as iran vows to punish israel for an air strike killing its commanders, president biden says us support for israel is "iron—clad". we'll be analysing the threats and possible outcomes as the war in gaza rages on. that's your questions answered. also coming up: it's time to roll out the red carpet. the bafta gaming awards take place tonight in london. now it's time for your questions answered. let's take a closer look at what we know about iran's alliances, and the so—called axis of resistance. groups backed by iran have been waging attacks on israeli and us targets since the war began on october 7th following the hamas attacks on israel. the heavily armed lebanese group hezbollah has been mounting near daily attacks on israeli targets at the

lebanese—israeli border. hezbollah was founded by iran's revolutionary guards in 1982, and has served as a model for other tehran—backed groups across the region, even advising or training some of them. hamas is less close to tehran than hezbollah but has long had a "marriage of convenience" with iran. tehran has supplied funding, weapons and expertise. but iran was not warned in advance about october 7. then there are other groups — in iraq, syria, bahrain and yemen. the houthis are a yemeni militia group that emerged in the 1980s and control large parts of the country. the group announced it had entered the conflict on october 31, firing drones and missiles at israel. and you may remember these pictures from last november, when the houthis expanded their role by attacking shipping in the southern red sea, saying they were targeting vessels belonging to israelis or heading to israeli ports, though some of the targeted ships had no known israeli links.

let's speak to dr alam saleh, senior lecturer in politics and international relations on iran and the middle east at the australian national university who joins us today from london. welcome, thank you for being with us. let's start with the question on many people's mines today, given the threats from iran and the warning from the us, in your view, could, well iran attack israel directly? iran is capable of attacking israel directly or indirectly through its proxies in the region. iran's missile technology is well advanced, to hit anywhere in israel if they wish so. however, it seems that iran is very reluctant and hesitant to make the decision for several reasons. one is, their real

intentions behind attacking iran's consulate was to drag iran into the war, apparently. and as a result iran does not want to play that role. they know that attacking israel would involve the united states in this war, which would further intensify the conflict between the two sides, and as a result, tehran is quite reluctant to attack israel directly. but what i can do, however, to take a different measure, for instance accelerating their nuclear programme against international rules. and also, to further supply weapons, advanced weapons to their prox proxies in the

regions. particularly hezbollah in lebanon and the houthis in yemen. so far these causes have been supplied and provided with weapons but not necessarily highly advanced weapons such as some drones and other missiles that they may need to create the kind of deterrent power against israel in the region. just a reminder, against israel in the region. just a reminder. in _ against israel in the region. just a reminder, in the _ against israel in the region. just a reminder, in the past _ against israel in the region. just a reminder, in the past few - against israel in the region. just a l reminder, in the past few minutes, the prime minister benjamin netanyahu in israel says, we are preparing to meet any demands, however attacked us, we will attack. let's get more with frank gardner. what you think israel's is right now?

they don't want a war any more than iran wants _ they don't want a war any more than iran wants it — they don't want a war any more than iran wants it. remember that the owners. _ iran wants it. remember that the owners. as — iran wants it. remember that the owners, as it were, is on iran to respond — owners, as it were, is on iran to respond in — owners, as it were, is on iran to respond in some way —— mcreddie onus is on iran— respond in some way —— mcreddie onus is on iran to _ respond in some way —— mcreddie onus is on iran to respond in some way because _ is on iran to respond in some way because they say that israel is responsible even though israel had not claimed responsibility on the april— not claimed responsibility on the april one — not claimed responsibility on the april one attack on the israeli consulate in damascus which was being _ consulate in damascus which was being used by iran for directing its missions, — being used by iran for directing its missions, and that killed a number of senior— missions, and that killed a number of senior commanders in the romanian revoiuiion— of senior commanders in the romanian revolution regard so iran is under pressure — revolution regard so iran is under pressure to— revolution regard so iran is under pressure to —— in the iranian revolutionary guard. so iran is under— revolutionary guard. so iran is under pressure to respond, but no one wants — under pressure to respond, but no one wants this, the gulf arab states, — one wants this, the gulf arab states, the united states, no one wants— states, the united states, no one wants it — states, the united states, no one wants it. this is brinkmanship right now _ wants it. this is brinkmanship right now. hardliners in kemran will be

pushing _ now. hardliners in kemran will be pushing for— now. hardliners in kemran will be pushing for a stronger response, because — pushing for a stronger response, because they do not want to appear weak— because they do not want to appear weak in _ because they do not want to appear weak in the — because they do not want to appear weak in the region —— in kemran, they— weak in the region —— in kemran, they might— weak in the region —— in kemran, they might want to do something about— they might want to do something about their proxies like hezbollah in lebanon, the islamic resistance of had _ in lebanon, the islamic resistance of had and — in lebanon, the islamic resistance of iraq and the houthis in yemen. israei— of iraq and the houthis in yemen. israei has — of iraq and the houthis in yemen. israel has made it clear that if iran— israel has made it clear that if iran responds with a missile attack from _ iran responds with a missile attack from iranian soil it will respond in a devastating manner on iranian targets— a devastating manner on iranian targets in— a devastating manner on iranian targets in iran itself. that's something that had not yet happened, despite _ something that had not yet happened, despite all— something that had not yet happened, despite all the years of tension between — despite all the years of tension between iran and israel and the iraniah— between iran and israel and the iranian proxies, there has never been _ iranian proxies, there has never been a — iranian proxies, there has never been a direct exchange of fire between _ been a direct exchange of fire between israel and iran are so that would _ between israel and iran are so that would be _ between israel and iran are so that would be a — between israel and iran are so that would be a massive escalation that everyone is— would be a massive escalation that everyone is trying to avoid. doctor, we have talked _ everyone is trying to avoid. doctor, we have talked about _ everyone is trying to avoid. doctor, we have talked about what - everyone is trying to avoid. doctor, we have talked about what iran's i we have talked about what iran's strategy is. who is actually calling the shots in iran?— the shots in iran? actually, the su - reme the shots in iran? actually, the supreme leader _ the shots in iran? actually, the supreme leader is _ the shots in iran? actually, the supreme leader is the - the shots in iran? actually, the j supreme leader is the ultimate decision later in iran, and then the revolutionary guards that are

surrounding him, the officers, and we know that the revolutionary guard and the quds force is in charge of the regional policies in iran. the extraterritorial branch of the revolutionary guard, force, are operating in iraq, syria, iran and elsewhere, the quds force. these are hardliners. they are not suicidal. they know that talking to israel directly would have its own consequences. they are already suffering from economic deterioration and high inflation domestically. the disenchantment between people and the state has never been as wide and as a result they do not have much popular support from people. and therefore, they are really quite hesitant. i would say they are at the moment,

they have a dialogue with washington directly or indirectly, during the last six months. they have been able to manage the tension well with the united states. but talking to the iranian consulate in damascus was a violation so that is why israel wants to drag iran into the war and then the united states later on. prime minister benjamin netanyahu knows well that prolonging the war and extending the war would benefit him simply because his political life, his political career is at stake, and it might end as soon as the war ended.— stake, and it might end as soon as the war ended. frank, do you agree that israel wants _ the war ended. frank, do you agree that israel wants to _ the war ended. frank, do you agree that israel wants to drag _ the war ended. frank, do you agree that israel wants to drag iran - the war ended. frank, do you agree that israel wants to drag iran into i that israel wants to drag iran into the war, edward the us go to war with this —— and would the us go to

war with with this —— and would the us go to warwith iran? i’m with this -- and would the us go to war with iran?— war with iran? i'm afraid i don't, i doubt his great _ war with iran? i'm afraid i don't, i doubt his great knowledge, - war with iran? i'm afraid i don't, i doubt his great knowledge, but . war with iran? i'm afraid i don't, i doubt his great knowledge, but i | doubt his great knowledge, but i don't _ doubt his great knowledge, but i don't think it is in israel's interest— don't think it is in israel's interest to have a full—scale war. hezbollah — interest to have a full—scale war. hezbollah which is the proxy militia in lebanon, has got 130,000 missiles of varying _ in lebanon, has got 130,000 missiles of varying sizes. it could absolutely deluge tel aviv as well asjusl _ absolutely deluge tel aviv as well asjust about every absolutely deluge tel aviv as well as just about every other city. israel— as just about every other city. israel has _ as just about every other city. israel has got some pretty serious air defences, but it wouldn't have enough _ air defences, but it wouldn't have enough to— air defences, but it wouldn't have enough to resist that. hezbollah doesn't — enough to resist that. hezbollah doesn't want to do this because there _ doesn't want to do this because there would be enormous retaliation on its _ there would be enormous retaliation on its bases and pretty much most of lebanon _ on its bases and pretty much most of lebanon so— on its bases and pretty much most of lebanon. so it would be very unpopular domestically in lebanon. but it— unpopular domestically in lebanon. but it is— unpopular domestically in lebanon. but it is something which israeli mililary— but it is something which israeli military planners are quite concerned about. because ever since they fought _ concerned about. because ever since they fought an inconclusive war with hezbollah _ they fought an inconclusive war with hezbollah in lebanon in 2006, hezbollah in lebanon in 2006, hezbollah has been building up its

arsenal— hezbollah has been building up its arsenal of iranians supplied rockets, _ arsenal of iranians supplied rockets, missiles and other weapons and it— rockets, missiles and other weapons and it has— rockets, missiles and other weapons and it has a — rockets, missiles and other weapons and it has a formidable arsenal. israel— and it has a formidable arsenal. israel is — and it has a formidable arsenal. israel is a — and it has a formidable arsenal. israel is a small country, it would not be _ israel is a small country, it would not be able. _ israel is a small country, it would not be able, despite all of its defences, to fend off such a massive attack _ defences, to fend off such a massive attack so _ defences, to fend off such a massive attack. so it's not in israel's interests _ attack. so it's not in israel's interests to drag iran into a full—scale war. what israel wants to do is _ full—scale war. what israel wants to do is deter— full—scale war. what israel wants to do is deter iran from any further attacks, — do is deter iran from any further attacks, it's _ do is deter iran from any further attacks, it's getting fed up with these _ attacks, it's getting fed up with these pinpricks, well, more than pinprick— these pinpricks, well, more than pinprick attacks, the fact that 80.000 _ pinprick attacks, the fact that 80,000 israeli residents have had to move _ 80,000 israeli residents have had to move away— 80,000 israeli residents have had to move away from the northern border with lebanon, the constant probing of them _ with lebanon, the constant probing of them by— with lebanon, the constant probing of them by the houthis and other proxies— of them by the houthis and other proxies with missiles being fired, they are — proxies with missiles being fired, they are trying to deter iran, then it won't— they are trying to deter iran, then it won't get— they are trying to deter iran, then it won't get into a war with it. frank. — it won't get into a war with it. frank, what about the us, and the question of whether or not they would go to war with iran over this? well, the us has made it very clear in president — well, the us has made it very clear

in president biden's word that the us gives — in president biden's word that the us gives an ironclad support to israel— us gives an ironclad support to israel when it comes to defending it against _ israel when it comes to defending it against external enemies like iran, you have _ against external enemies like iran, you have got to separate that from the white — you have got to separate that from the white house policy towards israel— the white house policy towards israel in — the white house policy towards israel in terms of goals which is increasingly disapproving. they have made _ increasingly disapproving. they have made it— increasingly disapproving. they have made it very clear, —— in terms of gaza _ made it very clear, —— in terms of gaza which— made it very clear, —— in terms of gaza which is _ made it very clear, —— in terms of gaza which is increasingly deep disapproving. they have made it clear— disapproving. they have made it clear they— disapproving. they have made it clear they have not agreed with the failure _ clear they have not agreed with the failure to— clear they have not agreed with the failure to protect human lives casualties —— civilian lives in gaza — casualties —— civilian lives in gaza but _ casualties —— civilian lives in gaza. but if israel is going to come under— gaza. but if israel is going to come under attack from a state enemy like iran under attack from a state enemy like iran with _ under attack from a state enemy like iran with a _ under attack from a state enemy like iran with a big ballistic arsenal of missiles, — iran with a big ballistic arsenal of missiles, the us has its back but what _ missiles, the us has its back but what does — missiles, the us has its back but what does that mean in practice? it means— what does that mean in practice? it means that — what does that mean in practice? it means that us naval assets in the region— means that us naval assets in the region would be put at iran's disposal— region would be put at iran's disposal to shutdown incoming missiles, — disposal to shutdown incoming missiles, and possibly the us will take part — missiles, and possibly the us will take part in a retaliatory strike. we haven't— take part in a retaliatory strike. we haven't got clear guidance on that but— we haven't got clear guidance on that but that is the subtext of it.

doctor— that but that is the subtext of it. doctor dr — that but that is the subtext of it. doctor dr alam saleh, israel has always talked about the fears that iran has a nuclear arsenal and that is something the world are trying to prevent. in your analysis, is something the world are trying to prevent. in youranalysis, how is something the world are trying to prevent. in your analysis, how close are they, do they have —— how close are they, do they have —— how close are they, do they have nuclear weapons?— are they, do they have nuclear weaons? ., ., ., ., , weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind — weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind and _ weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind and seen _ weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind and seen wars - weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind and seen wars for - weapons? iran and iraq have been in shadow kind and seen wars for very. shadow kind and seen wars for very many decades —— clandestinely was. but they have never been as close as having a full—scale direct confrontation. iran is a threshold nuclear estate, it wants to are —— estate latent nuclear power it to be able to deter israel from any nuclear attack because as you have heard, israel is very vulnerable in terms of security because of its

size, its demography, it is surrounded by enemies. and it is vulnerable in terms of security. so the only thing israel is relying on is the nuclear power that they have and also the full support of the united states. and the other hand, iran needs a kind of deterring power in order to deter israel from any kind of attack.— kind of attack. frank, before we finish, i kind of attack. frank, before we finish. ijust _ kind of attack. frank, before we finish, i just wanted _ kind of attack. frank, before we finish, i just wanted to - kind of attack. frank, before we finish, i just wanted to ask- kind of attack. frank, before we finish, i just wanted to ask you | finish, i just wanted to ask you about the escalation, how does that happen right now? we have been talking for six months since the hamas attack on israel and the war started on hamas about fears of escalation, how is it de—escalated? the most obvious way is for the gaza conflict _ the most obvious way is for the gaza conflict to _ the most obvious way is for the gaza conflict to end but unfortunately hamas _ conflict to end but unfortunately hamas and israel still appear to be very far— hamas and israel still appear to be very farapart on

hamas and israel still appear to be very far apart on their demands. once— very far apart on their demands. once that — very far apart on their demands. once that conflict ends, and i'm afraid _ once that conflict ends, and i'm afraid it's — once that conflict ends, and i'm afraid it's not going to be an end to the _ afraid it's not going to be an end to the israel palestinian question, but once _ to the israel palestinian question, but once that conflict ends, that were _ but once that conflict ends, that were lower tensions in the region for a _ were lower tensions in the region for a start, — were lower tensions in the region fora start, it were lower tensions in the region for a start, it will give the houthis— for a start, it will give the houthis an excuse to stop firing at ships— houthis an excuse to stop firing at ships passing their coast. but privately— ships passing their coast. but privately there have been messages exchanging and whizzing around the airwaves _ exchanging and whizzing around the airwaves in — exchanging and whizzing around the airwaves in the middle east, so antony— airwaves in the middle east, so antony blinken the us secretary of state _ antony blinken the us secretary of state has _ antony blinken the us secretary of state has asked america's golf arab allies. _ state has asked america's golf arab allies, saudi arabia and qatar to speak— allies, saudi arabia and qatar to speak directly to the iranians because _ speak directly to the iranians because the us doesn't really have a hotline _ because the us doesn't really have a hotline to _ because the us doesn't really have a hotline to the iranians, they have to pass _ hotline to the iranians, they have to pass messages through intermediaries. they have asked them to speak— intermediaries. they have asked them to speak to— intermediaries. they have asked them to speak to the iranians to say, do not retaliate against israel, at least — not retaliate against israel, at least not _ not retaliate against israel, at least not in a major way will stop because — least not in a major way will stop because this is going to lead to further— because this is going to lead to further escalation. so to de—escalate, the longer this goes on, without surgery retaliation by

iran, _ on, without surgery retaliation by iran the — on, without surgery retaliation by iran, the greater the on, without surgery retaliation by iran, the greaterthe —— on, without surgery retaliation by iran, the greater the —— without retaliation. _ iran, the greater the —— without retaliation, the greater the chance that the _ retaliation, the greater the chance that the tensions will subside. i think— that the tensions will subside. i think the — that the tensions will subside. i think the iranians will choose to retaliate — think the iranians will choose to retaliate at a time when people least _ retaliate at a time when people least expect it, they are not going to do— least expect it, they are not going to do it _ least expect it, they are not going to do it at — least expect it, they are not going to do it at a — least expect it, they are not going to do it at a time of enormous tension — to do it at a time of enormous tension i_ to do it at a time of enormous tension. i may be wrong on that, i have _ tension. i may be wrong on that, i have been— tension. i may be wrong on that, i have been proved wrong before. but historically, most likely they will do it more — historically, most likely they will do it more as a surprise when people were not— do it more as a surprise when people were not expecting it, possibly a cyber— were not expecting it, possibly a cyber attack. were not expecting it, possibly a cyber attack-— cyber attack. thank you, frank gardner. _ cyber attack. thank you, frank gardner, and _ cyber attack. thank you, frank gardner, and dr— cyber attack. thank you, frank gardner, and dr alam - cyber attack. thank you, frank gardner, and dr alam saleh, l cyber attack. thank you, frank l gardner, and dr alam saleh, for answering these questions. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news.

five australian women who were strip—searched and invasively examined at doha airport have failed in their bid to sue qatar airways. they and other women were ordered off a flight and checked for signs they had given birth, after a newborn baby was found abandoned in an airport bin in 2020. the incident sparked public

outrage and was condemned by several nations. an australian court has now found the state—owned airline could not be prosecuted under the laws governing global travel. the bbc has previously spoken to some of the women affected. they said they did not consent to the examinations and were not given any explanation. here's part of those interviews. we was greeted by gun wielding police officers. there was so much tension in the air, and it was very, very intimidating. brute tension in the air, and it was very, very intimidating.— tension in the air, and it was very, very intimidating. we thought we had been kidnapped. _ very intimidating. we thought we had been kidnapped, and _ very intimidating. we thought we had been kidnapped, and we _ very intimidating. we thought we had been kidnapped, and we were - very intimidating. we thought we had been kidnapped, and we were going i very intimidating. we thought we had l been kidnapped, and we were going to been kidnapped, and we were going to be held _ been kidnapped, and we were going to be held hostage. the been kidnapped, and we were going to be held hostage-— be held hostage. the nurse told me to strip from _ be held hostage. the nurse told me to strip from the _ be held hostage. the nurse told me to strip from the waist _ be held hostage. the nurse told me to strip from the waist down, - be held hostage. the nurse told me to strip from the waist down, and i to strip from the waist down, and she actually gave me a vaginal examination, and it was at that point that i sort of found my voice. and asked what in fact was going on. i was assaulted, i was violated by

the qatari government. yet, to them, it holds no merit. now, it's a big day in the games industry. the bafta gaming awards take place tonight in london. gaming is big business here in the uk. sales topped more than £4] billion last year, more than double that of the music industry. this marks the 20th year of the gaming baftas, and 2023 was widely considered to be one of the best years ever in the industry. let's speak tojordan middler, host of the video games chronicle podcast. good to see you. looking at the nominations for this year, what games stand out? i nominations for this year, what games stand out?— nominations for this year, what games stand out? i think last year was especially _ games stand out? i think last year was especially incredible - games stand out? i think last year was especially incredible for - games stand out? i think last year| was especially incredible for games in the sense that you could have had another full list of game of the year nominees but i think for me, games like alan wake two and the legend of zelda: tears of the kingdom are the real standouts. {lilia kingdom are the real standouts. 0k, and talkin: kingdom are the real standouts. ok,

and talking about baldur's gate and talking about baldur�*s gate three, that has three nominations in the performer in a leading role category, what is the performance of —— importance of a good lead character in a and why has this been so successful? i character in a and why has this been so successful?— so successful? i think with baldur's gate three. — so successful? i think with baldur's gate three, which _ so successful? i think with baldur's gate three, which is, _ so successful? i think with baldur's gate three, which is, for— so successful? i think with baldur's gate three, which is, for people i so successful? i think with baldur'sl gate three, which is, for people who are not aware, it tries to recreate are not aware, it tries to recreate a game of dungeons and dragons say are constantly surrounded by these big expressive characters. if you are not sold on the characters as the player, you are less invested in the player, you are less invested in the game. so specifically with baldur�*s gate three, found that game have taken a lot of the characters to heart, and that's why those actors and performers have dominated that category this year. bond actors and performers have dominated that category this year.— that category this year. and what names that category this year. and what games have _ that category this year. and what games have you _ that category this year. and what games have you enjoyed - that category this year. and what games have you enjoyed in - games have you enjoyed in particular, what is your favourite among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved _ among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved a _ among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved a lot _ among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved a lot of _ among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved a lot of them - among the nominees? it is difficult because i loved a lot of them but i because i loved a lot of them but for me, it is alan wake two, it is a game from a finished studio remedy, who are probably best known for max payne games which they are remaking at the moment with grand theft auto

developer rock star.— developer rock star. whether any names developer rock star. whether any games that _ developer rock star. whether any games that were _ developer rock star. whether any games that were not _ developer rock star. whether anyj games that were not nominated? developer rock star. whether any. games that were not nominated? i thought streetfighter six was hard done by, and diablo four, but no one can really complain with the list as it is. �* ., ., can really complain with the list as it is. 1, ., ., , can really complain with the list as it is. ., ., ,., ., ,., it is. the bafta games awards are in their 20th year. _ it is. the bafta games awards are in their 20th year, how _ it is. the bafta games awards are in their 20th year, how popular- it is. the bafta games awards are in their 20th year, how popular and i their 20th year, how popular and significant are they do you think? i think it is a really great showpiece event for the industry. there are a few of them around the year but they are quite america focused data have something like this in the uk as an establishment name like bafta, it lends a sense of significance to games that i think they have long since and but it is nice of the mainstream to see that as well. [30 mainstream to see that as well. do ou mainstream to see that as well. do you have an invitation? i _ mainstream to see that as well. do you have an invitation? i am - mainstream to see that as well. do you have an invitation? i am stuck| you have an invitation? i am stuck in scotland _ you have an invitation? i am stuck in scotland today _ you have an invitation? i am stuck in scotland today unfortunately i you have an invitation? i am stuck| in scotland today unfortunately but i would love to be there. i am in scotland today unfortunately but i would love to be there.— i would love to be there. i am sure ou will i would love to be there. i am sure you will be — i would love to be there. i am sure you will be following _ i would love to be there. i am sure you will be following it _ i would love to be there. i am sure you will be following it very - you will be following it very carefully. great to talk to, jordan, thank you. carefully. great to talk to, jordan, thank yon-—

stunning artworks have been uncovered in a new excavation at pompeii, the ancient roman city which was buried when mount vesuvius erupted in ad79. archaeologists have uncovered a sumptuous house with floor to ceiling frescoes. mythical greek figures including helen of troy are depicted on the walls of a banqueting hall. experts believe a rich influential man may have owned the property. the bbc has been given exclusive access to the site. our science editor rebecca morelle has this report. so this is the black room? hidden from the world for 2000 years, a new part of pompeii comes to light. years, a new part of pompeii comes to liuht. , , years, a new part of pompeii comes to liht. , , years, a new part of pompeii comes toliuht. , , , ., to light. this is the most beautiful one i to light. this is the most beautiful one i have — to light. this is the most beautiful one i have ever _ to light. this is the most beautiful one i have ever seen. _ to light. this is the most beautiful one i have ever seen. small, - one i have ever seen. small, intricate _ one i have ever seen. small, intricate paintings _ one i have ever seen. small, intricate paintings of- one i have ever seen. small, intricate paintings of greek l intricate paintings of greek mythical scenes stand out against the stark backdrop. this is a banqueting room, where the wealthy owner once entertained important guests. there is an almost complete white music floor. loath? guests. there is an almost complete

white music floor.— white music floor. why were the walls black? _ white music floor. why were the walls black? this _ white music floor. why were the walls black? this room - white music floor. why were the walls black? this room probablyj white music floor. why were the - walls black? this room probably was used after sunset. the smoke from the lamps would deposit on the walls, so we would like to have them black so you wouldn't see this immediately. then you would have the shimmering light of the lamps, and the painting is almost coming to life. it the painting is almost coming to life. , , ., ., life. it is 'ust one part of the house life. it isjust one part of the house that _ life. it isjust one part of the house that has _ life. it isjust one part of the house that has been - life. it isjust one part of the house that has been found, | life. it isjust one part of the - house that has been found, buried when mount vesuvius erupted in 709a.d. this internal district 709a.d. this internal district 709a.d. this internal courtyard gives you an idea of how far they have had to do. this whole area was covered in pumice stone that rained down for 18 hours after the eruption and the dense brown layer at the top is evidence of this fast moving avalanche of gas and volcanic material that engulfed the town of pompeii killing anyone who was left behind. the excavation, the biggest

in a generation, has been followed for a bbc documentary series. a second rim with rare full height frescoes appears from beneath the volcanic debris. whoever had lived here had high status. but it's not just the house. a number of buildings have emerged from the dig. this is a big excavation so here is a plan of its layout. this area here in red is the grand residence, with these large opulent rooms. all only part of it has been unearthed. in front of it is a commercial complex. there is a laundry in green and next that a wholesale bakery. the archaeologists here think this whole thing could have been owned by the same person. there are clues in the bakery as to who this person might have been. brute bakery as to who this person might have been. ~ ., , ., bakery as to who this person might have been-— bakery as to who this person might have been. ~ ., , ., ., have been. we are standing next to robabl have been. we are standing next to probably our— have been. we are standing next to probably our greatest _ have been. we are standing next to probably our greatest coup - have been. we are standing next to probably our greatest coup of - have been. we are standing next to probably our greatest coup of all. i probably our greatest coup of all. it is probably our greatest coup of all. it is a _ probably our greatest coup of all. it is a red — probably our greatest coup of all. it is a red painted inscription on the wall, — it is a red painted inscription on the wall, and we know who arv is, we

know— the wall, and we know who arv is, we know him _ the wall, and we know who arv is, we know him to _ the wall, and we know who arv is, we know him to be powerless rusty as various _ know him to be powerless rusty as various we — know him to be powerless rusty as various. we know he is a politician. maybe _ various. we know he is a politician. maybe he _ various. we know he is a politician. maybe he is — various. we know he is a politician. maybe he is funding the bakery, but he will— maybe he is funding the bakery, but he will not _ maybe he is funding the bakery, but he will not be living here, this is far too— he will not be living here, this is far too impoverished for a ground politician — far too impoverished for a ground politician. so then we hopefully had the idea _ politician. so then we hopefully had the idea that he was living in this bil the idea that he was living in this big grand — the idea that he was living in this big grand house behind us. the excavation _ big grand house behind us. the excavation is _ big grand house behind us. iie: excavation is far from big grand house behind us. "iie: excavation is far from finished big grand house behind us. i“ie: excavation is far from finished and new discoveries are emerging here every day. incredible pictures. and for viewers in the uk, you can see pompeii: the new dig on monday 15 april at 9pm on bbc two and also on the bbc iplayer. the legendary singer tony bennett died last july at the age of 96. now, around 700 items from his career are going up for auction. they include personal belongs, his original artwork and bits of memorabilia like microphones from the singer, who's best—known for songs like i left my heart in san francisco. among the items, a letter from martin luther king,

which is expected to fetch up to $30,000. just before we go, a reminder of our breaking news this hour. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu has said that israel is continuing its war in gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas amid concern that iran is preparing to strike israel in response for thursday for the killing of senior iranian commanders. we have had some latest figures into us on the reuters news agency reporting that at least 33,545 palestinians have been killed and 76,000 injured in israel's military offensive in gaza since october seven. that is according to the hamas run gaza health ministry. stay with us for all the latest. hello again. it's been a fairly cloudy start

to the day, but the cloud breaking up for most of us away from the english channel and irish sea coasts, where we'll hang onto some murky conditions through the day. but for most, it's going to feel warm, and we're looking at spells of hazy sunshine. but if you have an allergy to tree pollen, particularly birch, maybe a bit of plane as well as some ash, these are the pollen levels today, moderate to high across most of the country. now, we've had a weather front which has pushed southwards through the morning, but what it's going to do is start to retreat northward. so it's going to bring some patchy rain back through the south—west and also wales. but for most of us it's dry. it's going to be sunny, albeit hazy at times. one or two showers, western scotland, northern ireland, north—west england, the pennines. but temperatures today potentially up to 20 degrees — somewhere in eastern england is most likely for that. so as we head through the evening and overnight, our weatherfront pushing northwards will bring some heavy rain across northern ireland and central southern scotland, where of course the ground is already saturated. it's going to be a mild night,

temperatures eight to about 12 degrees quite widely. so it's a mild start to the day for friday. and on friday, what you'll find is it will be a fairly cloudy start across england and wales. most of that cloud breaking up and it will develop into a warm day. but around the coasts once again we'll hang onto murky conditions, whereas for northern ireland and scotland it's going to be cloudy for you with rain at times and gales developing across the northern and the western isles. temperatures 11 in the north to potentially 21 in the south. and as we head into saturday, once again, we'll start off on a cloudy note across england and wales. that will break up. we'll see some sunshine, but some heavier rain moving in across scotland and also northern ireland. a blustery day, too, with temperatures still on the high side, 20 in london, but starting to cool down in the north. and you can see that illustrated here as we go into the weekend and the early part of next week, as the yellows and ambers are pushed away by the blues, indicating that the temperatures

are on the slide. so the outlook from sunday to thursday remains changeable. it will be windy at times. there will be some rain at times, some showers, wintry in the mountains in scotland. but there'll be some sunshine too.

also on the programme this lunchtime... anotherfall in routine nhs waiting lists in england, though more than 7.5 million treatments are still waiting to be done. iam i am with the dentists visiting food banks in newcastle to help those in desperate need of dental care. and, buried under volcanic ash for thousands of years, the house and its stunning works of art uncovered in the roman city of pompeii. i'm in pompeii where this extraordinary room, which has been hidden for such a long time has finally been revealed to the world,

and the frescoes are absolutely exquisite.