A Humanitarian Crisis

People in northern Gaza ordered to evacuate. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 16, 2023 Good morning. Today, we're taking a look at [the humanitarian crisis in Gaza]( — and sharing [a heartbreaking plea]( from a woman whose family was kidnapped by Hamas. Later on, we've got the [latest updates on the House speakership race](. We'll also share [an important message about breast cancer]( from two survivors and a [doctor's tips for making the most of your appointment](.   In the News [Israel Conflict]( Palestinian citizens inspect damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza. (Getty Images) A Humanitarian Crisis As tensions between Israel and Hamas intensify there’s a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where food and water are dwindling and electricity has been cut off. [Here’s what we know](. What’s happening?: On Friday, Israel told 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate ahead of a coordinated offensive — an order the U.N.’s Secretary-General called “impossible.” Aid groups say the evacuation will leave vulnerable populations like the sick and elderly stranded. More than 2,600 people have died in Israeli airstrikes, and U.N. experts say Gaza is being "strangled." What’s next? The Israeli military has announced it’s preparing for a ground invasion. It’s unclear when that will begin, but Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said Sunday that troops are “in formation” to strike Gaza City. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are privately urging officials to show restraint and avoid mass civilian deaths — [here’s more on global leaders’ response](. Call for compassion: For many, the past week has been a nightmare that’s tested our sense of humanity. I was moved by [this profound piece]( about the tragedies that are still unfolding and how we need empathy for all the innocent people who are hurting and will continue to suffer. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fgaza-is-facing-a-humanitarian-crisis%2F   On the Record [Katie Couric and Abbey Onn]( Getty Images “Insane, absurd, horrific. It feels personal, it feels national, and it feels cultural.” Abbey Onn is an American living in Israel, and last Saturday, the unimaginable happened: Five of her family members were kidnapped and taken hostage by Hamas. I spoke with Abbey about the moment she spotted her loved ones in a video uploaded by the terrorist organization and [what she wants everyone to know]( about the October 7 attacks. [WATCH HERE](   More Stories [Black and white head and shoulders shot of Suzanne Somers]( Getty Images An "extraordinary" life: Suzanne Somers, star of Three's Company and OG fitness influencer, has died at 76. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly,” a statement from her publicist said. Somers revealed in July that an aggressive form of breast cancer she'd survived for more than two decades had returned, writing on Instagram: "I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter." Rest in peace, Suzanne. Hate attack: Chicago landlord Joseph M. Czuba, 71, has been charged with murder, hate crimes, and aggravated battery in the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old boy and wounding of his mother on Saturday. Investigators determined that the victims, both Palestinian, were targeted "due to them being Muslim and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis.” President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said they were “shocked and sickened” by the attack. Business: Rite Aid has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and taken on Jeffrey Stein as its new CEO as it gears up for a major restructuring effort. The company's June financial report showed it had $135.5 million of cash on hand and $3.3 billion in long-term debt. Rite Aid has struggled more than its larger competitors amid a tough environment for drug stores, not to mention costly legal battles stemming from allegations that the company fueled the opioid epidemic by oversupplying painkillers. Man down: Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris was rushed off the field in an ambulance after a tackle by New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke last night. “Damien Harris (neck) is out for the game,” the Bills said. “He has movement in his arms and legs. Harris is being taken to hospital for further testing.” Among those watching was Bills safety Damar Hamlin, [who suffered a cardiac arrest mid-play in January](. The Bills went on to defeat the Giants 14-9, and will face the New England Patriots on Sunday.   Must-Reads [speaker's podium with microphone and gavel on top]( House Divided Republicans are expected to meet soon about a new speaker. Here are the lawmakers aiming for the position — and who's out. [Read More »]( [Rusty and Annellen Lydon attend a fundraising walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society. ]( Common Denominator This husband and wife each fought breast cancer. Now, they're sharing what they want everyone to know about the disease. [Read More »]( [Doctor's wrist pointing to watch]( In and Out Do you feel rushed out of the doctor's office lately? You're not alone — a physician explains why appointments have gotten shorter. [Read More »](   Meal Prep Monday [Joanna Gaines in front of tortellini soup bowls]( KCM/Shutterstock Forget about sweater season, it's all about soup season! [Joanna Gaines' hearty recipe]( will transport you to an Italian restaurant with its indulgent combination of tortellini and cheese. The best part? It comes together in a single pot in just 20 minutes. [READ MORE](   Extra Credit Fall philanthropy: There are all kinds of ways to pay it forward while leaning into the seasonal festivities. From putting old costumes to good use to trick-or-treating for a cause, here are [ways to give back this October](. On notice: Whether you're looking for something new to watch, read, or listen to, we searched high and low to bring you [our top recommendations for the week](. Goodies galore: Our staff loves Merit Beauty for its impossible-to-mess-up approach to makeup (just ask Alaina Mancini, our managing editor of branded content, who loves [the flush balm](!). Now we have another reason to cop a few new products: a free designer bag. When you [spend over $100, you can get a free pouch]( designed by Proenza Schouler, while supplies last.   Photo of the Day [Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift spotted holding hands on the way to an SNL after-party in New York City.] Gotham/GC Images It's (seemingly) official! After setting the internet, and NFL fans, into a frenzy over their rumored romance, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were snapped holding hands. The budding couple was on the way to a Saturday Night Live after-party in New York City — after they both made surprise appearances on the sketch comedy show. We'll be watching to see how this love story unfolds.   Warm and Fuzzy [navy blue tank top, candles, and fuzzy slippers on light green background]( Courtesy of Talbots and KCM We're only a few weeks into fall, but to quote basically every character from Game of Thrones, winter is coming. The chill that's on the way doesn't have to be scary, however, thanks to our partners at Haven Well Within, who use the highest-quality fabrics to make clothes that we really want to sink into. We rounded up [10 cozy products that we definitely recommend]( for the snuggly nights to come. [READ MORE](   One More Thing Unfortunately, as evidenced by the growing number of younger women who are being diagnosed with breast cancer, this disease has no minimum age. Beachwear brand Cupshe is encouraging women ages 35-44 to practice self-exams and take early action — all it takes is giving yourself a squeeze as you get dressed. Read more about this important effort [right here](.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.