnapping, to be a leader. She also hopes her daughter will finish her education and have a bright, safe future.Most of all, she hopes her classmates will one day be freed.”The only thing I need the government to do is to release some of my sisters that are still in captivity. I have that hope,” she says. “Because when they are still alive [there’s hope] they will come back one day.” You can watch Yemisi’s full report on the BBC Africa YouTube channelFind out more about the Chibok girls:PODCAST: What happened to the Chibok girls?Why was this freed Chibok girl treated differently? The kidnapped woman who defied Boko HaramThe man who brought back the Chibok girlsRelated TopicsNigeriaBoko HaramNigeria schoolgirl kidnappingsAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesLive. Israel shoots down missiles and drones as Iran launches unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished1 hour agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished59 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Sydney knife attacker identified by police2Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4US shoots down Iranian drones bound for Israel5Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?6’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker7How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election10Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAustralia PM hails cop who shot Sydney attacker as ‘a hero’Published8 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mass casualty attacks are rare in Australia and the events in Bondi Junction have shocked the nationBy Hannah RitchieBBC NewsAn Australian police officer has been hailed as a hero by the country’s prime minister, after she confronted and shot dead a man who fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping centre. “There is no doubt that she saved lives,” PM Anthony Albanese said, calling Saturday’s attack “a horrific act of violence”. Police described how the unnamed officer bravely tracked the attacker through the mall, challenged him and shot him dead after he raised his knife towards her.Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives”A man walked into Westfield at Bondi Junction… as he moved through the centre he engaged with about nine people,” Anthony Cooke, assistant commissioner of New South Wales Police, said.”It is clear that during that engagement he caused harm to those people… stabbing them with a weapon he was carrying.”Very clearly a range of reports were made on the incident, police attended promptly – a single unit officer, inspector of police, was nearby, attended, and went into the centre directed by a range of people.”She confronted the offender who had moved, by this stage, to level five.”As she continued to walk quickly behind to catch up with him he turned to face her, raised a knife, she discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The female officer – not pictured here – was directed by shoppers to the fifth floor of the Westfield complexA shopper, who was not named, also described the moment the officer confronted the knifeman.”He just started floating towards us and all I heard was ‘put it down’ and then she shot him,” he told ABC News Australia.”But we were in no doubt, if she didn’t shoot him, he would have kept going. He was on the rampage.”Then she walked over and gave him CPR. He had a big blade on him – she chucked the knife away. He looked like he was on a killing spree.”‘People who wear uniform rush to danger’Eight victims, including a nine-month-old, remain in hospital after the rampage.The baby is receiving surgery and its mother is believed to be among the dead, according to local media. Police have confirmed that five of the six killed in the attack were women. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Video shows Sydney stabbing attack suspect in mallThe female inspector had been in Bondi Junction conducting routine duties when she heard reports of the events unfolding.She was the first on scene, police say, and was quickly directed by shoppers to the fifth floor of the complex. Mr Albanese later described it as “a reminder that those people who wear uniform are people who rush to danger, not away from it”.The head of the state’s police force, Karen Webb, also commended the officer’s “enormous courage” and said she was now “doing well under the circumstances”. While little has been made public about the assailant or his motives, police have confirmed that the 40-year-old was known to them. Bondi Junction, which is down the road from the iconic beachside suburb of Bondi, is home to one of the most popular shopping districts in Australia. And like most Saturdays it had been packed with visitors, including families and young children, when reports of a lone attacker carrying a “massive” knife spread like wildfire. As people began to blockade themselves in shops and run for cover, some tried to hold off the assailant. “I saw this one guy fighting with the killer. He was holding the pole, trying to throw a pole at the escalator,” 19-year-old Rashdan Aqashah – who was working in a COS clothing store at the time – told the BBC. Footage appearing to capture the incident has since attracted thousands of views. Mr Albanese said that the way everyday Australians responded to the violence in Bondi Junction, whether running towards it or helping to stem the bleeding of victims, was a testament to their “humanity” and “heroism”. Additional reporting by Katy Watson in Sydney Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSayUpload pictures or videoPlease read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
If you are reading this page and can’t see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. Related TopicsSydneyAustraliaMore on this story’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished9 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Lyse Doucet: World waits to see impact of unprecedented attackIsrael says its defences in action as Iran attacksPublished10 minutes agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished33 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Israel says its defences in action as Iran attacks2Sydney knife attacker identified by police3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker5Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?6How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’7Five arrested after baby’s remains found8Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished4 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingA knife-wielding man who killed six people in a Sydney shopping centre before being shot dead has been identified by Australian police.Joel Cauchi, 40, walked through the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex on Saturday afternoon, fatally wounding five women and a man.A nine-month-old baby was among several others injured and remained in a “serious but stable” condition on Sunday, police said. Authorities say the attack was most likely “related to the mental health of the individual involved”.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsAustraliaTop StoriesLive. Iran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackIsrael says defences are ‘ready’ as Iran attacksPublished4 minutes agoSydney knife attacker identified by policePublished4 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Israel says defences are ‘ready’ as Iran attacks2Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub3Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives4Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?5’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker6How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’7Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackPublished13 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingIran has launched drones at Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, appearing to mark a widely anticipated reprisal attack.The IDF said the wave could take hours to reach Israel, a distance of 1,100 miles (1,800km).It said Israeli forces were on high alert and “monitoring all targets”.Iran had vowed to retaliate after an attack on its consulate in Syria on 1 April – for which it blamed Israel – killed several Iranian commanders.Shortly before news of Iran’s drone launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s “defensive systems” were deployed. “We are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.”We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.”This is a breaking news story, please return to this page for more details.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsraelIranTop StoriesIran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attackPublished13 minutes agoKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished6 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished5 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialListen: The Liz Truss Memoir. AudioListen: The Liz Truss MemoirAttributionSoundsThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Iran launches drones at Israel in retaliatory attack2Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives3Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub4World watches nervously to see what Iran does next5’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attacker6Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?7Longstanding Tory MP to stand down at next election8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot10How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAntalya: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Antalya: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carCloseA cable car cabin collided with a broken pole on Friday evening, killing one person and injuring 10 others. Dozens of passengers were stranded in mid-air overnight.Footage released by the Turkish Defence Ministry shows a stranded cable car passenger hoisted into a military helicopter on Saturday.Seven helicopters and more than 500 rescuers, including specialist mountaineers, helped rescue the passengers, the Turkish interior ministry said in a social media post.An investigation into the accident has been opened, the justice ministry said.SubsectionEuropePublished23 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable car. Video, 00:00:30Watch: Moment man rescued from Turkey cable carSubsectionEuropePublished23 minutes ago0:30Up Next. Climbers rescued from icy Italian mountain. Video, 00:00:49Climbers rescued from icy Italian mountainSubsectionEuropePublished18 MarchUp Next0:49Four people rescued from sinking fishing boat. 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Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:25BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaVideo said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries in the Straight of Hormuz.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries in the Straight of Hormuz.CloseIran has been accused of seizing a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Straight of Hormuz.A video filmed from inside MSC Aries and obtained by Reuters news agency appears to show two people rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter. Iranian special forces boarded the ship about 50 miles (80km) off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a statement from the ship’s operator MSC said.The country’s state news agency, Irna, said the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had seized the MSC Aries as it was “linked to Israel”.SubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreVideo said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC Aries. Video, 00:00:20Video said to show Iranian troops boarding MSC AriesSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours ago0:20Up Next. Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulate. Video, 00:00:48Smoke rises from destroyed Iranian consulateSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 AprilUp Next0:48Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished12 hours ago3:36Israel is conducting a legitimate campaign – Dowden. 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Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 day ago4:06Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:25Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:58BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIranian troops descend from helicopter to seize Israel-linked shipPublished20 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Moment Iranian troops appear to rappel onto Israeli-linked vessel.By Matt MurphyBBC NewsIran has seized a commercial ship with links to Israel as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday. The MSC Aries was boarded by Iranian special forces about 50 miles (80km) off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a statement from the vessel’s operator MSC said. Footage obtained by Reuters news agency appeared to show troops rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter. The Portuguese-flagged ship is linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.The incident comes amid heightened expectation of an Iranian attack on Israel after an airstrike destroyed Iran’s consulate in Damascus at the start of April. Israel said on Saturday Iran would bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.Tracking data last showed the MSC Aries off the coast of the UAE, heading towards the Strait of Hormuz over 18 hours ago. It then appeared to turn off its tracking data, which is common for Israeli-affiliated ships in the region. Analysis: How might Iran seek to hurt Israel?Why are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?Biden vows support for Israel amid Iran attack fearsThe UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed the boarding in a statement. It made no mention of Iranian involvement, instead stating that the ship had been seized by “regional authorities” off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE. However, Iranian media has been quick to trumpet the involvement of the country’s special forces in the attack. The country’s state news agency, Irna, said the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had seized the MSC Aries as it was “linked to Israel”. It added that the ship was in the process of being transported to Iranian waters. In video footage, troops could be seen rappelling onto the vessel from a helicopter hovering overhead. A crew member could be heard shouting: “Don’t come out.” In the video, one commando could also be seen kneeling to provide cover fire as other troops boarded the ship. According to MSC there were 25 crew members onboard at the time of the seizure. White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the crew is comprised of Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals.”We call on Iran to release the vessel and its international crew immediately,” Ms Watson said in a statement. “Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. “It must be condemned unequivocally, and we will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions.”Officials in Tehran have yet to comment on the seizure. The ship is managed by MSC, which leases the vessel from Gortal Shipping Inc – a company affiliated with Mr Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime. In response to the attack, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on the European Union “to immediately declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards corps as a terrorist organization and to sanction Iran” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying that the cargo ship belongs to an EU member.US warns of impending Iran attackSince 2019 Iranian forces have carried out a series of ship seizures in the region and the attack comes amid mounting tensions between Iran and Israel. Ever since the lethal 1 April attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, which killed a senior IRGC commander, Iran has vowed to strike back at Israel, which it blames for the attack. While Israel has declined to comment on the attack, US officials have repeatedly warned that they expect Iran to attack Israel “sooner than later”. On Friday, President Joe Biden warned Tehran against an attack on Israel.”We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel,” Mr Biden said. “We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”A spokesperson for Israel’s military said on Saturday that Iran would “bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further”. Meanwhile, Dutch media reported that the KLM airline will no longer fly over Iran due to mounting regional tensions. Related TopicsIsraelUnited Arab EmiratesIranShipping industryMore on this story’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished17 hours agoHow might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?Published4 AprilWhy are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?Published5 AprilTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished2 hours ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished2 hours agoWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. 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Israel never admits carrying out such attacks, but everyone knows it was its doing. Image source, AFPImage caption, Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strikeAnd since the Israel-Gaza war erupted six months ago, Israel has ramped up its targeting of Iran, not just destroying arms supplies and infrastructure in Syria, but assassinating senior IRGC and Hezbollah commanders. “We will make them regret this crime and other ones like it, by God’s will,” warned Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran accuses Israel of killing generals in Syria Iran vows to avenge Syria strike blamed on IsraelHis vow triggered an immediate Israeli retort in an escalating war of words. The two regional powerhouses have been at daggers drawn ever since Iran’s 1979 revolution made hostility towards the “Zionist regime” a core tenet of its doctrine. For many years, Israel has conducted targeted killings, mounted cyber operations, and sounded alarm bells about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions as well as its backing for militias, including Hamas, who threaten Israel’s destruction.”If Iran attacks from its territory – Israel will respond and attack in Iran,” declared Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a post on X, formerly Twitter, tagging the Supreme Leader, a most modern of way to communicate for countries with no diplomatic ties.Then the United States – Israel’s staunchest ally and Iran’s most powerful adversary – weighed in, putting Iran on notice that it could also face the wrath of the world’s mightiest army. “We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” US President Joe Biden proclaimed, hinting that US intelligence was indicating an attack “sooner rather than later”.Image source, AFPImage caption, Israeli army troops stand around their tanks in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip”The US could be trying to force Iran to recalculate and reconsider its options right now,” reflects Dr Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at the London-based Chatham House think tank.American media, quoting unnamed US sources, have spoken of possible maximalist scenarios involving a major Iranian assault against Israeli targets, with a wave of drones and missiles, including ballistic missiles.”The US may be using this messaging to amp up anticipation, so if Iran can’t deliver it, it shows its weakness, ” says Dr Vakil in a nod to the unsettling uncertainty of this moment.Iran, which has long prided itself on playing a long game, responding to any provocations with “strategic patience”, now faces a choice of all choices. Every option is riddled with risk.Its aging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has to give a green light to a counterattack which placates its militant IRGC commanders who shape Iran’s foreign policy. He also has to preserve Iran’s perceived prestige as the pivot of the “Axis of resistance” of its armed allies and proxies; they’ve been emboldened and empowered by their limited but still lethal attacks in this Gaza war.But this choice also has to be carefully calibrated to avoid sparking a dangerous escalatory spiral. If it pulls in formidable Israeli and American fighting power into this vortex, it could have catastrophic consequences for the Islamic Republic.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Palestinians hold Eid al-Fitr prayers by the ruins of al-Farouk mosque in Rafah, in the southern Gaza StripThe ailing 84-year-old Supreme Leader assumed his mantle in 1989, one year after the punishing Iran-Iraq war which took the lives of as many as 200,000 Iranians. It still casts a long dark shadow.”Avoiding war is essential to his legacy,” points out Iranian analyst Esfandyar Batmanghelidj. “Whatever the retaliation against Israel, it will be designed to avoid a full-scale war.”But this moment is uncharted territory.The precise missile strikes earlier this month smashed the consulate annex next to Iran’s embassy, and killed several IRGC officers including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, its top general in the region in the Quds Force, the elite clandestine branch responsible for foreign operations. And it happened on Iran’s diplomatic property, which Iran considers its own soil.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Palestinians hold Eid al-Fitr prayers by the ruins of al-Farouk mosque in RafahFor many years, Israel has waged what it calls the “war between wars” – strikes on arms shipments, installations, and routes in Syria said to be used by Iranian operatives and their allies, including their most prized and powerful proxy, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia. But in recent months it has upped the ante, exploiting opportunities for targeted assassinations during these turbocharged tensions of the Gaza war.Iran’s response, so far, has been to mainly hit back through its proxies. The shadow wars stretch from hostilities along Israel’s northern border with southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah stronghold, through Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq and Syria which have struck American targets, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels now attacking shipping lanes in the Red Sea.In January, after a suspected Israel airstrike in Syria killed IRGC military advisors, Iran did respond directly. But it chose what were seen as “soft targets” less likely to provoke a major retaliation: ballistic missiles fired into northern Iraq against what was described as a base of Israel’s Mossad spy agency; and missile and drone launches against Baloch separatists operating across its border in neighbouring Pakistan in another show of force to show its readiness to act. Both sparked outrage and, in Pakistan’s case, a retaliatory airstrike from a traditional ally, but tensions soon eased.Image source, AFPImage caption, A woman cries over the grave of a loved one at the start of the Eid al-Fitr festival at a cemetary in Rafah in the southern Gaza StripIn the midst of this current crisis, minds in Iran as well as in Israel are concentrated not just on this risky tit-for-tat, but also on the more fundamental issue of deterrence. Both sides want to send the clearest of signals to the other that such consequential strikes would be costly, and best avoided in future. For Iran, under pressure at home from unprecedented protests spearheaded by women over restrictions on freedom, and financial hardships, preserving the Islamic Republic is paramount. But it also wants to safeguard its growing sway across the region, and the extensive political and military network its built over many decades.Its options range from direct raids on military targets in Israel, more distant operations against its embassies and interests somewhere in the world, or retaliating through its proxies again. A report by the well-connected Amwaj media cited the Occupied Golan Heights in northern Israel – land seized from Syria in the 1967 war – as a “prime target” and less risky choice. Image source, AFPImage caption, Palestinians carry belongings as people fleeing conflict leave their homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central GazaIsraeli expert Raz Zimmt, Senior Researcher at the Institute for National Security in Tel Aviv, believes Iran will act forcefully. “The patience of Iranians has run out in the face of setbacks blamed on Israel,” he posted on X. Iran seized a commercial ship with links to Israel early on Saturday morning, but Mr Zimmt said Tehran is unlikely to consider this an “appropriate response”, adding: “It could afford it additional time to reconsider its next course of action.”But there’s no agreement among Iran watchers about what action it will eventually take. And there’s a risk too that what Iran views as a cautious calculated act, could be seen as, or end up as, an incendiary miscalculation.”It does appear that Iran prefers to respond directly,” Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group told the BBC. “I don’t think Iran wants to sacrifice Hezbollah or bring it into the fray. It is the top of its spear, and Iran wants to preserve it.”There is also the option of biding its time, at least for a while, to strike when its least expected rather than in the eye of this storm.”There’s an anticipation that Iran will respond, but doing nothing could be an option,” says Dr Vakil of Chatham House. “There is a choice on the table where Iran doesn’t play into what could be an Israeli provocation.”Image source, AFPImage caption, Children sit in a swing as they celebrate on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in the central Gaza StripPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under immense political pressure at home, has long argued for military action against Israel’s arch-enemy, and is known to have been pulled back from the brink on at least one occasion.Behind the scenes, there’s been an intense flurry of urgent messaging between the US and Iran, conveyed through third-parties including multiple Arab states, to avoid the all-out war nobody wants. Iran sees that, in itself, as burnishing its image as a regional heavyweight which matters.In this wait and watch moment, airlines have stopped flights, embassies have shut, or warned their citizens to leave Israel. The US has deployed its warships to strategic positions to reinforce its protection of American and Israeli troops, and it’s strengthened its air defences to shield its forces deployed in Iraq and Syria.Israel, and countries across this region, are on high alert for something to happen somewhere.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever Is now the time Palestinian politics can start afresh?Was this the week Israel and Hezbollah drew closer to war?Netanyahu is a survivor, but his problems are stacking upBiden treads carefully through Middle East minefieldGaza desperately needs more aid but agencies can’t copeRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warIsraelPalestinian territoriesGazaMore on this storyPalestinian man killed after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished7 hours agoIranian troops accused of seizing Israel-linked shipPublished1 hour ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished16 hours agoTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished1 hour ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished1 hour agoWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextPublished46 minutes agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesWorld watches nervously to see what Iran does nextUkraine could face defeat in 2024. 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Fierce battles are ongoing in a several villages in the eastern Donbas region.Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia was benefitting from warm weather – making terrain more accessible to its tanks – and making tactical gains. It comes as Germany said it will give Ukraine an extra Patriot missile defence system to fend off air attacks.In his update posted to social media on Saturday, Gen Syrskyi explained the situation on the eastern front had deteriorated as Russia intensified its armoured assaults.Battles have raged for control of Bohdanivka – a village west of the devastated city of Bakhmut, he said.The settlement lies a few kilometres northeast of the town of Chasiv Yar, a Kyiv-controlled stronghold which Russia has been trying to reach after seizing the town of Avdiivka in February to the south.Ukrainian officials say a slowdown in military assistance from the West – especially the US – has left it more exposed to aerial attacks and heavily outgunned on the battlefield. Despite repeated assurances that he is dedicated to Ukraine’s defence, US House Speaker Mike Johnson has failed to advance a new military aid bill. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed fresh funding in February which included $60bn in aid for Kyiv, but conservative Republicans in the House objected to the bill as it did not include funds for border security. Gen Syrskyi said without fresh aid and sophisticated weapons Kyiv would be unable “to seize the strategic initiative” from the numerically superior Russian forces. Ukraine could face defeat in 2024Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with RussiaSeparately on Saturday, Germany vowed to give Ukraine an additional air defence system. Ukraine has made increasingly desperate appeals for supplies of air defence missiles in recent weeks.On Friday, a major power plant near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian strikes. Trypillya power plant was the largest electricity provider for three regions, including Kyiv, officials said.In response, Berlin has agreed to give Kyiv an additional Patriot missile system. It is capable of intercepting Russia’s most advanced munitions, including Kinzal hypersonic missiles. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure were causing untold suffering. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Germany for the decision, calling it “a true manifestation of support for Ukraine”. Since President Vladimir Putin won his stage managed election last month, Moscow has stepped up air attacks on Ukraine. Russia has, in recent days, unleashed three massive aerial strikes on its energy system, pounding power plants and substations.Elsewhere, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it has foiled an assassination attempt on the governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin. Officials said two men attempted to strike Mr Prokudin’s car with a Russian-manufactured drone. “This was not the first attempt, and probably not the last one,” Mr Prokudin said a message posted to Telegram. SBU officials also said they had detained 11 networks of Russian operatives since the start of 2024. SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk said in another Telegram post that this was in addition to 47 last year.Related TopicsWar in UkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyRussiaUkraineMore on this storyUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished15 hours agoBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished5 days agoUkrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line missionPublished25 MarchWhy Macron went from dove to hawk on RussiaPublished16 MarchUkrainian MPs pass law to boost troop numbersPublished1 day agoRosenberg: How two years of war have changed RussiaPublished22 FebruaryTop StoriesKnifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their livesPublished44 minutes ago’She is a hero’: Australia PM hails cop who shot attackerPublished12 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published7 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialThe children living between starvation and deathHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub2How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4Knifeman rampaged through Sydney mall as shoppers ran for their lives5Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot6Body of Israeli shepherd, 14, found in West Bank7Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?8Five arrested after baby’s remains found9The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought10’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWest Bank: Body of Israeli shepherd, 14 found in West BankPublished46 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Israel PoliceImage caption, Benjamin Achimeir, who went missing in the West Bank on 12 April was found dead a day laterBy Thomas MackintoshBBC NewsIsrael’s army says it has found the body of a 14-year-old shepherd in the occupied West Bank, a day after he went missing. Benjamin Achimeir had taken a flock of sheep out to graze from Malachi Hashalom, a settler outpost near Ramallah on Friday morning.PM Benjamin Netanyahu called Achimeir’s death a “heinous murder”.A Palestinian man was shot overnight during an Israeli search for the teenager.It is not clear whether the man – Jehad Abu Alia, 26 – was shot by an armed settler or an Israeli soldier.Israeli media reported Achimeir left “Gal Farm” in the settler outpost of Malachei Shalom early on Friday, and had not been seen since.He had been grazing sheep, and the sheep returned to the farm without him, police said. Achimeir’s sister Hannah, quoted by AFP news agency, said he was familiar with the area.”The heinous murder of the boy… is a serious crime,” Mr Netanyahu said in a statement reacting to the teenager’s body being found near Malachi Hashalom.Israeli forces “are in an intensive pursuit after the heinous murderers and all those who collaborated with them”, he added.Separately, Israel’s defence minister warned against revenge attacks following Achimeir’s death.Posting on social media, Yoav Gallant wrote: “Let the security forces act quickly in the hunt for the terrorists – revenge actions will make it difficult for our fighters in their mission – the law must not be taken into one’s own hands.”Image source, Anadolu/Getty ImagesImage caption, Cars were set ablaze when settlers stormed al-MughayyirOvernight angry settlers, armed with guns and stones, rampaged through a village in the West Bank during an Israeli search for the teenager.Houses and cars in al-Mughayyir, near Ramallah, were set ablaze as thousands of people took part in the search for Achimeir, said Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council which provides services to Israeli settlements in the area.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever West Bank violence: ‘My child’s destiny was to get killed’The battle between farmers in West Bank pitting Israel against the US Israeli troops later intervened.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its troops, and not settlers, opened fire at stone-throwing Palestinians as “violent disturbances erupted at several points in the area”.Troops managed to remove the settlers who had entered the village, it said.”As of this moment, the violent riots have been dispersed and there are no Israeli civilians present within the town,” the IDF said.The Palestinian prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa, has condemned the attack.Foreign governments including Israel’s closest ally, the US, have repeatedly raised concerns over a surge in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank since Israel began its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.Hamas’s deadly attacks on October 7, which triggered Israel’s military action, killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Hamas gunmen also took more than 250 people hostage – Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead.More than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s retaliatory campaign, the Hamas-run health ministry says.Israel has built about 160 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews since it occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The vast majority of the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, though Israel and the US dispute this.The Palestinian health ministry says at least 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since 7 October. Israeli sources say at least 13 Israelis have been killed there by Palestinians in the same period.More on this storyPalestinian man killed after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished4 hours agoBowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than everPublished6 days agoWest Bank violence: ‘My child’s destiny was to get killed’Published8 MarchIs Israel meeting promise to let more aid into Gaza?Published17 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished14 hours agoTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished20 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published6 hours agoFeaturesUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Squatters take over Gordon Ramsay’s £13m pub2Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?6Five arrested after baby’s remains found7’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror8Body of Israeli shepherd, 14, found in West Bank9How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’10Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutionsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAntalya: Dozens stranded, ten injured and one killed in Turkey cable car crashPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The accident happened early on Friday evening, when a pod hit a pole bursting open and sending passengers plummeting to the rocky mountain-sideBy Thomas MackintoshBBC NewsOne person has been killed and 10 others injured after a cable car cabin collided with a broken pole and burst open in southern Turkey.Passengers plummeted to the ground following the crash on Friday evening after the supporting pylon collapsed near Antalya.The whole cable car system was immobilised while emergency workers tried to evacuate stranded passengers.An investigation into the accident has been opened, the justice ministry said. According to Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency a total of 128 passengers were rescued from the 16 cable cars on Friday night in Antalya’s Konyaaltı district.But, officials said 43 passengers remained stranded by Saturday morning.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Throughout Saturday, search and rescue operations continued for the people trapped in the cabins at the Tunektepe Cable Car Facility, Konyaalti district in AntalyaSeven helicopters and more than 500 rescuers, including specialist mountaineers, remained at the scene on Saturday, the Turkish interior ministry said in a social media post.Turkey’s Health Minister Dr Fahrettin Koca also paid his respects on X. “May God have mercy on our citizen who lost his life in the accident,” he said.”I wish a speedy recovery to our injured, and I wish a speedy recovery to the rescued and waiting to be rescued victims.”The cable car is run by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and carries tourists from Konyaalti beach to a restaurant and viewing platform at the summit of the 618m (2027ft) Tunektepe peak.According to the information on its website, the cable car has 36 cabins with a capacity of six people each.It takes an average of nine minutes to go uphill to the Tunektepe facility with panoramic views of Antalya.Related TopicsEuropeTurkeyTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished50 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published5 hours agoFeaturesThe trafficked war babies looking for their long-lost familiesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationElsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought2Come Dine With Me winners part of drug import plot3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?5Five arrested after baby’s remains found6’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror7How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’8Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions9Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look10Iranian troops accused of seizing Israel-linked shipBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaArizona abortion ban: Kamala Harris blames TrumpPublished13 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS abortion debateImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Democrats are working to tie strict abortion bans to Donald TrumpBy Holly Honderichin WashingtonVice-President Kamala Harris lambasted Donald Trump over abortion restrictions as she held a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona on Friday. The state was pushed to the front of the US abortion battle this week after the state’s Supreme Court upheld a 1864 law banning almost all abortions.”Donald Trump did this,” Ms Harris said.Her remarks added to recent attacks from the Biden campaign tying Mr Trump to abortion bans nationwide.Mr Trump campaigned in 2016 on appointing justices who would overturn Roe v Wade. He put three conservatives on the court, all of whom voted to overturn Roe in June 2022 and rescinded the nationwide right to abortion. An estimated 18 million women of reproductive age now do not have access to the procedure in their state of residence, according to the pro-choice research group the Guttmacher Institute. “We all must understand who is to blame,” Ms Harris said on Friday. “Donald Trump is the architect of this healthcare crisis.” She claimed that “a second Trump term would be even worse… he will sign a national abortion ban.”A spokesman for the Trump campaign denied supporting a national ban, saying he “could not have been more clear. These are decisions for people of each state to make”.Chants of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar over abortionTrump backlash spotlights an abortion balancing actArizona’s 160-year-old law has given Ms Harris and her fellow Democrats another chance to focus their 2024 election efforts on abortion, a strategy that has proven effective in local and state races. Abortion access remains broadly popular among the American public.Mr Trump has sought to distance himself from Arizona’s ban, calling on state politicians to repeal the law. Speaking from his West Palm Beach residence on Friday afternoon, Mr Trump said the 1864 law was “going to be changed by the government”. But he also took credit for “breaking” Roe. “We did something that nobody thought was possible, we gave it back to the states, and the states are working very brilliantly,” he said. “It’s working the way it’s supposed to,” he said.Kari Lake, the presumptive Republican nominee for an open Arizona Senate seat and a close ally of Mr Trump, has also publicly renounced the law, and on Thursday called the ban “out of line” with state voters. Ms Lake previously praised the ban, calling it a “great law”. It is still unclear when and how the 1864 ban will be enforced. The Arizona Supreme Court put the ruling on hold for at least 14 days while a lower court considered added arguments about the law’s constitutionality. The state’s Democrat attorney general, Kris Mayes, has said she would not prosecute anyone performing or obtaining abortions. Initial attempts by Democrats to repeal the law in the state legislature were thwarted by senior Republicans. Arizona’s voters may also have a chance to reverse the law themselves with a likely ballot initiative that, if passed in November, would protect abortion rights until 24 weeks of pregnancy. Pro-choice activists in the state say they have already met the signature threshold required to put the question to voters this autumn.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Hear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateRelated TopicsAbortionKamala HarrisDonald TrumpUS abortion debateUnited StatesArizonaMore on this storyTrump backlash spotlights an abortion balancing actPublished19 September 2023Florida takes centre stage in US abortion battlePublished3 April19th Century law fires up anti-abortion pushPublished26 MarchTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished50 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published3 hours agoFeaturesThe children living between starvation and deathDifficult hunt for 12 impartial jurors to sit on historic Trump trialFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Sun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2’I saw him running with the knife’: Witnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror3Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?4How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’5The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought6Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions7Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death10BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump jury in ManhattanPublished11 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, The jury process for Donald Trump’s first criminal trial will involve several stages that could last well over a weekBy Madeline HalpertBBC News, New YorkOn Monday, hundreds of New Yorkers from across the island of Manhattan will find themselves facing a historic prospect: sitting on the jury of the first criminal trial of a former president. Donald Trump is accused of falsifying his business records to disguise a hush money payment made shortly before the 2016 election to an adult film star with whom he allegedly had an affair.It will be up to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Mr Trump’s legal team to weed through the masses of New Yorkers to find 12 people capable of setting aside their feelings about one of the most polarising US politicians, to give him a fair trial. Mr Trump’s lawyers have already complained that the city’s Manhattan borough, comprised predominately of Democrats, will not allow for an impartial jury. And experts agree it will prove challenging. “There’s nobody in the country who doesn’t have an opinion one way or another,” former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland says.”But those in New York have been exposed to Donald Trump and his father and children for literally generations, from every tabloid to the internet to Home Alone.””A jury should be fair no matter what, listen to the evidence and hold prosecutors to the burden,” he says.”So no easy task.”42 questions to hundreds of peopleThe jury process will involve several stages that could last well over a week, former Brooklyn and Manhattan prosecutors told the BBC. Because of the high-profile nature of the trial, as many as 500 people from New York’s Manhattan and neighbouring Roosevelt Island could be chosen as prospective jurors. From this group, the defence and the prosecution – overseen by Justice Juan Merchan – will select 12 people and several alternates to be seated. Those jurors will be anonymous to the public, but Mr Trump’s team and prosecutors will know their identities. The process will begin with dismissing jurors who are unable to participate in the six-week trial because of hardships such as childcare obligations and travel restrictions, says Julie Rendelman, a former Brooklyn prosecutor. Experts say the second stage could pose the biggest challenge: removing those who will not be impartial. “Everyone, anyone, no matter who you are, no matter whether you wear blue or red goggles, needs to give the former president the same rights that any of us do, which is that he’s innocent until proven guilty,” says Mr Saland, the former Manhattan prosecutor. To start weeding out those who are biased, prosecutors and the defence team will analyse questionnaires filled out by the prospective jurors. The jurors will be asked questions including which news outlets they read and what podcasts they listen to; whether they follow Mr Trump on social media and if they have ever attended a rally for the former president.They will also be asked if they support or consider themselves a part of any right or left-wing radical groups, specifically:The QAnon movement: an online movement based around a sprawling conspiracy theory that alleges elites in politics, the media and business have created a child trafficking networkProud Boys: an all-male fraternity founded in 2016, Proud Boys regularly participated in violent street protests and pro-Trump eventsOath Keepers: a militia made up of current and former military members, law enforcement officials and other first respondersThree Percenters: another anti-government, pro-gun rights movement, the Three Percenters were co-founded by an Oath Keepers memberBoogaloo Boys: a nebulous anti-government movement that made waves during anti-lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests in 2020Antifa: short for “anti-fascist”, this loose confederation of left-wing activists swelled in numbers and activity after Mr Trump was electedMr Merchan has stressed that jurors will not be dismissed based on political affiliation alone. “The issue is if the juror can be impartial and can reach a verdict consistent with the law,” he said in February. But Mr Trump’s lawyers have already sparred with the defence about what exactly this means. Lawyers for the DA’s Office previously argued anyone who believed President Joe Biden did not legitimately win the 2020 presidential election should be disqualified from serving on the jury, a question Mr Trump’s team objected to. Ultimately, the query was not included in the 42 questions potential jurors must answer. Instead, jurors will be asked a host of other questions such as those above.They will also be asked if they have ever served on a jury before, and if so, if they reached a verdict. People who have served on a hung jury – a case where a jury could not reach a verdict – are less likely to be picked because “the concern is they’re the ones who hung it up”, says former Manhattan prosecutor Diana Florence. Potential jurors also must indicate if they or close family and friends have ever been a victim of a crime, and if so, which one. This allows both sides to judge whether someone might be prejudiced in Mr Trump’s falsification of business records case because of previous experiences. Some of the questions are even more personal, asking jurors what their children do for a living and if they take any medication that would prevent them from being able to concentrate during the trial. ‘Vetting’ jurorsProsecutors and Mr Trump’s legal team will be able to challenge those that they don’t want to be included on the jury. Each side has 10 “peremptory” challenges, jurors they can dismiss for no particular reason, said Ms Florence. Both Mr Trump and the DA’s Office have an unlimited number of “for cause” challenges, meaning they need a valid reason to dismiss those jurors.This time will prove pivotal for both sides to remove people who will not be objective about the trial, including those intentionally trying to make their way onto the case by misrepresenting their views on Mr Trump, Mr Saland says. “It’s critical that the prosecutors and the defence vet those jurors and get rid of those that they think are not going to do their job,” he adds.To help, lawyers for the defence and prosecution will likely hire experts to look through jurors’ social media posts, which can provide a “treasure trove of information as to their potential views and biases”, Ms Rendelman said. Both sides will also be looking for those who have not yet made up their mind about the case – a significant challenge for a trial that has received such intense media coverage. But Mr Trump’s case won’t be the first high-profile trial for prosecutors and defence teams looking for an impartial pool of New Yorkers, experts noted. It took almost two weeks to narrow down jurors for disgraced Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein’s New York sexual assault trial in 2020. It could take just as much time – if not more – to find people willing to grant Mr Trump a fair trial, Ms Rendelman says. “We are human, and so our biases creep in, even when we don’t want them to,” she adds. “It’s doable, but it’s going to be difficult.”With additional reporting from Mike WendlingRelated TopicsStormy DanielsNew York CityNew YorkDonald TrumpUnited StatesMore on this storyJudge imposes gag order in Trump hush money casePublished26 MarchJury questionnaire in Trump hush money trial releasedPublished4 days agoTop StoriesLive. Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’It was carnage’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horrorPublished38 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published2 hours agoFeaturesThe children living between starvation and death’No easy task’ – The hunt for an impartial Trump juryFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Sun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPThe migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?3’It was carnage’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbing horror4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5How Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’6Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look7Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death10BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureZendaya: How she’s perfected the art of method dressingPublished10 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya channelled the game of tennis at the UK premiere of ChallengersBy Annabel RackhamCulture reporterGetting into character is something that can be all-encompassing for an actor when they’re on set.There are accents to perfect, facial expressions to master and sometimes a completely new look thanks to clothes, make up and hair.But ever increasingly, Hollywood’s biggest stars are extending their roles to the red carpet too.Zendaya’s recent looks have all playfully toyed with the tennis theme of her new film, Challengers.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Finding a dress that looks like a tennis lawn can’t be easy – but Zendaya managed itMatching your fashion to your film role is known as method dressing, which Zendaya referenced in her BBC One Show interview on Thursday.”Fashion is something I’ve always used as an outlet, a tool – ultimately, I think I am a more shy person so it allows for me to create this persona, this character that I get to live in for the day,” she said.Zendaya said she first started method dressing after starring in The Greatest Showman and was “inspired by the film”.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya’s 2017 ringmaster look for The Greatest Showman was the first time she leaned into method dressingHer playful take on the protagonist of the film’s style was an important moment and showed an understanding of what the movie was trying to achieve.The musical, which was inspired by entertainer PT Barnum’s life, paid careful attention to detail in its 800 costumes, with designer Ellen Mirojnick saying at the time that the brief was “fashionable, accessible and modern”, something Zendaya was able to mirror in her look.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zendaya went full cyborg for the UK premiere of Dune 2″We get so lucky to be part of films with such rich references anyway, so might as well pull from that,” Zendaya told the One Show.The 27-year-old has since created a number of film-themed looks with her stylist Law Roach, for films such as Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home.Her looks could have easily appeared more fancy dress than fashion – but Zendaya and Roach have perfected her signature style after working together for more than 13 years.”I always try to be a storyteller more than anything else, and this is such a strong story to tell,” Roach recently told Vogue after finishing the press tour for Dune 2.”The looks served as an extension of the wardrobe from the movie. It was intentional and purposeful,” he added.For fashion journalist Chloe Burney, she says “dressing in character mode on the red carpet isn’t just an homage to actors’ recently completed projects, but is also injecting heaps of fun”.She tells the BBC she “wouldn’t typically gravitate” towards Challengers but “Zendaya’s tennis-themed looks have got us all talking”.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ms Burney was a big fan of Zendaya’s playful Loewe tennis ball shoes, which she wore whilst promoting Challengers in RomeMs Burney’s favourite looks from the press run have been Zendaya’s Loewe tennis ball stilettos and custom glitter green gown.We’ve seen a number of Hollywood stars give method dressing a go in the last few months – Margot Robbie being one of the standouts.Her Barbie looks have mirrored several of her character’s costumes from the film, with some even borrowing from iconic dolls too.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Robbie’s playful doll-like accessories showed how much she paid attention to detailMs Burney says these looks have helped “bring cultural relevance to a project”.”I lost count of how many shop windows turned pink overnight,” she added.Barbie: Actress Margot Robbie’s recreates the doll’s best outfitsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The world went into pink mania after seeing Margot Robbie’s Barbie red carpet looksIt’s not just something female stars are enjoying too – Ryan Gosling leaned into the spirit of Barbie with his red carpet looks – which proved once and for all that pink is a colour that works for everyone.Bringing more fun to red carpets is something that actor and director Sofia Coppola was crying out for in 2018.Writing in W Magazine, she wrote: “Looking at some photos from a recent red-carpet event the other night, I couldn’t help but think what a bummer it has all become. “You can’t tell the women apart—there’s a stream of bland red-carpet editions of them,” she added.She complained that “Everyone looks the same, with perfect grooming, gowns, and brand-new jewellery, as they parade a catalogue of luxury items,” – it would be interesting to know what Coppola’s take on the new red carpet trends are.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, I’m Just Ken – Ryan Gosling got used to embodying the spirit of Barbie’s favourite companionTimothée Chalamet wore a dazzling lilac jumpsuit to the Wonka world premiere.His look for the Charlie and the Chocolate factory remake turned him into a human version of the famous chocolate bar.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Timothée Chalamet was sickly sweet in this purple jumpsuit for the Wonka premiere in TokyoJenna Ortega channelled Halloween chic whilst promoting Netflix hit Wednesday.Several members of the cast played with method dressing on the press tour, but Ortega’s high fashion take on a corpse bride for the world premiere was a highlight.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Here comes the (corpse) bride! Jemma Ortega had fun with her looks whilst promoting TV series WednesdayThe entire cast of The Batman and several guests successfully got on board with method dressing at the film’s 2022 premiere.Robert Pattinson wore an all-black suit and overcoat to replicate the look of his character, Bruce Wayne, but the standout outfit was Zoë Kravitz’s.She played Catwoman, choosing a black Oscar de la Renta dress with a cool cat corset.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Zoe Kravitz’s cat-inspired outfit at the premiere of The Batman was a head-turnerAttention to detail is key for method dressing – something that Carey Mulligan took seriously when promoting Maestro.She plays Felicia Bernstein, wife of the conductor Leonard Bernstein and whilst promoting the film wore several replicas of 1950s dresses to reflect when Maestro was set.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Carey Mulligan didn’t miss a note in this 1950s inspired look for the 2024 OscarsFor the Oscars red carpet she donned a stunning fishtail gown, recreating an original design from 1951 – the year that Felicia and Leonard Bernstein got married.Related TopicsFilmRed Carpet FashionFashionMore on this storyStars hit red carpet for Women of the Year AwardsPublished8 November 2023Irish Barbie actor’s dress inspired by her childhood toyPublished22 July 2023Timothée Chalamet on how his Wonka is differentPublished28 November 2023Top StoriesLive. Six dead and small child injured after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say’It was insanity’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbings horrorPublished26 minutes agoAre Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?Published1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’It was insanity’ – Eyewitnesses tell of Sydney stabbings horror2Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?3Are Rayner’s troubles a sign of what’s to come for Labour?4The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought5Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look6Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death7Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions8’I was told it might be better if my baby died’9BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’10Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSydney: Survivors describe Sydney mall attackThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Sydney: Survivors describe Sydney mall attackCloseFive people have died and several are in hospital after a stabbing attack at a Sydney mall, police have said.Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said the attacker was shot dead by a lone police officer who arrived at the scene and located the perpetrator. Crowds could be seen fleeing the Westfield complex at Bondi junction and witnesses said people hid inside stores until the police could evacuated them.In this video, witnesses describe what they saw.Read more on this story. SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreSydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’ Video, 00:00:55Sydney mall attack: ‘It was insanity’SubsectionAustraliaPublished1 hour ago0:55Up Next. Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspect. Video, 00:01:04Lone police officer shot dead Sydney attack suspectSubsectionAustraliaPublished34 minutes agoUp Next1:04Editor’s recommendationsRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished3 hours ago3:36Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. 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Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Sydney incident live: Chaos unfolds at Bondi Westfield mall as multiple stabbings reportedBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCrowds flee Sydney mall as multiple stabbings reportedPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCrowds have fled a Sydney shopping mall after reports of multiple stabbings and a possible shooting sparked a major police response.Local media reported gunshots inside Westfield mall at Bondi junction.Police said a critical incident had been declared following the shooting of a male just before 16:00 local time (07:00BST; 08:00GMT) after reports of multiple stabbings.The incident is ongoing and people are urged to avoid the area.The area has been evacuated and there are pictures of ambulances and police vehicles at the scene on social media.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.Related TopicsSydneyTop Stories’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished7 hours agoCrowds flee Sydney mall as multiple stabbings reportedPublished10 minutes agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished6 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelCloseThis week, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the UK would not block arms sales to Israel, after reviewing the latest legal advice on the issue.But as the death toll in Gaza grows, pressure on the government continues to mount, with critics saying UK weapons exports to Israel could make Britain complicit in alleged breaches of international humanitarian law.Our analysis editor Ros Atkins explains.SubsectionUKPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreRos Atkins on… UK arms exports to Israel. Video, 00:03:36Ros Atkins on… UK arms exports to IsraelSubsectionUKPublished11 minutes ago3:36Up Next. Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished12 hours agoUp Next4:06BBC visits ruins of kibbutz Nir Oz, abandoned after Hamas attack. Video, 00:01:44BBC visits ruins of kibbutz Nir Oz, abandoned after Hamas attackSubsectionMiddle EastPublished6 days ago1:44Cousins pay tribute to ‘selfless hero’ James Kirby. Video, 00:01:02Cousins pay tribute to ‘selfless hero’ James KirbySubsectionUKPublished3 April1:02Scene of destruction at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital. Video, 00:00:53Scene of destruction at Gaza’s al-Shifa hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished1 April0:53Editor’s recommendationsEngineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on Moon. Video, 00:01:04Engineers in Oregon train dog robot to walk on MoonSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished9 hours ago1:04Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. 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Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished2 days ago0:36BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDeadly violence after Israeli boy vanishes in West BankPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Anadolu/Getty ImagesImage caption, Cars were set ablaze when settlers stormed al-MughayyirBy Laurence PeterBBC NewsViolence has erupted during an Israeli search for a missing teenage boy in the occupied West Bank, with a Palestinian man killed and 25 reported hurt in clashes with Jewish settlers.Israeli troops intervened after dozens of settlers stormed al-Mughayyir, a village near Ramallah, armed with guns and stones. The unrest later subsided.Missing Benjamin Ahimeir, 14, has not been found. A huge search is under way.Separately Israeli forces shot and killed two West Bank Palestinians.One was confirmed by Hamas to be a local commander of the group. The Israeli military say Mohammed Daraghmeh was killed in a shoot-out with their troops.Violence has escalated in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza started on 7 October, ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.Israel is on high alert after US officials said an Iranian strike against Israel might be imminent. Iran has vowed to retaliate for last week’s deadly air strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, in which several senior Iranian military figures died. Israel has not commented but is widely considered to have carried out that attack targeting Iran’s elite Quds Force.The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least eight of those injured in the al-Mughayyir violence were hit by live fire.It is not yet clear whether the man who died, 26-year-old Jehad Abu Alia, was shot by an armed settler or Israeli soldier.The army says its forces managed to disperse the settlers who had entered the village. Troops have set up roadblocks in the area as the security forces continue searching for the Israeli boy, who had left a settler outpost, Malachi Hashalom, early on Friday. His sister Hannah, quoted by AFP news agency, said he was familiar with the area, where he had often herded sheep.Bowen: Obstacles to peace seem larger than ever The battle between farmers in West Bank pitting Israel against the US The Palestinian health ministry says at least 460 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since 7 October.Israeli sources say at least 13 Israelis have been killed there by Palestinians in the same period.The surge in West Bank violence has prompted the US, UK and France to impose sanctions on some settlers for the first time. But the casualties there are dwarfed by the Gaza war: more than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s campaign, the Hamas-run health ministry says. On 7 October gunmen also took more than 250 people hostage. Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead. Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael-Gaza warIsraelHamasWest BankMore on this story’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished5 hours agoIs Israel meeting promise to let more aid into Gaza?Published8 hours agoTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished9 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished5 hours agoDeadly violence after boy vanishes in West BankPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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Here’s how that might look3Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death4Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax5Deadly violence after boy vanishes in West Bank6Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’7The honeytrap mystery is even stranger than we thought8BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’9Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law10’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS diplomat turned Cuban spy jailed for 15 yearsPublished3 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Victor Rocha abruptly reversed his plea in February after initially pleading not guilty to the charges.By Bernd Debusmann JrBBC News, WashingtonAn ex-career diplomat who once served as US ambassador to Bolivia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for working as an agent for Cuba. Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, secretly passed information to the Cuban government for more than 40 years, according to prosecutors. In February, Rocha changed his initial not guilty plea in a Miami court and ensured he would avoid a trial. The espionage case is among the highest profile ever between the US and Cuba.Dressed in a beige jail uniform on Friday, Rocha told a federal courtroom in Miami: “I plead guilty.” In addition to prison, Rocha must also pay a $500,000 fine and cooperate with authorities.US Attorney General Merrick Garland referred to Rocha’s crimes as “one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the US government by a foreign agent”.The Colombian-born, Yale and Harvard-educated Rocha served as US ambassador to Bolivia between 1999 and 2022, as well as in a variety of other diplomatic postings in Argentina, Honduras, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. He also served in other government roles, including one with the National Security Council. After his diplomatic service ended, Rocha served as a consultant for the US military’s Southern Command, which oversees all of Latin America and the Caribbean – including communist Cuba. In November 2022, an undercover FBI agent contacted Rocha on WhatsApp and claimed to be working on behalf of Cuba’s intelligence service. The agent said he was delivering a message from “your friends in Havana”, according to court documents. Over the course of three subsequent meetings, Rocha revealed details of his previous espionage on Cuba’s behalf. At one point, Rocha used the term “we” to describe Cuba and himself, vowing to “protect” what “we” have done together. The Cuban spying case that has shocked the US governmentHow Cuban spy used incredible memory to betray USWhen asked whether he was “still with us”, Rocha told the undercover agent that he was “angry” that his loyalty to the Cuban regime was being questioned. “It’s like questioning my manhood,” he said.The US has had a tense relationship with Cuba ever since Fidel Castro overthrew the island’s US-backed government in 1959, a revolution that was swiftly followed by a US trade embargo. While then-president Barack Obama and former Cuban President Raul Castro took steps to normalise relations in 2015, many of those actions were reversed by the Trump administration. In an interview with the BBC, former CIA counter-intelligence chief James Olson said the case was emblematic of how Cuba’s intelligence service “beat” their US adversaries over the decades. “They owned us,” Mr Olson said. “That’s one of the reasons I have this personal grudge against the Cuban intelligence service because they have been so successful in operating against us.”Mr Olson referred to Rocha as a “traitor”. “He betrayed our country,” he said. “I think that’s contemptible, and I don’t think he’s going to see the light of day again.”Related TopicsCubaCIASpyingUnited StatesMore on this storyFormer US diplomat pleads guilty to spying for CubaPublished29 FebruaryThe Cuban spying case that has shocked the US governmentPublished9 JanuaryHow Cuban spy used incredible memory to betray USPublished10 January 2023Top StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished8 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished4 hours agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished3 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Elsewhere on the BBC’She was the right side of cheeky’Dua Lipa makes a surprise visit to her old schoolAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayerThese adorable mice love Sir David AttenboroughThey bond over Planet Earth III and mountains of poo!AttributioniPlayerRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look3Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5Truss thought ‘why me, why now?’ after Queen’s death6Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’7Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law8’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel9Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion10Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSudan civil war: The children living between starvation and death in DarfurPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSudan crisisImage source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Three of Qisma Abdirahman Ali Abubaker’s children have recently diedBy Barbara Plett-UsherBBC Africa correspondentThe woman with sad eyes and a quiet voice is just one of the millions of people living in camps for those forced to flee their homes in Sudan, where a civil war broke out a year ago between the army and an armed paramilitary group. The country now faces what the UN says is the “world worst hunger crisis”.Qisma Abdirahman Ali Abubaker goes through the motions of waiting in line to pick up her food ration, but her heart is not in it. The small bag does not have to stretch as far as it used to for her family. Three of her children have died of disease and malnutrition in the past four months, she says. The oldest was three, another was two years old, the last was a six-month-old baby. Ms Abubaker has taken refuge at Zamzam Camp for displaced people in Northern Darfur, part of a region in the west of the country, amid warnings of a catastrophic nutrition crisis there. It is the oldest and largest such camp in the country, but there is fresh desperation and grief as Sudan’s war grinds into its second year.The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says it found in January that at least one child in the camp dies every two hours. With little food, clean water or healthcare, illnesses that could once be treated now kill. MSF is one of the last international humanitarian agencies still on the ground in Darfur. It has just completed a mass screening of vulnerable women and children in Zamzam and shared the results exclusively with the BBC. The agency found that three out of every 10 children under five were acutely malnourished, as well as a third of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, confirming fears of a “catastrophe” that an earlier survey had suggested. This is double the threshold for a nutrition emergency, and probably just the tip of the iceberg of Sudan’s hunger crisis, says Abdalla Hussein, MSF operations manager for Sudan.”We have not reached all the children in Darfur, not even in North Darfur, we’re talking about only one camp,” he told me at the MSF regional headquarters in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.Image source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Thousands of people at Zamzam Camp are in desperate need of helpAccess to Darfur is extremely difficult for foreign journalists as well as aid agencies, but we worked with a local cameraman, and Ms Abubaker told him her story.She could not afford to take her children to hospital or buy medicine. “My first child died on the way home from the pharmacy, and the second child died after six days due to malnutrition,” she says.The baby fell sick and died three days later.Ms Abubaker’s family are smallholder farmers like many in Darfur. They have struggled to grow enough food, and the violence and insecurity of the war has severely disrupted farming. “People are sick and hungry,” she tells the BBC. “The displaced people are jobless and the only people who have money are [government] employees. Ninety per cent of the people are sick.”Zamzam was already fragile, formed by those caught up in ethnic violence 20 years ago, and almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. But the food supplies stopped with the war. Most aid agencies evacuated as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took over large swathes of the region.Fighters for the RSF and its allied militias are accused of looting hospitals and stores, something which the RSF has consistently denied.Getting new supplies transferred across conflict lines has proved almost impossible. Aid workers say the Sudanese military authorities are too slow to issue visas and internal travel permits. And the army has blocked land routes from neighbouring Chad, saying it needs to stop weapons shipments to the RSF. That barrier has eased slightly for food supplies – the World Food Programme recently managed to bring in two convoys – but not nearly enough.The lack of food combines with a breakdown in health services. Across the country only 20-30% of health facilities are still functional.Image source, Mohamed Zakaria/BBCImage caption, Hundreds of thousands of people live in Zamzam Camp – forced from their homes in a series of conflictsOne of those is the Babiker Nahar Paediatric hospital in the city of Fasher, near Zamzam Camp, which has a therapeutic feeding centre for children and intensive care treatment for the worst cases.Both wards were full on the day our cameraman visited.Babies with tubes in their noses whimpered quietly in their mothers’ arms.Amin Ahmed Ali fed her tiny son serum through a syringe – she has six-month-old twins slowly recovering from weeks of dysentery. Other children ate from packets of calorie-rich food. Dr Ezzedine Ibrahim says that the hospital was dealing with cases of malnutrition before the war, but now “the numbers have doubled”. “Every month and the next month the numbers increase, despite the fact that we in Northern Darfur we had a system, a full nutritional programme which continued but it lapsed because of the war.”This is about as good as it gets for child healthcare in Darfur, other places are even more cut off and desperate.A regional emergency worker sent us images from areas in the region that aid workers have called a “black hole” in humanitarian assistance.There is a photo of a three-year-old emaciated little girl from Kalma IDP Camp in Southern Darfur, named as Ihsan Adam Abdullah. She is said to have died last month. Another photo shows an equally wasted little boy, from Genubia Camp in Central Darfur. His mother, Fatima Mohamed Othman, recorded a video pleading for help to feed her 10 children – anything, she says, even “something small – they are living between starvation and death”.MSF is about to open a 50-bed tent hospital in Zamzam and is appealing for other international aid agencies to return to share the heavy humanitarian load. “We need a massive mobilisation of humanitarian aid to reach the population that is cut off,” says Mr Hussein, as well as access with “permits and visas to be simplified and the borders to be opened”, and respect for humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure.Without these basic conditions it will not be possible to turn the tide on this colossal crisis, and many many more children will die.More on Sudan’s civil war:Famine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapesWhat is going on in Sudan? A simple guideBBC reporter: My heartbreaking decision to leave Sudan’I saw bodies dumped in Sudan mass grave’ Related TopicsSudan crisisSudanKhartoumAround the BBCThe Global Jigsaw podacstFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished7 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished3 hours agoUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished2 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPFacing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSun, smoke and sport: Photos of the weekHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitationSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. 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Here’s how that might look9Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m10Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorceBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaErie, Pennsylvania: A swing county Biden and Trump can’t ignorePublished27 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image caption, Food displayed in Home House of ErieBy Caitriona PerryBBC News, PennsylvaniaA locked door at the back of a welcoming house opens and a long line of people, spanning the yard, move forward, each person showing a small ticket as they enter.This is the Home House of Erie, a food pantry that gives out food three mornings a week in a neighbourhood on the edge of Erie, Pennsylvania. At the back of the queue, Megan pushes her 18 month-old daughter in a pram while trying to wrangle her three-year-old twins, who are still in their pyjamas. Her five other children are at school.”I come almost every time they’re open,” says 31-year-old Megan, who is unemployed and single. “It’s a lot of good nutritious food in here.”Inside the house, which is laid out like a supermarket, she will pick up fruit, vegetables, meat, bread and other staples. While she receives food stamps and Medicaid health insurance, getting free food is a “godsend… it would be a bigger struggle if they weren’t here,” she says.Her circumstances will resonate with many Americans hit by a cost of living crisis and stubborn inflation. But here in Erie, there is extra reason for both presidential candidates to take heed. Image caption, Megan says the food pantry is a ‘godsend’ for her familyAlmost all roads to the White House go through Pennsylvania, a swing state that proved pivotal in the 2020 election. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, will campaign there on Saturday. He did so in the last election, and also held a rally here last year.President Joe Biden will spend half of next week in the state. Erie meanwhile is a key swing county that acts as a bellwether for the rest of Pennsylvania. And it is in Erie, where one in eight people are considered food insecure, that inflation is a priority election issue.Unemployment is only 4% here, close to the national average, and homelessness is relatively low, according to the mayor’s office for the city of Erie.But the food poverty is because of the price of groceries, says Kevin Nelson, the program director at Home House of Erie. Prices in Pennsylvania are rising faster than in any other state, according to Datasembly Consumer Price Index – up 8.2% in the last year and nearly 25% over the last four years. Where Biden v Trump will be won and lostBiden v Trump: The sequel few Americans want to seeIt’s official – Biden and Trump set for rematch”Supermarket prices have gone up,” he says. “Rent has gone up. Gas, electric, utilities,” he adds. “So it hits the pocket.”His organisation helps between 900 and 1,000 families a year, and Mr Nelson says the numbers are rising. Most of them have homes and jobs – just not enough income to make ends meet.Nationally, prices are stabilising, wages are rising, and unemployment is falling. But that does not translate to the lived experience of many Americans, in Erie and beyond.And those lived experiences can sway elections. That is especially the case for Erie. Mr Biden flipped Pennsylvania back to the Democrats in 2020. It was only when the state was called for him on a Saturday, days after the election, that he secured his victory over Mr Trump. In Erie, the margins were tiny. Mr Biden carried the county by only 1%. When Mr Trump won the state four years earlier, his margin in Erie was 1.5%.Struggling in the day-to-day The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania is seeing first-hand how people are struggling to cope. It sources food for pantries, delivers pre-packed boxes to those who don’t have enough to eat, and runs a backpack programme. Each Friday afternoon, they put enough food in children’s schoolbags to keep them going through the weekend. This year the bank expects to deliver around 6,000 tons of food, up from 5,200 tons last year.”During COVID, people had supplemental food stamps, and they had extra benefits that made it easier for them to stretch a dollar,” says Ms Watt. “Those sorts of things have been removed. And now people are really feeling inflation.”Ms Watt believes hunger “is a system of inequities” and so it does not matter who is the president or who is in Congress.Still, the cost of living is on almost all voters’ minds here, “although it is much lower than other places”, says Joe Schember, the Erie mayor who grew up, attended college and raised a family here. Image source, AFPImage caption, Biden supporters in Erie during the 2020 campaignTestbed for a nation”Pennsylvania goes whatever direction Erie goes,” he says. It is a slogan repeated by almost anyone who will discuss politics, which is almost anyone you meet here.Essentially a microcosm of the state, Erie has a mix of rural and urban voters, of agriculture and industry, of blue-collar workers and universities, and of religions. Candidates test out a message or policy here, see how it goes, and either change or replicate it across the state and across the nation. Joe Morris, the chairman of the Political Science Department at Mercyhurst University, gives an example of how crucial it can be for presidential campaigns to engage with local voters.”One of the things we have not forgotten here in Erie is that in 2016, Hillary Clinton did not make a stop,” he says. “She flew over us on her way to Detroit. I think that would be an enormous mistake for both Biden and Trump in this election.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Trump speaks at a rally at Erie Arena in 2023’A message to the masses’Engagement leads to voter turnout, important to any election. However, it’s an area of concern for Republicans across Pennsylvania, says the chairman of the Erie County Republican Party, Tom Eddy, because of a new state law, Act 77, that extends voting by mail.Republicans, he says, like to “go and vote on election day. And they’d like to vote by paper, so there’s no potential interference with computers. And they think… that people should show ID to vote”. He believes voting by mail helped Democrats win the most recent Senate race in Pennsylvania, and is taking it upon himself to promote it. A retired teacher, he makes online videos on Mr Trump’s policies and viewpoints.”It’s a great way to get the message out to the masses”, he says. “And it costs me almost nothing.” With seven months until the election, it is hard to foresee which way this swing county and its swing state will go, and how the cost of living will factor into votes.”I can’t see a difference right now,” says Kathy Schaff, a councilwoman. “We had hard times with President Trump and we’re still struggling with President Biden.”Related TopicsInflationUS election 2024PennsylvaniaMore on this storyUS inflation jumps as fuel and housing costs risePublished2 days agoTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished6 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished2 hours agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished11 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’The children living between starvation and deathHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?2Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax3BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’4Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law7Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion8Ukraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might look9Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce10Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5mBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine could face defeat in 2024. Here’s how that might lookPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion for two yearsBy Frank GardnerBBC security correspondentThe former commander of Britain’s Joint Forces Command has warned that Ukraine could face defeat by Russia in 2024.General Sir Richard Barrons has told the BBC there is “a serious risk” of Ukraine losing the war this year. The reason, he says, is “because Ukraine may come to feel it can’t win”.”And when it gets to that point, why will people want to fight and die any longer, just to defend the indefensible?”Ukraine is not yet at that point. But its forces are running critically low on ammunition, troops and air defences. Its much-heralded counter-offensive last year failed to dislodge the Russians from ground they had seized and now Moscow is gearing up for a summer offensive. So what will that look like and what are its likely strategic objectives?”The shape of the Russian offensive that’s going to come is pretty clear,” says Gen Barrons. “We are seeing Russia batter away at the front line, employing a 5-to-1 advantage in artillery, ammunition, and a surplus of people reinforced by the use of newish weapons.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine is now desperately short of ammunition, in part due to political wrangling in Western nationsThese include the FAB glide bomb, an adapted Soviet-era “dumb bomb” fitted with fins, GPS guidance and 1500kg of high explosive, that is wreaking havoc on Ukrainian defences.”At some point this summer,” says Gen Barrons, “we expect to see a major Russian offensive, with the intent of doing more than smash forward with small gains to perhaps try and break through the Ukrainian lines. “And if that happens we would run the risk of Russian forces breaking through and then exploiting into areas of Ukraine where the Ukrainian armed forces cannot stop them.”But where? Last year the Russians knew exactly where Ukraine was likely to attack – from the direction of Zaporizhzhia south towards the Sea of Azov. They planned accordingly and successfully blunted Ukraine’s advance. Now the boot is on the other foot as Russia masses its troops and keeps Kyiv guessing where it is going to attack next.”One of the challenges the Ukrainians have,” says Dr Jack Watling, senior research fellow in land warfare at the Whitehall thinktank the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), “is that the Russians can choose where they commit their forces. “It’s a very long front line and the Ukrainians need to be able to defend all of it.”Which, of course, they can’t. Ukrainecast: Q&A: How can Ukraine grow its army? “The Ukrainian military will lose ground,” says Dr Watling. “The question is: how much and which population centres are going to be affected?”It is quite possible that Russia’s General Staff have yet to go firm on which direction to designate as their main effort. But it is possible to broadly break down their various options into three broad locations.Kharkiv”Kharkiv,” says Dr Watling, “is certainly vulnerable.”As Ukraine’s second city, situated perilously close to the Russian border, Kharkiv is a tempting goal for Moscow. It is currently being pummelled daily with Russian missile strikes, with Ukraine unable to field sufficient air defences to ward off the lethal mix of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles aimed in its direction. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Russia hits Kharkiv daily with drones, missiles and shelling”I think the offensive this year will have breaking out of the Donbas as its first objective,” adds Gen Barrons, “and their eye will be on Kharkiv which is 29 kilometres or so from the Russian border, a major prize.”Could Ukraine still function as a viable entity if Kharkiv were to fall? Yes, say analysts, but it would be a catastrophic blow to both its morale and its economy.The DonbasThe area of eastern Ukraine known collectively as the Donbas has been at war since 2014, when Moscow-backed separatists declared themselves “people’s republics”. In 2022 Russia illegally annexed the two Donbas oblasts, or provinces, of Donetsk and Luhansk. This is where most of the fighting on land has been taking place over the past 18 months. Ukraine has, controversially, expended enormous efforts, in both manpower and resources, in trying to hold on to first the town of Bakhmut, and then Avdiivka. It has lost both, as well as some of its best fighting troops, in the attempt. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, BBC documentary shows Ukrainian front line troops defending against a Russian attackKyiv has countered that its resistance has inflicted disproportionately high casualties on the Russians. That’s true, with the battlefield in these places being dubbed “the meat grinder”. But Moscow has plenty more troops to thrown into the fight – and Ukraine doesn’t. This week the Commander of US Forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, warned that unless the US rushes significantly more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine then its forces will be outgunned on the battlefield by 10 to 1.Mass matters. The Russian army’s tactics, leadership and equipment may be inferior to Ukraine’s, but it has such superiority in numbers, especially artillery, that if it does nothing else this year, its default option will be to keep pushing Ukraine’s forces back in a westward direction, taking village after village.ZaporizhzhiaThis, too, is a tempting prize for Moscow. The southern Ukrainian city of more than 700,000 (in peacetime) sits dangerously close to the Russian front lines.It is also something of a thorn in Russia’s side given that it is the capital of an oblast of the same name that Russia has illegally annexed, and yet the city is still living freely in Ukrainian hands.But the formidable defences that Russia built south of Zaporizhzhia last year, in the correct expectation of a Ukrainian attack, would now complicate a Russian advance from there. The so-called Surovikin Line, consisting of triple layers of defences, is laced with the largest, most densely packed minefield in the world. Russia could partially dismantle this but its preparations would likely be detected. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ukraine is now one of the most heavily mined places in the worldRussia’s strategic objective this year may not even be territorial. It could simply be to crush Ukraine’s fighting spirit and convince its Western backers that this war is a lost cause. Dr Jack Watling believes the Russian objective is “to try to generate a sense of hopelessness. “This [Russian] offensive will not decisively end the conflict, irrespective of how it goes for either side.”Gen Barrons is also sceptical that, despite the dire situation Ukraine now finds itself in, Russia will automatically drive home its advantage with a decisive advance. “I think the most likely outcome is that Russia will have made gains, but will not have managed to break through. “It will not have forces that are big enough or good enough to punch all the way through to the river [Dnipro]… But the war will have turned in Russia’s favour.”One thing is certain: Russia’s President Putin has no intention of giving up on his assault on Ukraine. He’s like a poker player gambling all his chips on a win. He’s counting on the West failing to supply Ukraine with the sufficient means to defend itself. Despite all the Nato summits, all the conferences and all the stirring speeches, there is a chance he may be right. Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyBucha’s wounds still raw two years onPublished5 days agoUkrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line mission. Video, 00:01:34Ukrainian soldiers film dangerous front-line missionPublished25 March1:34Why Macron went from dove to hawk on RussiaPublished16 MarchTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished4 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished51 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished10 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’How a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Facing disaster – the Forest fans at HillsboroughAttributionSportSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax2Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce3Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law6’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel7Rayner says ‘bring it on’ and ‘honeytrap sex plot’8Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion9Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m10Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli diesBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDonald Trump backs Mike Johnson after Mar-a-Lago meetingPublished40 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hard-line Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene have accused Mr Johnson of pandering to DemocratsBy Anthony Zurcher in Washington and Nadine YousifBBC NewsRepublican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said he would push for legislation that would require voters to prove they are US citizens after meeting Donald Trump on Friday.It was their first public meeting since Mr Johnson became speaker in November.It comes as some members of Mr Johnson’s party are calling for him to be removed from his leadership post.But the former president says he believes the speaker is doing a “very good job”.House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to remove Mr Johnson three weeks ago. Ms Greene accused the speaker of aligning with Democrats on the issue of Ukraine aid.”We’re getting along very well with the speaker and I get along very well with Marjorie,” Mr Trump said after the meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “It’s not an easy situation for any speaker, I think he’s doing a very good job and he’s doing about as good as you’re going to do.”Mr Trump began his remarks by attacking President Biden over the issue of immigration, which Mr Johnson linked to the declared subject of the meeting, “election integrity”. Mr Trump has continued to attribute his 2020 presidential defeat to ballot fraud, but he has provided no evidence to substantiate his claims, which have been rejected by courts and elections officials from both parties.At the news conference Friday, Mr Johnson said he would push forward with a bill that would require voters to prove that they are US citizens and require states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls.The speaker alleged that Democrats “want to turn these people into voters” and suggested, without listing evidence, that immigrants were being pushed to register to vote by local welfare benefit offices. Non-citizens are barred from voting in US federal elections, and studies including from the conservative Heritage Foundation have found that cases of immigrants illegally voting are extremely rare.”We’re going to introduce legislation to require that everyone who registers to vote in an election must prove that they are a US citizen,” Mr Johnson said, although he stopped short of claiming that illegal voting by immigrants was a major ongoing problem. “We cannot wait for widespread fraud to occur,” he said.Who is the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson?The former president’s endorsement came at a politically fraught time for the speaker, who is facing Ms Greene’s efforts to push him out of his job. In a letter written on Tuesday to her Republican colleagues, Ms Greene warned that she will not tolerate Mr Johnson “serving the Democrats and the Biden administration” over his own party “and helping them achieve their policies”. She has accused him of helping Democrats to pass spending legislation, but his recent effort to provide Ukraine more military aid appeared to spark her objection. On 22 March, she filed her motion to remove Mr Johnson, saying that he had “betrayed” Republicans. But she has not yet indicated if or when she plans to force real action on the motion – in the form of a floor vote. Mr Trump and his campaign will want to avoid another chaotic leadership battle among Republicans in the House of Representatives before the US presidential election in November. Polling showed that the fight in October undermined voters’ confidence in the party. Mr Trump derailed the speaker’s effort to renew a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act earlier this week, but a revised bill passed the House earlier Friday.The law allows agencies to collect foreign intelligence on US soil, if a special court agrees. Mr Trump said he was “not a fan” of the legislation but noted that the bill had been amended to require re-approval in two years. The speaker is also planning to bring a Ukraine military aid bill to a vote next week, months after existing aid funding lapsed.When asked about the issue, Mr Trump said: “We’re looking at it right now, and they’re talking about it, and we’re thinking making it in the form of a form of a loan instead of a gift.”He claimed, as he has repeatedly in the past, that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the current conflict in the Middle East would not have happened if he was still in the White House.Related TopicsRepublican PartyDonald TrumpUS politicsUnited StatesMore on this storyMarjorie Taylor Greene wants Speaker Mike Johnson outPublished22 MarchRepublican leader makes fresh push for Ukraine aidPublished2 AprilThe next US Speaker will inherit a poisoned chalicePublished4 October 2023Top StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished3 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished2 hours agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished9 hours agoFeaturesHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPHow Zendaya perfected ‘method dressing’Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Joe Lycett reveals H from Steps statue hoax3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4BBC Russian journalist branded ‘foreign agent’5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion7Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m8Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10Kingsmills massacre a planned IRA attack – inquestBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaAadujeevitham: The migrant story shining a light on Gulf states’ exploitation of workersPublished51 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AadujeevithamImage caption, Aadujeevitham tells the story of an Indian emigrant to Saudi Arabia, who goes missing and is forced into slave-like labourBy Meryl SebastianBBC News, KochiA Malayalam-language film that depicts the plight of impoverished Indians seeking jobs in the Middle East has been drawing throngs to cinemas.Aadujeevitham (Goat Life), adapted from the bestselling 2008 Malayalam book, stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as Najeeb, an Indian immigrant in Saudi Arabia who is kidnapped and forced into slave-like labour as a goat herder in the desert. The story is inspired by the real-life ordeal of a man with the same name, who was abducted in the country in the 1990s and managed to escape after two years.Written as a gripping thriller, the book has become a cultural cornerstone in the southern Kerala state, with its 250th edition released this year. Its widespread acclaim had sparked a conversation on the harsh realities of migrant life in the Gulf.The three-hour film has also done exceedingly well, grossing over 870 million rupees (£8.23m, $10.4m) worldwide in the first week of its release. Critics have called it a “stunning survival drama” and a much awaited “cinematic portrayal of brutal struggle”. Aadujeevitham shows Najeeb isolated from the world, alone with his master and his animals, facing extreme heat in a harsh desert, miles away from the nearest road, with no access to a phone, paper or pen to write with, and no one to call a friend. He drinks water from the same trough as his animals.Image source, AadujeevithamImage caption, The film is inspired by the real-life ordeal of a man, who was abducted in Saudi Arabia”Please let me go back,” he pleads in a a heart-wrenching scene, tears streaming down his face as he recounts selling everything and leaving his family behind, all in pursuit of a promised job. His words in Malayalam mean nothing to his boss, who only speaks Arabic.Among the 2.1 million people from Kerala living abroad, nearly 90% migrated to the Gulf countries, drawn by the state’s longstanding relationship spanning over five decades with nations such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Peninsula.Many of these workers from impoverished families have toiled under the kafala system in these countries, where their stay and mobility are controlled by their sponsor, leaving them susceptible to abuse and exploitation. The pay the workers have sent back to Kerala has powered its economy – a government think tank index showed that the state has the lowest poverty rate in India.Much has been written about the oppressive working conditions in the Gulf countries. “Your passport is taken away, you cannot return, you are constantly under the threat of death,” says Mohamed Shafeeq Karinkurayil of Manipal Centre for Humanities, who has researched labour migration. In a conversation on YouTube, Najeeb, on whose life the book and the film are based, says he could never return to the places described in the story. Image source, AadujeevithamImage caption, The film has grossed over 870 million rupees (£8.23m, $10.4m) worldwide in the first week of its release”I had left [Kerala] in 1991 with a lot of dreams. The experiences I had there, the horrible master and the life among goats – I lost my self-consciousness, I lost my mind,” he says. In 2008, film director Blessy acquired the rights to adapt the book. Sukumaran told the BBC that he believed he knew everything about the book when the director handed him a copy next year.”I knew all the events in the story. That was how much people were talking about it, especially in the film industry. Even then, it blew me away.””A standout feature of this story is this diffusion of identities between man and animal – this one man slowly losing his identity as a species, as a human, and becoming one among the animals. I had never read anything like it.”In the film, Najeeb gradually stops speaking in Malayalam, only making guttural sounds like the animals he tends to. From time to time, he dips into a jar of mango pickle he’d brought from home for a taste of comfort.After a 16-year wait, Aadujeevitham hit screens, overcoming obstacles like high costs, production setbacks, and the pandemic, with the director investing his savings to make the filmBlessy, who called the film a passion project, said he chose to adapt just 43 pages from the novel “to capture the essence”. On the weekend of its release, people either talked about having watched the film or booking tickets to watch it. YouTube channels showed people leaving the cinema in tears, with many saying it was an extraordinarily emotional experience. “I know the story well but almost felt like I shouldn’t have watched the film – that’s how painful it was,” one woman said.Read more India stories from the BBC:Top India airline to cut flights amid crew protestsThe unprecedented booing of an Indian cricket starIndia opposition MP gets bail in corruption caseTiny Sri Lankan island sparks political row in IndiaWhat will happen to the 21 sailors stranded on the Dali? Related TopicsAsiaIndiaMigrationTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished2 hours ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished1 hour agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished8 hours agoFeaturesHow a North Korean missile researcher became a South Korean MPSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?What is GDP and how does it affect me?Elsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Billionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football club3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m7Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies8Man jailed for life for rugby player murder9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10MoD official took £70,000 in secret paymentsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityEnglandLocal NewsRegionsBeds, Herts & BucksBillionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football clubImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss will become co-owners of the clubDanny FullbrookBBC News, BedfordshirePublished12 April 2024, 20:29 BSTUpdated 1 hour agoA non-league football club has received an injection of $4.5m (about £3.6m) from a pair of cryptocurrency investors.Real Bedford FC (RBFC) received the Bitcoin investment from Winklevoss Capital, an investment firm owned by Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.Podcaster Peter McCormack bought the side, currently in the ninth tier of English football, in 2021 with the goal of turning it into a Premier League club.Following the investment the twins will assume the role of co-owners of the club alongside the cryptocurrency podcaster.Image caption, Peter McCormack bought Bedford FC in 2021 and renamed it Real BedfordAnalysis: Shiona McCallum, BBC Senior Technology ReporterThe Winklevoss brothers are pretty familiar with controversy. They famously accused Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg of stealing the idea for his site from them when they were all at Harvard together.Following a lengthy lawsuit, eventually the twins received a settlement that included a whopping $20m (£16m) in cash and shares in the company.You might remember it all playing out in the 2010 Oscar-winning film The Social Network. Well, since then the pair have been carrying the flag for cryptocurrencies, and are two of the world’s first well-known Bitcoin billionaires.Not only do Tyler and Cameron own an enormous number of Bitcoins, they also built a crypto exchange called Gemini which is, essentially, a stock exchange for crypto coins.But that endeavour hasn’t been plain sailing, either; just this year they were ordered to return more than $1bn (£800m) to customers due to a defunct lending programme and pay a large fine for unsafe and unsound practices.It’ll be interesting to see how their fortunes fare when it comes to football but it’s really not a bad time for Bitcoin right now. Its value has risen to an all-time high in recent weeks.’Investing in a dream’Gemini started its sponsorship of the club in January 2022.The investment will be used for the development of a new training centre, the launch of a football academy for new talent and to continue supporting girls and youth football.The club said the funds would also be used to establish “a Bitcoin treasury to secure the club’s long-term ambitions”.Tyler Winklevoss said he was excited to work alongside Mr McCormack as a co-owner.“We share in Peter’s deep conviction in Bitcoin and its ability to supercharge RBFC’s quest to make it into the Premier League,” he said.His brother added: “We’re not just investing in a football club. We’re investing in a dream to bring Premier League football to Bedford.”RBFC currently sit at the top of the Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division.Mr McCormack said: “The backing from Tyler and Cameron will allow us to continue investing in Bedford and the local community.”Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830Related TopicsBedfordBitcoinCryptocurrencyRelated Internet LinksReal Bedford Football ClubMore about Real Bedford’People don’t like football teams being successful’AttributionSportPublished24 August 2022Non-league club has gone global, says new ownerPublished21 January 2022From other local news sitesHere’s the reason Police helicopter flew over Letchworth and surrounding areas for several hours on Thursday eveningExternalLetchworth Nub NewsChesham vape shop and off-licence sparks complaintsExternalBucks Free PressThames Water sewage flow into Chesham’s River Chess lasts 1,000 hours – and countingExternalBucks Free PressMan shot at police sent to arrest him over plot to import cannabis from AmericaExternalTimes SeriesFour jailed for shooting girls, 7 and 11, outside Euston funeralExternalTimes SeriesPolice helicopter involved in Hitchin search for Arlesey shooting suspectExternalHitchin CometInformation about BBC links to other news sitesTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished1 hour ago’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking IsraelPublished21 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished7 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportWeekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked Singapore’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’What happened in the Kingsmills massacre?What is GDP and how does it affect me?Sum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsloading elsewhere storiesMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Billionaire twins invest in ninth-tier football club3Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law4Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion5’Don’t’ – Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel6Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m7Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies8Man jailed for life for rugby player murder9’I went to kick the ball and my knee collapsed’10MoD official took £70,000 in secret paymentsBBC – 504: Gateway TimeoutBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaHear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Hear from Arizonans on both sides of the abortion debateCloseThe Arizona Supreme Court recently reinstated a near-total abortion ban from 1864, which makes performing an abortion punishable by two to five years in prison, except when the mother’s life is at risk.The BBC spoke to Katarina White, from Arizona Right to Life and Karen Moscato, from the Indivisible Project, on what’s next for those on either side of the debate.Video by Anahita Sachdev and César Rojas AngelSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWhy these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished4 hours ago1:25Up Next. Shouts of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar on abortion. Video, 00:00:53Shouts of ‘shame’ as Arizona lawmakers spar on abortionSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day agoUp Next0:53Moment Texas judge grants woman’s abortion request. Video, 00:00:42Moment Texas judge grants woman’s abortion requestSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished7 December 20230:42Editor’s recommendationsDoctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 hours ago4:06Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished8 hours ago0:58Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished1 day ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. Video, 00:00:56How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfoldedSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:56Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikes. Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chase. Video, 00:00:46Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chaseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:46Bird mimicking police siren confuses officers. Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished1 day ago0:36Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel Tower. Video, 00:00:45Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel TowerSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:45King Charles sees new banknotes with his image on. Video, 00:00:55King Charles sees new banknotes with his image onSubsectionUKPublished3 days ago0:55BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussian troops arrive in Niger as military agreement beginsPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsSahel Islamist insurgencyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Niger is among the countries in the Sahel region to have strengthened military ties with RussiaBy Chris Ewokor in Abuja & Kathryn Armstrong in LondonBBC NewsDozens of Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country’s junta, which has cut links with the West. State media reported that they arrived along with a state-of-the-art air defence system.They are expected to install the system and teach Niger’s army how to use it. The West African country is one several in the Sahel region ruled by military authorities to have recently strengthened ties with Russia.A spokesperson for Niger’s military government on Friday said the Russians were in the country to train soldiers. Africa Live: Updates on this and other storiesHow Russia has rebranded Wagner in Africa ‘France takes us for idiots’ – Inside coup-hit NigerThe Russian Defence Ministry’s paramilitary group Africa Corps, also known as the Russian Expeditionary Corps (REK), wrote on Telegram that this was the first group of servicemen and volunteers to go to Niger.In an attached video, a serviceman of the corps said in French that they were there to “develop military cooperation” between the countries and had brought “various special military equipment” to help with training.Footage of the Russian instructors unloading a cargo plane full of equipment was broadcast on Niger’s state television. Ulf Laessing, a specialist in the Sahel region for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which promotes democracy, told the BBC World Service’s Newsday programme that the military supplies appeared to be part of a “regime survival package”. Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown last year by the junta, which has since cut military and diplomatic ties with France – the former colonial power – and revoked an agreement with the US. The European Union suspended its security cooperation with the country in the wake of the coup. Mr Laessing said the military government was still concerned about some form of physical interference in Niger by the political and economic alliance of West African states, known as Ecowas. He added that this is probably the reason for the supply of a Russian air defence system, rather than to help suppress Islamist fighters. “I don’t have any other explanations because jihadists don’t have planes,” Mr Laessing said. Kabir Adamu, of the intelligence organisation Beacon Security, said Niger was moving closer to countries outside the Western bloc including Russia, China and Iran. He said he feared the alliance with Russia could encourage the junta to further delay a return to civilian rule, as has happened in neighbouring Mali.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Supporters of Niger’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, took to the streets of Niamey in September after the coupAbdel-Fatau Musa, Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, noted that Niger was following in the footsteps of Mali and Burkina Faso – the three countries have formed a military alliance.Niger had already been suspended from Ecowas – which has been urging the country to return to democratic rule along with Burkina Faso and Mali – but in January, the junta-led countries announced they would quit the bloc.He expressed fears of a long period of conflict in the Sahel region.”Our position is clear. We shall hold the country of origin responsible for any egregious human rights violations. “We urge countries in the region not to facilitate another cycle of proxy wars in Africa,” Mr Musa told the BBC, although he said sovereign states had a right to choose their international partners.Niger has been facing increased violence by the Islamic State group, as well as the continuing threat of Boko Haram militants along its border with Nigeria. Earlier this week, at least six soldiers were killed in a blast in the Tillabery region near the border with Mali. Niger’s defence ministry, which confirmed the attack, said an army patrol vehicle hit a landmine near the south-western village of Tingara earlier this week, killing some of the soldiers. Others were wounded and were taken to hospital. The ministry said it had carried out an air strike to neutralise those responsible for planting the homemade landmine.While the military government cited worsening insecurity in Niger as the reason for the coup, reports indicate that insurgents have continued to carry out attacks in parts of the country – almost on a monthly basis – especially in the Tillabery region.You may also be interested in:Inside Wagner’s African ‘success story’Why young Africans are celebrating military takeoversIs France to blame for coups in West Africa?Related TopicsRussiaSahel Islamist insurgencyNigerAfricaAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastAfrica Daily podcastTop StoriesAngela Rayner: I will step down if I committed criminal offencePublished20 minutes agoEx-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ emailPublished4 hours agoScientists discover cause of brightest-ever burst of lightPublished9 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Rayner: I’ll stand down if I’ve broken the law3Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m4UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone5Kingsmills massacre a planned IRA attack – inquest6Ex-Post Office boss regrets ‘subbies with their hand in the till’ email7Threat of Iran attack on Israel is ‘real’ – US8MoD official took £70,000 in secret payments9Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold10Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUK doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.UK doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalCloseA British surgeon who recently returned from Gaza has told the BBC how she was struck by the high number of wounded children she operated on.Dr Victoria Rose said a “huge amount” of her work was on children under 16, including many under six.Over 76,000 Gazans – mainly civilians – have been injured by Israel over the course of the war, the Hamas-run health ministry says, while 33,000 people have been killed.The war was sparked by Hamas attacking Israeli communities near Gaza last October, killing about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking about 250 hostages to Gaza.’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children – UK doctorSubsectionMiddle EastPublished7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreDoctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospital. Video, 00:04:06Doctor’s video diary shows reality inside Gaza hospitalSubsectionMiddle EastPublished7 minutes ago4:06Up Next. Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosque. Video, 00:00:39Watch: Gazans celebrate Eid among ruins of mosqueSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days agoUp Next0:39’I queue to get food for my family but there’s not enough’ Video, 00:03:07’I queue to get food for my family but there’s not enough’SectionNewsroundPublished2 days ago3:07Largest coalition Gaza aid drop since start of war. Video, 00:00:32Largest coalition Gaza aid drop since start of warSubsectionMiddle EastPublished2 days ago0:32Editor’s recommendationsWhy these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debate. Video, 00:01:25Why these Arizonans disagree on the abortion debateSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished2 hours ago1:25Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished6 hours ago0:58Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished22 hours ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. Video, 00:00:56How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfoldedSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:56Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikes. Video, 00:00:28Key power plant in Ukraine hit by Russian strikesSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:28Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chase. Video, 00:00:46Watch OJ Simpson’s notorious 1994 car chaseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago0:46Bird mimicking police siren confuses officers. Video, 00:00:36Bird mimicking police siren confuses officersSubsectionOxfordPublished1 day ago0:36Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel Tower. Video, 00:00:45Rope climber attempts world record at Eiffel TowerSubsectionEuropePublished1 day ago0:45King Charles sees new banknotes with his image on. Video, 00:00:55King Charles sees new banknotes with his image onSubsectionUKPublished3 days ago0:55BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaGermany eases gender change rulesPublished6 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Adults in Germany will now be able to declare a change to male, female or diverseBy Jessica ParkerBerlin correspondentThe German parliament has passed a law making it easier for citizens and residents to legally change gender.It’s also introducing hefty fines – in specific circumstances – for disclosing someone’s prior registered name or gender without consent.Previously, changing your registered gender required a doctor’s certificate and the approval of a family court.Now over-18s can change to male, female or diverse, a third gender option that already exists under German law.Three months on from a request for such a change, applicants will then have to appear at a registry office in person.You can also request that no details regarding your gender are registered at all.The intentional and harmful disclosure of someone’s prior name or legal gender could attract a fine of up to €10,000.However, there are exceptions – for example if it’s a legal requirement due to court proceedings or police investigations.First names will need to represent the new legal gender – so a male entry requires a recognised male first name while a female entry requires a recognised female first name.Fourteen- to 18-year-olds will need the consent of parents or legal guardians, while under-14s will need their parents or legal guardians to make the declaration.No further change or reversion can be made within 12 months of an application being granted.The law allows for those operating spaces – such as women’s gyms and changing rooms – to still decide who has access to them.Applications from male to female or to diverse, made less than two months prior to a national defence emergency, will be put on hold.The new rules will come into effect on 1 November having been promised in the “traffic light” coalition agreement.Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “We show respect to trans, intersex and non-binary people – without taking anything away from others. This is how we continue to drive the modernisation of our country. This includes recognising realities of life and making them possible by law.”Nyke Slawik, from the Greens – who is transgender – said it was a “first step” towards a society which allows self-determination for trans people.Conservatives and the far-right AfD were among those to speak out against the plans with warnings the legislation could be misused.Concerns were also voiced about the impact on young people. “Minors, without proper consultation, could choose a path they might regret later on,” said the CDU’s Mareike Wulf.The Self-Determination Act was passed with 374 ayes to 251 no’s and 11 abstentions.Related TopicsGermanyLGBTTransgender peopleMore on this storyKim Petras on sexual liberation and fighting TikTokPublished25 FebruaryWhat does trans mean and what is the Cass review?Published2 days agoEuphoria star wants to stop playing trans rolesPublished3 AprilTrans treatment waiting list a ‘death sentence’Published20 MarchTop StoriesLive. 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Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone3Police investigate Rayner over council house sale4Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to5Drug boss ordered to hand over £3.5m6Netanyahu meets officials as Iran attack fears grow7Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold8Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands9Bluey producer confirms the series is returning10’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecastsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & Canada’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children, says UK doctorPublished28 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, SuppliedImage caption, Dr Victoria Rose and a colleague were in the European Gaza hospital near Khan Younis in late MarchA British surgeon who recently returned from Gaza has told the BBC how she was struck by the high number of wounded children she operated on.Dr Victoria Rose said a “huge amount” of her work was on children under 16, including many under six.She said she had treated people with bullet wounds, burns and other injuries. She added the lack of food available in Gaza meant patients were not strong enough to heal properly.Over 76,000 Gazans – mainly civilians – have been injured by Israel over the course of the war, the Hamas-run health ministry says, while 33,000 people have been killed. The war was sparked by Hamas attacking Israeli communities near Gaza last October, killing about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking about 250 hostages to Gaza. Dr Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon, spent two weeks from late March at the European Hospital near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.The “most shocking bit” was that during the trip she only operated on one person who at 53 was older than her, she told the BBC’s Today programme. “Everybody else was younger than me. A huge amount of my work was under-16s. Quite a worrying proportion of my work was six and under.”Dr Rose was carrying out reconstructive surgery on people who had been wounded.”It was burns, shrapnel injuries, removing foreign bodies from tissue, reconstructing defects in faces, removing bullets from jaws, that kind of thing,” she said.The lack of food in Gaza – where the UN has warned of imminent famine – also meant many sick and injured people were not strong enough to fight off infection or heal properly from their wounds, she added.”The people on my operating table were undernourished. A lot of them were cachectic,” she said, referring to people experiencing extreme weight loss and muscle wasting.”When we were looking at some of our patients who were not doing so well, there was a lot more infection than I’ve ever seen anywhere else. “A lot of people’s protein levels were in their boots, their haemoglobin levels were down. They are just not getting any nutrients, any vitamins or minerals.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Many of those brought to the hospital after Israeli bombardments are already deadDr Graeme Groom, another doctor who was in Khan Younis, said the sound of bombing, tank fire and small arms fire was louder than during a previous wartime visit. At the time he and Dr Rose were working there, the Israeli military was still in Khan Younis. It pulled out most of its forces earlier this week.”As [the bombing] became closer it was a very short time before we saw the effects of the bombing,” he said.”Just walking past the emergency department, for example, a pick up truck filled with distraught people backed up to the door with a pile of entwined corpses, followed by a line of cars with more bodies in the boots.”The European hospital – one of very few still operating in the territory – is also home to large numbers of displaced people, some of whom are camping out in hospital corridors.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Conditions in the hospital grounds are unsanitary, with sewage collecting near tentsBut those who have set up makeshift tents on nearby open ground were being forced to move by the need for space for fresh graves, Dr Groom said.”Now there is a huge and spreading cemetery so that the graves of the newly dead are now displacing the shelters of the barely-living,” he said.On Friday Rik Peeperkorn from the World Health Organization (WHO) said three other hospitals in Khan Younis – Nasser, al-Aqsa and al-Khair were completely non-functional after being the focus of fighting, while some basic services were being offered at al-Amal hospital despite “immense structural destruction”.Nasser, the main hospital in southern Gaza, has been out of use since Israeli forces raided it in February. Gaza’s biggest hospital, al-Shifa in Gaza City, was largely destroyed during a two-week Israeli military raid last month.Speaking after a visit to Khan Younis following the Israeli withdrawal, Mr Peeperkorn said the destruction in the city was “disproportionate to anything one can imagine. No building or road is intact, there is only rubble and dirt”.Israel imposed a siege on Gaza after the Hamas attack, with severe limitations on the amounts of food, water and other necessities allowed to enter the strip. It has since allowed some aid to enter Gaza, but the UN says a number of children have died from malnutrition in northern Gaza, which has been cut off from most aid, and famine is imminent there.Israel has denied impeding the flow of aid into Gaza or within the territory. After the Israeli military killed seven aid workers earlier this month, it agreed to open up new routes and allow more aid in, including to northern Gaza. On Friday the Israeli military said the first food trucks had entered northern Gaza through a new crossing point.White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Israel was meeting its commitment to open up additional vehicle crossings to Gaza for aid, but it was not enough and the US was continuing to press Israeli officials to do more.What is famine and why are Gaza and Sudan at risk?Biden pressure on Israel not enough, say dissenting US officialsRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warPalestinian territoriesHumanitarian aidMore on this storyGazans return to devastation in Khan YounisPublished3 days agoBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingPublished22 hours agoInside IDF’s detailed briefing on aid convoy attackPublished7 days agoTop StoriesLive. I wasn’t aware Royal Mail was involved in prosecutions, says CrozierPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished3 hours agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands of pounds of benefitsPublished9 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce2Police investigate Rayner over council house sale3Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to4UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone5Netanyahu meets officials as Iran attack fears grow6Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold7’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts8Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands9Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born10’Huge amount’ of Gaza surgery on children – UK doctorBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNetanyahu meets top officials as fears of Iran attack on Israel growPublished12 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, ReutersImage caption, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be meeting with top officials over a possible Iran attackBy Kathryn ArmstrongBBC NewsIsrael’s prime minister is to meet top officials to prepare for a possible attack by Iran, local media report.Tensions are high over the possibility that Tehran will retaliate for an air strike that killed senior Iranian commanders nearly two weeks ago. Several countries have now warned their citizens about travelling in both countries.US officials have told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that a major attack on Israel could happen imminently. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet members of his war cabinet, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and opposition figure Benny Gantz. One US official CBS spoke to warned Iran could use more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and possibly ballistic missiles. These would reportedly be aimed at military targets in Israel in a strike the size of which Israel would find “challenging” to defend against. The official added that there was still a possibility Iran could decide to hold back. A second source also confirmed to CBS that an Iranian action could happen on Friday. They put the number of cruise missiles that could be used by Iran to attack Israel at 150 and said the planned scale of the attack had grown in recent days – reportedly to make sure that at least some of the drones and missiles would get through Israeli air defence systems.How might Iran seek to hurt Israel after general’s killing?Why are Israel and Hamas fighting in Gaza?The comments come after the US earlier warned that such a strike was imminent.President Joe Biden has already promised Israel his country’s “ironclad” support in the event of an Iranian attack. The mounting tensions have led counties including the US, UK, India and Australia to issue travel warnings. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike next to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, but is widely considered to have carried it outThirteen people were killed in the 1 April missile strike on an Iranian consulate building next to its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus.They included senior Iranian military leaders, among them Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but is widely considered to have carried it out.The current war was sparked when Hamas attacked Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, killing about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking more than 250 hostage. Israel says that of 130 hostages still in Gaza, at least 34 are dead.More than 33,600 Gazans, the majority of them civilians, have been killed during Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says.The conflict has also seen Israel trade almost daily fire across its northern border with the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, while Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen have attempted to hit Israeli territory as well as US bases in Iraq and Syria. Yemen’s Houthi movement has also attacked shipping in the Red Sea, sinking at least one ship and prompting the US and UK to launch missiles against the group.Related TopicsMiddle EastIsrael-Gaza warIsraelIranMore on this storyUS restricts travel for diplomats in IsraelPublished2 hours agoIsrael ‘can handle’ threat from Iran, says militaryPublished4 days agoGPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threatPublished4 AprilTop StoriesLive. I wasn’t aware Royal Mail was involved in prosecutions, says CrozierPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished2 hours agoNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished4 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you an in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts7Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands8Concerns over TV show farm tenancy9Star Trek’s Scotty played by a Scot for first time10Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRussia Kazakhstan floods: High water levels swamp Orenburg housesPublished16 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, EPAImage caption, More than 10,000 people have been evacuated in OrenburgBy Robert GreenallBBC NewsFloods in the Russian city of Orenburg have raised water levels to two metres above critical, leaving just the roofs of some houses showing.The city’s mayor urged many residents to leave home, as sirens sounded.Levels in Orenburg are likely to peak on Friday, but floods are expected to spread through neighbouring regions over the coming days and weeks.Kazakhstan has also been badly affected, with 100,000 people evacuated from their homes in the last week.The flooding is being described as the worst to hit the region in 80 years.Last week, several rivers – including the Ural, Europe’s third-largest – burst their banks. A number flow back and forth between Russia and Kazakhstan.High seasonal temperatures have led to rapidly melting snow and ice, compounded by heavy rains.The Ural river reached 11.43m (37ft) in Orenburg on Friday. Authorities say that more than 10,000 people have been evacuated there, and 11,700 homes have been flooded.Mayor Sergei Salmin has called for further mass evacuations in some districts.”Leave your homes immediately. The situation is critical, don’t waste time!” he said on his Telegram channel, adding that the sirens being heard in the city were not an exercise.The city has a population of half a million and is about 1,500km (930 miles) south-east of Moscow. Water levels have fallen in Orsk, further east and upstream of Orenburg. Orsk was badly affected last weekend after a dam burst and saw rare public protests against low compensation offers and perceived failures by local authorities to save the dam..flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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From Orenburg the Ural flows through northwest Kazakhstan and into the Caspian Sea. The Ishim and Tobol rivers are also reaching dangerous levels, and are only predicted to peak around 23-24 April.Floodwaters are threatening a whole swathe of northern Kazakhstan and many dams and reservoirs there are filled to capacity.In Petropavl on the Ishim river, in North Kazakhstan region, a local reservoir was threatening to overflow, potentially flooding a major road between two Russian cities – Chelyabinsk and Novosibirsk.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Some 100,000 people have been evacuated in northern KazakhstanMeanwhile the Russian village of Kaminskoye has been evacuated after levels in the Tobol rose 1.4m overnight, regional governor Vadim Shumkov said.Kurgan, the regional capital and city of 300,000, lies downstream and is also thought to be at risk.Mr Shumkov said a dam near the city was being reinforced.States of emergency have been declared in Kurgan region and in neighbouring Tyumen, in western Siberia.Flooding often happens in this part of the Eurasian landmass when winter transitions to spring, but there has been nothing on this scale in living memory.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Drone shows Russian cities hit by record floodingRelated TopicsKazakhstanFloodsRussiaMore on this storyFloods surge to critical levels in southern RussiaPublished1 day ago’Worst floods in decades’ hit Kazakhstan and RussiaPublished4 days agoThousands evacuated as dam burst worsens Russia floodsPublished6 days agoThousands forced to evacuate after Russian dam burstsPublished6 days agoTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought prosecutions, ex-boss tells inquiryPolice investigate Rayner over council house salePublished1 hour agoNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished3 hours agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCOn the trip of a lifetime, which pair will finish first?Five teams of intrepid Brits battle it out in a breath-taking 15,000 kilometre raceAttributioniPlayerReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsAncient artefacts, power play and exploring epic locationsMary Beard uncovers the hidden world of the Roman emperorsAttributioniPlayerFrom Doctor Who to An Enemy of the PeopleNihal Arthanayake brings you in-depth interview with actor Matt SmithAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands7’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts8Concerns over TV show farm tenancy9Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups10Star Trek’s Scotty played by a Scot for first timeBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaIndia election 2024: When are they, why do they matter and who can vote?Published21 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndia elections 2024Image source, R. SATISH BABU / Getty ImagesIndia’s 2024 general election – to be held over six weeks between 19 April and 1 June – will be the biggest the world has ever seen.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hoping to win a third successive term, but opposition parties say Indians face the loss of many freedoms if he stays in power.Which parties are standing against Narendra Modi’s BJP? Recent opinion polls suggest Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will win the election for the Lok Sabha – the lower chamber of India’s parliament – for a third time running.The Lok Sabha chooses the prime minister, who in turns chooses government ministers.In the 2019 election the BJP won 303 seats, and the coalition of parties it is in, the National Democratic Alliance, took 352 seats overall.The Hindu foot soldier who became prime ministerThe main challenge in 2024 comes from a coalition of political parties headed by the Indian National Congress, the biggest opposition party.More than two dozen parties have joined it to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (“India” for short). Key politicians in this group include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, as well as siblings Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, whose father was the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Their mother, Sonia Gandhi, is a powerful opposition leader but is not expected to campaign as hard as she did in 2019. Delhi’s governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is part of the coalition, along with several important regional parties. Three AAP leaders have been recently arrested, accused of corruption. The party accuses Mr Modi and the BJP of conducting a political vendetta against it, which the BJP denies.’Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy India opposition leader Kejriwal to remain in jailIndia’s opposition challenge to Modi may be implodingWhat are the key issues and why does the India general election matter?Mr Modi can claim India’s global standing has risen thanks to its growing economy and closer relations with the US, which wants India to be its ally against China.He has recently introduced generous welfare schemes, such as providing free grain to 800 million of India’s poorest, and a monthly stipend of 1,250 rupees ($16; £12) to women from low-income families. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Rahul Gandhi is one of the leaders of the “India” coalition of parties challenging the BJPIn its manifesto Congress argues that unemployment remains high, especially for young people. And it promises increased welfare payments for women, three million extra government jobs and more apprenticeships for college leavers.It also promises that it will stop India’s “slide into autocracy”.Minority groups say that they often face discrimination and attacks, and have been forced to live as “second-class” citizens under Mr Modi’s rule – an allegation the BJP denies. The campaign group for international civil liberties, Freedom House, says that journalists and others who question the BJP government have increasingly been harassed. It classifies India as only “partly free”.BBC splits news operation in India ‘Electoral autocracy’: The downgrading of India’s democracy What are the dates of the polling days, and why does voting take so long?Voting is taking place in different parts of India on seven polling days: 19 April, 26 April, 7 May, 13 May, 20 May, 25 May and 1 June.The results will be announced on 4 June.Voting is staggered to enable security staff to guard polling stations across the country.Millions of electronic voting machines will be used, which let people choose between candidates or pick “none of the above”.Who can vote in elections for the Lok Sabha?India is the world’s most populous country, with 1.4 billion inhabitants, and 969 million of them can vote in this year’s election – roughly one in eight of the global population.Voters must be Indian citizens, 18 years of age or older and be on the electoral register. They also need valid voter ID cards.A simple guide to India’s general election Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, 969 million people are eligible to vote in India’s 2024 general electionThe 13.4 million Indian citizens who live abroad can also vote, but must register and return to India to do so. There are 543 elected MPs in the Lok Sabha, and an individual party or coalition needs at least 272 seats to form a majority to govern. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a five-year term to represent a single constituency, the winner being the candidate with the most votes.There are 131 seats reserved for MPs from so-called “scheduled castes” and “scheduled tribes”. These are groups officially recognised as disadvantaged, and make up about a quarter of India’s population.India has also passed a law to allocate a third of the seats to women, but this will not come into force for several years.How are all the votes collected across India?.flourish-container{position:relative;color:#404040;font-family:’Helmet’, ‘Freesans’, ‘Helvetica’, ‘Arial’, sans-serif;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4}.flourish-embed{position:relative}
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India is 1.3 million sq miles (3.3 million sq km) in area, and electoral rules say there must be a polling booth close to every human habitation.The 2019 elections had a polling booth in a remote forest area of the Gir National Park in Gujarat for the one man living there.In the 2024 elections, officials will trek 24 miles (39km) to a village in Arunachal Pradesh state in north-east India, to collect the vote of a single female voter.Related TopicsIndia elections 2024Narendra ModiIndiaTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought prosecutions, ex-boss tells inquiryNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished2 hours agoPolice investigate Angela Rayner over electoral law claimsPublished8 minutes agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporeWhat is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’A simple guide to India’s general electionElsewhere on the BBCLet’s banish complicated toilet flushesPaul Merton talks to Hannah Fry to find out what she would send to Room 101AttributionSoundsReporting on the OJ Simpson car chaseFormer LA crime reporter, David Goldstein, recalls the most ‘surreal’ day of his careerAttributionSoundsRemembering an alternative rock legend6 Music reflects on the influences and work of Kurt Cobain, 30 years after his passingAttributionSoundsThe man who entertained the UK for eight decadesPolitical writer and broadcaster Steve Richards reminisces on the genius of Bruce ForsythAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Rayner over council house sale2Sir Ian McKellen on taking role he always said no to3UK laser weapon could be sent to Ukraine war zone4Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born5Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold6Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands7Concerns over TV show farm tenancy8Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups9’Serious deficiencies’ in Bank’s economy forecasts10GDP rises in February increasing hopes UK is out of recessionBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireCloseFive years after a devastating fire at the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, video shows the progress of renovation work.The 850-year-old Gothic building’s spire and roof collapsed in April 2019 but the main structure, including the two bell towers, were saved.SubsectionEuropePublished18 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreNotre-Dame’s transformation five years after fire. Video, 00:00:58Notre-Dame’s transformation five years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished18 minutes ago0:58Up Next. US carpenter helps rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral. Video, 00:01:02US carpenter helps rebuild Notre Dame CathedralSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 June 2023Up Next1:02Notre-Dame Cathedral on track to reopen in 2024. Video, 00:01:03Notre-Dame Cathedral on track to reopen in 2024SubsectionEuropePublished28 July 20221:03Rebuilding Notre-Dame… with 1,000 oak trees. Video, 00:02:44Rebuilding Notre-Dame… with 1,000 oak treesSubsectionEuropePublished15 April 20212:44President Macron visits Notre Dame two years after fire. Video, 00:00:53President Macron visits Notre Dame two years after fireSubsectionEuropePublished15 April 20210:53Editor’s recommendationsJailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’ Video, 00:01:04Jailed sub-postmistress says ‘apologise to my son’SubsectionUKPublished16 hours ago1:04How OJ Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ unfolded. 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Video, 00:00:42Watch: Guatemala landfill fire declared a disasterSubsectionLatin America & CaribbeanPublished1 day ago0:42Watch: Bus passengers rescued from flood waters. Video, 00:00:45Watch: Bus passengers rescued from flood watersSubsectionAfricaPublished2 days ago0:45BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityScience & EnvironmentBrightest-ever cosmic explosion solved but new mysteries sparkedPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Aaron M. Geller Image caption, Artwork of the brightest cosmic explosion of all timeBy Pallab GhoshScience correspondentResearchers have discovered the cause of the brightest burst of light ever recorded.But in doing so they have run up against two bigger mysteries, including one that casts doubt on where our heavy elements – like gold – come from.The burst of light, spotted in 2022, is now known to have had an exploding star at its heart, researchers say.But that explosion, by itself, would not have been sufficient to have shone so brightly. And our current theory says that such exploding stars, known as supernovas, also produce all the heavy elements in the universe such as gold and platinum.But the team found none of these elements, raising new questions about how precious metals are produced. Prof Catherine Heymans of Edinburgh University and Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, who is independent of the research team, said that results like these help to drive science forward.”The Universe is an amazing, wonderful and surprising place, and I love the way that it throws these conundrums at us!”The fact that it is not giving us the answers we want is great, because we can go back to the drawing board and think again and come up with better theories,” she said.Image source, NASA/ESA/CSA/M.Matsuura et alImage caption, Supernovas occur when large stars die resulting in powerful explosionsThe explosion was detected by telescopes in October 2022. It came from a distant galaxy 2.4 billion light-years away, emitting light across all frequencies. But it was especially intense in its gamma rays, which are a more penetrating form of X-rays. The gamma ray burst lasted seven minutes and was so powerful that it was off the scale, overwhelming the instruments that detected them. Subsequent readings showed that the burst was 100 times brighter than anything that had ever been recorded before, earning it the nickname among astronomers of the Brightest Of All Time or B.O.A.T.Gamma ray bursts are associated with exploding supernovas, but this was so bright that it could not be easily explained. If it were a supernova, it would have had to have been absolutely enormous, according to the current theory.The burst was so bright that it initially dazzled the instruments on Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The telescope had only recently become operational, and this was an incredible stroke of luck for astronomers wanting to study the phenomenon because such powerful explosions are calculated to occur once every 10,000 years.As the light dimmed, one of JWST’s instruments was able to see there had indeed been a supernova explosion. But it had not been nearly as powerful as they expected. So why then had the burst of gamma rays been off the scale?Image source, Anthony BradshawImage caption, All the gold on Earth was produced in cataclysmic explosions in outer spaceDr Peter Blanchard, who co-led the research team, doesn’t know. But he wants to find out. He plans to book more time on JWST to investigate other supernova remnants.”It could be that these gamma ray bursts and supernova explosions are not necessarily directly linked to each other and they could be separate processes going on,” he told BBC News. Dr Tanmoy Laskar, from the University of Utah and co-leader of the study the study, said that the B.O.A.T’s power might be explained by the way in which jets of material were being sprayed out, as normally occurs during supernovas. But if these jets are narrow, they produce a more focused and so brighter beam of light.”It’s like focusing a flashlight’s beam into a narrow column, as opposed to a broad beam that washes across a whole wall,” he said. “In fact, this was one of the narrowest jets seen for a gamma ray burst so far, which gives us a hint as to why the afterglow appeared as bright as it did”. Theory rethinkBut what about the missing gold? The current theory that is taught to all astronomers at university is that one of the ways heavy elements – such as gold, platinum, lead and uranium – are produced is during the extreme conditions that are created during supernovas. These are spread across the galaxy and are used in the formation of planets, which is how, the theory goes, the metals found on Earth arose.But the researchers found no evidence of heavy elements around the exploded star. So, is the theory wrong and heavy elements are produced some other way, or are they only produced in supernovas under certain conditions?”Theorists need to go back and look at why an event like the B.O.A.T is not producing heavy elements when theories and simulations predict that they should,” says Dr Blanchard.The research has been published in the journal Nature Astronomy.Follow Pallab on X, formerly known as TwitterRelated TopicsCosmologyMore on this storyAstronomers crack 37-year cosmic ‘murder mystery’Published23 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. I didn’t realise Post Office brought its own prosecutions, says ex-bossNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished13 minutes agoPolice investigate Angela RaynerPublished14 minutes agoFeaturesSuicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?The Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76What is GDP and how does it affect me?Pinstickers’ guide to the Grand National AttributionSportSum 41’s ‘energy and attitude’ inspires new bandsNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Elsewhere on the BBCLet’s banish complicated toilet flushesPaul Merton talks to Hannah Fry to find out what she would send to Room 101AttributionSoundsWhy did Vine end up toast?Sean Farrington investigates what happened to the first ever video app sensationAttributionSoundsRemembering an alternative rock legend6 Music reflects the influences and work of Kurt Cobain, 30 years after his passingAttributionSoundsThe man who entertained the UK for eight decadesPolitical writer and broadcaster Steve Richards reminisces on the genius of Bruce ForsythAttributionSoundsMost Read1Police investigate Angela Rayner2Paxman: Parkinson’s makes you wish you’d not been born3Sir Ian McKellen taking the role he always said no to4Brightest-ever explosion’s mystery of missing gold5Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands6Concerns over TV show farm tenancy7Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash8Nine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groups9Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 7610GDP rises in February increasing hopes UK is out of recessionBBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaThe $2bn dirty-money case that rocked SingaporePublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The case has put Singapore’s status as a financial hub in the spotlightBy Kelly NgBBC News, SingaporeA Singaporean court has begun handing out sentences in a sensational case, which saw 10 Chinese nationals charged for laundering $2.2bn (£1.8bn) earned from criminal activities abroad. The scandal embroiled multiple banks, property agents, precious metal traders and a top golf club. It led to extensive raids in some of the most affluent neighbourhoods, where police seized billions in cash and assets. The lurid details have gripped Singaporeans – among the seized assets were 152 properties, 62 vehicles, shelves of luxury bags and watches, hundreds of pieces of jewellery and thousands of bottles of alcohol. Earlier this month, Su Wenqiang and Su Haijin, became the first to be jailed in the case. Su Haijin, police said, jumped off the second-floor balcony of a house trying to flee arrest. Both men will serve a little over a year in prison, after which they will be deported and barred from returning to Singapore. Eight others are still awaiting the court’s decision. Even as it draws to a close, the case – the biggest of its kind in Singapore – has raised inevitable questions. The money that paid for their plush lives in the country, prosecutors said, came from illegal sources overseas, such as scams and online gambling.How did these men, some of whom had multiple passports from Cambodia, Vanuatu, Cyprus and Dominica, live and bank in Singapore for years without drawing scrutiny? It has sparked a review of policies, with banks tightening rules, especially around clients who hold multiple passports.Most important, the case has spotlighted the country’s struggle with welcoming the super wealthy, without also becoming a destination for ill-gotten gains. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Luxury cars were among assets police seized in their raidsShow me the moneySingapore, which is often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, started wooing banks and wealth managers in the 1990s. Economic reforms in China and India had begun to pay off, and then in the 2000s, a newly-stable Indonesia saw wealth grow as well. Soon, Singapore became a haven for foreign businesses, with investor-friendly laws, tax exemptions and other incentives.Today, the ultra-rich can fly into Singapore’s private jet terminal, live it up in luxurious quayside neighbourhoods, and speculate on the world’s first diamond trading exchange. Just outside the airport is a maximum-security vault called Le Freeport that provides tax-free storage for fine art, jewels, wine and other valuables. The $100m-facility is often dubbed Asia’s Fort Knox.Singapore’s asset managers drew S$435bn from abroad in 2022, almost double the figure in 2017, according to the country’s market regulator. More than half of Asia’s family offices – firms which manage private wealth – are now in Singapore, according to a report by consulting giant KPMG and family office consultancy Agreus. They include those of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, British billionaire James Dyson and Chinese-Singaporean Shu Ping, boss of the world’s biggest chain of hotpot restaurants, Haidilao. Rent ‘doomsday’ in Singapore as prices surge How a tote bag sparked a class debate in SingaporeAuthorities say some of the accused in the money laundering case may be linked to family offices that were given tax incentives.”There is an inherent contradiction for a place like Singapore, which prides itself on clean and good governance but also wants to accommodate the management of massive wealth by offering advantages such as low taxes and banking secrecy,” says Chong Ja-Ian, a non-resident scholar at Carnegie China.”The risk of also becoming a banker for individuals who earned their money through nefarious or illicit means grows.”Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Singapore’s attraction for the ultra-rich comes with risks, analysts sayFor rich Chinese, Singapore is a top choice because of its reputed governance and stability, as well as its cultural links to China. And more Chinese money has been entering Singapore in recent years. One of the 10 suspects in this case was wanted in China since 2017 for his alleged role in illegal gambling online. Prosecutors claimed that he settled in Singapore because he “wanted a safe place to hide from the Chinese authorities”.Hiding in plain sightThis isn’t the first time Singapore-based banks have been implicated in a financial crime. They were found to have played a role in cross-border laundering in the 1MDB scandal, where billions were misappropriated from Malaysia’s state investment fund. Dan Tan, who was once described by Interpol as “the leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate” also had strong business links to Singapore. He was arrested here in 2013.The country has strict rules targeting white collar crimes and is an active member of the Financial Action Task Force, a global body which targets money laundering and financing for terror networks. Over the years, banks have invested heavily to strengthen compliance, to screen prospective customers and to urge regulators to report suspicious transactions. But none of this is foolproof. For one, it is difficult for regulators to spot suspicious cases in a sea of high-value transactions.”It’s not just one needle in a haystack, but one needle in several haystacks,” Singapore’s second minister for home affairs, Josephine Teo, told parliament in October last year. Singapore’s buoyant property market is a popular means to “clean” dirty money, some experts pointed out. And there are the casinos, nightclubs and luxury stores. “Massive amounts of money pass through Singapore’s banking system every day. Criminals can exploit this feature and disguise their money laundering activities among legitimate ones,” accounting professor Kelvin Law from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University told the BBC.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Singapore’s property market is one of the routes for dirty money, experts saySingapore also does not limit the amount of cash that can be carried in and out of the country, only requiring a declaration if the sum exceeds S$20,000. And that is an advantage, says Christopher Leahy, the founder of Singapore-based investigative research and risk advisory firm Blackpeak. “If you want to move lots of money, you hide it in plain sight and Singapore is a great place for that. There is no point putting it in the Cayman Islands or the British Virgin Islands, where there is nothing [to spend money on],” he said.When asked for a response to analysts’ comments that Singapore’s advantages as a financial capital are also a draw for dirty money, authorities pointed the BBC to the law and home affairs minister interview in a local newspaper last year. “We can’t close the window, because if we did that, then legitimate funds will also not be able to come. And legitimate business also can’t be done, or becomes very difficult to do. So we have to be sensible,” K Shanmugam said.”When you are successful, you are a major financial centre, a lot of money comes in, some ‘flies’ will also come in,” he added, referring to an oft-repeated quote of the late Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping.Singapore has to decide how far it will go in accepting “money with varying shades of grey”, says Dr Chong of Carnegie China. While increased regulation will help, he says transparency poses a bigger challenge: “Transparency goes against the very model of discretion that allows many wealth management hubs to thrive.” Some analysts say this may well be the price Singapore is willing to pay to retain its position as a financial hub. “The vast majority of the funds are legitimate, after all,” Mr Leahy says. “But there is an inevitable cost to being a major financial centre.” Related TopicsSingaporeAsiaMoney launderingMore on this storySingapore picks a president who could’ve been much morePublished1 September 2023Cash, cars and homes seized in $735m Singapore raidsPublished17 August 2023Singapore deputy addresses scandals in BBC interviewPublished26 July 2023Singapore rocked by rare political scandalsPublished20 July 2023Top StoriesNine-year-olds added to malicious WhatsApp groupsPublished3 hours agoUS restricts travel for employees in IsraelPublished1 hour agoLive. 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Chicago 12, Melborne City, USA
