Middle East

Biden says U.S. stands with Israel, condemns Hamas attack as 'evil'

7:27am October 11, 2023

In a national address, President Biden said he would support Israel with whatever it needs in its fight against Hamas. He also said his priority is the safety of Americans held hostage.

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Hostages believed held in Gaza complicates ground offensive against Hamas

5:22am October 11, 2023

NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Tamir Hayman, former head of Israeli military intelligence, about Israel's efforts to fight Hamas — as the militant group threatens to execute a hostages.

Morning news brief

5:22am October 11, 2023

The war between Israel and Hamas enters its fifth day. President Biden condemns the attack on Israel as "evil." Maui schools shutdown by the deadly August wildfires will reopen next week.

Smoke billows during Israeli strikes on Gaza City on Tuesday.

World News

What is the Gaza Strip? Here's what to know

8:43pm October 10, 2023

by Fatima Al-Kassab

With high poverty and unemployment and severe restrictions on movement, life in the Gaza Strip was already difficult before Israel's retaliatory offensive began this week in response to Hamas attacks.

Israeli forces launch artillery fire toward southern Lebanon from the border zone in northern Israel on Monday, while Hezbollah denied involvement in clashes or "any infiltration attempt" into Israel.

World News

Fighting with Israel signals coordination between Hamas and Hezbollah, analysts say

6:32pm October 10, 2023

by Peter Granitz

Analysts have long accused Iran of backing militant groups in the region to counter Israel.

NSC spokesman John Kirby says more U.S. military support is heading to Israel

5:59pm October 10, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, about the Biden administration's response to the weekend attacks on Israel.

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An update on the Israel-Hamas war from the ground in Tel Aviv

5:36pm October 10, 2023

by Leila Fadel

The Israeli military says it has "secured" its border with Gaza and is moving into an offensive that will change the reality in Gaza, which is cut off from fuel, food, water and electricity.

World News

How Israel and Hamas reached this point — and what comes next

5:28pm October 10, 2023

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Times of Israel correspondent Tal Schneider and University of Maryland professor Shibley Telhami about how Israel and Hamas reached this point and what comes next.

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World News

Hamas attack on Israeli techno festival leaves at least 260 dead and many missing

5:08pm October 10, 2023

by Daniel Estrin

An Israeli techno music festival has become Israel's single deadliest attack on civilians in its history. At least 260 young Israelis were gunned down by Hamas militants. Many more are missing.

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President Biden leaves Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., after attending Mass on Saturday.

'We stand with Israel,' Biden says as U.S. condemns Hamas attack as 'evil'

5:02pm October 10, 2023

by Tamara Keith

"Like every nation in the world, Israel has the right to respond — indeed has a duty to respond — to these vicious attacks," Biden said at the White House.