Several metres deep. In the north of the territory, the un says a convoy of its staff carrying out polio vaccinations was held at gunpoint for eight hours by the israeli army on monday. The staff have now been released, but the un says it's not sure whether it can continue the vaccination campaign as planned. Meanwhile, syria says at least 18 people have been killed and dozens injured in a series of israeli air strikes. Syrian state media says multiple sites were targeted including scientific research centers. Monitoring organisations say that one of the sites, in the city of masyaf, was housing pro—iranian weapons experts. Iran rejected reports that iranian sites were hit. Israel says it will not comment on reports of the strikes. Israel has previously acknowledged carrying out hundreds of strikes in recent years on targets in syria that it says are linked to iran. Our middle east correspondent, hugo bachega has more on the reports from beirut. There has been a sharp increase in the number of israeli attacks targeting locations inside syria since the beginning of the war in gaza almost a year ago. Many of those locations are weapons and ammunition depots and facilities being used by iran and iranians supported proxies such as hezbollah here in lebanon which is the powerful group in this alliance of factions across the middle east supported by iran, the so—called axis of resistance. Report say one of the locations hit was a research centre believed to house iranians at military experts. There has been some strong reaction from iran, the iranian foreign ministry rejecting the reports that this was an iranian facility or a facility used by the iranians and it said this was a syrian side that was targeted and it described the attacks as a criminal act by israel. There has not been any reaction from israel and israel rarely reacts to these reports of strikes inside syria but it can this is another sign of the heightened tensions between israel and iran. Ukraine's foreign ministry has expressed deep concern regarding the possible transfer of iranian ballistic missiles to russia. The ministry stressed to diplomatic officials in kyiv that the transfer could have devastating and irreparable consequences for bilateral relations. Iran has denied reports that such transfers have taken place, with a senior military commander calling them �*psychological warfare�*. White house national security spokesman, john kirby,said the united states could not authenticate the reports. I cannot confirm the reports that the transfer has happened but i would point to what we have said in the past that any provision of that kind of technology would not only have a deleterious effect on ukraine's ability to defend themselves and certainly on the lives and livelihoods of ukrainians but could depending on on how the deal is consummated, could have equally deleterious effects on the middle east. Ukraine 5 surprise incursion into russia 5 kursk region last month boosted national morale. But in the past week, the kremlin has retaliated with a series of devastating missile attacks 7 and the ukrainian army also finds itself on the back foot in key parts of the battlefield at home. In the east of the country, troops are digging in to hold onto the strategically important city of pokrovsk — but the frontline of fighting is nowjust 8km away 7 prompting thousands of civilians to flee. If it falls, russian forces will cut off one of the main supply routs in the region. Joining me live is retired brigadier general mark kimmitt, the former us assistant secretary of state for political—military affairs. Thanks for being with us. I want to talk to you in a moment about what is happening in the middle east today, but on the issue of iranian missile is possibly going to russia, held concerning as a transfer like that to you? i concerning as a transfer like that to you?— concerning as a transfer like that to you? i don't think we should be — that to you? i don't think we should be surprised. That to you? i don't think we should be surprised. Ever i that to you? i don't think we i should be surprised. Ever since the start of the war against ukraine there has been this transactional relationship between iran and russia where iran has sent missiles to russia to support its operations in ukraine and in return, russia has sent numerous pieces of military equipment, particularly aeroplane parts down to the iranians. I don't know why this is coming up now as it's been going on for years. — going on for years. With the ukrainians _ going on for years. With the ukrainians suddenly going on for years. With the | ukrainians suddenly warning that this transfer would have devastating and irreparable consequences, as you say, it's been going on for years but is that somehow a plea for something to be done about it at this point. I something to be done about it at this point. — at this point. I think the es at this point. I think the types of _ at this point. I think the types of metals at this point. I think the types of metals being i at this point. I think the i types of metals being sent at this point. I think the types of metals being sent can only be knocked down by american patriots and other advanced air defence system so the police are additional air defence assets because the russians have shown no scruples about using these ballistic missiles not only against military targets but against civilian targets as well and that's why zelensky wants to have these to protect his people and cities. He have these to protect his people and cities. He has made that oint people and cities. He has made that point repeatedly. People and cities. He has made that point repeatedly. To people and cities. He has made that point repeatedly. To talk. That point repeatedly. To talk about the situation in syria today, israel not claiming responsibility, but it would appear it is behind the strikes. Is this the kind of regional x —— escalation the us has been so concerned about? not necessarily. These seem to be somewhat targeted and limited strikes against particular targets and given that it particular targets and given thatitis particular targets and given that it is happening inside syria against iranian targets, primarily the iranian revolutionary guard force, i think iran has always accepted those forces are at risk, so they have been struck in iraq and syria and struck down in yemen. It doesn't necessarily mean that this is going to expand the conflict significantly if there was some action where there was an attack on israel we might have attack on israel we might have a different situation. But i think right now the lack of response from iran and in particular from damascus on response from iran and in particularfrom damascus on its own territory getting targeted i think indicates that nobody wants this to get beyond the situation it is now. find wants this to get beyond the situation it is now. — situation it is now. And the site is home _ situation it is now. And the site is home to _ situation it is now. And the site is home to one situation it is now. And the site is home to one of situation it is now. And the site is home to one of the l site is home to one of the campuses of the scientific studies and research centres that the us has sanctioned in the past saying it was responsible for developing and producing nonconventional weapons and the missiles to deliver them. Weapons and the missiles to deliverthem. But weapons and the missiles to deliver them. But is that feeding into the lack of responses that you have described? i responses that you have described?— responses that you have described?. , ~ described? i would think so. It's clear _ described? i would think so. It's clear when _ described? i would think so. It's clear when the _ described? i would think so. It's clear when the syrian. It's clear when the syrian nuclear capabilities were taken nuclear capabilities were ta ken out nuclear capabilities were taken out for development projects in 2006 when there was absolute silence in the region by all parties concerned, i don't necessarily think they were developing nuclear, biological or chemical weapons systems there, but it clearly wasn't important enough facility that whoever targeted it felt it was a threat to their country. You are an expert _ a threat to their country. You are an expert in _ a threat to their country. You are an expert in this a threat to their country. You are an expert in this region as we said and you have been stationed there in the past focused on it for a large part of your career. When you see what is happening and is —— in israel and gaza today, un polio vaccine teams being held at gunpoint are not sure if they can continue the campaign and the reports we are hearing tonight of the idf using what are called precision weaponry to target a hamas command centre in a refugee settlement, would it appear that any hope of a ceasefire, hostage release deal is some way off at this point? deal is some way off at this oint? ,. ,. Point? first of all, i never proclaimed _ point? first of all, i never proclaimed myself point? first of all, i never proclaimed myself to point? first of all, i never proclaimed myself to be l point? first of all, i neverj proclaimed myself to be a middle east expert but at this point, the chances of a ceasefire are very, very small because i don't think at this point there is any upside for either benjamin netanyahu for sinwar to call for a ceasefire. Both are getting what they want and the israelis are continuing to fight and take out hamas forces and hamas is still getting the sympathy of the world, and neither of them seem to respect the american administration and possibly holding on for a better deal out of the next administration. Do you think the us should be taking a different approach here? i taking a different approach here? ~' ,, , taking a different approach here? ~ ,, ,. , ~ here? i think the us is taking the riaht here? i think the us is taking the right approach _ here? i think the us is taking the right approach right here? i think the us is taking the right approach right nowl the right approach right now which is to try and broker a ceasefire between qatar, egypt and israel, but the first thing is that just one and israel, but the first thing is thatjust one side has to be willing to sit down and broker a ceasefire. It's not enough for us to tell them to abide by a ceasefire. The attack on a stand protagonists have to want it, and as i said, i don't think sinwar or netanyahu are looking for a peaceful resolution or ceasefire now. Thank you so much for speaking to us on bbc news. We appreciate your time. Pope francis is preparing to attend to attend an open—air mass in timor—leste with around 700,000 people — more than half of the country's population. It is the latest leg of his tour of south—east asia and oceania. Here is a live look in dili, where the 87—year—old pontiff arrived monday, with events continuing in the capital. He was welcomed by the president and other dignitaries for the start of his three—day visit. During the first day of his visit in east timor the pope addressed the country's leaders, hailing a new era of peace since independence in 2002, but called on them to prevent abuse against young people following recent catholic church child abuse scandals. The disgraced hollywood film producer harvey weinstein has been taken to a hospital for emergency heart surgery. His lawyers say he has been suffering from chest pains and other health complications. Weinstein, who 5 now 72, had been expected to face new sexual assault charges. He was convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2020, and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Those convictions were overturned in april over concerns he hadn't received a fair trial, but he remains injail pending a possible retrial. The actorjames earljones has died at the age of 93. The actor was known for iconic roles, like darth vader in star wars, and for voicing the role of mufasa in the lion king. Here's a look back at his six—decade career on screen and stage. From his first film role, he clearly had something special. The fire is out, but the power is on. Everything seems to check out. That voice. Before dr strangelove, james earljones served in the military, but he really wanted to act. I've been waiting for you, 0bi—wan, we meet again at last. Then came something that made his voice world famous. When i left you, i was but the learner, now i am the master. You are part of the rebel alliance and a traitor. Take her away! his voice's gravity and depth made him a natural choice for the lion king. Look, simba, everything the light touches is our kingdom. And its remake a quarter of a century later. One day, simba, the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new king. While he again he played a king opposite eddie murphy in coming to america. I want a woman to love me for who i am. He also had the chance to show his gift for comedy. I am a man who has never tied his own shoes before. Wrong, you are a prince who has never tied his shoes. Believe me, itied my own shoes once. It is an overrated experience. On tv, he played the author alex haley, whose search for his african ancestors led to the ground—breaking series, roots. The force is with you, young skywalker. But you are not a jedi yet. And is all the more admirable in that a young boy who barely spoke because of his stutter. . . Most impressive!. . Should become an actor whose stirring tones. . . That's very good. . . Earned him the accolade of having perhaps the world's most recognisable voice. Simba, remember. . . I am your father. The actorjames earl jones, who's died at the age of 93. Around the world and across the uk. This is bbc news. Let's look at some other stories making news. Thousands of prisoners in england and wales are set to be released early from jail, including 1,750 tuesday. The government insists it's a temporary measure that's needed to free up space. Ministers say serious violent criminals, terrorists and perpetrators of domestic abuse will not be released as part of the scheme. A public inquiry has begun examing the deaths of almost 2,000 people who received mental health treatment in essex. Bereaved parents and relatives have campaigned for an inquiry for more than a decade, and it'll examine failures over a 24—year period. It's eventual recommendations could chnage mental health care provision across the nhs. Some of the healthcare workers, patients and bereaved families affected by covid—i9 told an inquiry the nhs was creaking at the seams when the pandemic hit, and this undermined the care given to both coronavirus patients and those needing treatment for other conditions. During the opening day of the third stage of the iniqury examaning health care, lawyers said the health service entered the pandemic with too few staff and beds. You're live with bbc news. Here in the us, kamala harris and donald trump are set to debate for the first time ever in philadelphia, pennsylvania on tuesday night. It's a highly anticipated showdown at a critical moment in the fight for the white house. A recent poll from our us news partner cbs shows that both candidates are essentially tied among voters in the key swing states of pennsylvania, wisconsin and michigan. Both harris and trump aim to win over undecided voters in these states as they go head to head at the national constituion center. Kamala harris was hunkered down in pittsburgh, preparing with extended mock debates, reportedly with one of hilary clinton's former aides. In a monday interview on the rick smiley show, she said, we should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth. For donald trump, debate preparations have been largely informal. Congressman matt gaetz is among those helping donald trump prepare for the big night. When speaking to fox news's sean hannity, the ex—president said, you can go in with all the strategy you want, but you have to sort of feel it out as the debate staking place. For more on what we can expect from the debate, let's bring in our panel. I'm joined by the former democratic strategist and former political director for the 2016 hilary for america presidential campaign keenan austin reed and republican communication strategist, brett 0'donnell who has advised four republican presidential candidates, including as director of messaging forjohn mccain. Thanks forjoining us on bbc news. Brett, you've helped mitt romney, george w bush, john mccain or prepare for debates, so what is your advice for the night before for donald trump? the first piece of advice is trust your prep, no cramming. Cramming is bad on tests and in political debates. You have to trust the preparation you've done up to this point and for both candidates, it is to focus on what the message should be, and what the moments in the debate are going to be that are going to attract attention and allow you to exercise competitive advantage over your opponent and go through those in your mind, practice them, rehearse them, make sure you have them down. It'sjust rehearse them, make sure you have them down. It's just that tonight it is about review and confidence and making sure that the candidate is confident in what they've been practising. The strategy you have put together and then tomorrow it's about focus. Together and then tomorrow it's about focu— together and then tomorrow it's about focus_ about focus. You mentioned there the — about focus. You mentioned there the moments about focus. You mentioned there the moments in about focus. You mentioned there the moments in the i there the moments in the debate, can you manufacture them, or do they come organically? it them, or do they come organically? them, or do they come oruanicall ?. ,, , organically? it happens both wa s. Organically? it happens both ways you — organically? it happens both ways you plan _ organically? it happens both ways. You plan a _ organically? it happens both ways. You plan a lot organically? it happens both ways. You plan a lot of organically? it happens both | ways. You plan a lot of them, the great ronald reagan moment on age was preplanned, but the bush moment in the town hall debate where he gave the look of two al gore was not planned. So moments happen organically but they also can be planned. You can't go into it thinking where you have distinct advantage or you have a weakness that you have to turn back and answer, so those are the things you think about in planning what you want the moments to be. — planning what you want the moments to be. Keenan, what would you _ moments to be. Keenan, what would you be _ moments to be. Keenan, what would you be advising moments to be. Keenan, what would you be advising kamala| would you be advising kamala harris tonight? what should she be focusing on?— be focusing on? thanks for havin: be focusing on? thanks for having me _ be focusing on? thanks for having me. I— be focusing on? thanks for having me. I would be focusing on? thanks for having me. I would tell be focusing on? thanks for having me. I would tell the vice — having me. I would tell the vice president of focus on her record — vice president of focus on her record. She has spent the last four— record. She has spent the last four years _ record. She has spent the last four years with policies that really — four years with policies that really improved the lives of the middle class, whether it's the middle class, whether it's the bipartisan infrastructure build. — the bipartisan infrastructure build, the inflation reduction act, _ build, the inflation reduction act, she _ build, the inflation reduction act, she has got some really bil act, she has got some really big wins_ act, she has got some really big wins with low unemployment, so lean _ big wins with low unemployment, so lean on — big wins with low unemployment, so lean on your record and return— so lean on your record and return to _ so lean on your record and return to your roots. She has been — return to your roots. She has been fantastic dealing with scammers and creditors and fellows _ scammers and creditors and fellows and folks who are slippery, show she is experienced in that arena and she should draw on that experience for this debate. We have experience for this debate. Have heard experience for this debate. Have heard her compare the former president to some of those people she has met in courtrooms along the years. Do you expect her to continue down that track tomorrow night? yes. That track tomorrow night? yes, absolutely _ that track tomorrow night? yes, absolutely i— that track tomorrow night? yes, absolutely. I think _ that track tomorrow night? yes, absolutely. I think she's that track tomorrow night? 1a: absolutely. I think she's going to make the contrast between someone who has policies and results and solutions, versus someone who is just a show man and ultimately has been dangerous for the american people and is seeking to be even more dangerous as he outlined or has been outlining in project 2025. — in pro'ect 2025. Brett, do you think in project 2025. Brett, do you think the former _ in project 2025. Brett, do you think the former president in project 2025. Brett, do you| think the former president will try to focus on his policies or direct the attention as keenan says, to his opponent? i direct the attention as keenan says, to his opponent? says, to his opponent? i think he has to _ says, to his opponent? i think he has to focus _ says, to his opponent? i think he has to focus on _ says, to his opponent? i think he has to focus on his says, to his opponent? i think. He has to focus on his opponent and make this election a referendum on kamala harris�*s record which she is trying to lie and hide and run from. I think focusing on the record of disaster that the administration, the biden harris administration has had for the last three and a half years will be a focal point, whether it is the economy which has been terrible over the last three and a half years, crime, immigration, all the major problems that we have got, it seems kamala harris wants to disown them. It's almost like 0j saying he is looking for the real killer. I think it will be incumbent on trump to prosecute the case that all of the paying voters are feeling right now, whether it is that economy, bad prime, bad immigration policy is a result of the biden harris policies and that they should want to go back to the trump presidency and his policy. I think there will be a lot of focus on her record. If he makes it about her policies and not her persona or personality, i think you will have a pretty good night. I think you will have a pretty good night— i think you will have a pretty aood niuht. . ,. , , good night. That would be the reverse really _ good night. That would be the reverse really off _ good night. That would be the reverse really off what good night. That would be the reverse really off what the reverse really off what the vice president will be trying to do. She will be trying to make it as you say about donald trump's personality and not his policies? i trump's personality and not his olicies? ~ , , policies? i think she will be talkin: policies? i think she will be talking about _ policies? i think she will be talking about his _ policies? i think she will be talking about his policies i policies? i think she will be i talking about his policies too. I want — talking about his policies too. Iwant to— talking about his policies too. I want to be very clear, he is trying — i want to be very clear, he is trying to— i want to be very clear, he is trying to run from project 2025 but ultimately we know he plans to be _ but ultimately we know he plans to be a _ but ultimately we know he plans to be a dictator on day one and he wants— to be a dictator on day one and he wants to gut the department for education, takeaway the affordable care act, he wants to put — affordable care act, he wants to put social security and medicare on the chopping block. He wants — medicare on the chopping block. He wants to recognise the department ofjustice. These department of justice. These things— department ofjustice. These things are dark and scary for our— things are dark and scary for our democracy. His own cabinet, people _ our democracy. His own cabinet, people who _ our democracy. His own cabinet, people who know him, and in they— people who know him, and in they endorse vice president harris — they endorse vice president harris because they know ultimately donald trump is dangerous for this country, so it is_ dangerous for this country, so it is her— dangerous for this country, so it is heriob _ dangerous for this country, so it is herjob in this debate to make — it is herjob in this debate to make that clear to the american people. — make that clear to the american people. To — make that clear to the american people, to show them how dangerous and how dangerous he is and _ dangerous and how dangerous he is and how— dangerous and how dangerous he is and how he is seeking unchecked power. I is and how he is seeking unchecked power. Is and how he is seeking unchecked power. I 'ust want to ask ou unchecked power. I 'ust want to ask you both h unchecked power. I 'ust want to ask you both briefly]— unchecked power. I just want to ask you both briefly what unchecked power. I just want to ask you both briefly what you i ask you both briefly what you think their respective weak points will be. Brett, where do you think donald trump might be exposed? i you think donald trump might be exosed? ~ , you think donald trump might be exosed? ~' ,. , exposed? i think if he is not disciplined _ exposed? i think if he is not disciplined and _ exposed? i think if he is not disciplined and doesn't exposed? i think if he is not disciplined and doesn't stay| disciplined and doesn't stay focused on policy and rather allows the debate to become about personality and persona, i think that's a weak point for him. Sometimes donald trump is incredibly disciplined. It was very disciplined in thejoe biden debate and that allowed joe biden to basically end his candidacy. If he is that disciplined in this debate, he will be able to point out the weaknesses in kamala harris�*s record and the fact she is trying to basically mislead the american people where she would take the country and the positions she has had. She has shifted so many things and he will be able to point those out, and i think that will help them focus on her policies. So, you know, the weakness for him is to not stay on policy focused debate and allow kamala harris to talk and make mistakes. — harris to talk and make mistakes. . . ,. , mistakes. Keenan, what you think kamala _ mistakes. Keenan, what you think kamala harris's mistakes. Keenan, what you think kamala harris's weak. Think kamala harris's weak point would be? i think kamala harris's weak point would be?— point would be? i think it's very hard _ point would be? i think it's very hard to _ point would be? i think it's very hard to debate point would be? i think it's i very hard to debate someone point would be? i think it's very hard to debate someone who has no _ very hard to debate someone who has no bottom, and it's very hard — has no bottom, and it's very hard to— has no bottom, and it's very hard to debate someone who has no obligation or moral compass to tell— no obligation or moral compass to tell the — no obligation or moral compass to tell the truth. Sol no obligation or moral compass to tell the truth. So i think thats— to tell the truth. So i think that's going to be quite a challenge for her and then we have — challenge for her and then we have to — challenge for her and then we have to remember donald trump is experienced at this. This is his seventh presidential debate and it— his seventh presidential debate and it will be her first, while she — and it will be her first, while she has— and it will be her first, while she has been a formidable and prepared, qualified candidate, sher _ prepared, qualified candidate, she, this — prepared, qualified candidate, she, this will be her first time _ she, this will be her first time on _ she, this will be her first time on the presidential stage and that— time on the presidential stage and that is something that will be a _ and that is something that will be a challenge but ultimately i think— be a challenge but ultimately i think she will write to the occasion, as she always has. It occasion, as she always has. [it will occasion, as she always has. Will be a occasion, as she always has. It will be a fascinating watch no matter what happens. Brett o'donnell, and keenan austin reed, thank you forjoining us on bbc news. Here on bbc news, you'll be able to watch rolling coverage of the abc news presidential debate simulcast. 0ur coverage starts at 8pm east coast time tuesday. Stay with us here on bbc news. Hello there. Well, it's been mild, relatively speaking, despite all of that rain in the south, and very warm, in fact, out towards the far north and west — but some changes for the next couple of days. Autumn is biting back. Temperature—wise at least, it's going to turn colder by day and by night, with the chance of a frost for some, especially on thursday night. It will be windy, a brisk north westerly wind, sunny spells, but also some blustery showers. And those changes have already started. A deep area of low pressure sweeping across the northern isles, it's sending this cold front sweeping southwards and eastwards across the uk. So you see that milder air being pushed away, marked in orange, blues, and yellows, the colder air takes over through the middle part of the week and it will feel bitingly cold, i think, in exposure to that northwesterly wind. And here's the cold front for the rest of tuesday. It sinks southwards and eastwards, a narrow band of rain for most. There will be some cloud ahead of the front, but sunshine developing behind, blustery showers, very heavy rain across the northern isles, could lead to some localised flooding and it's windy wherever you are across the uk, but particularly so for the northern isles. Gusts of wind here of up to 60—65 miles an hour. And here are the temperatures, ranging between 11—18 degrees. We keep that mild air towards the south, but the rain could pep up here, perhaps, as we head through tuesday evening before it clears overnight. It's going to feel cold on tuesday night. Some of our temperatures could drop back to mid—single figures. I think you'll really notice the chill on wednesday morning. Still some blustery showers out towards the north and the west, but we will see some more clearer skies, especially the further south and east you are. And then on wednesday, it's a typical day when we see a northwesterly wind this time of year. Sunny spells and showers, most of the showers towards the north and the west, some of them heavy and possibly thundery. It will feel cold and exposure, so that's still brisk northwesterly wind and temperatures are now below the seasonal average across the board. But it's still september, so in the spells of sunshine and sheltered from the wind, then it won't feel too bad. Again, more sunny spells and showers, perhaps, on thursday, and then high pressure starts to build in from the southwest. That's going to have the effect of lightning the wind, so there could be a bit of frost, particularly for northern england, parts of scotland into friday morning, and some mist and fog developing as well. But mostly dry on friday, temperatures recover on friday, and through the weekend. Bye— bye. The first iphone designed for apple intelligence is here. We'll have the highlights from apple's launch event. Plus, what do investors really think about the upcoming debate between kamala harris and donald trump? hello and welcome to business today. I'm steve lai. Let's begin in the united states, where apple has launched a slew of upgraded products. The event featured new and improved versions of the apple watch and airpods. But the real headliner was the launch of the iphone 16, that placed the company's push into ai, front and centre. The bbc�*s north america technology correspondent lily jamali sent this report. A packed crowd took in the latest apple iphone launch, more than 30 countries had people in attendance, all here to see this. Ceo tim cook says the iphone 16 is the first to be built on the ground up for artificial intelligence. The software called apple intelligence is integrated into