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Isa Soares Tonight
Deadly Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan; President Putin And President Modi Join Forces With Chinese President Xi To Push For A New Global Order; President Trump Set To Visit The U.K. Later In September; British MP Says He Will Boycott Trump's State Visit; Israeli Military Intensities Attacks On Gaza; U.S. Deportation Of Unaccompanied Guatemalan Minors Blocked; Cryptocurrency Usage Soars In Bolivian Businesses. Aired 2-3p ET
Aired September 01, 2025 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[14:00:00]
ISA SOARES, CNN INTERNATOINAL HOST: A very warm welcome to the show, everyone, I'm Isa Soares. Tonight, it's a race against time in Afghanistan
as rescue crews search for survivors following a deadly and devastating earthquake. But their efforts are being hampered by landslides and damaged
roads. I'll speak to an aid organization on the ground.
Plus, a high profile summit is wrapping up in China, and it's one that's offering the world an alternative as President Xi Jinping joined forces
with Russian President Putin to push for a new global order. And hear from a leading British politician on why he's boycotting U.S. President Trump's
state dinner later this month.
That, and much more ahead. But first, tonight, an already staggering death toll in Afghanistan is likely to rise in the aftermath of a devastating
earthquake. The six-point magnitude quake near the Pakistani border hit while many were sleeping, leaving at least 800 people dead and 2,800
injured.
The remote, mountainous terrain is making it extremely difficult for rescuers to get to those trapped under rubble. More now from CNN's Nic
Robertson on the enormous impact of the quake as the region, of course, braces for aftershocks.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR (voice-over): Chaotic scenes searching for survivors in the dark. Most people asleep in their
homes when the magnitude 6 quake struck. By day, the scale of destruction becoming clearer. This young boy, desperately calling for his older brother
as other villagers arrived to help.
The relatively shallow quake 8 kilometers or five miles contributing to the destruction and staggering death toll. Kunar Province, the worst-affected
homes here are often made of mud, rock and trees, particularly vulnerable to quakes. Ninety five percent of the houses in our village have been
destroyed.
This survivor says every household has lost between 5 to 10 family members. We appeal to all Muslims to open their hearts and help us at this time of
hardship. Some of the worst-affected areas in the mountainous, rural east of Afghanistan could only be reached by helicopter as dirt roads already
weakened by weeks of heavy rain were cut by quake-induced landslides.
KATE CAREY, DEPUTY HEAD OF OFFICE, U.N. OCHA: There are some locations and some villages, and a few of the most hard-hit districts that are only
accessible by foot up to three hours, and of course, the priority is also to unblock impassable roads.
ROBERTSON: The Afghan government spokesman warning while they've reached most villages, it will take some time before international aid agencies
will get there to help. The nearest major city, Jalalabad receiving some of the injured. Only the luckiest survivors able to get to hospital.
At least, one NGO, the International Rescue Committee reporting entire villages have been destroyed. "In our district alone, 100 to 150 people
were killed", this man says, "we still don't know the number of the injured, the roads are still closed." The Taliban-ruled country is already
reeling from the effects of shrinking international aid budgets. Healthcare at the forefront of basic services impacted. U.S. aid contracts alone down
$1.7 billion over the last year.
[14:05:00]
In 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake caused more than 2,000 deaths, not clear if the toll this time will exceed that. But for sure, the country's ability to
cope with this type of catastrophe is weakening. Nic Robertson, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: Our thanks to Nic Robertson for that report. Well, Joy Singhal is the acting head of delegation for the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent in Afghanistan. He joins me now from Kabul. Joy, thank you very much for taking the time to speak to us here on the show. Just give us a
sense -- and our viewers a sense of whether you and your teams have been able to get to those hard-hit areas and what you are hearing.
JOY SINGHAL, ACTING HEAD OF DELEGATION FOR IFRC AFGHANISTAN: Right, so, I mean, a lot of information that you have presented on the show right now,
it's very accurate. I felt the earthquake myself last night in Kabul, which is, it's quite far away from the epicenter of the quake side.
We have our teams up, Afghanistan -- in societies, staff and volunteers on the ground providing assistance because they were part of the communities
who are -- who have been affected. We have been receiving live nation from our staff and volunteers of Afghanistan -- since 4:00 a.m. this morning who
have been trying very hard to provide search and rescue services to the affected families.
What we have been seeing is exactly what you are showing right now on the footage. Several houses have been completely damaged. About one location,
800 people have died and there are several locations that are unable to. Traditionally as well, the road connectivity in this area has been very
poor.
It's a very hilly and muddy terrain. And because of the earthquake, landslides have blocked several passes for all communities to pass through.
So, right now, we are not even in the first 24 hours, and the risk of not saving enough lives is quite significant. And we are trying our best to
provide to as many people as possible, both for search and rescue, medical first aid assistance and providing them with safe-drinking water and
shelter services. But yes, the situation on the ground is quite critical for now, and time is of essence.
SOARES: Yes, and like you said, time is of the essence because of course, I imagine so many people just looking at the photo, the video we're looking
at -- might be trapped in the rubble, right --
SINGHAL: I can't hear you --
SOARES: These are houses with means, it seems to be made of mud it seems, and maybe some rock in there --
SINGHAL: I can't hear you --
SOARES: This is very remote and rugged terrain -- can you still hear me, sir? Joy, can you hear me?
SINGHAL: I can hear you now --
SOARES: Fantastic. I was just asking you, really? I mean, the terrain like you said is very difficult, and we can see how difficult it might be just
to reach -- just to reach, you know, Kunar here. Can you give us a sense of what the immediate priorities are?
SINGHAL: So, our immediate priorities are, apart from search and rescue, a first aid assistance, providing communities with shelter services, safe
drinking water, cooked food and blood services. Many of the families also need evacuation and mental health. Mental health support, particularly for
the grieving groups such as women and children.
So, in a sense, it's about lifesaving assistance, which would require food, safe-drinking water, medicines, first aid, trauma support and shelter
services. And all these would need to be provided to these communities in the next one week or so.
SOARES: Yes, look, and I'm not sure whether you heard our correspondent earlier, this is truly devastating --
SINGHAL: I didn't talk to you today --
SOARES: For the Afghan population. I'm -- I imagine you understand it's tough communications, I'm hoping, Joy, that you're still with us. I was
saying that --
SINGHAL: Yes --
SOARES: Our correspondent earlier, Joy, was talking about just, you know, Afghanistan and the kind of the fair share of crisis it has seen. Now we
have -- you know, we've seen NGOs, seen foreign aid slashed. What kind of impact is that having in real time?
SINGHAL: So, I mean, Afghanistan, unfortunately, is a country that has been regularly affected by crisis after crisis. It's not only the earthquake of
2023, but it was also affected by earthquake in 2024. Right now, it is facing extreme levels of food insecurity, malnutrition, and on top of that,
because -- right now facing a lot of influx of returning population of Afghanistan's from Pakistan and Iran.
Several millions have crossed the borders in the past four-five months. And Afghanistan, as a society is struggling to cope with this influx of people
and the large humanitarian crisis that it has been facing for the past several years. With reducing foreign aid assistance right now, the
country's agriculture sector, food sector, basic services sector is struggling to cope with the needs of people on the ground.
[14:10:00]
But this particular earthquake happening in a worst-affected area of Afghanistan already, as the limited resources available with the state
authorities, it is very likely that many of the resources from other parts of Afghanistan would get transferred to this location, and that would also
impact other parts of Afghanistan because of lack of availability of services.
So, this earthquake could actually have a ripple impact on availability of services in even many other parts of Afghanistan for just already
impoverished.
SOARES: Yes.
SINGHAL: So, yes, I mean, international assistance to Afghanistan at this particular point of time is extremely critical and required.
SOARES: Joy, really appreciate you taking the time to speak to us, apologies for the signal connectivity issues. I'm hoping that we fix it.
Thank you very much, appreciate it. Joy Singhal there. We're going to turn our attention --
SINGHAL: Thank you for having me --
SOARES: You're very welcome. We are going to turn our attention to Gaza because residents in Gaza city are describing terrifying attacks as Israel
moves toward a full military takeover, with one man saying it was a night of horror, the explosions never stopped. The head of ambulance and
emergency service in northern Gaza say Israel is targeting residential blocks with airstrikes, quadcopter drones and explosive rigged robots.
The IDF is dropping leaflets on Gaza city, ordering people to immediately head south, but the International Red Cross warns it would be impossible to
safely evacuate more than 1 million people from the city amid the ongoing war and famine. Our Jeremy Diamond has more, and we do want to warn you his
report contains some very disturbing images.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As Israeli attacks intensify, fear is coursing through the streets of Gaza city,
driving some families to flee. But this hail of bullets is a reminder that even running away carries immense risk and no guarantee of reaching safety.
Fear etched across Saeed(ph) and Mariam's(ph) faces, but they listen intently as their mother tells them to stay close to the buildings. They
set off once more. They are among thousands of Palestinians who have begun to flee under similar circumstances. The U.N. says nearly 1 million could
be forced out of Gaza city, which is already experiencing famine.
Israel is halting humanitarian airdrops and ending daily tactical pauses that enabled more aid trucks to reach the city. The first stages of
Israel's assault on Gaza city already underway. Airstrikes and artillery shelling of the city are ramping up. The casualty count mounting alongside
it. Hundred and thirty five people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza city since Friday according to hospital officials.
Israel says Abu Abaida(ph), a long-time spokesman of Hamas' military wing was killed in one of those strikes on Saturday. No comment from Hamas. And
once again, the all-too-familiar sight of children among the dead. A mother's anguish and the outpouring of grief and disbelief that followed.
"We were gathered in a tent and we had nothing to do with anything. Look in front of you, these are children", this man says. "This elderly one here is
my grandmother. This is my sister. I don't know where my brother is". But these images represent just a fraction of the death and destruction that
await this city.
These plumes of smoke indicate Israel is readying a path for its tanks and troops to take the city, even as Israel's top general urges his government
to reconsider a full-scale assault and accept the ceasefire and hostage release deal on the table.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right now, we don't have -- we don't know where we go. The farming around us.
DIAMOND: Like so many here, Mohammed al-Durham(ph) no longer knows where to flee, but his pleas are directed toward one man.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President, Donald Trump, stop the war right now, everyone die. And if you -- if you are -- care about Gaza cities, you
should stop the war because everyone here died.
DIAMOND: Jeremy Diamond, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And later in the show, I'll be joined by Gideon Levy, a columnist at the "Haaretz" newspaper in Israel. His latest opinion piece is titled,
"You Can't Be Selectively Moral: Why Israel's Hostage Protest Movement Ignores Palestinians in Gaza". That conversation is coming up in around 20
minutes time. And still to come tonight, a high profile show of solidarity at a time of global uncertainty as the SCO Summit wraps up in China.
[14:15:00]
I'll take you to Beijing to unpack the very latest, of course. Plus, a flight to Bulgaria carrying an EU leader allegedly targeted by Russian
jamming. How Ursula von der Leyen is responding.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, turning to China now where the country's biggest diplomatic event of the year has wrapped up. For the past two days, President Xi
Jinping hosted as you can see there, world leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Their growing strategic partnership was clear from the get go, where the all three leaders huddled close together, smiling and laughing. There was
also a shot of the Indian Prime Minister and Russian President sharing a car ride together with Mr. Modi. Writing on social media, their
conversations with Mr. Putin are, quote, "always insightful".
President Putin also used the forum to defend his war in Ukraine and reiterate his talking points. He praised efforts by China and India to find
a resolution and made reference to the recent summit in Alaska with the U.S. President Donald Trump. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VLADIMIR PUTIN, PRESIDENT, RUSSIA (through translator): We value the efforts and propositions of China, India and other strategic partners of
ours to solve the Ukrainian crisis. The mutual understanding that was reached at a recent Russia-U.S. Summit in Alaska heads in the same
direction. I hope it paves the way to peace in Ukraine, I hope.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Well, to help us unpack the latest, let me bring in our Marc Stewart who is joining us, staying up late for us and we're incredibly
grateful, from Beijing. Marc, let me start with those images that we were showing our viewers there. They tell quite a story, right? A show of force,
a show of unity, which is what they want to portray, even potentially, if those images may have been choreographed or improvised.
Just talk us through what came out of the summit and what Xi Jinping's message critically was here.
MARC STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right, Isa. Let's not downplay these images, the optics, because this --
SOARES: Yes --
STEWART: Symbolism tells a much broader story about China trying to appeal to the rest of the world as China really tries to establish itself as the
leader of a new world order. So, I think it's very safe to say that Beijing sees these images that we have been broadcasting as a very high point of
the summit in addition to some of the politics and the economics that were discussed.
[14:20:00]
I mean, China, without question, is using this summit as an opportunity to portray itself as this alternative to the West, to these traditional
alliances like NATO, and as the leader of a new world order, as a nation that is strong, that is stable, and that is predictable and not necessarily
full of surprises as many nations have seen in dealing with the United States. Let's take a brief listen to some of Xi Jinping's remarks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
XI JINPING, PRESIDENT, CHINA (through translator): We should advocate for an equal and orderly multi-polar world, and a universally beneficial and
inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: Now, we didn't necessarily hear the United States being mentioned by name, but there were some hidden, some veiled references. There are a
lot of phrases that we hear Beijing use when referring to Washington, such as bullying. That is a phrase that came up in the discussion. So, this is a
conference that is based on economics.
It's based on politics. But Isa, I have to tell you, as someone who lives here in Beijing, the focus now is going to be a big military parade that
will be taking place on Wednesday local time, not far from our bureau here in Beijing. It's essentially going to shut down the city of 21 million
people.
Yes, we will see tanks, yes, China will unveil its new military apparatus, but also another symbolic moment, another issue of optics when we see not
only Vladimir Putin with Xi Jinping, but North Korea's leader --
SOARES: Yes --
STEWART: Kim Jong un, Isa.
SOARES: And that will be quite something, going from diplomatic might to military might that we'll see this week. Can I just ask you very briefly,
in terms of President Putin, but perhaps not surprised that President Putin was there. He clearly needs China to keep the war in Ukraine going. But
what about Modi? I mean, this was a big win for Xi Jinping having him there. I mean, it's his first visit in seven years. What does that say?
STEWART: Right, it is a big win especially because India and China have had a lot of tension. There had been border disputes in the Himalayas. Now, it
appears that some of that is easing, but his mere presence also sends a message about the Ukraine conflict, if you will. China right now is facing
a lot of criticism from President Trump because of its -- well, it is the number one customer of Russian oil.
India is also a big customer of Russian oil, and it's now facing tariffs. India, as an ally of the United States, obviously, China and the United
States have a much more adversarial relationship. So, to see these two leaders together under this very complicated veil of Ukraine, that does
send a message that there can be conciliatory relationships, if you will, between these two leaders.
I should also point out that it's notable that Narendra Modi is not going to be at the parade. Obviously, India is a democracy, perhaps that plays
into it. But that's also part of the optics about who is not going to be there as well. Isa.
SOARES: That's very telling, I did not know that. Thank you very much, Marc Stewart, appreciate it, great to see you at this time. Thank you. And we
are tracking a concerning moment in the sky for the EU's top leader. Spokesperson for EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says that a
plane -- her plane was targeted by GPS jamming while trying to land in Bulgaria.
And this happened supposedly on Sunday. CNN is told the pilots resorted to using paper maps to land safely. The Commission says Bulgarian authorities
suspect this interference may have been carried out by Russia. Our senior international correspondent Melissa Bell has the details for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): A plane carrying the top EU leader targeted by GPS jamming. Ursula von der Leyen,
the European Commission President, was on a whistle-stop-tour of eastern Europe and trying to land in southern Bulgaria when the plane's systems
went down, with the pilots having to land the aircraft using paper maps.
That's according to a source close to this incident. What we've learned from the European Commission is that they heard from Bulgarian authorities
very quickly after the incident, and then announced it to the public on Monday that the Bulgarian authorities believed that it was Moscow behind
these attempts.
This, of course, in the wake of many years of hybrid warfare being waged on European ground, often in the shape of these sorts of incidents of GPS
jamming. Ursula von der Leyen landed safely in southern Bulgaria, but spoke immediately, having knowledge of what had just gone on. But before the rest
of the world found out of the fact that there was an important need to remember the urgency of continuing to deal with Russian aggression and
continuing to support Ukraine.
[14:25:00]
[That's what her tour had been about, trying to shore up support for Ukraine, even as ceasefire talks appear to falter. Melissa Bell, CNN,
Paris.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And on that, the Kremlin has denied the allegations. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov telling the "Financial Times", which first reported on the
story, quote, "your information is incorrect". And still to come tonight, the British MP standing up to President Trump, Liberal Democrat leader Ed
Davey is joining me to tell us why he is boycotting the U.S. President's upcoming visit to the U.K.
And then later, under pressure to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister appears determined to escalate the war instead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Welcome back, everyone. U.S. President Donald Trump's second state visit to the U.K. is only weeks away now, and with it will come the
grandeur of a banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted, of course, by King Charles and Queen Camilla. But not everyone is so pleased with the plans.
One man who is turning down the invitation is the leader of the Liberal Democrat, Sir Ed Davey. He hopes his absence will send a message to the
President over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In an opinion piece in "The Guardian" newspaper, he writes, "the humanitarian crisis in
Gaza must stop. The hostages must be returned home.
There is one man more than anyone else, who has the power to make it happen. Donald Trump could do those things today if he chose to." And Sir
Ed Davey joins me now to discuss. Sir Davey, welcome to the show. You are - - as we pointed -- we put a little quote, but you've got incredibly powerful opinion piece that I read in "The Guardian".
And you're making -- you're taking a stand, you're making your position very clear in terms of what you believe President Trump could do for the
people of Gaza and indeed the hostages. Why then, sir, is the British government not taking a similar stand, not pressing Mr. Trump on this?
[14:30:06]
ED DAVEY, BRITISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS PARTY LEADER AND BRITISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS MP: Well, I'm actually not critical of the U.K. government on
this. I strongly believe in engaging with people, and I speak as a strong pro-American politician here in the U.K. I'm an atlanticist. I think our
special relationship is incredibly important. I argued for the state visit to be given to President Trump.
But the reason I've had taken a very difficult decision to decline his majesty's invitation is it was increasingly clear that during the state
visit, the issue of Gaza would not be mentioned, the humanitarian crisis, the famine, the killing, and also the fact that so many hostages are yet to
be released. And I think if that were to have happened, it would've been an absolute catastrophe.
We know that Donald Trump is the one person in the world who can phone up Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, who can phone up the Qatari government,
other Gulf states and exercise huge influence. Frankly, he has more power to end the killing and famine in Gaza, get the hostage released than he has
to end the war in Ukraine. And I really hope that when he comes to the U.K., because of my decision, there will be this debate, this message will
get through to the White House.
SOARES: Do you think though that you are not -- you know, you are not being there, not attending, Sir Davey, do you think that will have any sway on
foreign policy? No disrespect here, wouldn't it be more constructive to actually be there and speak your mind?
DAVEY: Well, I've had the honor to go to a number of state banquets and you don't get any chance to lobby the present or even his senior entourage.
That's just the reality. They're very formal occasions, very lovely occasions, but they're not occasion for the diplomacy that I'm talking
about.
And I hope that by taking this stance, by coming on your program, by doing a lot of other media interviews, by raising it at the highest level in
British politics that our government will make this argument, that the media during President Trump's visit will make this argument. I do not want
him to leave our country without him knowing that we believe it's in his power and we urge him to do this.
You know, I have a huge respect for the American people and the way American values are so important in our world, but I fear that President
Trump's approach to so much, whether it's on trade, whether it's on his approach to some of his closest allies, I think that is selling America
short. And I want the message to go through to President Trump that he can actually improve his standing globally with his closest allies if he takes
this action to end the killing, end the famine in Gaza and get the hostages released.
SOARES: Why do you think then, Sir Davey, that President Trump hasn't done more? Because we have seen -- and you would've seen this too, you know,
protest after protests in the streets across -- of Israel, those protesting for the war to end, those families and loved ones wanted their hostages
back. But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not heeding their call. Why isn't President Trump pressing harder here?
DAVEY: Well, that's a very good question, Isa. I fear that he's not as interested in getting the ceasefire as he claims. I fear he's not as
interested in getting the food in and water and medicine into the innocent civilians caught up in all this, or for that matter, getting the poor
hostage released after the appalling terrorist acts of Hamas.
And he often talks the talk about, you know, worrying about people in Gaza, but he's got to now walk the walk. He's got to pick up the phone to Prime
Minister Netanyahu. Only the president of the United States has that power. I believe he could do it if he chose. I fear, as you imply, Isa, he's not
interested. But if he's not interested, he needs to be held to account by America's closest allies.
SOARES: And while I have you here, Sir Davey, you would've seen, I'm sure, the leading Genocide Scholars' Association, this is 600 members from really
all continents came out today, have said that Israel's actions in Gaza have met the legal definition of genocide. As the leader of the Liberal
Democrat, let me ask you, is genocide being committed in Gaza?
[14:35:00]
DAVEY: Well, in these sorts of issues, I normally wait to a court has made its decision. Clearly, I will read what the scholars have said. I think
it's an important contribution to that debate. But I've already said in the House of Commons that the threat that Netanyahu has placed on innocent
civils in Gaza, particularly the proposal to attack Gaza City, to move another million civilians looks increasing like ethnic cleansing as indeed
the former Likud prime minister, Ehud Olmert, said. And therefore, this is very serious.
I've called on Netanyahu to be sanctioned by the British government. So, we're not just putting pressure on President Trump, though I believe he has
more power than anyone else to solve this, but we're also trying to exercise influence on our government to get the prime minister of Israel,
Netanyahu to step in line.
You are right to say, Isa, there are many people in Israel extremely worried about the actions of Netanyahu government. I believe we need to
work with those people in Israel who are so brave so that we can get those hostages out, can get them released back to their families, and we can get
the two-state solution that we've all worked so hard for.
We want to make sure that there is a state for Israel that is protected, that is secure, that is safe, that can prosper as well as a state for the
Palestinians.
SOARES: Very briefly here, the British government had said they would recognize a Palestinian State, of course, at the General Assembly, which is
happening next week, if it met the series of preconditions. You all -- you support that? Do you think that should go ahead next week?
DAVEY: Yes. Liberal Democrats have long supported the idea that the U.K. government and the U.K. broadly recognizes Palestine as a separate and
individual state. We've made that argument in the House of Commons and elsewhere. I fear that the British government has placed conditions that
gives it wiggle room not to proceed with that. We'll be monitoring what the U.K. government does and says that the U.N. General Assembly. And when it
has this debate later in September, we expect the government to recognize Palestine.
SOARES: Right. And those conditions don't seem to have be met. Ceasefire were not there. Standard steps to allow more aid into Gaza not there. Clear
declaration there'll be no accusation of the West Bank, not there. And a commitment to long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution,
feels that we are further away from that than before. So, we shall see what happens. Sir Ed Davey, really appreciate you taking the time to speak to
us. Thank you.
Now, Israel security cabinet met yesterday appearing determined to move ahead with a full-scale assault on Gaza City, where more than a million
people sheltering. Hostage families are demanding Benjamin Netanyahu's government pursue a ceasefire deal instead to really bring their loved ones
home. But a source tells CNN a deal already accepted by Hamas wasn't even on the security cabinet's agenda.
We're joined out by Gideon Levy, a columnist for Israeli Hareetz newspaper, well-known face on the show. So, Gideon, what exactly was discussed then in
this cabinet meeting?
GIDEON LEVY, COLUMNIST, HAARETZ: It's mainly what was not discussed. And as you rightly mentioned, a deal was not discussed, and that's enough of the
proof that this government and this prime minister are not interested in any kind of deal, and they are moving forward very rapidly without any
borders toward the conquering of the Gaza City, which is the beginning of the ethnic cleansing, I'm afraid.
SOARES: And we have already seen our Jeremy Diamond give us a report in the last five minutes or so showing really the intensification of those attacks
in Gaza City, of course, ahead of a planned, full-scale, of course, assault. I wonder then how this is being received, because I spoke -- I've
spoken to hostage families, Gideon, I've spoken to a lady whose son is in the IDF, who represents a group of mothers, whose children are in the IDF,
of course. And it's clear that people are angry, there are desperate, they're frustrated. Speak to the mood in the country as we've seen the
protest after protest across Israel.
LEVY: Everything you mentioned, Isa, is very precise. That's the mood, but it cannot be translated into political power.
SOARES: Why?
LEVY: And this is so frustrating. Why, because Benjamin Netanyahu has a solid government, a solid coalition. He does not need those protesters. In
any case, they're not his political base. He can easily ignore them, and he does ignore them over two years now.
[14:40:00]
I don't know if they are the majority or just a very, very big portion of Israeli society, but he can easily ignore them because he has a government
which is very devoted to go on with this horrible war. And the public opinion cannot stop him, practically cannot stop him. People, by the way,
also don't take (INAUDIBLE) measures.
SOARES: Yes.
LEVY: For example, you don't see Israelis refusing to serve in this horrible army, and this could be a game changer, and it does not happen
until now.
SOARES: Yes. Can I ask you also about this Washington Post report that we have seen, there is a plan circulating, it seems according to the
Washington Post, to develop Gaza into the Gaza Riviera, according to the Washington Post, which would then see the forced displacement, not only of
the entire population, but then it'll put the territory into a U.S. trusteeship for at least a decade. Are you -- is there any truth to this?
What are you hearing about this?
LEVY: I hear much more about turning Gaza into a Jewish land. I hear more and more about plans to settle Jews there, with Riviera or without it. The
Riviera will never take place. It'll never be built because there are so many obstacles. We are talking about a piece of land which is totally
destructed. I think that both of us, Isa, cannot imagine ourselves how Gaza looks because both of us have not been there. But people who are living
there are describing really hell, you don't turn -- for sure, not within a few years. It doesn't work like this.
And above all, there are 2.3 million people who will be pushed to the south, but no one has any clue where to send them. I know that for part of
the Israelis, they couldn't care less where to send them, but there is also an International Community, and they have to challenge those steps and say,
where -- what are you going to do with those people? Leave them in a cage in the south part of Gaza forever, in total horrible inhuman conditions? I
mean, all those questions must come to the table and talking must turn into measures, because we are facing a catastrophe and what was until now in
Gaza will be really have a game relatively to what they plan now.
SOARES: Gideon, always appreciate.
LEVY: I'm sorry I'm somewhere moved, but I really believe that we are facing a horrible, horrible tragedy, and the world has to intervene.
SOARES: Do you think, very briefly here, Gideon, you know, we've got the U.N. General Assembly next week, many countries expected to recognize
Palestine, do you think that will have any weight at all on Netanyahu or do you think that will rattle him further?
LEVY: Or why would it have an effect on him? As long as Donald Trump gives him the green light to do whatever he wants, he does not need Europe, and
Europe can recognize. I remember a settler once told me after one of the European countries recognized Palestine, he told me, I opened the window in
my house and I don't see any Palestinian State.
This recognition is a positive move, but this will not stop Netanyahu and will not stop the war. It's a declarative. And in many ways also, let's be
honest, it's a lip service to show that we're doing something. This something is not enough.
SOARES: Gideon Levy, you always put it so clearly. Thank you very much indeed, Gideon, as always. Appreciate it. We are going to take a short
break.
LEVY: Thank you for having me.
SOARES: You're very welcome. We are going to take a short break. Be back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:45:00]
SOARES: The Trump administration's planning a Chicago immigration operation as early as this week. This after a federal judge blocked the U.S.
government from deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan minors, some of whom were already on planes. Attorneys and advocacy groups raised concerns over
10 named children taken from shelters in the middle of the night, by the way, describing them as terrifying and confused. The criteria for
deportation lists these children as not having a parent in the United States and not at risk of trafficking by returning to Guatemala. However,
attorneys representing some of the children identified risks of them going back.
CNN's Kristen Holmes joins me live from the White House. So, Kristen, a lot for us to get through. Let me just, first of all, ask you on the
immigration push that we are seeing from the United States. Do we have a sense of how Chicago here is preparing for the -- this next phase of the
Trump administration crackdown? Because some of those in Chicago being very vocal.
KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: They've been very vocal, but the question is whether or not they actually know what's going
to happen. And according to these officials, they say they haven't been briefed by the White House. They've had no communications with the federal
government. So, they don't know exactly what they are preparing for.
However, we have seen a number of executive orders, particularly from the Chicago mayor who signed an executive order that essentially affirmed that
Chicago police would not be working hand in hand with any federal law enforcement.
Now, when it comes to this law enforcement surge in Chicago, they are, they being the White House, really focused on the idea that this is about
immigration, not about crime. But if you are looking at President Trump's social media, you would not get that idea. President Trump has been posting
none stop statistics on crime in Chicago.
Now, perhaps the reason is that there's more of a loophole if you're talking about immigration, the fact that there was already federal
resources on the ground in Illinois working on immigration, then you would be with bringing in law enforcement to help fight crime. One thing to keep
in mind is there was a reason that President Trump was able to do that in Washington, D.C. and that's because Washington, D.C. isn't a state. It
applies to home rule. And we know that there are a lot more limitations on Mayor Bowser.
Now, I do want to quickly touch on what you just noted, the Guatemalan children and the fact that this is now at a standstill, it appears. This
judge blocking the order of these children to be repatriated back to Guatemala. And one of the things that we had reported was the fact that the
Guatemalan government was working with the United States to get this done. Here's what the Guatemalan president said about this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BERNARDO AREVALO, GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Our institutions are ready with temporary shelters in place to facilitate swift
family reintegration for these children, minimizing institutionalization. We're coordinating with the U.S., but the decision on numbers and pace of
arrivals rest with the U.S. government, which is currently involved in a legal dispute.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: So, again, there are still questions as to what exactly is going to happen next with this. We've heard from at least one White House official,
Stephen Miller, who has been running a lot of these immigration tasks, including repatriating people back to different countries. He said that he
believes that this Biden judge, of course, this is something we hear from the Trump administration a lot, they try to politicize the court system,
saying that this Biden judge is effectively kidnapping these children.
[14:50:00]
As you noted, there were a lot of concerns from attorneys on one, whether or not they could get trafficked when they went home, but whether or not
they had the resources in Guatemala. But even in addition to that, reporting from these attorneys that were saying that these children were
terrified of the ongoing situation.
SOARES: Yes. Quick question as well, what happens after 14 days? Kristen, really appreciate it. Thank you very much indeed. We're going to take a
short break. We'll see you on the other side.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: It is not just Wall Street investors betting on cryptocurrency. In Bolivia, Bitcoin has become an accepted, even preferred form of payment. As
Cris Ulloa explains, it's due to the freedom Bitcoin offers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRISTOPHER ULLOA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In this little blue coffee stand in Bolivia's La Paz, business is booming. Here you can pay for
your matcha and oat milk lattes with cash, card, or digital currency.
CHRISTPHER SALAS, OWNER, KE RIQUITO CAFE (through translator): We've accepted Bitcoin payments for some time now. It's a currency that's not
controlled by the state or banks. A free currency. When you buy with Bitcoin here it's like buying an unseasonable coffee.
ULLOA (voice-over): Christopher Salas is the owner of Ke Riquito Cafe located in the city's bustling downtown. A country's economic crisis and
lack of foreign currency led him to venture into what are called cryptocurrencies.
SALAS (through translator): There's a Bitcoin community here in La Paz promoting the use of cryptocurrencies and various businesses. A friend,
Alfredo, came by and opened my eyes. It's like a digital wallet, like a regular bank QR, but with Satoshis, which are the smallest unit of Bitcoin.
The customer scans the QR. We do the conversion, and they can buy their coffee.
ULLOA (voice-over): Last year, Bolivia's Central Bank authorized the use of these digital assets, claiming that it would benefit the productive and
commercial sectors. Fast forward to 2025, the use of cryptocurrencies has soared.
ANA RECABADO, USER OF CRYPTOCURRENCY (through translator): Now, it's practically a necessity. The limited access to dollars has cost a number of
people managing cryptocurrencies to grow by 500 percent.
ULLOA (voice-over): From restaurants to gyms, local business are implementing virtual currencies as a method of payment.
FACUNDO BAZA, OWNSER, LA CASA DEL SILPANCHO RESTAURANT (through translator): Because of that, I can pay for advertising and take payments
from people coming from abroad or wanting to pay via cryptocurrencies.
ULLOA (voice-over): A revolutionary wallet that some experts say could help face the financial crisis.
[14:55:00]
MARGOTH AYALA, ECONOMIST (through translator): These are digital assets created with blockchain technology. I'm currently using them as a store of
value, considering the devaluation of the Bolivian peso. It's a good option to preserve worth. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain could actually be an
opportunity for Bolivia to mitigate or reduce the impact of the ongoing economic crisis.
ULLOA (voice-over): A chain of technology that promises to enhance investment security, facilitate international payments and manual remit
census along other potential benefits for the (INAUDIBLE) nation's economy. But Salas has some advice.
SALAS (through translator): I always tell people not to buy or invest in Bitcoin without studying what Bitcoin is, and to ask themselves, what is
money? Because many people fall for pyramid scams.
ULLOA (voice-over): And as the Central Bank announces that it's working on its own digital currency, the Interano (ph) inflation rate came close to a
25 percent last month, adding fresh pressure to an already fragile economy.
For CNN, Cris Ulloa, Santiago, Chile.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And that does it for us for tonight. Thanks very much for watching. Do stay right here. "What We Know" with Max Foster is up next. I'll see you
tomorrow. Bye-bye.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:00:00]
END
