it's revealed a mum stabbed to death on a bradford street was known to the police forces of west yorkshire and greater manchester. tonight we ask why so many women are being killed despite having come to the attention of officers

who are supposed to protect them. a nationwide hunt is underway for the suspect. tonight we can reveal 18 women who've had prior contact with west yorkshire police have been killed in domestic abuse incidents since 2018. in 2021, fawziyahjaved died after she was pushed from arthur's seat in edinburgh by her husband, killing her and her unborn child in 2021. fawziya had reported domestic abuse to west yorkshire police on two occasions before she was murdered. we'll talk live to her mum for her reaction to today's developments. also tonight: as the patience of israels allies wears thin,

the number of people killled in gaza continues to rise, and a deal to release the remaining hostages is out of reach it appears so far, what is a viable plan for how to end the war? and tory mp william wragg is reported to have stepped down from two committees after admitting last week he gave his colleagues personal phone numbers to someone he met on grindr. mr wragg was one of the victims of the westminster sexting scandal. the bbc�*s chief political correspondent henry zeffman was also targeted. he'll tell you what happened to him. two police forces, west yorkshire and greater manchester, have referred themselves to the police watchdog because both had prior contact with the mum who was stabbed to death in broad daylight while pushing her pram at the weekend in bradford. greater manchester police also had contact with the suspect. the woman was named by officers today as kulsuma akter from oldham. she was 27 years of age

and she knew the suspect. there's a nationwide search going on for him — 25 year old habibur masum. last month newsnight revealed a series of cases where women who had previously sought west yorkshire police's help had ended up being killed amid accusations the force had failed them. here's yasminara khan on the latest killing and new information on the scale of the issue. it was broad daylight on saturday afternoon in westgate bradford. kulsama akter was out with her young baby when she was stabbed to death. the child was not hurt. police are now looking forthis man, habibur masum. west yorkshire police held a press conference this afternoon and revealed both the victim and the suspect were from oldham, greater manchester, and both police forces had previous contact with the victim. reporter: can you tell us if masum was known to the police before this and if so can

you elaborate on that, please? masum was known to the police, not in west yorkshire, and that's as much as i would like to say. was the victim known to police? had you had any contact with her, had she been in contact with you? yes, she had. have you had to refer yourselves to any other police body or anything in relation to anything, previous contact you may have had with anyone? yes, we have referred ourselves to the iopc, because we have had previous contact with the deceased. referral is mandatory to the police watchdog when victims have had contact with the police before death or serious injury. bbc newsnight has been looking at female victims of domestic homicide. we placed a freedom of information request to west yorkshire police, which revealed there have been 18 deaths since 2018 where a victim had prior contact with the police. one of the cases newsnight looked at was

the killing of 21—year—old bethany fields by an ex—partner in huddersfield. in her case, the police watchdog found there had been a series of failures by west yorkshire police, including a failure to properly use available intelligence and to conduct a risk assessment correctly. but it concluded it was impossible to say whether the tragic outcome could have been avoided. the force have previously told us that they trained an extra 3,250 officers and staff in dealing with domestic abuse last year. in this latest case, a 23—year—old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but the man hunt is still under way and police focus will be on catching the main suspect. it will be a while before we find out if there are any lessons to be learned from this latest murder. let's talk now to yasmin javed, mother of fawziyahjaved. fawziyah died after she was pushed from arthur's seat in edinburgh by her husband,

killing her and her unborn child in 2021. the pregnant mum had reported domestic abuse to west yorkshire police on two occasions before her murder. and professorjane monckton—smith, senior lecturer in criminology at the university of gloucestershire and the author of in control: dangerous relationships and how they end in murder. welcome both of/ you. yasmin, how do you react to what we know about what happened to kulsama? i’m you react to what we know about what happened to kulsama?— happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken- _ happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken. my _ happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken. my heart _ happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken. my heart goes - happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken. my heart goes out - happened to kulsama? i'm horrified, heart-broken. my heart goes out to l heart—broken. my heart goes out to the family and to learn that two police forces have had prior knowledge to the suspect and the victim before this happened makes me think what has happened here? does it make ou think what has happened here? does it make you angry? _ think what has happened here? does it make you angry? very _ think what has happened here? does it make you angry? very angry. - think what has happened here? does it make you angry? very angry. it. it make you angry? very angry. it makes my — it make you angry? very angry. it makes my blood _ it make you angry? very angry. it makes my blood boil. _ it make you angry? very angry. it makes my blood boil. jane, -

it make you angry? very angry. it makes my blood boil. jane, two l makes my blood boil. jane, two occasions _ makes my blood boil. jane, two occasions of _ makes my blood boil. jane, two occasions of prior _ makes my blood boil. jane, two occasions of prior contact - makes my blood boil. jane, two occasions of prior contact with l makes my blood boil. jane, two i occasions of prior contact with two police forces before kulsama lost her life. is that unusual? it is police forces before kulsama lost her life. is that unusual?- her life. is that unusual? it is not unusual in _ her life. is that unusual? it is not unusual in every _ her life. is that unusual? it is not unusual in every case _ her life. is that unusual? it is not unusual in every case and - her life. is that unusual? it is not unusual in every case and you - her life. is that unusual? it is not i unusual in every case and you know we don't _ unusual in every case and you know we don't know what's happened in this case, — we don't know what's happened in this case, but it is suggestive there — this case, but it is suggestive there were problems.- this case, but it is suggestive there were problems. what do you mean? it could _ there were problems. what do you mean? it could be _ there were problems. what do you mean? it could be and _ there were problems. what do you mean? it could be and in - there were problems. what do you mean? it could be and in other - there were problems. what do you i mean? it could be and in other cases that i mean? it could be and in other cases that i have — mean? it could be and in other cases that i have seen, _ mean? it could be and in other cases that i have seen, when _ mean? it could be and in other cases that i have seen, when there - mean? it could be and in other cases that i have seen, when there are - mean? it could be and in other cases that i have seen, when there are two police _ that i have seen, when there are two police forces — that i have seen, when there are two police forces involved, perhaps the victim _ police forces involved, perhaps the viciim has— police forces involved, perhaps the victim has been fleeing or escaping. so victim has been fleeing or escaping. 50 going _ victim has been fleeing or escaping. so going from one part of the country to another?— so going from one part of the country to another? in country to another? yes, exactly. in our country to another? yes, exactly. in your daughter— country to another? yes, exactly. in your daughter fawziyah's _ country to another? yes, exactly. in your daughter fawziyah's face, - country to another? yes, exactly. in your daughter fawziyah's face, what should west yorkshire police have done that they didn't do? the? should west yorkshire police have done that they didn't do? they were actually called _ done that they didn't do? they were actually called on _ done that they didn't do? they were actually called on two _ done that they didn't do? they were actually called on two occasions. - actually called on two occasions. the first time the police came to take a statement from fawziyah, they failed to tell her that after they had graded it a medium risk, they failed to tell her a few days later

they had done a reassessment and grade her to high risk. and then the second time the police were called, was six days before fawziyah was murdered and they failed to tell her that she was now at even higher risk, because she was pregnant and she was going to leave the murderer. jane, that is a time when a woman decides that she is... and it is mostly women, let's be honest, she is going to leave her partner that, is going to leave her partner that, is wheen when it is dangerous? most domestic homicides _ is wheen when it is dangerous? most domestic homicides happen at the point _ domestic homicides happen at the point of— domestic homicides happen at the point of separation or when that husband. — point of separation or when that husband, boyfriend finds out there will be _ husband, boyfriend finds out there will be a _ husband, boyfriend finds out there will be a separation. so the police should _ will be a separation. so the police should be — will be a separation. so the police should be well aware where there is a history— should be well aware where there is a history of— should be well aware where there is a history of domestic abuse or control, — a history of domestic abuse or control, and then there is a separation or a threatened separation, we are really into high risk territory then. do separation, we are really into high risk territory then.—

separation, we are really into high risk territory then. do you know why the olice risk territory then. do you know why the police didn't _ risk territory then. do you know why the police didn't tell _ risk territory then. do you know why the police didn't tell fawziyah - risk territory then. do you know why the police didn't tell fawziyah she i the police didn't tell fawziyah she was high risk? i the police didn't tell fawziyah she was high risk?— the police didn't tell fawziyah she was high risk? i have no idea. they have never— was high risk? i have no idea. they have never communicated - was high risk? i have no idea. they have never communicated that - was high risk? i have no idea. they have never communicated that to l was high risk? i have no idea. they i have never communicated that to me and i'm baffled as to why they never told fawziyah. if they had there was no way she would have stayed in that relationship. she was sensible and she would have taken it on board. for those who might not know what happened with fawziyah, tell us what did happen? happened with fawziyah, tell us what did ha en? ~ happened with fawziyah, tell us what did hauen? ~ . ., did happen? well, fawziyah had re orted did happen? well, fawziyah had reported domestic _ did happen? well, fawziyah had reported domestic abuse - did happen? well, fawziyah had reported domestic abuse to - did happen? well, fawziyah had reported domestic abuse to the | reported domestic abuse to the police on two occasions. and she was two days from leaving the murderer. and what happened, she ended up going on a trip to edinburgh and he basically murdered her. he pushed her off arthur's seat in edinburgh. she was able to tell a police officer? ,, . , she was able to tell a police officer? ,, ., , ., , ., she was able to tell a police officer? ,, . , ., . officer? she was able to tell a olice officer? she was able to tell a police officer _ officer? she was able to tell a police officer and _ officer? she was able to tell a police officer and a _ officer? she was able to tell a police officer and a witness i officer? she was able to tell a i police officer and a witness that officer? she was able to tell a - police officer and a witness that he had pushed her. we

police officer and a witness that he had pushed her.— police officer and a witness that he had pushed her. we will never know, but had west — had pushed her. we will never know, but had west yorkshire _ had pushed her. we will never know, but had west yorkshire police - had pushed her. we will never know, but had west yorkshire police told i but had west yorkshire police told your daughter that she was at high rix, do you think she might be still alive? absolutely.— alive? absolutely. absolutely. she would have — alive? absolutely. absolutely. she would have taken _ alive? absolutely. absolutely. she would have taken their _ alive? absolutely. absolutely. she would have taken their advice - alive? absolutely. absolutely. she would have taken their advice and | would have taken their advice and left. , ., ., left. newsnight freedom of information _ left. newsnight freedom of information request - left. newsnight freedom of information request to - left. newsnight freedom of| information request to west yorkshire show that there have been 18 domestic homicides where a victim a woman, had prior contact with the force. what do you make of those figures? force. what do you make of those fiaures? ., , , figures? that sounds very high. it is hiuh. it figures? that sounds very high. it is high- it is— figures? that sounds very high. it is high. it is awful. _ figures? that sounds very high. it is high. it is awful. but _ figures? that sounds very high. it is high. it is awful. but i - figures? that sounds very high. it is high. it is awful. but i can - figures? that sounds very high. it is high. it is awful. but i can tell. is high. it is awful. but i can tell you that — is high. it is awful. but i can tell you that the numbers will be higher domestic— you that the numbers will be higher domestic abuse—related deaths go far beyond _ domestic abuse—related deaths go far beyond identified homicides. there are accidents that never get identified. we are learning the true extent— identified. we are learning the true extent of— identified. we are learning the true extent of domestic abuse related suicides. — extent of domestic abuse related suicides, that follow the same pattern, —

suicides, that follow the same pattern, with the same risk markers. so we _ pattern, with the same risk markers. so we should — pattern, with the same risk markers. so we should know by now at least how to _ so we should know by now at least how to start to preventing some of these _ how to start to preventing some of these awful deaths.— how to start to preventing some of these awful deaths. you, your work has been rolled _ these awful deaths. you, your work has been rolled out _ these awful deaths. you, your work has been rolled out across - these awful deaths. you, your work has been rolled out across police i has been rolled out across police forces which talks about the pattern that can lead up to a murder within a relationship or with an ex—partner. i don't understand why if a woman contacts the police to report that that that procedure doesn't kick in. i’m report that that that procedure doesn't kick in.— report that that that procedure doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as well. doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as well- these _ doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as well. these patterns _ doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as well. these patterns have - doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as well. these patterns have been| doesn't kick in. i'm surprised as - well. these patterns have been known for decades _ well. these patterns have been known for decades. the very specific pattern— for decades. the very specific pattern that we are talking about at the moment, that is owe know i have been _ the moment, that is owe know i have been training the police in that pattern— been training the police in that pattern for a couple of years. what is it they should _ pattern for a couple of years. what is it they should be _ pattern for a couple of years. what is it they should be look _ pattern for a couple of years. wrist is it they should be look for? pattern for a couple of years. what| is it they should be look for? there are a lot of — is it they should be look for? there are a lot of things, _ is it they should be look for? there are a lot of things, but _ is it they should be look for? there are a lot of things, but very - are a lot of things, but very briefty— are a lot of things, but very briefty if— are a lot of things, but very briefly if somebody's got a history, that is—

briefly if somebody's got a history, that is highly predictive that they're _ that is highly predictive that they're going to be repeating that behaviour— they're going to be repeating that behaviour in the future. if a relationship starts quickly, coercive _ relationship starts quickly, coercive control is the biggest predictor— coercive control is the biggest predictor for problems for any violence _ predictor for problems for any violence. if there is then a separation, the risk starts to get a lot higher — separation, the risk starts to get a lot higher. if there is any kind of stalking — lot higher. if there is any kind of stalking or— lot higher. if there is any kind of stalking or harassment, tracking and monitoring _ stalking or harassment, tracking and monitoring that happens after that separation, we are in really quite dangerous— separation, we are in really quite dangerous territory then f they start _ dangerous territory then f they start talking about death, about suicide, — start talking about death, about suicide, threats to kill, those kinds — suicide, threats to kill, those kinds of— suicide, threats to kill, those kinds of things we move forward and the final— kinds of things we move forward and the final stage is planning and everybody thinks that these homicides are spontaneous, they are not. homicides are spontaneous, they are not they— homicides are spontaneous, they are not they are — homicides are spontaneous, they are not. they are nearly all planned in some _ not. they are nearly all planned in some way — not. they are nearly all planned in some way. so there is plenty of opportunities there to get in, intervene _ opportunities there to get in, intervene and perhaps prevent these homicides _ intervene and perhaps prevent these homicides. find intervene and perhaps prevent these homicides. �* , , intervene and perhaps prevent these homicides. . .. , , ., homicides. and in the cases where a homicides. and in the cases where a homicide has — homicides. and in the cases where a homicide has happened, _ homicides. and in the cases where a homicide has happened, doo - homicides. and in the cases where a homicide has happened, doo do - homicides. and in the cases where a homicide has happened, doo do you| homicide has happened, doo do you think about the way some police

officers approach those cases? i don't think that domestic homicides are seen— don't think that domestic homicides are seen as — don't think that domestic homicides are seen as serious, as stranger homicides — are seen as serious, as stranger homicides. they don't think they're given— homicides. they don't think they're given the _ homicides. they don't think they're given the resources or the expertise in investigating those sometimes suspicious deaths, sometimes will turn out _ suspicious deaths, sometimes will turn out to— suspicious deaths, sometimes will turn out to be homicides. we still don't _ turn out to be homicides. we still don't seem — turn out to be homicides. we still don't seem to treat domestic homicides as real, or serious. so we don't _ homicides as real, or serious. so we don't put _ homicides as real, or serious. so we don't put the — homicides as real, or serious. so we don't put the work, i don't think we put the _ don't put the work, i don't think we put the work— don't put the work, i don't think we put the work in before to prevent them _ put the work in before to prevent them. ., , ., put the work in before to prevent them. ., ., . ., , put the work in before to prevent them. ., . ., , ., put the work in before to prevent them. ., . . . , ., ,., them. yasmin what, changes would you like to see? _ them. yasmin what, changes would you like to see? i— them. yasmin what, changes would you like to see? i would _ them. yasmin what, changes would you like to see? i would like _ them. yasmin what, changes would you like to see? i would like police - like to see? i would like police when they're _ like to see? i would like police when they're called _ like to see? i would like police when they're called to - like to see? i would like police when they're called to these i when they're called to these incidents to take time when they are going to see the individuals and not just treat them like another statistic and think of them as their own daughter, their own sister. imilieu own daughter, their own sister. when we talk about — own daughter, their own sister. when we talk about statistics, _ own daughter, their own sister. when we talk about statistics, we _ own daughter, their own sister. when we talk about statistics, we should remember on average two women are killed every week by a current

partner or an ex killed every week by a current partner oran ex in killed every week by a current partner or an ex in england and wales. two women every week? why? how? is this happen something high aren't people marching on the streets about this? that aren't people mar ching on the streets about this? that always surrises streets about this? that always surprises me. _ streets about this? that always surprises me, because - streets about this? that always surprises me, because that - streets about this? that always i surprises me, because that figure has remained static for a long time. it is has remained static for a long time. it is not _ has remained static for a long time. it is not going down. in fact it is going _ it is not going down. in fact it is going uu — it is not going down. in fact it is going uu i_ it is not going down. in fact it is going up. i do not know why we are not more _ going up. i do not know why we are not more angry, outraged about it. we should — not more angry, outraged about it. we should be outraged. and the police _ we should be outraged. and the police should be doing way more, way more _ police should be doing way more, way more they— police should be doing way more, way more. they have got the knowledge, they say— more. they have got the knowledge, they say they haven't got the resources. this is the most serious of offending — resources. this is the most serious of offending they're going to have to deal— of offending they're going to have to deal with. so that should attract the resources. we to deal with. so that should attract the resources.— the resources. we have got the domestic abuse _ the resources. we have got the domestic abuse act _ the resources. we have got the domestic abuse act brought - the resources. we have got the domestic abuse act brought in l the resources. we have got the i domestic abuse act brought in by the resources. we have got the - domestic abuse act brought in by the government. theresa may when she was in government made coercive control illegal. west yorkshire police last summer say they trained over 3,000

officers and staff and a review is being taken into your daughter's case. i want to thank you both for being with us tonight and talking to our audience. thank you so much. if you've been affected by the issues we've been discussing, you can contact the bbc�*s action line. bbc.co.uk/actionline. the number: 0800 066 066. newsnight understands that the conservative mp william wragg is significantly reducing some of his political commimtments. the news comes after he gave the personal phone numbers of colleagues to someone he met on grindr, a dating app, after he feared being exposed. mr wragg has thus far kept the tory whip. 0ur political editor nick watt

is here, as is the bbc�*s chief political correspondent henry zeffman who was approached by the scammers and has written about his experience for bbc news online. nick, what has happened with william wragg tonight? i nick, what has happened with william wragg tonight?— wragg tonight? i understand from a senior tory that _ wragg tonight? i understand from a senior tory that william _ wragg tonight? i understand from a senior tory that william wragg - wragg tonight? i understand from a senior tory that william wragg is i senior tory that william wragg is reducing his commitments to focus on his health. so it looks like he is standing back as vice chair of the 1922 committee of conservative mps and stepping back as chair of the cross—party public administration and constitutional affairs select committee. the officers of the 1922 committee. the officers of the 1922 committee and members of the select committee and members of the select committee have not been notified of any change, but friends of william wragg are expecting that to happen and they believe that will be the right decision. these friends are saying that william wragg, who has been very open in the past about his challenges with his mental health,

has been devastated by what he did. but those friends also say, look, he did make a serious mistake and they say that mistake has broken trust and that means he can't remain in those two trusted post.— and that means he can't remain in those two trusted post. henry, you were targeted _ those two trusted post. henry, you were targeted by — those two trusted post. henry, you were targeted by the _ those two trusted post. henry, you were targeted by the same - those two trusted post. henry, you - were targeted by the same scammers, known as charlie and abby. what known as charlie and abby. what happened? _ known as charlie and abby. what happened? it _ known as charlie and abby. what happened? it was _ known as charlie and abby. what happened? it was really - known as charlie and abby. what happened? it was really quite strange, _ happened? it was really quite strange, quite creepy, flag —— frankly— strange, quite creepy, flag —— frankly at— strange, quite creepy, flag —— frankly at various points. back in march _ frankly at various points. back in march i — frankly at various points. back in march i got _ frankly at various points. back in march i got a whatsapp message one morning _ march i got a whatsapp message one morning from a number that i did not have saved _ morning from a number that i did not have saved from a photo i didn't recognise — have saved from a photo i didn't recognise. they said, henry, long time _ recognise. they said, henry, long time no _ recognise. they said, henry, long time no speak, how are you doing? miss _ time no speak, how are you doing? miss seeing — time no speak, how are you doing? miss seeing you around westminster and they— miss seeing you around westminster and they added a kiss. i zoomed in on the _ and they added a kiss. i zoomed in on the photo i thought i didn't recognise this person but they are speaking — recognise this person but they are speaking very familiarly. i replied and said. — speaking very familiarly. i replied and said, sorry, who is this? they said _ and said, sorry, who is this? they said they— and said, sorry, who is this? they said they were called charlie and the use — said they were called charlie and the use to — said they were called charlie and the use to work in parliament and we swapped _ the use to work in parliament and we swapped numbers after drinking one

night _ swapped numbers after drinking one night. again i thought that was pretty— night. again i thought that was pretty odd. looking at the photo, rustling _ pretty odd. looking at the photo, rustling through my memories if i remember— rustling through my memories if i remember it ever meeting anyone who looked _ remember it ever meeting anyone who looked like _ remember it ever meeting anyone who looked like this. perhaps cunningly the photo — looked like this. perhaps cunningly the photo was of both a man and a woman, _ the photo was of both a man and a woman, charlie is an ambiguous name, whether— woman, charlie is an ambiguous name, whether it _ woman, charlie is an ambiguous name, whether it is _ woman, charlie is an ambiguous name, whether it is a — woman, charlie is an ambiguous name, whether it is a man or a woman. i couldn't— whether it is a man or a woman. i couldn't think of how to reply to this person. the messages escalated in intensity— this person. the messages escalated in intensity until they said i am going _ in intensity until they said i am going to — in intensity until they said i am going to get you, you are still single. — going to get you, you are still single, should i bow out gracefully, lucky— single, should i bow out gracefully, lucky girt~ _ single, should i bow out gracefully, lucky girt~ i— single, should i bow out gracefully, lucky girl. i thought this was too strange, — lucky girl. i thought this was too strange, i— lucky girl. i thought this was too strange, i don't know what it was and i_ strange, i don't know what it was and i don't — strange, i don't know what it was and i don't want a part of it and i blocked — and i don't want a part of it and i blocked the _ and i don't want a part of it and i blocked the number. the next day, almost _ blocked the number. the next day, almost 24 — blocked the number. the next day, almost 24 hours later i got a similar— almost 24 hours later i got a similar message from someone this time catt— similar message from someone this time call abbie. this time it got more _ time call abbie. this time it got more intense on their part more quickly — more intense on their part more quickly i— more intense on their part more quickly. i kept saying, sorry, you are the _ quickly. i kept saying, sorry, you are the same person as yesterday. because _ are the same person as yesterday. because the messages were similar. very similar. because the messages were similar. very similar-— very similar. was it more texting or what? it very similar. was it more texting or what? it was _

very similar. was it more texting or what? it was trying _ very similar. was it more texting or what? it was trying to _ very similar. was it more texting or what? it was trying to flirt - very similar. was it more texting or what? it was trying to flirt but - very similar. was it more texting or what? it was trying to flirt but i - what? it was trying to flirt but i don't think— what? it was trying to flirt but i don't think it — what? it was trying to flirt but i don't think it was _ what? it was trying to flirt but i don't think it was very - what? it was trying to flirt but i don't think it was very effective because — don't think it was very effective because i— don't think it was very effective because i kept replying who are you and what _ because i kept replying who are you and what you want? ultimately they said i_ and what you want? ultimately they said i don't— and what you want? ultimately they said i don't know what you want me to say, _ said i don't know what you want me to say, i— said i don't know what you want me to say, iwas— said i don't know what you want me to say, i was horny and i messaged you and _ to say, i was horny and i messaged you and that — to say, i was horny and i messaged you and that is eight and at that point _ you and that is eight and at that point i _ you and that is eight and at that point i blocked them as well and told someone at work and didn't think— told someone at work and didn't think of— told someone at work and didn't think of it — told someone at work and didn't think of it until a few days ago when — think of it until a few days ago when politico reported that quite a lot of— when politico reported that quite a lot of men— when politico reported that quite a lot of men in westminster had had very similar— lot of men in westminster had had very similar messages from either charlie _ very similar messages from either charlie or— very similar messages from either charlie or abbie. find very similar messages from either charlie or abbie.— charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as _ charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as far — charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as far as _ charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as far as i _ charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as far as i am _ charlie or abbie. and this is all men? as far as i am aware, i charlie or abbie. and this is all i men? as far as i am aware, yes. william wragg — men? as far as i am aware, yes. william wragg so _ men? as far as i am aware, yes. william wragg so far— men? as far as i am aware, yes. william wragg so far has - men? as far as i am aware, yes. william wragg so far has kept i men? as far as i am aware, yes. | william wragg so far has kept the tory whip even though there were some conservative saying why? what is going to happen now? there some conservative saying why? what is going to happen now?— is going to happen now? there are conservative _ is going to happen now? there are conservative mps _ is going to happen now? there are conservative mps who _ is going to happen now? there are conservative mps who want - is going to happen now? there are conservative mps who want him i is going to happen now? there are conservative mps who want him to lose the whip, mainly supporters of borisjohnson who have never forgiven him for his very strong criticism of the former prime minister. forthe criticism of the former prime minister. for the moment it looks like he will keep the weight because he is seen as a victim. last week jeremy hunt described his apology as courageous and fulsome. but i am

detecting that patients with william wragg in the cabinet is wearing thin. 0ne cabinet minister told me they expect he will be facing many more questions. they expect a very thorough look at what happened and they believe that is going to uncover many more details. but this cabinet minister told me that simon hart, the chief whip, is putting a duty of care towards william wragg first because he is believed to be in a vulnerable place in this minister believes that is the right decision by simon hart, that they don't expect the question is to go away. but this really does feel like away. but this really does feel like a governing party once again struggling to find its feet at a very sensitive moment in the electoral calendar.— very sensitive moment in the electoral calendar. you must have wondered what _ electoral calendar. you must have wondered what charlie _ electoral calendar. you must have wondered what charlie or- electoral calendar. you must have wondered what charlie or abbie i electoral calendar. you must have i wondered what charlie or abbie were trying to achieve. what is your own feeling on that? i trying to achieve. what is your own feeling on that?— feeling on that? i think it is still completely _ feeling on that? i think it is still completely unclear _ feeling on that? i think it is still completely unclear and - feeling on that? i think it is still completely unclear and this - feeling on that? i think it is still completely unclear and this is i feeling on that? i think it is still. completely unclear and this is why this is— completely unclear and this is why this is such — completely unclear and this is why this is such a fascinating, worrying and frankly— this is such a fascinating, worrying and frankly weird story because it

is not _ and frankly weird story because it is not clear— and frankly weird story because it is not clear whether whoever was behind _ is not clear whether whoever was behind this was seeking extortion, blackmail. — behind this was seeking extortion, blackmail, seeking material, because it has— blackmail, seeking material, because it has been— blackmail, seeking material, because it has been reported, and it is worth— it has been reported, and it is worth stressing, that two mps might have responded to explicit messages they received from charlie and abbie — they received from charlie and abbie. my conversation never got to that stage — abbie. my conversation never got to that stage. but up to two mps might have responded by sending their own explicit _ have responded by sending their own explicit photos. that is potentially very serious. are those mps compromise? we don't know. it was a moderately— compromise? we don't know. it was a moderately sophisticated approach, it dwelled upon my career history at various— it dwelled upon my career history at various points, but if mps were falling — various points, but if mps were falling for— various points, but if mps were falling for this kind of approach, i think— falling for this kind of approach, i think that — falling for this kind of approach, i think that does open the question of whether— think that does open the question of whether more sophisticated or even less sophisticated approaches might have also— less sophisticated approaches might have also in the past and snared mps and what _ have also in the past and snared mps and what the ramifications of that would _ and what the ramifications of that would be — and what the ramifications of that would be. i and what the ramifications of that would be. ., �* ,, ., ., i. and what the ramifications of that would be. ., �* ,, ., ., , would be. i don't know about you but i thouht, would be. i don't know about you but i thought. gosh. _ would be. i don't know about you but i thought, gosh, what— would be. i don't know about you but i thought, gosh, what would - would be. i don't know about you but i thought, gosh, what would i- would be. i don't know about you but i thought, gosh, what would i do - would be. i don't know about you but i thought, gosh, what would i do if. i thought, gosh, what would i do if i thought, gosh, what would i do if i got a message from charlie or abbie? maybe this is hindsight, but

if you are an mp, would you send explicit photos to someone who has sent you a whatsapp? if you are someone in a public position? i don't think that is hindsight. it does seem obvious now, but texting is normal for does seem obvious now, but texting is normalfor a lot of does seem obvious now, but texting is normal for a lot of people. does seem obvious now, but texting is normalfor a lot of people. the is normal for a lot of people. the messages _ is normal for a lot of people. the messages were _ is normal for a lot of people. the messages were quite cleverly crafted to make _ messages were quite cleverly crafted to make you think twice. they spoke with such _ to make you think twice. they spoke with such familiarity about having spoken _ with such familiarity about having spoken to — with such familiarity about having spoken to me before, but even after ifirst— spoken to me before, but even after i first blogged charlie before i got messages from abbie the next day, i did occasionally think of it that day and — did occasionally think of it that day and think, hang on, was i abrupt with someone who innocuously got the wrong _ with someone who innocuously got the wrong end of the stick after i met them _ wrong end of the stick after i met them once — wrong end of the stick after i met them once and i don't remember them customer— them once and i don't remember them customer l _ them once and i don't remember them customer i don't know. i them once and i don't remember them customer i don't know.— customer i don't know. i was going to say that — customer i don't know. i was going to say that henry's _ customer i don't know. i was going to say that henry's response - customer i don't know. i was going to say that henry's response was i to say that henry's response was textbook, but what is going on is these scammers have got more than mobile numbers. they have good information, intelligence about individuals and this is what they

are interested in. these people know about these people they are approaching and that is how you sort of real people in.— of real people in. thank you both very much- _ what will israel do next in gaza? and why have they pulled back israel defense force units in khan younis in the south, reported to be a hamas stronghold? palestinians have started returning there to find, in many cases, there is absolutely nothing left of their homes, israeli forces having laid waste to swathes of gaza. 1.5 million people are trying to find sanctuary in and around rafah in the south, where israel believes at least four hamas units and the surviving israeli hostages are. israel is insistent that an operation in rafah is still on the cards, despite the us and uk telling the israel pm that their support is not unconditional after the killing of seven aid workers last week. remember, israel's stated aim is to eliminate hamas and get all israeli hostages back. six months in, it hasn't achieved either. here'sjoe.

"where do i sleep? where do i go?" this woman asks. she is one of thousands returning to khan younis to find homes reduced to rubble. translation: the house was full of things. - we returned and found it demolished. my father was martyred and we are nowjust six women at home. we don't know where to go or where to the stay. it's thought around half of the buildings in this city have been damaged or destroyed. entire streets have been bulldozed. hospitals and homes shattered. some as a result of heavy fighting. others it seems to leave a message. for around four months, khan younis has been one of the key battlegrounds in israel's war in gaza. this footage released by the idf shows the 98th brigade in action. over the weekend they pulled out,

meaning that israel now has just one brigade left in the entire gaza strip. if you look at the israeli strategy in gaza, they have been clearing areas, they have been holding large chunks of territory over the last six months from time to time. and that's pretty costly, it allows your adversary to manoeuvre around you and the cost of having troops there is is exhausting, frankly. it is a steady rate of attrition to your soldiers and they are fixed where they are if they are holding ground. israel insists that the decision to withdraw from khan younis was entirely a military one. it also allows them to focus more on the increasing threat from hezbollah in lebanon. but withdrawing troops from gaza could also smooth the way to a ceasefire. talks are currently under way in cairo, although a deal will not be easy. the hamas representatives there are members of hamas's political wing. whereas the real decisions are being made by mohammed deif, the

military leader of hamas in gaza, who is holed up in some tunnel somewhere and we are constantly hearing contradicting reports from various parties, saying, yes, things are going forward and we are optimistic of a break through and then we are hearing from another party, actually, nothing has been decided and they're accusing each and the other side of dragging their feet. this is all against a backdrop of ever increasing pressure on binyamin netanyahu. there are thought to be over 130 hostages still in gaza. their families are a powerful political and moral force in this country and continue their calls for a deal to bring the hostages home. from the other direction, extremist members of binyamin netanyahu's coalition government like itamar ben—gvir, the security minister have suggested they could bring him down if he compromises. binyamin netanyahu is both by nature a procrastinator and as a political

creature someone who always plays for time. at what point time runs out for netanyahu it is impossible to say. it looks like that we are reaching that point, but, yeah, i have been covering netanyahu for so many years, he always finds another trick to delay and procrastinate. biden certainly has some levers of pressure on binyamin netanyahu. whether it will be enough to push him into agreeing to this hostage agreement, whether he will choose to bow down to biden is yet to be seen. in the last few hours, binyamin netanyahu has said a date has been set for the ground invasion of rafah, something president biden has constantly warned against. if israeli tanks do roll into this city where more than a million palestinians are sheltering, the cost to israel's relationship with the united states will be huge. but nothing compared to the damage this city and its people could face.

just before we came on air i spoke to retired major general giora eiland and began by asking him why isreal is reducing its troops in southern gaza. there are three reasons why it is a decision that was made to withdraw from this area. most of the missions were accomplished and there is no rationale to continue to stay there and to be vulnerable. the second thing is this battalion is best to participate in the next battle in the next city, rafah, and it is betterfor the next city, rafah, and it is better for them the next city, rafah, and it is betterfor them if the next city, rafah, and it is better for them if they are outside the gaza strip. and the third reason is they want to find a way to encourage many palestinians who are sheltering in rafah to move back to

khan younis where they fled from about two or three months ago so they would be encouraged to return to khan younis and it creates better conditions for an israeli operation. some people have been going back to khan younis and there is barely anything there. there is nothing for people to return to. is that where you expect them to go? edit people to return to. is that where you expect them to go? of course, the ci of you expect them to go? of course, the city of khan — you expect them to go? of course, the city of khan younis _ you expect them to go? of course, the city of khan younis is _ you expect them to go? of course, the city of khan younis is quite - the city of khan younis is quite devastated, just as the other areas in gaza. this is the result of the decision of the government of gaza, the government of hamas, that made a decision on the 7th of october to begin a waragainst decision on the 7th of october to begin a war against israel and to understand the possible consequences. the vicious attack against israel was supported by the vast majority of the people of gaza. how do you know that? i am

vast majority of the people of gaza. how do you know that?— how do you know that? i am saying such a terrible _ how do you know that? i am saying such a terrible attack— how do you know that? i am saying such a terrible attack that - how do you know that? i am saying such a terrible attack that we - how do you know that? i am saying such a terrible attack that we saw i such a terrible attack that we saw on the 7th of october was a calculated decision made by the government of gaza which is supported by the vast majority of the people of gaza and we have to understand there should be some implications to their decision. it is very similar to the implications that germany had to suffer after the decision of their leader to begin the war. this is something that you cannot totally avoid. you cannot know that the vast majority of people of gaza supported what hamas did on october 7th. the way you have described it, are you saying this is collective punishment

of the people of gaza. i saying this is collective punishment of the people of gaza.— of the people of gaza. i never said that. you didn't _ of the people of gaza. i never said that. you didn't but _ of the people of gaza. i never said that. you didn't but it _ of the people of gaza. i never said that. you didn't but it did - of the people of gaza. i never said that. you didn't but it did sound i that. you didn't but it did sound like that. hamas _ that. you didn't but it did sound like that. hamas was _ that. you didn't but it did sound like that. hamas was elected i that. you didn't but it did sound like that. hamas was elected in | that. you didn't but it did sound l like that. hamas was elected in a democratic _ like that. hamas was elected in a democratic process _ like that. hamas was elected in a democratic process 19 _ like that. hamas was elected in a democratic process 19 years - like that. hamas was elected in a i democratic process 19 years ago... 19 years ago exactly. llrtulfiztit democratic process 19 years ago... 19 years ago exactly.— democratic process 19 years ago... 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. accordinu 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. according to — 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. according to all— 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. according to all the _ 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. according to all the polls _ 19 years ago exactly. wait a second. according to all the polls published | according to all the polls published by palestinian think—tank including the last month about 80% of the people of gaza support hamas and they know their ideology and what was the plans were for israel. but we have to understand that this level of devastation just as the number of casualties in gaza is not only a result of the israeli national decision to fight back, but this is because gaza became to be the most fortified military zone in history. i5 the most fortified military zone in histo . , ., . . the most fortified military zone in histo . , . . ., history. is it a coincidence that this withdrawal _ history. is it a coincidence that this withdrawal of _ history. is it a coincidence that this withdrawal of israeli - history. is it a coincidence that| this withdrawal of israeli troops came after president biden's

criticism of israel, following the killing of the seven aid workers? i don't think that there is a strong linkage between these a decision to withdraw from gaza from this area was accepted a short time before this development. actually the americans did not demand that we would withdraw from khan younis. it is a unilateral israeli decision. yes, there is some kind of coincidence, because in this very week actually in the next 48—hours week actually in the next 48—hours we should know whether we can reach some kind of ceasefire agreement with hamas and many people say that we have to wait until this deal is agreed before we withdraw. but this is an israeli decision. fin agreed before we withdraw. but this is an israeli decision.— is an israeli decision. on october 10th ou is an israeli decision. on october 10th you wrote — is an israeli decision. on october 10th you wrote on _ is an israeli decision. on october 10th you wrote on a _ is an israeli decision. on october 10th you wrote on a web-site - is an israeli decision. on october| 10th you wrote on a web-site that 10th you wrote on a web—site that israel has no choose but to make gaza a place that is impossible to

live in. you went on to say that create oog severe humanitarian crisis in gaza is a means to achieve the goal. you stand by that? i certainly stand by that and i want to explain. i understood from the first days that again a military activities is not enough and even the political one that should have been adopted by israel is not enough. we have to understand when there is a war and this is the right definition of the situation, then we have to use all our leverages against the government of the other side. wait a second. let me complete the answer. because it is a sensitive matter. i understood from the first day that if we want to make sure that all israeli hostages will be brought back, the only way to guarantee is to create such a pressure that even the government of

the hamas that is not really so sensitive about the well being of the people will be under pressure of hundred of thousands of palestinians which are angry, frustrated and angry and might rise against the regime. what is what ped happened in the arab spring. that regime. what is what ped happened in the arab spring-— the arab spring. that hard line we have seen you _ the arab spring. that hard line we have seen you could _ the arab spring. that hard line we have seen you could argue - the arab spring. that hard line we have seen you could argue from i have seen you could argue from binyamin netanyahu and its failing. both objectives. it is binyamin netanyahu and its failing. both objectives.— both ob'ectives. it is not fail... let me both objectives. it is not fail... let me now — both objectives. it is not fail... let me now finish _ both objectives. it is not fail... let me now finish the - both objectives. it is not fail... l let me now finish the sentence. both objectives. it is not fail... - let me now finish the sentence. the two objectives set out by the prime minister eliminating hamas and the release of hostages, so far six months in, those have not been met with that hardline approach? i months in, those have not been met with that hardline approach?- with that hardline approach? i agree with that hardline approach? i agree with ou, with that hardline approach? i agree with you. but i _ with that hardline approach? i agree with you, but i don't _ with that hardline approach? i agree with you, but i don't agree - with that hardline approach? i agree with you, but i don't agree it - with that hardline approach? i agree with you, but i don't agree it is - with that hardline approach? i agree with you, but i don't agree it is as i with you, but i don't agree it is as a result of our line. the line i suggested was not adopted by the israeli government that resulted the

supply of water and food from the very beginning, due to international pressure. i think that this was a mistake. actually we were approached by the americans and other with t requests to allow the palestinian authorities to enter gaza. we should have said yes. the second was to supply gaza bawl they want and we should have said no.— should have said no. thank you for talkin: to should have said no. thank you for talking to newsnight. _ should have said no. thank you for talking to newsnight. you're - talking to newsnight. you're welcome- — we can talk now to former us ambassador gina abercrombie—winstanley who left the us state department last year and is currently president of the middle east policy council. thank you for talking to our audience. i would like to ask you the same question, why do you think israeli defence force troops have pulled out of khan younis? well, indeed only _ pulled out of khan younis? well, indeed only the _ pulled out of khan younis? well, indeed only the israelis - pulled out of khan younis? well, indeed only the israelis will - pulled out of khan younis? -ii indeed only the israelis will know for sure and possibly the american government and i would say it is a

combination of two things. certainly if they are in the process of putting out a plan before rafah invasion, indeed having khan younis vacated of israeli or idf would allow people to move from rafah to khan younis. but there is nothing there for them. it is unlikely that is what makes sense and the world would accept that is a reasonable plan to protect civilians from an idf invasion. the other part is that who gets to declare victory is the government of israel. what they accept as what allows them to move forward and indeed this withdrawal from khan younis is part of what hamas has asked for a withdrawal of israeli forces. that may help with

the negotiations of the ceasefire that are going on in cairo now. is there a red line for the us do you think, and if so what is it? is there something i israel would do for the united states to say we are not sending you any more arms. that would be not sending you any more arms. trust would be complicated. first gaza is not the only front that israel's fighting on. we have a long, close mutually supportive military relationship and to cut that would be an extraordinary step. keeping in mind there is a front with hezbollah and there is a front with the houthis in the south of the country in iraq. and of course iraq and syria. so to cut all weapons is unlikely. howeverthe syria. so to cut all weapons is unlikely. however the president has indeed laid down what the rest of us will take as a red line. i know he said if he had a red line rafah would be it. but i think that he was being diplomatic at that point and

that he made that clear to the prime minister. i put my reputation on the line in saying that there must be a credible, credible protective plan for civilians and if the government of israel invades rafah without that, without the president and the united states being satisfied, there is something real that will protect civilians, i think that that will be bright pink and heading for red, absolutely. i5 bright pink and heading for red, absolutely-— bright pink and heading for red, absolutel . _ ., �* ., , absolutely. is joe biden doing this because what _ absolutely. is joe biden doing this because what israel _ absolutely. is joe biden doing this because what israel is _ absolutely. is joe biden doing this because what israel is doing - absolutely. is joe biden doing this because what israel is doing in i absolutely. is joe biden doing this i because what israel is doing in gaza is becoming a vote loser for mr biden? i is becoming a vote loser for mr biden? ., _ ., , is becoming a vote loser for mr biden? ., ., ,. ., , biden? i would say that is certainly art of it. biden? i would say that is certainly part of it. certainly _ biden? i would say that is certainly part of it. certainly from _ biden? i would say that is certainly part of it. certainly from his - biden? i would say that is certainly part of it. certainly from his own i part of it. certainly from his own party and his own coalition. we have seen the reports, i have spoken with people who have become active politically because of their disappointment with the president

and his continued bear hug of the israeli government. the reputation of the president as someone who upholds american ideal and values and the law of armed conflict, as your previous guest described it, thatis your previous guest described it, that is collective punishment. against international law. so having the us so closely aligned was becoming very difficult. most people, 0ctober becoming very difficult. most people, october 7th, were highly supportive of israel's need and responsibility to protect its civilians. to protect its citizens. but the way it has gone about has lost deep support throughout the world and increasingly in the united states. ., ., world and increasingly in the united states. . ., ., , world and increasingly in the united states. . . ., , ., states. talks that have been going on in cairo regarding _ states. talks that have been going on in cairo regarding some - states. talks that have been going on in cairo regarding some kind i states. talks that have been going on in cairo regarding some kind of| on in cairo regarding some kind of pause and the release of the remaining hostages seem to have

failed. so, now what?— remaining hostages seem to have failed. so, now what? well, hamas's re'ected failed. so, now what? well, hamas's rejected the — failed. so, now what? well, hamas's rejected the last _ failed. so, now what? well, hamas's rejected the last offer _ failed. so, now what? well, hamas's rejected the last offer and _ failed. so, now what? well, hamas's rejected the last offer and i - rejected the last offer and i believe they said the last offer was too much like the offer before, so there was nothing new to respond to. talks will. .. there was nothing new to respond to. talks will... you know they haven't succeeded yet, but they will go on until they succeed. because everybody needs a ceasefire at this point. hamas needs a ceasefire as your previous guest noted. there are internal pressures. there is not an infinite number that can be killed and hamas keep the position it can be part of a nebgtd settlement. — negotiated settlement. behind the scenes who knows? but there are pressures on hamas to get to a ceasefire, to get to a point where

it can declare