gaza health officials said many civilians were killed in an israeli strike on houses near khan younis. to the north, israeli forces are surrounding the jabalia refugee camp, which israel says is being used as a base by hamas. amid growing international criticism of the high palestinian civilian death toll, the israeli prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has pushed back against those he says are trying to pressure israel's tactics in gaza. he said the only way to finish the job was to use crushing force against hamas. live now to jerusalem and our correspondent yolande knell. yolande, what can you tell us about the activities of the israeli forces in south gaza? 50 the activities of the israeli forces in south gaza?— the activities of the israeli forces in south gaza? so khan younis, the second biggest _ in south gaza? so khan younis, the second biggest city _ in south gaza? so khan younis, the second biggest city in _ in south gaza? so khan younis, the second biggest city in the _ in south gaza? so khan younis, the second biggest city in the gaza - second biggest city in the gaza strip, remains the focus of israel's southern offensive. we know they have said they have entered into the heart of the city, that they have their troops on the ground, a lot of fighting is still taking place on the outskirts of khan younis. tens of thousands of people have been fleeing from the east of the city trying to head down towards rough close to the egyptian border, closer to the mediterranean sea in the past few days particularly as fighting has intensified. —— rafah. there is a humanitarian pause for a few hours, a limited pause, allowing people supposedly to move more safety and also allowing some aid distribution to take place because the un has been complaining that really it has not been possible to effectively distribute aid beyond a small pocket right down there close to the rafah border crossing around the rafa area because of the ongoing fighting. that has also made it very difficult to access places in the sense of the gaza strip which we now have also been hit by this fierce bombardment by israel in the past couple of days with many people killed. it has not been possible, the un says, to get aid deliveries to the north of the gaza strip since that seven—day truce between israel and hamas broke down. what that seven-day truce between israel and hamas broke down.— and hamas broke down. what is the israeli government _ and hamas broke down. what is the israeli government saying _ and hamas broke down. what is the israeli government saying about - and hamas broke down. what is the| israeli government saying about how close it is to meeting its objectives?— close it is to meeting its objectives? close it is to meeting its ob'ectives? . , , objectives? really with the rising civilian death _ objectives? really with the rising civilian death toll— objectives? really with the rising civilian death toll and _ objectives? really with the rising civilian death toll and this - civilian death toll and this humanitarian situation there is a lot of international pressure mounting on israel, including from its close ally the us. to try to wind up this war more quickly, to try to take more care to protect civilians. the israeli prime minister seems to be answering some of those criticisms when he spoke last night. he was saying that the only way for the water and was ready to use overwhelming force against hamas, basically saying that is what is happening right now. there have been more reports on israeli radio this morning, also some of the american networks quoting us officials briefed by israel, saying that they are expecting the state of the ground offensive in the south really to continue through to the end of the year to the beginning of next year which tallies with previous official comments made by israel's defence minister, and that beyond that they are looking to a lower intensity of fighting that could be more specific targeting hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell, thank— hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell. thank you _ hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell, thank you for _ hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell, thank you forjoining _ hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell, thank you forjoining us - hamas leaders, for example. yolande knell, thank you forjoining us from i knell, thank you forjoining us from jerusalem. let's pick up on a couple of the concerns that are being expressed by many members of the international community and hear from doctor nathalie roberts, executive director of doctors without borders. welcome to the programme. what can you tell us about the humanitarian situation in gaza? it about the humanitarian situation in gaza? , . , , about the humanitarian situation in gaza? , . . gaza? it is incredibly catastrophic. the level of _ gaza? it is incredibly catastrophic. the level of fighting _ gaza? it is incredibly catastrophic. the level of fighting and _ gaza? it is incredibly catastrophic. the level of fighting and the - the level of fighting and the intensity of attacks from the israeli military have escalated over the last few days after a very brief pause we had. now we are seeing enormous numbers of wounded patients overwhelming the hospitals which were already full any of wounded sick people. as we had before there are patients lying on the floor. a hospital and medical staff are unable to deal with the quantity of patients arriving to them and at the same time they are trying to do this without really access to fuel, medical supplies, because gaza has now been under almost a complete siege for a couple of months and very little aid is trickling in. we know the israeli defence forces say hamas operates everywhere, including iran hospitals presumably meaning no hospital is safe?— hospital is safe? this is the messaging _ hospital is safe? this is the messaging we _ hospital is safe? this is the messaging we keep - hospital is safe? this is the | messaging we keep hearing hospital is safe? this is the - messaging we keep hearing from the israeli military of, oh, you know, we are targeting the hospitals and they are now specifically targeting hospitals because they claim hammers are based there. that really doesn't fit with their international obligations to try and avoid civilian harm. these are protected spaces, hospitals, medical facilities are protected spaces. we have colleagues, msf has more than 300 staff, international and palestinian, working in gaza, working in these hospitals and it is a terrifying situation to know they are not protected, they are not safe and unable to deliver medical care when they are constantly under threat of attack. find when they are constantly under threat of attack.— when they are constantly under threat of attack. and no doubt as this operation _ threat of attack. and no doubt as this operation continues - threat of attack. and no doubt as this operation continues it - threat of attack. and no doubt as this operation continues it will. threat of attack. and no doubt asj this operation continues it will be impossible for people to bridge areas to get to hospitals, right now they are moving from one parellis area to another. we they are moving from one parellis area to another.— they are moving from one parellis area to another. we already saw the situation in — area to another. we already saw the situation in the _ area to another. we already saw the situation in the north _ area to another. we already saw the situation in the north where - area to another. we already saw the situation in the north where the - situation in the north where the israeli government told the population north of gaza to move south for their own safety and now they are being attacked in the south. now khan younis, which is a major city, msf is working in nasser hospital in khan younis. we are realising people are struggling to get to us and our team is going to struggle to get out to them. there is nowhere safe, no way of even accessing medical care today and no way of our team is getting to them to provide the medical care they need. , ., to provide the medical care they need. , . ~ , ., ., need. given what the australian government _ need. given what the australian government has _ need. given what the australian government has said _ need. given what the australian government has said about - need. given what the australian government has said about its l government has said about its objectives, what would your message be in terms of trying to protect civilian life? —— israeli government. civilian life? -- israeli government.- civilian life? -- israeli government. civilian life? -- israeli covernment. ., , . ., government. msf, doctors without borders government. msf, doctors without itoniers have _ government. msf, doctors without borders have written _ government. msf, doctors without borders have written to _ government. msf, doctors without borders have written to the - government. msf, doctors without borders have written to the us - borders have written to the us government, the un security council, asking them to support an immediate ceasefire. it isjust asking them to support an immediate ceasefire. it is just not possible to stop it cannot continue like this. whatever the israeli military objectives are, the strategy cannot incorporate this level of civilian harm, the sheer thousands of people being killed and thousands of more being killed and thousands of more being injured. it is not an acceptable military strategy. given where the hospitals _ acceptable military strategy. given where the hospitals are, _ acceptable military strategy. given where the hospitals are, is - acceptable military strategy. given where the hospitals are, is there any way medical supplies can access the gaza strip? if any way medical supplies can access the gaza strip?— the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manaue the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manage to _ the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manage to get _ the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manage to get into _ the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manage to get into the - the gaza strip? if medical supplies do manage to get into the gaza . do manage to get into the gaza strip, which very few of them are,, just for people to be aware, the israeli authorities to screen all supplies entering gaza even through the rafah crossing so some medical supplies are taken out of the trucks, some essential medical supplies are not able to enter gaza today. the supplies entering our very small quantities, and again because now the roads are cut, there is no way of distributing those supplies to hospitals. 0nce is no way of distributing those supplies to hospitals. once they cross into gaza we are not able to get them to places we need them to go. get them to places we need them to i o, ., ~' get them to places we need them to to. ., " , ., get them to places we need them to to. . ~ i. ., ., get them to places we need them to to. . ., ., , back in the uk, the former british prime minister boris johnson faces two days of tough questioning when he appears before the independent public inquiry set up to examine his government's response to the covid—i9 pandemic. it's thought he may apologise for some mistakes during the pandemic but suggest the speedy vaccine roll—out saved many lives. he's also expected to say he was following advice in delaying the initial lockdown. surrounding which there was criticism from some quarters that it came too late. live now to our correspondent — ellie price. is that the liftoff point, as it were, but the question surrounding the first lockdown? i were, but the question surrounding the first lockdown?— the first lockdown? i mean, who knows? there _ the first lockdown? i mean, who knows? there are _ the first lockdown? i mean, who knows? there are so _ the first lockdown? i mean, who knows? there are so many - the first lockdown? i mean, who - knows? there are so many questions for borisjohnson to answer, aren't there? he was ultimately, as prime minister, the main man making the decisions. we have heard over the last few weeks from scientists, from aides, from civil servants, from all the advisers who fed into the decision—making process, and in the end it was borisjohnson who had to make those decisions. i think, where do you liftoff? there will be questions certainly by the first two knockdowns, whether they were too late, we have heard that from scientists and other politicians admitting that that could have come sooner here in the uk. i'm sure we will hear plenty about the atmosphere and working culture with the number 10, we have heard plenty about how it was a toxic atmosphere, but also how boris johnson about how it was a toxic atmosphere, but also how borisjohnson had a chaotic means of making decisions so no doubt there will be questions about that. there will be this issue of partygate about that. there will be this issue of pa rtygate were a about that. there will be this issue of partygate were a number of senior politicians, including the former prime minister, were fined for breaking restrictions, breaking the rules they had set while the rest of us were expected to follow them. borisjohnson ultimately, that us were expected to follow them. boris johnson ultimately, that was the main reason for his demise as prime minister. recently he had to resign because essentially confidence was lost in him. so there are so many areas he'll be questioned on. part of the hearing will go on for two days. i think you can see behind me there are a number of protesters here as well. many of them have travelled hundreds of miles to be here. most of them even get inside the inquiry so it is a ticketed affair and there's only so space inside it. i think you can sketch a sense of the strength of feeling here in central london ahead of this pretty momentous day. there are some questions _ of this pretty momentous day. there are some questions also _ of this pretty momentous day. there are some questions also around - of this pretty momentous day. there are some questions also around the evidence borisjohnson has submitted to the inquiry, or rather not come in terms of whatsapp messages. yes. in terms of whatsapp messages. yes, there has been — in terms of whatsapp messages. yes, there has been some _ in terms of whatsapp messages. yes there has been some question about certain whatsapp messages over a number of months that haven't been submitted. his case is he basically couldn't get them off an old phone, the ikidi station being, why couldn't you and are you trying to cover something up? there are thousands and thousands of pages of evidence to go through —— the accusation be in. whatsapp messages are very important and we have seen how important they are because they have contained key evidence we have heard from whatsapp messages but they are two ways so you might not get them from borisjohnson's part of the conversation but he might get them from the other end. that's been certainly the argument of the counsel at the inquiry. boris johnson himself is said to have submitted a witnessed a bit of 200 pages. there are thousands and thousands of pages worth of documents that have gone through whatsapp messages, official documents from the time, e—mails. what is really quite telling that we have seen over the last few weeks is the tone of some of these documents. you get the official stuff, if you like, but also the informal conversations that were had on whatsapp. that some of the more embarrassing stuff for some of the witnesses and will be again for the prime minister today because some of the conversations that were had were obviously very important and obviously very important and obviously not meant to be heard by other people. i think it has been defended in the past over the past few weeks that it was gallows humour, that it was black humour trying to in effect make light of the situation because the situation was so appalling. that is something that i'm sure will come as a bit of an embarrassment to data boris johnson when it is put to him. but now doubt the defence will be that this stuff was never meant to be heard by a wider audience. ellie price, thank you. _ heard by a wider audience. ellie price, thank you. we _ heard by a wider audience. ellie price, thank you. we will keep you up—to—date with the covid inquiry. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some of the other stories making news today. then as �*s president nicolas maduro has ordered the state oil company to issue extraction licenses in the oil—rich region. he has proposed incorporating it into venezuela but in neighbouring guyana said it will ask the un security council to intervene. tributes have been paid to denny laine the founder and lead singer of the legendary 60's band the moody blues who died at the age of 79. he also started the group wings with sir paul mccartney co—writing mull of kintyre which famously outsold any beatles single in the uk. saudi arabia has announced long—term tax incentives to foreign firms that locate their regional headquarters there. firms will receive benefits including a thirty—year exemption firms will receive benefits including a 30—year exemption from corporate income tax. the country's finance minister said the measure would give multinationals greater stability. the world's biggest oil exporter wants to become a business hub with a more diverse economy. this is bbc news. now to ukraine — where president zelensky has unexpectedly cancelled his planned address to us senators via video—link. no explanation has been given. he was expected to make a last—ditch appeal for more funding from the us to help in the fight against russia's invasion. the senate is due to vote today on president biden's emergency aid package — worth more than $60 billion. live now to michael bociurkiw in kyiv, who is a seniorfellow at the washington dc—based atlantic council think—tank. welcome to the programme. why do you think president zelensky has cancelled this address? good to be with ou. i cancelled this address? good to be with you. i think _ cancelled this address? good to be with you. i think the _ cancelled this address? good to be with you. i think the toxicity - cancelled this address? good to be with you. i think the toxicity of - with you. i think the toxicity of politics on capitol hill was just too overwhelming and too risky for the zelensky administration to insert themselves in there. there is also a growing realisation in kyiv that some of his magic, some of his charisma is wearing off and perhaps he doesn't have the kind of powers of persuasion that he used to. it is happening, it appears more and more that domestic politics is interfering with aid to ukraine. in my home country of canada there is a canada ukraine free trade agreement there has also been caught up in politics. probably they are going to have to do these calculations more and more and try and lobby in other ways to try and get this aid through. do you think he is also concerned that the conflict in gaza is also affecting the picture? absolutely, not only in terms of aid, $61 billion of aid to ukraine is part of a package of aid to israel as well. so there is a realisation that they have to probably work a lot harder to lobby for aid and also a lot harder to get the ukrainian narrative across because a lot of news coverage has shifted from ukraine to gaza. but the main message they are making, and i certainly support this, is that if mr putin is not pushed back, if this dictator who is at war with the rules —based international order is not stopped then this conflict will become much more costly in terms of instability, higher food and fuel prices and migration. so hopefully that message will get to the ears of these politicians in washington. the ears of these politicians in washington-— washington. broadly from a geopolitical— washington. broadly from a geopolitical point _ washington. broadly from a geopolitical point of - washington. broadly from a geopolitical point of view i washington. broadly from a i geopolitical point of view these washington. broadly from a - geopolitical point of view these two conflicts are very much linked? absolutely. and a big player in the background of course is iran. 0vernight iran are sent via russia 41 very damaging drones to ukraine on the 651st day of the war, and of course they are very active in the other theatre of war, arming and funding hamas and hezbollah, so they need to be dealt with. and also, by the way, there appears to be a linkage in warfare tactics. when i was in israel recently i spoke to people, analysts who said hamas probably studied warfare tactics in ukraine, especially the use of drones and dropping explosives surgically and adopted that in their own tactics. so very interesting. 0ne own tactics. so very interesting. one more quick thing, the kind of grease and the some of the brutality of warfare techniques, what hamas did on the israeli side, also what the russians have done here in bucha, it makes you wonder whether thatis bucha, it makes you wonder whether that is a new form of warfare. thank ou for that is a new form of warfare. thank you forjoining _ that is a new form of warfare. thank you forjoining us. _ that is a new form of warfare. thank you forjoining us. president - you forjoining us. president biden has said he's not sure he would run for president if donald trump wasn't also running. he made the comments at a campaign funding event near boston, saying his predecessor posed a threat to democracy. his remarks come as some opinion polls suggest he is trailing behind mr trump in next year's presidential race. the 2024 primary season kicks off next month and there is another republican later today. i can't hear you 0ur north america correspondent hear you peter bowes sent this update. well, it certainly surprised quite a lot of people here. i think there will be strategists on both sides, republicans and democrats, trying to figure out what is going throuthoe biden's mind. it isn't certain, at this stage, that donald trump is going to be the republican candidate. he is significantly ahead of the other contenders for that nomination. but, as we all know, donald trump is facing huge legal issues, with criminal trials coming up next year and there is the possibility that one of the other contenders, nikki haley, the former un representative under donald trump, she is doing quite well. and some people suggesting that perhaps she could be the republican candidate. so, are we seeing joe biden here perhaps considering that if donald trump isn't the candidate, he won't be the candidate either and stepping aside for another democrat? these are questions we probably can't answer at the moment but it's thrown the cat amongst the pigeons, to use that phrase, in terms of the race at this stage. peter bowes there. the presidents of top us universities have testified before congress — about rising antisemitism on college campuses. they've come under intense scrutiny over their responses to tensions, protests, and even violence following hamas's attack on israel on october 7th. during the hearing, claudine gay of harvard university — an ivy league institution — acknowledged the difficulty in responding to these incidents. during these difficult days, i have felt the bonds of our community strain. in response, i have sought to confront hate while preserving free expression. this is difficult work. and i know that i have not always gotten it right. the free exchange of ideas is the foundation upon which harvard is built. and safety and well—being are the pre—requisites for engagement in our community. harvard university there. let's turn to the covid inquiry and we have been reporting that the former prime minister borisjohnson has arrived and he will testify over the course of two days. meanwhile, families with bereaved relatives who died during the course of the pandemic have been giving a press conference. this is what they are saying. the have been giving a press conference. this is what they are saying.- this is what they are saying. the uk inuui has this is what they are saying. the uk inquiry has come — this is what they are saying. the uk inquiry has come under _ this is what they are saying. the uk inquiry has come under sustained i this is what they are saying. the uk i inquiry has come under sustained and orchestrated attacks from sections of the media. this has been to defend borisjohnson. but for the families we represent this inquiry has robustly acted without fear or favour. borisjohnson is expected to issue an apology this morning. yet he will claim he saved thousands of lives. for many of the bereaved that will be a grotesque distortion of the truth. in borisjohnson's words, instead of solving a national crisis, his government proves presided over a total disgusting orgy of narcissism. he did let the bodies pile up and the elderly were treated as toxic waste. as a result, over 250,000 people died from covid. they cannot speak for themselves but their families, they cannot speak for themselves but theirfamilies, the bereaved and all those impacted by covid deserve the truth today. next speaker will be alan ingalls from scottish covid bereaved who lost his son callum after he was left to die in a prison cell alone from covid.— cell alone from covid. what i'm lookinu cell alone from covid. what i'm looking for _ cell alone from covid. what i'm looking for from _ cell alone from covid. what i'm looking for from mr _ cell alone from covid. what i'm looking for from mrjohnson - cell alone from covid. what i'm | looking for from mrjohnson this morning — looking for from mrjohnson this morning is— looking for from mrjohnson this morning is straightforward answers to simple _ morning is straightforward answers to simple questions. no skirting around — to simple questions. no skirting around the truth with political waffle — around the truth with political waffle. myself and fellow members of scottish _ waffle. myself and fellow members of scottish covid bereaved were shaken to the _ scottish covid bereaved were shaken to the core _ scottish covid bereaved were shaken to the core a few weeks back when mr johnson _ to the core a few weeks back when mr johnson wasn't behind closed doors comments — johnson wasn't behind closed doors comments of let the bodies pile high first came _ comments of let the bodies pile high first came to light, and then to add insult _ first came to light, and then to add insult to— first came to light, and then to add insult to us— first came to light, and then to add insult to us all further by considering that he would go live on tv to _ considering that he would go live on tv to have _ considering that he would go live on tv to have himself injected with the virus to— tv to have himself injected with the virus to prove it wasn't that serious _ virus to prove it wasn't that serious. well, for his information, covid-19 _ serious. well, for his information, covid—19 claimed the life of my son callum _ covid—19 claimed the life of my son callum he — covid—19 claimed the life of my son callum. he was 34. and within the scottish— callum. he was 34. and within the scottish covid bereaved group i know of two _ scottish covid bereaved group i know of two other families mourning the loss of— of two other families mourning the loss of their sons. 0ne aged 27 and the other— loss of their sons. 0ne aged 27 and the other who left behind a wife and two children. finally, if i may pick up two children. finally, if i may pick up on _ two children. finally, if i may pick up on what — two children. finally, if i may pick up on what mr andwhat said at the beginning — up on what mr andwhat said at the beginning of this inquiry on the subject— beginning of this inquiry on the subject of legacy, the outcome of this inquiry at the very least must provide _ this inquiry at the very least must provide a — this inquiry at the very least must provide a future government with the tools to _ provide a future government with the tools to deal with any pandemic that presents _ tools to deal with any pandemic that presents itself again. this can be achieved — presents itself again. this can be achieved by listening to medical and scientific— achieved by listening to medical and scientific experts from the outset rather _ scientific experts from the outset rather than making up strategies as they go— rather than making up strategies as they go along. thank you. the rather than making up strategies as they go along. thank you.— they go along. thank you. the next seaker is they go along. thank you. the next speaker is natalie _ they go along. thank you. the next speaker is natalie rogers - they go along. thank you. the next speaker is natalie rogers from - they go along. thank you. the next speaker is natalie rogers from the | speaker is natalie rogers from the long covid group participants in the inquiry, representing long covid support, long covid sos, long covid physio and long covid children, who have worked hard as long covid was dismissed and it has been a threat throughout this inquiry.— dismissed and it has been a threat throughout this inquiry. thank you. from the revelation _ throughout this inquiry. thank you. from the revelation that _ throughout this inquiry. thank you. from the revelation that boris - from the revelation that boris johnson — from the revelation that boris johnson thought— from the revelation that boris johnson thought long - from the revelation that boris johnson thought long covid i from the revelation that boris i johnson thought long covid was expletive — johnson thought long covid was expletive and _ johnson thought long covid was expletive and gulf— johnson thought long covid was expletive and gulf war- johnson thought long covid was i expletive and gulf war syndrome stuff to _ expletive and gulf war syndrome stuff to the — expletive and gulf war syndrome stuff to the claim _ expletive and gulf war syndrome stuff to the claim from _ expletive and gulf war syndrome stuff to the claim from chris - expletive and gulf war syndromel stuff to the claim from chris whitty that it _ stuff to the claim from chris whitty that it didn't— stuff to the claim from chris whitty that it didn't warrant _ stuff to the claim from chris whitty that it didn't warrant bringing - stuff to the claim from chris whitty that it didn't warrant bringing to. that it didn't warrant bringing to the attention— that it didn't warrant bringing to the attention of— that it didn't warrant bringing to the attention of number- that it didn't warrant bringing to the attention of number 10, i that it didn't warrant bringing toj the attention of number 10, the evidence — the attention of number 10, the evidence heard _ the attention of number 10, the evidence heard at _ the attention of number 10, the evidence heard at the _ the attention of number 10, the evidence heard at the covid i the attention of number 10, the i evidence heard at the covid inquiry has confirmed _ evidence heard at the covid inquiry has confirmed that _ evidence heard at the covid inquiry has confirmed that long _ evidence heard at the covid inquiry has confirmed that long covid i evidence heard at the covid inquiry has confirmed that long covid hasi has confirmed that long covid has been _ has confirmed that long covid has been sidelined, _ has confirmed that long covid has been sidelined, disbelieved - has confirmed that long covid has been sidelined, disbelieved and l been sidelined, disbelieved and ignored — been sidelined, disbelieved and ignored. despite _ been sidelined, disbelieved and ignored. despite written - been sidelined, disbelieved and i ignored. despite written appeals from _ ignored. despite written appeals from the — ignored. despite written appeals from the groups _ ignored. despite written appeals from the groups that _ ignored. despite written appeals from the groups that long - ignored. despite written appeals from the groups that long covid| from the groups that long covid should _ from the groups that long covid should be — from the groups that long covid should be a _ from the groups that long covid should be a consideration - from the groups that long covid should be a consideration in i should be a consideration in policy-making _ should be a consideration in policy—making decisions, i should be a consideration inl policy—making decisions, the policy— making decisions, the potential— policy— making decisions, the potential for— policy—making decisions, the potential for hundreds - policy—making decisions, the potential for hundreds of i policy—making decisions, the - potential for hundreds of thousands to -o potential for hundreds of thousands to go on— potential for hundreds of thousands to go on to — potential for hundreds of thousands to go on to suffer— potential for hundreds of thousands to go on to suffer long—term - to go on to suffer long—term consequences _ to go on to suffer long—term consequences from - to go on to suffer long—term consequences from a - to go on to suffer long—term i consequences from a covid—19 infection— consequences from a covid—19 infection was _ consequences from a covid—19 infection was never— consequences from a covid—19 infection was never given i consequences from a covid—19 infection was never given the i infection was never given the importance _ infection was never given the importance it _ infection was never given the importance it deserved. i infection was never given the l importance it deserved. there infection was never given the i importance it deserved. there are now 19— importance it deserved. there are now 19 million— importance it deserved. there are now 1.9 million people _ importance it deserved. there are now 1.9 million people impacted i importance it deserved. there are i now 1.9 million people impacted in the uk, _ now1.9 million people impacted in the uk, including— now 1.9 million people impacted in the uk, including 62,000- now 1.9 million people impacted in| the uk, including 62,000 children. people _ the uk, including 62,000 children. people with— the uk, including 62,000 children. people with long _ the uk, including 62,000 children. people with long covid _ the uk, including 62,000 children. people with long covid are - the uk, including 62,000 children. people with long covid are the i people with long covid are the surviving — people with long covid are the surviving victims _ people with long covid are the surviving victims of _ people with long covid are the surviving victims of the - people with long covid are the i surviving victims of the pandemic and the _ surviving victims of the pandemic and the millions— surviving victims of the pandemic and the millions injured - surviving victims of the pandemic and the millions injured by- surviving victims of the pandemic. and the millions injured by covid—19 have faced — and the millions injured by covid—19 have faced huge _ and the millions injured by covid—19 have faced huge struggles - and the millions injured by covid—19 have faced huge struggles to - and the millions injured by covid—19 have faced huge struggles to have i have faced huge struggles to have their illness — have faced huge struggles to have their illness recognised _ have faced huge struggles to have their illness recognised and - have faced huge struggles to have their illness recognised and to i have faced huge struggles to have their illness recognised and to getj their illness recognised and to get their illness recognised and to get the care _ their illness recognised and to get the care that _ their illness recognised and to get the care that they— their illness recognised and to get the care that they desperately i their illness recognised and to get i the care that they desperately need. due to _ the care that they desperately need. due to an— the care that they desperately need. due to an almost _ the care that they desperately need. due to an almost a _ the care that they desperately need. due to an almost a complete - the care that they desperately need. i due to an almost a complete absence of messaging — due to an almost a complete absence of messaging from _ due to an almost a complete absence of messaging from our— due to an almost a complete absence of messaging from our government, i of messaging from our government, the public— of messaging from our government, the public have _ of messaging from our government, the public have essentially - of messaging from our government, the public have essentially been i the public have essentially been kept in — the public have essentially been kept in the _ the public have essentially been kept in the dark— the public have essentially been kept in the dark about _ the public have essentially been kept in the dark about this - kept in the dark about this relatively— kept in the dark about this relatively common - kept in the dark about this relatively common and i kept in the dark about this - relatively common and debilitating consequence — relatively common and debilitating consequence of covid _ relatively common and debilitating consequence of covid infection. i consequence of covid infection. even now as _ consequence of covid infection. even now as covid — consequence of covid infection. even now as covid continues _ consequence of covid infection. even now as covid continues to _ consequence of covid infection. even now as covid continues to circulate, i now as covid continues to circulate, the risk— now as covid continues to circulate, the risk of— now as covid continues to circulate, the risk of developing _ now as covid continues to circulate, the risk of developing long - now as covid continues to circulate, the risk of developing long covid i now as covid continues to circulate, the risk of developing long covid is| the risk of developing long covid is still not _ the risk of developing long covid is still not being — the risk of developing long covid is still not being communicated, i the risk of developing long covid is still not being communicated, andl the risk of developing long covid is. still not being communicated, and as a result— still not being communicated, and as a result many— still not being communicated, and as a result many members— still not being communicated, and as a result many members of— still not being communicated, and as a result many members of the - still not being communicated, and as a result many members of the public| a result many members of the public are unaware — a result many members of the public are unaware that _ a result many members of the public are unaware that it— a result many members of the public are unaware that it exists. _ a result many members of the public are unaware that it exists. they- a result many members of the public are unaware that it exists. they may| are unaware that it exists. they may themselves — are unaware that it exists. they may themselves be — are unaware that it exists. they may themselves be unwell— are unaware that it exists. they may themselves be unwell after- are unaware that it exists. they may themselves be unwell after a - are unaware that it exists. they may themselves be unwell after a covid i themselves be unwell after a covid infaction— themselves be unwell after a covid infection without _ themselves be unwell after a covid infection without knowing - themselves be unwell after a covid infection without knowing how- themselves be unwell after a covid infection without knowing how to l infection without knowing how to seek help. — infection without knowing how to seek help. or— infection without knowing how to seek help, or they— infection without knowing how to seek help, or they could - infection without knowing how to seek help, or they could go- infection without knowing how to seek help, or they could go on. infection without knowing how to| seek help, or they could go on to develop — seek help, or they could go on to develop health— seek help, or they could go on to develop health consequences i seek help, or they could go on to develop health consequences ati seek help, or they could go on to i develop health consequences at some point in _ develop health consequences at some point in the _ develop health consequences at some point in the future. _ develop health consequences at some point in the future.— point in the future. families of those lost _ point in the future. families of those lost during _ point in the future. families of those lost during the - point in the future. families of| those lost during the pandemic point in the future. families of- those lost during the pandemic and those lost during the pandemic and those suffering from long covid. this is bbc news. for those suffering from long covid. this is bbc news.— those suffering from long covid. this is bbc news. ., ., ., this is bbc news. for our government lona covid this is bbc news. for our government long covid was _ this is bbc news. for our government long covid was and _ this is bbc news. for our government long covid was and continues - this is bbc news. for our government long covid was and continues to i this is bbc news. for our government long covid was and continues to be i long covid was and continues to be an inconvenient— long covid was and continues to be an inconvenient truth. _ long covid was and continues to be an inconvenient truth. the - an inconvenient truth. the sidelining _ an inconvenient truth. the sidelining of— an inconvenient truth. the sidelining of this - an inconvenient truth. the sidelining of this conditionj an inconvenient truth. the i sidelining of this condition and privatisation _ sidelining of this condition and privatisation of— sidelining of this condition and privatisation of the _ sidelining of this condition and privatisation of the economy. sidelining of this condition and i privatisation of the economy over health— privatisation of the economy over health has— privatisation of the economy over health has resulted _ privatisation of the economy over health has resulted in _ privatisation of the economy over health has resulted in almost i privatisation of the economy over health has resulted in almost 3%| privatisation of the economy over l health has resulted in almost 3% of the uk _ health has resulted in almost 3% of the uk population— health has resulted in almost 3% of the uk population suffering - health has resulted in almost 3% of| the uk population suffering ongoing harm from _ the uk population suffering ongoing harm from covid—19.— the uk population suffering ongoing harm from covid—19. an _ the uk population suffering ongoing harm from covid—19. an impact i the uk population suffering ongoing harm from covid—19. an impact thatj harm from covid—19. an impact that the workforce — harm from covid—19. an impact that the workforce is _ harm from covid—19. an impact that the workforce is now _ harm from covid—19. an impact that the workforce is now being - harm from covid—19. an impact that the workforce is now being keenly. the workforce is now being keenly felt. ., ~ the workforce is now being keenly felt. . ,, , ., the workforce is now being keenly felt. . ,, i. , , ., ,, the workforce is now being keenly felt. . ,, , , ., ,, , felt. thank you. the next speaker is anna louise. _ felt. thank you. the next speaker is anna louise, lead _ felt. thank you. the next speaker is anna louise, lead member- felt. thank you. the next speaker is anna louise, lead member of- felt. thank you. the next speaker is anna louise, lead member of covid| anna louise, lead member of covid bereaved families forjustice cymru. i speak on behalf of the bereaved families — i speak on behalf of the bereaved families forjustice for the bereaved families camry. we hope mr johnson _ bereaved families camry. we hope mr johnson will give honest answers as to why— johnson will give honest answers as to why his— johnson will give honest answers as to why his government took the decisions — to why his government took the decisions it did at the times it did and how— decisions it did at the times it did and how much communication there was with the _ and how much communication there was with the devolved administrations. -- camry — with the devolved administrations. -- camry in— with the devolved administrations. —— camry. in particularfrom with the devolved administrations. —— camry. in particular from our perspective. _ —— camry. in particular from our perspective, the welsh government. the uk _ perspective, the welsh government. the uk is _ perspective, the welsh government. the uk is a _ perspective, the welsh government. the uk is a four nations and the virus _ the uk is a four nations and the virus is — the uk is a four nations and the virus is unaware of administrative boundaries — virus is unaware of administrative boundaries. my father ian died of hospital—acquired covid on the 23rd of october— hospital—acquired covid on the 23rd of october 2020. even if they make excuses _ of october 2020. even if they make excuses for— of october 2020. even if they make excuses for what happened in wave one, excuses for what happened in wave one. there — excuses for what happened in wave one, there was all that time to prepare — one, there was all that time to prepare for wave two and in between that crucial— prepare for wave two and in between that crucial period. while most of the decisions shaping the response in wales— the decisions shaping the response in wales were made by the welsh government there were many decisions made by— government there were many decisions made by the _ government there were many decisions made by the uk government that shaped _ made by the uk government that shaped the response in wales, too. we are _ shaped the response in wales, too. we are the — shaped the response in wales, too. we are the only non—state core participant— we are the only non—state core participant from wales. we are fighting — participant from wales. we are fighting for truth, justice and accountability on behalf of our loved — accountability on behalf of our loved ones. if he says today that he -ot loved ones. if he says today that he got the _ loved ones. if he says today that he got the big — loved ones. if he says today that he got the big things right i'm not sure _ got the big things right i'm not sure how— got the big things right i'm not sure how i'm going to be able to sit there _ sure how i'm going to be able to sit there how— sure how i'm going to be able to sit there. how is 230,000 deaths not a bil there. how is 230,000 deaths not a big thing? _ there. how is 230,000 deaths not a big thing? over the last seven weeks we have _ big thing? over the last seven weeks we have heard so much that is depressing, distressing, completely incredulous. and today i'm just dreading — incredulous. and today i'm just dreading hearing that the older and vulnerable in our society were collateral _ vulnerable in our society were collateral damage. there must be accountability. not weak apologies. it accountability. not weak apologies. it can't _ accountability. not weak apologies. it can't happen again.— it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. _ it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. do _ it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. do you _ it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. do you want - it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. do you want to i it can't happen again. thank you, anna louise. do you want to go i it can't happen again. thank you, | anna louise. do you want to go in front of the microphone. co—participants into the inquiry. a leading black minority woman's migrants organisation tackling gender—based violence. migrants organisation tackling gender-based violence. southall black gender-based violence. southall iflack sisters _ gender-based violence. southall black sisters have _ gender-based violence. southall black sisters have joined - gender-based violence. southall black sisters have joined us i black sisters have joined us core participants in the covid inquiry to raise _ participants in the covid inquiry to raise the — participants in the covid inquiry to raise the plight of black, minority and migrant women facing domestic abuse _ and migrant women facing domestic abuse during the pandemic. we witnessed a higher surge in demand in the _ witnessed a higher surge in demand in the first— witnessed a higher surge in demand in the first year which tripled over the two _ in the first year which tripled over the two years in 2020 and 2021. the majority _ the two years in 2020 and 2021. the majority of _ the two years in 2020 and 2021. the majority of the women we assisted were migrant women with no recourse to public— were migrant women with no recourse to public funds, faced domestic abuse. — to public funds, faced domestic abuse, destitution and covid. the government made a positive decision not to— government made a positive decision not to assist victims by lifting the not to assist victims by lifting the no recourse to public funds condition— no recourse to public funds condition so that they could obtain access— condition so that they could obtain access to — condition so that they could obtain access to benefits and safe housing such as _ access to benefits and safe housing such as a _ access to benefits and safe housing such as a refuge space. this decision— such as a refuge space. this decision would have prevented many victims _ decision would have prevented many victims from leaving or being driven back to _ victims from leaving or being driven back to an— victims from leaving or being driven back to an abusive relationship. government action on domestic abuse was too _ government action on domestic abuse was too little too late, to inform victims — was too little too late, to inform victims they could leave during the pandemic — victims they could leave during the pandemic. and in providing emergency funding _ pandemic. and in providing emergency funding for— pandemic. and in providing emergency funding for the violence against women — funding for the violence against women and girls sector. funding was only available when southall black sisters _ only available when southall black sisters threatened legal action. even _ sisters threatened legal action. even then it was insufficient to meet — even then it was insufficient to meet the — even then it was insufficient to meet the high demand. and even less for those _ meet the high demand. and even less for those providing specialist services _ for those providing specialist services for black and minority and migrant— services for black and minority and migrant women and children. the un talks of a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding for 600,000 people under evacuation orders amid israeli military intense operation inside khan younis. the bbc has seen evidence of rape, sexual violence, and mutilation of women during the attacks from hamas on october 7th. russian president vladimir putin travels to the united arab emiraites and saudi arabia — a rare overseas trip in the hope to reassert moscow's role in the middle east. and the mediterranean diet under threat. we report on how climate change is affecting a healthy kitchen staple — olive oil. and she's played everyone from queen victoria to james bond's boss — but damejudi dench's main love has always been shakespeare. we'll find out why in a moment. more details are emerging of the 7th october attack. the bbc has been hearing evidence that women in israel were sexually assaulted, raped, and mutilated by hamas. israeli investigators have gathered more than 1,000 testimonies from witnesses and those who handled the bodies of victims after the attack.