Hamas threatens hostages. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 10, 2023 Good morning. Israel has ordered a "complete siege" of Gaza as violence in the region escalates amid a horrifying threat from Hamas. We [break down the latest on this heartbreaking situation](, plus how the U.S. is planning to respond. As always, thank you for waking up with us. In the News [Site of bombed mosque in Gaza]( Palestinian citizens inspect the damage following Israeli air strikes on Gaza City (Getty Images) Israel Orders âComplete Siegeâ of Gaza More than 900 people have died in Israel and at least 687 in Gaza since the [devastating surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday](. Israel says its border is now secure, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate with a force "like never before." [Here's the latest](. Siege on Gaza: Israel has ordered a "complete siege" of Gaza in response to Hamas, promising to turn suspected strongholds in the strip to "ruins." Israel's defense minister says deliveries of food, water, and fuel into the blockaded 25-mile-long enclave will be halted. At least 2 million Palestinian civilians live there, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. A deadly threat: Hamas is holding as many as 150 hostages in locations across Gaza. The group has promised to murder one for every unannounced Israeli strike, and to publish a ârecording of each execution.â President Biden has said that at least 11 Americans were killed in Hamas' initial attack, adding that it's "likely" U.S. citizens are among the hostages being held. The U.S. response: America has joined other nations in expressing "steadfast support" for Israel's right to defend itself. President Biden is expected to address the nation at 1pm ET today. [Until then, here's more on this unfolding tragedy](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fisrael-orders-complete-siege-of-gaza-what-to-know%2F More Stories [Trump flanked by his lawyers in court]( Getty Images Going it alone: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ended his Democratic presidential bid and launched an independent campaign for 2024. Announcing his decision in Philadelphia, Kennedy characterized the bitter fighting between Democrats and Republicans as an "orchestrated" product of the establishment, and promised to "wrest the reins of power from both parties and give to it the American people.â His breakaway could complicate projections for 2024, with a very early Reuters/Ipsos poll suggesting a threeway race between Kennedy, Biden, and Trump could cost Biden pivotal votes, leaving Trump on top. A vacant seat: Republicans met behind closed doors yesterday to discuss the evermore urgent question of who will replace Rep. 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