The explosion at the hospital in gaza was carried out by palestinian militants, not israel. The blast is reported to have killed and wounded hundreds of people, many of them women and children. Israel has blamed the incident on a misfiring palestinian rocket, saying the physical evidence at the scene backs up the claim. Arab countries Havejoined Hamas in blaming israel for the explosion. The Gazan Health Ministry says a71 people were killed in the incident. Mr biden told the israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that the us would continue to work with israel and partners across the region to prevent � more tragedy to innocent civilians�. The incident has led to shock waves in the region and the cancellation of a planned summit between mr biden and arab leaders. These are the scenes in the lebanese capital, beirut, where crowds gathered outside the us embassy. Over the next hour, we will look at what we know and what we dont know about the explosion at the hospital, and speak to our correspondents in the region about the response. But lets start the hour with this report from our correspondent, wyre davis. Joe biden arrived in israel this morning at one of the most dangerous points in the recent history of the region. From the us president , a very public demonstrative show of support for isreal and Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu who has vowed to do what it takes to crush hamas. Mr biden� s visit has been overshadowed by what palestinian Officials Say was an Israeli Attack last night on a hospital in gaza. According to hamas, 500 people were killed including many whod already been forced to evacuate their homes and were sheltering in the now burnt out hospital grounds. As the victims were buried, more desperation for gazans and a sense increasing anger across the arab world. There were overnight protests across the west bank, jordan, lebanon, and yemen. But israel says it was not to blame. In a detailed rebuttal of the claims from gaza, israeli officials said intelligence reports pointed to a misfired missile from palestinian militants. Part of israels defence, intercepted communication between militants, said to be acknowledging what had actually happened. Israels evidence appeared persuasive enough forjoe biden. I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in gaza yesterday and based on what i have seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you. Mr biden also expressed concern about hostages held in gaza. They include us citizens like Hersh Goldberg polin. The 23 year old was badly wounded at a hamas attack at the Music Festival at which hundreds were killed. His mother rachel is desperate for progress. I do feel that President Biden is very much with the hostages. We have spoken to him, i have spoken to him personally and we feel that support. And i know that the israelis as well want all the hostages released. And yet there is this quagmire of time and chaos and pandemonium and we are actively at war. Joe biden� s short visit will be followed by other World Leaders many of whom also have citizens killed or abducted by hamas. But the events of the last 2a hours have made things even more perilous for people in the immediate region including the hostages being held in gaza. Wyre davies, bbc news, jerusalem. Let me see the live pictures again because we are waiting for the us president , you can see the flag on the podium and that it is all set forjoe biden after his variety of meetings. Let me give you the latest at the news agency is reporting that joe biden said he has asked the israel Prime Minister quote tough questions, during their meeting in tel aviv where they discussed humanitarian needs, Security Assistance and information on unaccounted americans. A reference thereto the hostages. So tough questions apparently. That meeting went on for four hours. Perhaps we will see a reflection on the on the various statements, questions and front man answers in the news conference. We are expecting that in the next little while. The bbc is one of very few outlets with a reporter in gaza. Our correspondent Rushdi Abu Alouf has been to Al Ahli Hospital and a warning the pictures in his report are disturbing. At the hospital this morning, after what looks to have been the deadliest moment in gaza of the war so far. Burnt out cars and just a huge fire after last nights blast. I was talking to one of the people who witnessed what the palestinians are calling a massacre. Sorry to leave that. Straight to joe biden he has arrived at the microphones. I biden he has arrived at the microphones. Biden he has arrived at the microhones. ~. ,. Microphones. I know the recent Terrorist Assault microphones. I know the recent Terrorist Assault and microphones. I know the recent Terrorist Assault and the microphones. I know the recent Terrorist Assault and the people microphones. I know the recent i Terrorist Assault and the people of this nation has left a more than 1300 innocent israelis were killed including at least 31 american citizens by the terrorist group hamas. Hundreds, hundreds of young people at a Music Festival, the festival was gunned down as they ran for their lives. Scores of innocents from infants to elderly grandparents, israelis and americans taken hostage. Children and babies slaughtered, entire families massacred. Rain, beheadings, bodies burnt alive. Hamas committed atrocities and the worst ravages of isis on this impure On Dominic Ball Evil upon the world. There is no rationalising, no excusing it, period. The brutality that we saw would have cut deep anywhere in the world. But it cuts deeper here in israel october seven which was a Sacred Jewish Holiday became the deadliest day for the jewish people since the holocaust. It is brought to the surface painful memories and scars left by Anti Semitism and Genocide Ofjewish people. We will not stand by and do nothing again, not stand by and do nothing again, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. For those living in limbo waiting desperately for the fate of a loved one, especially to the families of the hostages, you are not alone. We are working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by hamas. I cannot speak publicly about all of the details but let me assure you, for me as the american president , there is no higher priority than the release on the safe return of all of these hostages. Forthose the safe return of all of these hostages. For those who are grieving a child, parent, spouse, sibling or friend, i know that that leaves a black hole in the middle of your chest and you feel like you are being sucked into it. The anger, the questions of faith in your soul, staring at the empty chair, sitting shiva, the first sabbath without them, the everyday thing, the small things that you miss the most. The scent when you open the closet door, the Morning Coffee you shared together, the bend of a smile, the perfect picture of life, the giggle of your boy, your little baby. For those lost loved ones, i know that they will never be truly gone. Its something that is never fully lost, your love for them and their love for you. And i promise you, you will be walking along and say what would he or she want me to do . You will smile when you pass a place that reminds you of them. Thats when you know, when the smile comes to your let before the tear of your eye, thats when you know that you will make it. Thats what will give you the fortitude to fine light in the darkest hours. When terrorists believe they could bring you down, bend your will, break your resolve. They never did and they never will. Instead we saw incredible stories of heroism and courage, israelis taking care of one another, neighbours forming watch groups to protect the ca bits, opening their homes to shelter survivors. Retired soldiers going back into combat, off duty medics at the Music Festival caring for the wounded before becoming victims themselves. Volunteers retrieving bodies at the dead so that families could bury their loved ones according tojewish tradition. Reservists leaving behind their families, their honeymoons, their studies abroad without hesitation and so much more. The state of israel was born to safe place for the jewish people israel was born to safe place for thejewish people of israel was born to safe place for the jewish people of the israel was born to safe place for thejewish people of the world. Thats why it was born. Weve long said, if israel didnt exist we would have to invent it. While it may not feel that way today, israel must again be a safe place the jewish people. I promise you that we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that it will be. 75 years ago, just 11 minutes after its family, president truman became the first president of the United States of america to recognise israel, we are going to stand by their side now. My administration has close touch with their leadership from the first moments of this attack. We are going to make sure that you have what you need to defend your people and protect your nation. The decades, we have ensured that israels qualitative Military Edge and later this week, im going to ask the United States congress for unprecedented Support Package for unprecedented Support Package for israels defence. We are going to keep them fully supplied and save israeli lives. We moved us military assets to the region including the uss caria in the Eastern Mediterranean with the Uss Eisenhower on the way to deter further aggression against israel and prevent this conflict from spreading. The world will know that israel is stronger than ever and my message to any state or any other hostile Actor Thinking about attacking israel, it remains the same as it was a week ago, dont, dont, dont. Since this Terrorist Attack took place, we have seen it described as israel bbc s 911. The scale may be different but im sure those horrors have tapped into shows some kind of primal feeling that was felt in the United States, shock, pain, rage and all consuming rage. I understand that Many Americans understand, you cant look at what has happened here to you mothers, yourfathers, your grandparents, sons, daughters, children, even babies and not scream out forjustice. Justice must be out for justice. Justice must be done. Out forjustice. Justice must be done. But i caution this while you feel that rage, dont be consumed by it. After 9 11, we were enraged in the United States, while wejustice and gotjustice, we also made mistakes. I am the first us president to visit israel in a time of war, i know the choices are never clear or easy fur leadership, there is always cost. It requires being deliberate, asking very hard questions, it requires clarity about the objectives and assessment about whether the path you were on will achieve those objectives. The vast majority of palestinians are not hamas. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian People. Hamas uses innocent families in gaza as human shields, putting their command centres, their weapons, their Communication Tunnels in residential areas. The Palestinian People are suffering greatly as well. We mourn the loss of innocent palestinian lives, like the entire world i was deeply saddened by the loss of life on the attack of the hospital. Based on the attack of the hospital. Based on the attack of the hospital. Based on the information today it appears that it was the result of a rocket fired by the islamic side. I agree, i truly agree for the families who were killed or wounded by this tragedy. The people in Gaza Need Food, water, medicine. Todayi tragedy. The people in Gaza Need Food, water, medicine. Today i asked the Israeli Cabinet to agree to life saving humanitarian assistance for civilians in gaza facing the understanding that there will be inspections, and that the aid should go civilians not to hamas. Israel agrees that the humanitarian systems can begin to move from israel to gaza. Let me be clear, if hamas reverts or steals the assistance, we will have demonstrated once again that we they have no concern for the lives of innocent people. If they stop humanitarian community for being up to provide this aid. Working in close cooperation with the government of egypt, the United Nations with other partners in the region to get trucks moving across the border as soon as possible. Separately, i ask israel that the Global Community demands that the International Red cross be able to visit hostages. Ijust demanded that the United States fully supports today i am also announcing 100 million in us funding for humanitarian assistance for both gaza and the west bank. This will support more than 1 million displays an effective palestinians including Emergency Needs in gaza. You are a jewish state but you are also a democracy. Like the United States, you dont live by the rules of terrorist, you live by the rule of law. When conflicts fare, you live by the rule of law wars. What sets it apart from terraces we believe in the fundamental dignity of every life, israeli, palestinian, arab, jew, everyone. If we give that up we let the terrorists win and we can never let them win. Israel is a miracle, hertriumph never let them win. Israel is a miracle, her triumph of faith and resolve of resilience of impossible pain and loss. Think about october seven, Thejewish Holiday where we read about the death of moses, a tragic story of a profound loss for an entire nation. A death that could have left hopelessness in the hearts of an entire nation but then moses died his messages lessons have lived on the generations ofjewish people as many others. Just as the memory of your loved ones will live on as well. After reading the story of mosess death they begin reading the torah from the big any beginning. The story of creation reminds us of two things. First, when we get knocked down we get back up again and we begin anew. Second, when we are faced with tragedy and loss, we must go back to the beginning and remember who we are. We are all human beings, created an image of god with dignity, humanity and purpose. You inspire hope and light are so many around the world. Thats what the terrorists seek to destroy, thats what they seek to destroy. Because they live in darkness. But not you. Not israel. Nations of conscious like the United States and israel are not measured solely by the example of power, we are measured by the power of our example thatis measured by the power of our example that is why it it is, we must keep pursuing peace, we must keep pursuing peace, we must keep pursuing a path so that israel and the Palestinian People can both live safely and in peace and indignity. To me that means a two state solution. We must keep working for israels greater integration with its neighbours. These attacks only strengthen my commitment and will to get that done. I am here to tell you that terrorists will not win. Friedan will win freedom will win. Let me and where i began, israel, you are not alone, the United States done with you. I told the story and i will stand again and tell it. When i met the israeli Prime Minister i was sitting across from her in her office and she had a guy who later became Prime Minister sitting next to me. Just before the 1970 will and she flipped the maps up 1970 will and she flipped the maps up and down telling me how bad things were and how terrible they were. All are second she of the sudden she looked at me and said, would you like a photograph. We walked out into the hallway on this marble floor we walked out into the hallway, we walked out and theyre a bunch of photographers standing in front of us. We were Standing Shoulder shoulder and without her looking at me she said, why do you looking at me she said, why do you look so worried, senator biden . And i said, worried . Look so worried, senator biden . And isaid, worried . Of look so worried, senator biden . And i said, worried . Of course i am worried. She looked at me and she said, dont worry, senator. We israelis have a secret weapon, we have nowhere else to go. Today, i will say to the whole of israel, the United States is not going anywhere either. Were going to stay with you. We will walk beside you in those dark days and the good days to come and they will come. As you say in hebrew which i am not to attempt to do because im such a terrible linguist, i will say it in english, the people of israel live, the people of israel live. And israel will be safe, secure, Jewish Democratic state. Today, tomorrow and forever. May god protect all of those who work for peace. God save those who work for peace. God save those who work for peace. God save those who are still in harms way. Thank you very much. Those who are still in harms way. Thank you very much. While there the statement from thank you very much. While there the statement from joe thank you very much. While there the statement from joe biden thank you very much. While there the statement from joe biden after statement from joe biden after concluding the variety of meetings. Let me just take you through the key points that we just heard from joe biden. He started talking about the attacks of the 7th Of October leaving a deep, deep wound in israel. He said they were the deadliest attack since the holocaust. He said that those in limbo, referencing the various hostages, we are working with our partners in the region to try and bring home their loved one. He said this is a high priority. He said, i understand the feeling of a black hole in your chest as you wait. He talked about going back to congress for more unprecedented extra support for more unprecedented extra support for israel. To the various other players in the region, neighbours, potentially you could get involved, he said, i repeat the message of the last ten or 11 days, dont. He said. And then he reflected on the magnitude of those attacks on israel, he said it was the equivalent to 15 911 is when you took into account israels population. He said we understand, america understands that it taps into primalfears and america understands that it taps into primal fears and feelings of pain, shock and rage and he said dont be consumed by it. He said we, the us, after 9 11 pursued justice but we made mistakes. He then talks about the Palestinian People he said that people of Gaza Need Food and water, he said that we would ask israels cabinet to allow humanitarian assistance and it should be allowed in even with expections but also making the point that none of it should be going to hamas. And towards the end of the statement he said, the vast majority of palestinians are not hamas. Hamas is not the Palestinian People. He said that the terrorists would be defeated. Those are the thoughts from joe biden touching on all aspects of what we have seen over the terrible last 12 days, those attacks on israel and what we had seen subsequently. We will talk to the un agency on the ground there in gaza injust a moment. But sitting there patiently waiting to talk to us is marked a defence expert, a former colonel in the us marines who is a Senior Adviser with the centre for strategic and International Security programme. Thank you for your patience. I know you came on to talk about those terrible events at the hospital. Because you, like many others, have been looking at the pictures, looking at the reports. What is your conclusion at this stage . What is your conclusion at this sta. E . ~ what is your conclusion at this staue . ~. ,. Stage . Well, the hospital incident is clearly getting stage . Well, the hospital incident is clearly getting a stage . Well, the hospital incident is clearly getting a major stage . Well, the hospital incident is clearly getting a major dont is clearly getting a major dont like having a major impact on discussions in the middle east. My bottom line is that from the evidence we have right now, the israeli explanation looks to the most plausible, that is that this was an errant rocket that landed in the parking lot of the hospital. find the parking lot of the hospital. And in terms of the parking lot of the hospital. And in terms of what you are actually looking out for, we are playing some of the aerial pictures of the car park, all of those cars that are burnt out, people have been looking at the flame damage, people have been looking at the crater, or the lack of a large crater, what are the sort of things that are drawing your attention . The sort of things that are drawing your attention . ~ , attention . The key thing is the condition of attention . The key thing is the condition of the attention . The key thing is the condition of the Hospital Attention . The key thing is the l condition of the Hospital Building itself, we have seen a lot of pictures of the parking lot. If the hospital itself was struck, if there were 500 casualties, then the hospital itself would be a collapsed building and so far we have not seen any indication of that. What we have seen is this parking lot, a small crater and some burnt out cars which is consistent with a rocket striking the parking lot and setting their cars on fire. Of course, we saw a flash when the rocket landed from some other videos. In those other videos also seem to indicate may be an errant rocket, you see a rocket rising from gaza, there are a couple of flashes from the rock then it starts to descend, then there is a large explosion. The fact that it is over a gaza indicates that it is not intercepted by the iron dome over israel, not over the gaza strip. At least, at this point the israeli explanation looks like the most plausible. Explanation looks like the most lausible. �. ,. , plausible. And, of course, we have seen account plausible. And, of course, we have seen Account Explanations plausible. And, of course, we have seen Account Explanations from i seen Account Explanations from various arab capitals. And reaction, you know what it is, in terms of the impact that this has in the coming days, what is your assessment . I was reading, for example, the middle east correspondence with The Economist saying, in his view he thought it would narrow what israel is going to be able to do in their Ground Incursion because the whole region was a boiling point. Inothiile region was a boiling point. While there is no region was a boiling point. While there is no question region was a boiling point. While there is no question that region was a boiling point. Igni ie there is no question that editors had a major effect on arab nations, of course, President Bidens meetings have been cancelled as a result. I think more information will come out. There will be pictures of the building it safe and if the building is intact that would lend credibility to the israeli explanation. I think the concern here is that this may be a major Disinformation Campaign by hamas. We need to be careful byjumping to conclusions, we need to get more information before we take action. We have to leave it there. Sorry to be so brief but are really busy afternoon with the president speaking. That is where i want to turn back to and get instant reaction to what we have heard from joe biden. The un agency is on the ground there in the gaza strip. Lets talk again to the director of communications juliet. Its director of communications, juliette touma, joins me now from the jordanian capital amman. Thank you for speaking to us. First of all, your reaction to the terrible scenes that we have seen in the last 2a hours. The terrible scenes that we have seen in the last 24 hours. The last 24 hours. The attack on the hosital the last 24 hours. The attack on the hospital was the last 24 hours. The attack on the hospital was horrendous. The last 24 hours. The attack on the hospital was horrendous. Our Un I Hospital was horrendous. Our un secretary condemned it last night right after it happened. Civilians should be protected, civilians are not safe anywhere in gaza. No place is safe in gaza. A few hours before that, one of our schools that is a sheltering place for families was also hit during israeli air strikes and bombardments. The loss of life continues. The loss of civilian lives continue and that has got to stop. This is why it is absolutely critical that there is a ceasefire right away so that civilians are protected, so that we dont continue to lose civilians totally unnecessarily like we have been for the past 11 days. We unnecessarily like we have been for the past 11 days the past 11 days. We were Ust Listeninu the past 11 days. We were Ust Listening mi the past 11 days. We were Ust Listening to the i the past 11 days. We were Ust Listening to the us i the past 11 days. We were jUst Listening to the us president. | the past 11 days. We were just i listening to the us president. He said that he had tough questions and conversations with the israelis in those meetings. When you heard him say that the people of Gaza Need Food, water, power and they are asking for humanitarian assistance to be allowed in, you must be heartened by that. Are you hearing anything on the ground about practically how and when that might happen . Hat practically how and when that might ha en . , , practically how and when that might hauen . , ,. , practically how and when that might haen . ,. , practically how and when that might hauen . , ,. , , happen . Not ust yet. Not ust yet. The sieae happen . Not ust yet. Not ust yet. The siege on i happen . Notjust yet. Not ust yet. The siege on the h happen . Notjust yet. Not ust yet. The siege on the gaza happen . Notjust yet. Notjust yet. The siege on the gaza strip the siege on the gaza strip continues for the 11th day and the siege on the gaza strip must be lifted so that they are able to bring in much needed humanitarian supplies, all humanitarian agencies who work in gaza. We would like to ask for this siege to be lifted. We are urging, urging for the siege to be lifted so that we can bring in much needed supplies, including fuel so that water runs back into gaza was docked 2 Million People, 2 Million People do not have water in gaza and they are resorting to unsafe drinking water. We are going to have a Health Disaster soon in gaza if we do not have our humanitarian supplies going into gaza the people who need it most. The president was making the point that perhaps inspections would have to be