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Isa Soares Tonight
Israeli Cabinet To Vote On Ceasefire-Hostage Deal; U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Law That Could Ban TikTok In The U.S.; Donald Trump's Inauguration To Be Moved Indoors Amid Forecast Of Severe Cold; Supreme Court Backs Law Forcing Sale Or Ban Of TikTok; Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal To Be Implemented In Phases; Girl In Gaza Hopes To Be Evacuated For Medical Care; Noem: The President Will Be In Charge Of The Border; Musk: Propellant Leak Likely Culprit Of Starship Mishap; NASA Astronauts Complete Lengthy Spacewalk. Aired 2-3p ET
Aired January 17, 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, HOST, ISA SOARES TONIGHT: A very warm welcome to the show, everyone, I'm Isa Soares. Tonight, Israel's wider cabinet set to vote on
the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. We'll bring you the updates on that as we get them this hour. Then the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a ban on social
media platform TikTok.
What it means for millions of users come Sunday's deadline. Plus, new details about Monday's presidential inauguration, including why the
ceremony is being moved indoors. But first, tonight, we are waiting this hour for news from Israel on a full cabinet vote that is expected to
finally clear the way for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Israel's smaller security cabinet approved the agreement earlier today. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says hostages held in Gaza could
begin returning home Sunday in the first phase. First phase of the three phases of the ceasefire. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are expected to
be released as well.
And a source tells CNN, Mr. Netanyahu says he got guarantees from negotiators that the U.S. would back a return to war if Hamas, quote,
"sabotages the deal." For now, though, there are a lot of hopes riding, of course, on this fragile agreement on both sides of the border. Gaza's civil
defense is at least 116 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was announced, and that includes 30 children.
Let's get the very latest from our Jeremy Diamond who joins us this hour from Tel Aviv. So, Jeremy, the cabinets now, from what I understand has
been meeting for hours. What are you hearing? And are we likely to hear from Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been surprisingly quiet since the
announcement on Wednesday?
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it's unclear if we'll hear from the Israeli Prime Minister tonight, although, I would put that at
quite unlikely in particular, given that it is now the Jewish Sabbath that has now begun. It is quite rare, actually, for votes of the cabinet to be
held during Shabbat, but that is indeed what is going to happen, perhaps at any moment now or in a matter of hours at least.
And what we expect to be the outcome is that indeed the Israeli cabinet will, following the approval of the security cabinet, give its stamp of
approval to the ceasefire deal, clearing the path for this ceasefire and for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners to take place this
coming Sunday.
We have already learned that those Palestinian prisoners will not be released until at least 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, given that that's
the amount of time that's needed for the Supreme Court to hear any petitions opposing the release of those prisoners.
And so, that puts us at perhaps Sunday afternoon when we could see the first three Israeli hostages expected to be female civilian hostages
released into Israel, the first hostages who would be released as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas since late November of 2023 after
enduring 15 months of captivity.
And at the same time on Sunday, we also expect that the Gaza Strip will finally get to experience a much needed reprieve in the fighting, in the
bombardment that they have been facing over the course of the last 15 months. But we do know, Isa, that the war has not ended yet in Gaza. It may
not end with the ceasefire agreement either, but at least we expect that for six weeks, there will be a period of calm.
But for now, we are still seeing attacks in Gaza happening. More than a 100 people have been killed since this ceasefire agreement was announced. And
so, for the people of Gaza, every hour, every minute until they get to that ceasefire still remains perilous. Isa --
SOARES: And as you were talking, and I'm wondering if my producer can bring those images back. We were looking at live images from hostages square. So
many families, of course, waiting to have their loved ones hold them close in their arms, of course, as the scenes we have seen in the last few days.
[14:05:00]
In terms of those families, do we know, Jeremy, whether they've been informed if their loved ones will be part of those 33 coming, and how is
Israel preparing, be it for hospitals or elsewhere, in terms of supporting, being physically, mentally because of this trauma that they have endured?
DIAMOND: Well, we do understand that of the 33 hostages who are on the list to be released, that the families of those have been informed, although
they don't know exactly when their loved ones will be released, and they also don't know whether their loved ones will be emerging alive.
Because we do know that while the Israeli government believes and expects that the majority of those 33 hostages will indeed be released alive, there
are some of them who will likely be returning to Israel unfortunately in body bags. As for the living, there are so many questions around what kind
of condition, both physical and mental these hostages will return in.
Many of them have not seen sunlight for months on end after living in those sweltering tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip, which I have gone in multiple
times to -- you just experience the pitch dark that can exist down there in parts of those tunnels where there is no electricity, the kind of humid,
damp conditions that exist.
And imagine that for 15 months on end. And so, hospitals in Israel, in particular here in Tel Aviv and in the surrounding area, are indeed
preparing special wards for these hostages to go into. They have also tweaked many of the procedures from the last time there was a hostage
release deal, having learned many lessons from that, including for example, giving these hostages and their families more privacy, keeping them in the
hospital as long as they agree to it for at least four days.
So, there are a number of the protocols that have changed based off of lessons learned from that November 2023 release. But there's no question
that nobody knows exactly what kind of condition these hostages will emerge in. But there is a certainty that that they will need special care and
attention, and will emerge in a much different condition than those who came out after 50-plus days of captivity --
SOARES: Yes --
DIAMOND: Last time.
SOARES: Indeed, Jeremy Diamond for us, thanks very much. I know you'll keep us abreast, of course, with that full cabinet vote on when that we get the
green light on that. Thanks, Jeremy. Well, the families of the Israeli hostages have put constant pressure, as you well know on the Israeli
government to do whatever it can to bring their loved ones home.
The brother of American hostage Keith Siegel tells our Bianna Golodryga he's grateful to all the American politicians who worked to get the
hostages freed, and that includes Donald Trump. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE SIEGEL, BROTHER OF AMERICAN-BORN HOSTAGE KEITH SIEGEL: I think that the two -- the administration of today and the incoming administration of next
Monday showed that two opposing parties, individuals can find a way to work together for the betterment of a whole, and OK, each one will want to claim
some credit, that's clear. It is politics.
At the end of the day, Trump has spoken very strongly to the release of the hostages and the end of the war. I need to believe that. I need to see him
fulfill that policy. And I am more than willing to tell him, thank you. You did what needed to be done at the beginning of your administration.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: And our thanks to my colleague Bianna Golodryga for that interview there. I want to bring in Gideon Levy live in Tel Aviv, is a columnist for
"Haaretz" and author of "Killing of Gaza: Reports on a Catastrophe", a well-known face here on the show. Gideon, great to have you back on the
show.
Look, as we have just heard from our correspondents, from one of the family members of a hostage, this is a moment filled with hope and fear of course,
for both sides, but clearly, also very fragile. I mean, we have yet to hear final word from the full cabinet that's still been discussing it for, I
believe, two hours or so.
What are the political stumbling blocks here? I mean, what is the delay from what you understand? Or is this roughly the length they talk for?
GIDEON LEVY, COLUMNIST, HAARETZ: I wouldn't exaggerate about this. It is going through the motions, it is a ritual that must be taken. Every
minister wants to express his view, but the end-game is very clear. The first phase will be implemented. It will start on Sunday, nothing can stop
it anymore. Netanyahu cannot retreat. And in any case, the first phase is a -- is a done-deal. The main concern is obviously about the continuous.
[14:10:00]
And this is very vague right now, and I'm very worried about the continuous because this government will not approve a full withdrawal from the Gaza
Strip unless Donald Trump will continue to be as tough as he was in the last week. That's the only hope.
SOARES: Yes, and look, and I think the second phase is the one that most -- those I've spoken to are more and more concerned about, that will see the
remaining hostages being released, the withdrawal of IDF troops. And I mean -- and the challenge is, can both sides commit to that?
LEVY: They can commit to this, but to that -- but it calls for a very heavy pressure from the United States, and only the United States can put this
pressure. And time will show if Donald Trump is decisive enough to put this pressure. He was very effective in the last week. We -- I mean, Netanyahu
almost gave up all his conditions within a week.
And I hope that Donald Trump will continue with the same energy, and then we will see all the hostages back home, and we'll see Gaza being released
from the Israeli presence.
SOARES: Gideon, expand on that for us. I mean, what kind of pressure does he need to apply to keep this alive? And do you think -- do you think that
he will continue to apply it come phase two?
LEVY: You see, Isa, the former administration spoke to Israel, advised Israel, threatened Israel, condemned Israel, and by the end of the day,
Israel learned to ignore because it was all unfortunately so hollow talking. And Netanyahu learned very well to ignore it. But the
administration threatened Israel not to penetrate into Rafah, and Israel penetrated into Rafah, and nothing happened.
And there are so many other examples. Donald Trump is a different personality and different policy. And you saw once his special envoy
arrived in Jerusalem last Saturday, only one week ago, everything changed within hours. So, it is about really taking measures. Israel understands
only the language of force, of power.
And I guess Donald Trump uses it and you know, his threats were public. He was threatening everybody with hell. So, I hope he will continue, so we
will get really to some kind of relief.
SOARES: We heard and I'm not sure you heard me mentioning earlier that Netanyahu, Gideon, told his security cabinet that he received guarantees,
those were his words from negotiators about U.S. backing return to the war if Hamas sabotages this deal. How much was this an important message to
pass on to certain members of the administration, those who have had doubts of this deal, those who have -- want to jeopardize this deal. How do you
read that messaging?
LEVY: This messaging has many things in Israeli policy. Is more directed at domestic politics.
SOARES: Yes --
LEVY: Netanyahu has to convince his base that there are good reasons to go for this deal, but because his political base does not like this deal, his
political base would like to see more bloodshed in Gaza, more destruction in Gaza, more prisoners being tortured in the jails of Israel. For them,
it's never enough. And he has to somehow to talk to their heart and to try to convince them that they shouldn't worry, that the United States is with
us.
I don't see, by the way, any incentive for Hamas to violate this deal, that's exactly what they wanted. They wanted the withdrawal of the IDF from
Gaza and the ceasefire, and they're getting it. Why would they sabotage it? I'm much more worried about the other side.
SOARES: Gideon Levy, as always, appreciate your analysis, Gideon, good to see you. Thanks very much. And as we've been reporting since the ceasefire
deal was announced, more than 100 people have been killed in Gaza. And that is according to the Gaza civil defense. And that total includes at least 27
children.
The organization blames continuous Israeli strikes for the deaths. CNN has contacted the Israeli military for more information. Israel said earlier
this week it was striking terrorist targets. Well, there is an urgent need for aid in Gaza region, as you know, and some can't afford to wait for
medical care. Later this hour and roughly what, 15, 20 minutes or so, my colleague Jomana Karadsheh has a story of one girl in a race against time
to get treatment. Have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): "She tells me, mama help me stand up. Mama, I want to walk. I want to put my shoes on
so I can go bye-bye", Rana(ph) says. "She wants to play, she can't even do the most basic things, like hold her pacifier."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[14:15:00]
SOARES: And we'll stay across that story for you and the very latest out of Israel on that full cabinet vote. But we've got some more breaking news
that we have been following here on CNN. Turning now to the social media drama unfolding in the U.S., and that's the Supreme Court says it will not
overturn a law banning TikTok.
Justices today rejected TikTok's argument that the U.S. ban violates the First Amendment of the constitution. They also said the app captures data
that could be used to aid the Chinese government, and their decision clears the way for the ban to go into effect on Sunday. Sunday is also the last
full day of Joe Biden's presidency.
The White House says it will be up to the next administration to decide how to implement a ban. One option for TikTok's survival is for the apps U.S.
assets to be sold to a U.S. buyer. In a phone call with CNN, President- elect Donald Trump says he will decide about what to do about TikTok.
Earlier, TikTok's CEO Shou Chew posted this message for Trump.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHOU ZI CHEW, CEO, TIKTOK: I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available
in the United States. We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform. One who has used TikTok to
express his own thoughts and perspectives -- connecting with the world and generating more than 60 billion views of his content in the process.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: That was the CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew. Let's turn to CNN's Alayna Treene in West Palm Beach, Florida, for the very latest. And Alayna, you
know, we have just heard that little clip that we've just played to our viewers from the CEO. But you know, looking at the statement, the full
statement, it mentions President-elect Trump several times, sounds almost like he's hoping the President will come to their rescue.
If I just read the last line. "We are grateful and pleased to have the support of a President who truly understands our platform." What has the
President said? What are we likely to see here come Monday?
ALAYNA TREENE, CNN REPORTER: Well, they definitely want Donald Trump to come to their rescue. And Donald Trump has indicated that he wants to as
well. Trump has said himself over the past couple of months now that he wants to find a way to save TikTok. First, I would note that late last
month, Donald Trump did urge the Supreme Court to put a pause on the ban, arguing that he wanted more time for his incoming administration to try to
find some sort of solution to save the app.
Of course, they did not listen to Donald Trump and went ahead and upheld that ban today. But we also know that Donald Trump has been considering a
potential executive order once he is sworn into office, that would allow him to really have an extension and do -- and pause this ban for a certain
period of time.
I've been told by Trump advisors somewhere between 60 and 90 days to again try to have some sort of negotiation with TikTok and find a way to keep it
operating in the United States. And there's a couple of things I want to point out. One is that this is quite the reversal from Donald Trump when he
was in office during his first term.
I remember in 2020, shortly before he was departing the White House, he had actually called for a ban on TikTok. He said that he wanted TikTok to be
banned in the United States, citing national security concerns, the same concerns that Joe Biden has been citing, and arguing that it needed to be
sold and divested from its Chinese company, ByteDance.
However, now he is, of course, saying he wants to find a way to move forward with TikTok, to save the app, and part of that in here, said this
in his own words, Donald Trump is that he has warmed up to TikTok because so many -- I mean, there are 170 million users in the United States who use
TikTok.
So many people who use the app, but also so many young people who voted for him, cited being able to see his campaign messaging through the app, it's
part of the reason that they supported him. So, that's -- you know, all of what we know and what we're hearing about what might happen.
Some other things I just want to keep in mind quickly is one, you were talking about TikTok's CEO Shou Chew. He has been in contact with Donald
Trump. They have spoken via the phone. They have also met in person. I note that last month. Shou actually flew to Mar-a-Lago to meet one-on-one with
Donald Trump.
He's also expected to attend Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday and have prime seating there for that ceremony. And then we also know that this
morning, Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump himself said that TikTok came up during that call.
All of this, of course, playing a factor into some of the conversations that are going on behind closed doors. But again, Donald Trump is not
President until Monday afternoon. Unclear what exactly he is going to do until he is once in office.
SOARES: And speaking of Monday, inauguration day, inauguration, I understand, Alayna, is moving indoors. What was behind the decision? What
is the President-elect saying here?
[14:20:00]
TREENE: That's right. And we did hear Donald Trump officially announce that a little moments ago, earlier today --
SOARES: Yes --
TREENE: He said that they are moving the inauguration inside, the swearing in ceremony, that very famous moment where he'll put his hand on the Bible
and get sworn into office, both him and his Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, that is now going to be inside the Capitol Rotunda. Now, this is
again a huge departure.
Normally, you have tens of thousands, if not more people who would descend on Washington D.C., that was the expectation to show up on the National
Mall to watch and witness this moment in person. They will no longer have that opportunity. And the reason that they're moving this inside is
because of the dangerously-cold temperatures expected in Washington D.C. on Monday, particularly for those people like I mentioned, the massive crowds
that you normally get with an inauguration day, people would be out there for hours and hours at a time.
And that is really the concern that the Trump transition team and his advisors had, that this would be a health concern for guests and those
attending. Now, one other thing we did hear as well is that they are going to be opening the Capital One Arena, that is an arena in Washington D.C. to
have people watch it live.
Some of the other festivities, I'm told, are under consideration to maybe move indoors as well. But this is definitely a big moment. I think in some
ways a disappointment for Donald Trump who really wants this to be a massive moment on the global stage having to move this indoors. Isa --
SOARES: Yes, indeed, but potentially dangerous and treacherous, of course, for those waiting to see that moment. Thank you very much Alayna Treene,
appreciate it. And still to come tonight, we are sticking with TikTok because it's entering in what could be its final week in the United States.
The options are on the table.
We'll explain that just ahead with Brian Stelter. And as one star falls, another rises. We'll take a look at the alternative app. U.S. TikTokers are
now looking at.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, American users on TikTok are now being forced to consider alternative apps. This, as a ban is set to go into effect Sunday, unless
the Chinese-linked app sells its U.S. Assad -- assets, pardon me. Around 170 million people could soon lose access to TikTok, which has been used to
find entertainment, build communities as well as promote small businesses.
And in recent days, a growing number of U.S. users are creating new accounts on similar social media platforms such as RedNote. We'll have more
on that in just a second.
[14:25:00]
But let's get a focus on TikTok's future here. Let's bring in our chief media analyst, Brian Stelter. Brian, great to see you. Look, as we heard
from Alayna Treene just before the break, this decision from the court --
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: Yes --
SOARES: Very much centered on national security concerns. But even if you don't agree with that, when it comes to Sunday, what is going to happen to
the app if you're a TikTok user in the United States?
STELTER: According to the law, the app should become less available and then unavailable. The way it was supposed to work, the Apple and Google and
other app stores would have to turn off TikTok, make it unavailable in the app stores. If you already have it on your phone, you'd be able to keep it,
but it would be like an old car that starts to run out of gas, that wouldn't work after a period of days or weeks or months.
So, that's what was supposed to happen starting Sunday. However, the Biden administration is signaling that it will not enforce this law on Sunday,
means that they're punting to Trump on Monday and beyond. So, I actually don't think we're going to see the app disappear from the app stores on
Sunday.
SOARES: Yes --
STELTER: However, it's possible that the owner, ByteDance, might put up a message telling users that their TikTok is at risk. They've done that in
the past, they might choose to do it again now. It's all -- from TikTok's point of view, it's all about putting pressure on Trump to find a way to
keep the app alive.
SOARES: Yes, and that's indeed what we saw from the statement from the CEO just in the last few hours, really hinting at their --
STELTER: Yes --
SOARES: Hoping that Trump comes and saves the day. But we're talking about 170 million Americans who use TikTok, many of them for income, right? So,
have you started --
STELTER: Right --
SOARES: To see people shifting or what are they doing in preparation from this -- for this?
STELTER: I would say ten different users are doing ten different things because there is no perfect alternative. There is no perfect ideal TikTok
clone. You know, for example, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram has tried for years to rip off some of TikTok's features, but I've been
watching Meta's stock today, it has not surged on the news of the Supreme Court ban of being -- the Supreme Court upholding the ban.
There has not been a sign out there in the marketplace. Snapchat or Instagram necessarily being the big beneficiary. Instead, it has been some
of these start-up apps, including ones from China like RedNote and Lemon8. There's also been apps like Clapper that kind of come out of nowhere and
gained a lot of users in the past few days, but there is no one single great alternative.
And that's partly why I think, frankly, some users say they don't want to believe this is actually happening, and they are kind of betting or banking
on Trump to find a way out of this. However, all this talk about Trump swooping in and saving the day, it -- you know, it does not change the
reality that most Republicans in the U.S. --
SOARES: Yes --
STELTER: Most elected Republicans wanted this thing banned last year. They believe it was a threat to national security. They voted to block it in the
U.S., and that's not going to change, even though they might try to change their tune now because of Trump.
SOARES: Yes, indeed is very much bipartisan on that front. Brian Stelter, great to see you. Thanks, Brian.
STELTER: Thanks.
SOARES: Well, the U.S. TikTok ban, it is leaving many of the app's 170 million users looking elsewhere as Brian was talking about. Some are
already signing up for another China-based -- China-based social media app called -- as you heard Brian mention there, RedNote. Our Will Ripley has
more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, who else is here from TikTok?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hey you all --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are from Texas --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Texas --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you for welcoming us to the app.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We do not trust TikTok will ever embrace American values --
WILL RIPLEY, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With TikTok's future hanging by a thread, a huge surge of users are flooding a surprise
alternative.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is so much better than TikTok.
RIPLEY: RedNote, the English name for Xiaohongshu, meaning little red book, drawing comparisons to a collection of Mao Zedong's quotes small enough to
carry around. RedNote is a Chinese communist government-monitored social media platform, now topping Apple's U.S. app store.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome TikTok refugees, RedNote is not Instagram.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome TikTok refugees, RedNote is not Instagram.
RIPLEY: Many say they came here out of spite.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I refuse to support Facebook, Meta, especially Elon Musk and X.
RIPLEY: And they're making unexpected cross-cultural connections.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey there, fellow TikTok refugee here, and I just wanted to say I have no idea how to speak Chinese.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today, I would like to teach you some Chinese.
RIPLEY: Some users searching for international romance or the perfect Chinese name.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let me help you to pick one that suits you.
RIPLEY: One post even recreates famous Chinese and Russian propaganda posters. Just days ago, this may have seemed unthinkable.
HEATHER ROBERTS, TIKTOK USER: I was scared that TikTok was going to go away, so I wanted to find an alternative.
RIPLEY: Heather Roberts(ph) from Texas says TikTok refugees like her are desperate to find a new platform. A new social media fix.
ROBERTS: I haven't been on RedNote for very long. I've only been on there for maybe three days and I found myself like, wow, this is -- this is very
addicting. I'd probably say it's a little bit more addicting than TikTok.
RIPLEY: An addicting algorithm, exactly what app developers want.
[14:30:08]
RIPLEY: Experts say there are risks when it comes to the rise of another Chinese app. Just like TikTok, REDnote collects huge amounts of user data.
China's laws require companies to share that data with the government.
RIPLEY (voice-over): But only if requested. Heavy censorship is already affecting American users, some getting their first taste of China's tightly
controlled internet. Users say posts on topics deemed sensitive by Chinese authorities are being deleted, including LGBTQ plus issues and even a
popular Japanese anime. Other posts face backlash, flooded with negative or offensive comments. Some new users report racist questions, including
whether it's OK to use the N-word.
RIPLEY: Let's say that TikTok goes away and a lot of Americans flood into these Chinese apps. Is that a win for Beijing?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it really depends on Beijing's view on how much they need to be in control of the narrative.
RIPLEY (voice-over): As the U.S. Supreme Court and incoming Trump Administration debate TikTok's fate, the rise of REDnote raises new
questions and concerns about Americans embracing yet another platform under Chinese government control.
RIPLEY: Right now REDnote is recruiting people with excellent English language skills, saying that they'll be responsible for backend data
processing and analysis. Now, since Tuesday we've made several attempts by email and by phone to try to contact REDnote. So far, we've not received a
response. We want to know how they plan to handle this us user data specifically.
China's national security laws are pretty clear though. When you download any Chinese app, your data could be handed over to the authorities if
requested. Now, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked about this on Wednesday and they say that they've always supported and encouraged
strengthening people to people in cross-cultural exchanges. But experts are wondering how long they're going to allow this type of interaction on this
social media platform to continue.
Will Ripley, CNN Taipei.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SOARES: And our thanks to Will for that report. Still to come tonight, reaching a ceasefire deal is one thing, actually implementing it is quite
another. We'll look at the challenges ahead for efforts to end the Gaza war as well as bring those hostages home. That is next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[14:35:59]
SOARES: Back now to our top story. Anticipation is building in Israel and Gaza for the promise of a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release that
could begin in just two days. Israel's security cabinet approved the deal between Israeli negotiators and Hamas earlier today. And we are now waiting
for the full cabinet to vote. And the agreement would take part in phases with 33 Israeli hostages set to return home in the first six weeks.
Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released as well.
I want to get more from our International Diplomatic Editor. Nic Robertson joins me now here in the studio. Nic, we are still waiting for the "full
cabinet vote" to come in. They've been meeting for two hours or so. But just talk us through this choreography that we are likely to see on Sunday
because you were in Israel the first when -- the last time we saw hostages released. What are we likely to see you think come Sunday?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: We're likely to see Hamas release a video of the hostages being handed over to the
international committee for Red Cross. And then they will take them to a point on the edge of Gaza where they'll hand them over -- or not even now
on the edge of Gaza, it could be literally inside Gaza where the IDF is present, hand them over to the IDF.
So, it could be quite a short drive. They could just be minutes with the Red Cross, and then hand it over to the IDF, and then very likely put on a
helicopter checked by doctors as they get on while they're on taken to a medical facility where they'll get screened and checked and then go to one
of the hospitals that's been set up to handle the -- these survivors essentially of this hostage because they are survivors who are deeply
traumatized. And that's going to take sophisticated help.
SOARES: The physical as well as psychological trauma that they will need as we discussed when that happen is. It is huge. I was speaking to Gideon Levy
just at the top of the show from -- the journalist from Haaretz, and he has worries like so many do about the second phase. And so many hostage
families are concerned that we might not even get to a second phase.
Today we heard from Netanyahu that he told the security cabinet that he received guarantees from negotiators about U.S. backing the return to war
if Hamas kind of scuffles the deal. I mean, that sounds incredibly fragile already. We haven't even got even through to the first stage, already we're
talking about these huge hurdles.
ROBERTSON: Yes. There will literally be three and a half or so weeks after the talk start on the 16th day to try to negotiate what is the second
phase. Think how long it took to get to nail down the first phase. So, I think any family that thinks their loved one could be in that -- is not
among that first 33, there is a -- that is a very realistic fear that that they could be stuck there. And partly because that guarantee that Prime
Minister Netanyahu has got -- that is undoubtedly showing to the right-wing members of his cabinet who don't want to go in for the deal, and they're
saying look, if Hamas step out of line we can do this.
But what does Hamas stepping out of line look like? And it can to the Israeli government look as quite definitive as has Hamas collapsed itself,
gone away, have the leadership taken themselves out of -- out of Gaza, been given sanctuary somewhere else, are they completely gone? If it's that
simple, the answer is going to be almost assuredly that Hamas will not have done that. So, there's so many ways you can see it breaking down.
SOARES: And this depends a lot that the movement of these phases even getting to phase two on the next administration. Of course, we're seeing
the inauguration on Monday of President Trump. And that depends on pressure from this administration. Are we likely to see that pressure? What would
that pressure look like? Because it seems he has more leverage than President Brien has had.
ROBERTSON: He does. But part of that leverage is not related directly to the Hamas issue and Gaza and the release of the hostages. It relates to
what Netanyahu wants in the region writ large. You know he wants to annex more of the West Bank. He wants to see Iran's nuclear facilities destroyed,
put beyond use, and in some way rendered -- Iran rendered a non-threat if you will in the region where currently they are.
So, this is what he's going to look for President Trump before, so he needs to get those first steps right. And by doing what President Trump -- will
be President Trump by then wants, which is no war when Trump comes in, which it looks like being delivered, he's delivered on that, and he will
expect deliverables back. I'm not saying he'll get them, but --
[14:40:40]
SOARES: But he also wants the Saudi relations, doesn't he? This is something he's always wanted.
ROBERTSON: This is a very, very complex situation.
SOARES: Yes.
ROBERTSON: Netanyahu is an incredible politician. We know that Trump is a smart and astute businessman. We know that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
who be his main interlocutor in Saudi Arabia understands Trump, understands Netanyahu, has his own set of national objectives. There's a view that can
be taken, it might not be the right one, that Trump can bring the business relationship with Saudi Arabia to a point that the Saudis will find
language -- they say they won't -- but will find language in a structured relationship with Israel that allows for something Israel commits to but
maybe never does towards a Palestinian state.
SOARES: Which is something that we know they've been very outspoken about. Nic, I appreciate it. Thank you very much.
As the clock ticks down to the implementation of the ceasefire, Palestinians are anxiously awaiting the arrival of humanitarian aid. And
with Gaza's hospitals all but destroyed, there are so many in desperate need of urgent medical care. It's hoped that pause in fighting could enable
some patients to leave Gaza to get life-saving treatments overseas.
Our Jomana Karadsheh has the story of one girl in a race against time to treat a rare genetic condition. And a warning here. Her report contains
graphic images some viewers may find disturbing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KARADSHEH (voice-over): This is Habiba. She's just 2 years old, but Habiba may not have long to live. What you're seeing all over her body, doctors
believe, is caused by a rare genetic condition, Protein C Deficiency. It causes excessive blood clotting which spreads all over her body.
What spreading through her body doubled in size or even more in a matter of minutes, her mother Rena says. I saw the blood starting in one arm and
spreading to the other. Habiba is in so much pain. She can't eat or sleep.
Leave me alone! Leave me alone! She cries. Even her mother's gentle touch is too much.
She says mama, wawa or ouch, and I can't do anything for her, Rena says.
Habiba's condition is rare but it could be treated, just not in Gaza where healthcare has been decimated by Israel, where medical workers have been
left with little to save lives. And parents like Rena left helpless as they watch their children suffer and die a slow death.
She tells me, "Mama, help me stand up. Mama, I want to walk. I want to put my shoes on so I can go by." Rema says. She wants to play. She can't even
do the most basic things like hold her pacifier. This was Habiba just a few months ago. Her mother says she was a happy child, so full of life. Now,
she lies motionless on a hospital bed. Surgical gloves turn into balloons to try and cheer her up.
After a massive effort by aid groups, the Israeli military approved Habiba for medical evacuation. A U.N. and Red Crescent convoy moved her and her
mom out of Gaza City. It's only a first step in what's usually a long and complex process of getting Palestinians out of Gaza for urgent medical
treatment.
In a comment to CNN, Israeli authorities say they facilitated the evacuation of more than 1000 Palestinians abroad for medical treatment in
recent months, but more than 12,000 Gazans have been waiting for Israeli approvals for months.
In one of the last hospitals in the south, Rena is reunited with her sister for the first time in 15 months. They're like so many families torn apart
by a vicious war, and now this mother was forced to make an impossible choice. To stay by Habiba's side, she had to leave her 11-year-old son
behind. Habiba's condition is deteriorating by the day.
They don't know when she'll be allowed out of Gaza. Even with the ceasefire deal, it could still take time. Time Habiba doesn't have. Doctors believe
it's too late to save her right leg. Her other Limbs and her life are now at risk. And unless they get her out of Gaza soon, it might be too late to
save little Habiba.
Jomana Karadsheh, CNN London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[14:45:26]
SOARES: All thinking here of little Habiba.
And still to come tonight, she could be a crucial play in Donald Trump's plan of border crackdown. Kristi Noem goes before a Senate panel in her bid
to become the next Homeland Security Secretary. That story after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: Well, Donald Trump doesn't plan on wasting any time implementing his aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. Sources tell CNN Trump's
team is putting the finishing touches on executive orders related to border security that will be released in the hours after he sworn in as president.
Meantime, Trump's pick to become his Homeland Security Secretary, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is on Capitol Hill today for her Senate
confirmation hearing. If confirmed, she's expected to play a vital role really in carrying out his controversial immigration proposals. Earlier,
she was asked about the state of border security in the United States and this was her response.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOSH HAWLEY (R-MO): Is the Southern Border secure as we find it today?
GOV. KRISTI NOEM (R-SD), NOMINEE FOR HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Senator, no. The Southern Border is not secure today. But in just three days, we
will have a new president in this country, President Donald J. Trump, and he will secure our border. My hope is that if given the opportunity to
serve as secretary, that the federal government would no longer -- and I believe as President Trump has promised the American people -- facilitate
an illegal alien invasion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SOARES: Let's get more from our Priscilla Alvarez who was listening in. So, Priscilla, just give us a sense of what she was pressed on and how she
responded.
PRISCILLA ALVAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, just about her comments there about the U.S. Southern Border, we should know that the border is
relatively quiet right now. Numbers are low when it comes to migrant crossings, and in fact they are the lowest that they have been for some
time and lower than when Donald Trump took office -- or sorry -- left office. So, certainly the -- her responses there were telling in the way
that she views this issue, which does align of course with President-elect Donald Trump.
Now, she was asked of course about his immigration agenda but she was also asked about some other issues that have cropped up before. For example,
Federal funding. The Department of Homeland Security is charged with more than with more than immigration. In fact, it is a sprawling Federal agency,
and that includes FEMA.
[14:50:14]
Now, in Donald Trump's first term, he had threatened to withhold Federal funding to some cities who were not aligned with his immigration agenda.
So, that line of questioning had come up here in her hearing over concerns from, for example, Democrats that the same could happen the second time
around. Now, in her response, she said that she would follow the law.
Now, another question that came up was one about Tom Homan. He's the incoming Border Czar for the Trump Administration. That's different. That
didn't happen the first time around. The first time around, there was a lot of friction with President-elect Donald -- well, with Donald Trump, then
the president, and multiple Homeland Security secretaries.
Well, now, he's going to have a borders are who has a direct line to him and will be positioned at the White House. So, that is going to limit the
scope of the Homeland Security Secretary slightly.
Now, of course, she is still charged with implementing the immigration agenda and the multiple executive actions that he plans to roll out, but it
does introduce a new dynamic. And while her role will remain vitally important, it's also going to put more of the immigration policy decision-
making at the White House.
SOARES: Priscilla Alvarez for us there on the very latest. Thank you, Priscilla.
And still to come on the show tonight, a setback for SpaceX. We'll tell you about who Elon Musk thinks may be responsible for yesterday's Starship
explosion. You're looking at a little highlight there. That is next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SOARES: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk says a fuel oxygen leak may have caused the Starship to explode just minutes after launch yesterday. And you are
looking -- bring those up for -- the burning fragments of the Spacecraft which was set to deploy dummy satellites in space for the first time. The
debris forcing some airlines to divert flights in the Florida area.
Prior to the explosion, SpaceX was able to retrieve the reusable super heavy rocket booster between two metal arms, you can see there, that the
company calls Chopsticks.
Meanwhile, in outer space, a pair of NASA astronauts ventured outside the International Space Station for a six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk. Suni
Williams and Nick Hague made some repairs and got a look at the SpaceX capsul floating nearby. Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded if
you remember in space since last June on what was supposed to be a week- long trip. And this was the eighth spacewalk for Williams and the first for NASA astronauts since last summer.
[14:55:31]
And you're looking at there and listening to -- you just heard there a rare video of a meteorite crashing to Earth last summer. It was captured on a
doorbell camera outside a home on Prince Edward Island in Canada. The homeowners saw gray dust and a star-shaped pattern on their walkway and
checked the recording. They collected fragments and sent them to experts at the University of Alberta who confirmed they were indeed from a meteorite.
Scientists say the space rock was from the asteroid belt beyond Mars. That is pretty cool.
That does it for me for tonight. Thanks very much for your company. Do stay right here. "NEWSROOM" is up next. And guess what? It's with Richard Quest.
END