Middle East

Without power or a place to go, civilians in Gaza shelter in fear of airstrikes

4:47pm October 11, 2023

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Juliette Touma, director of communications for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, about the situation in Gaza.

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An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer fires rounds near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on Wednesday.

World News

Power goes out in Gaza, as Israel tightens siege and bombs the Palestinian territory

4:07pm October 11, 2023

by Daniel Estrin

Israel carried out a fifth day of bombardments across the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian territory lost electricity, following one of the deadliest attacks against Israel in history.

Ido Dan, an uncle to three children feared abducted by Hamas and taken to Gaza, stands for a portrait with his twin daughters. The remnants of their sixth birthday party, which took place the same day as the incursion, are still around the house.

Families of hostages taken by Hamas militants are desperate amid threats of execution

3:52pm October 11, 2023

Many Israelis are frantically looking for clues about loved ones believed to be held in Gaza. Ido Dan keeps watching a video that appears to show Hamas militants kidnapping his 12-year-old nephew.

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Human rights expert says Hamas and Israel both committed possible war crimes

1:45pm October 11, 2023

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with human rights expert Fernando Travesí about possible war crimes by Hamas and Israel. And American University professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer gives historical insight.

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World News

How was Hamas able to launch such a devastating attack on Israel?

1:32pm October 11, 2023

by Terry Gross

Terrorism expert Daniel Byman explains the origins of the war between Israel and Hamas, and where it may lead. His books include A High Price: The Triumphs and Failures of Israeli Counterterrorism.

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An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer fires rounds near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on Oct. 11.

World News

Up First briefing: Israel and Hamas war escalates; older voters on aging politicans

7:53am October 11, 2023

by Suzanne Nuyen

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates as anticipation of an Israeli ground invasion grows. Senior voters reflect on possibly electing a president their age next year.

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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.