What It's Like in Gaza

And more on the hostages taken by Hamas. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 17, 2023 As news continues to break in the Middle East, we're tracking all angles of this painful story. We've got an important interview about [what it's like in Gaza right now](, an update about hostages being held by Hamas, and [illuminating insights from a foreign affairs expert](. Elsewhere, we unpack [the hidden trauma you may be carrying]( and share [my can't-miss interview with Jada Pinkett Smith](. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [Images of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas plastered on a wall. (]( Images of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas plastered on a wall. (Getty Images) A Look at the Latest Ten days since the war between Israel and Hamas began, conditions in Gaza are only getting worse. More than 2,800 Palestinians have been killed and 10,850 wounded. President Biden will visit Israel tomorrow to demonstrate his unwavering support for the country — and discuss humanitarian aid in Gaza. Here’s more: Held captive: Hamas claims it's taken up to 250 hostages (the Israeli military says it has at least 199) — and is willing to release foreign hostages “unconditionally” when “field conditions are right.” Meanwhile, the IDF posted on X that it's “deploying all intelligence and operational measures for the return of all hostages.” That includes Mia Schem, who appears in a video disseminated by the terrorist organization, and whose [mother Keren spoke to me about the immense pain she’s felt]( since Mia was kidnapped. What it’s like in Gaza: “From what I’m hearing, it’s never been this bad,” says Basim Elkarra, executive director of The Council on American-Islamic Relations. He has family in Gaza, and he told me about [the reality of the crisis](, how Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip reacted to Hamas’ attacks in Israel, and why cycles of violence hurt everyone. The larger implications: I asked Richard Haass, expert on foreign affairs in the Middle East, for his analysis of the responses from Israel and the United States, why he thought so highly of President Biden's speech, and [how a wider war can be avoided](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-palestinians-feel-about-hamas-gaza-conditions%2F   More Stories [Jim Jordan surrounded by reporters]( Getty Images Race for speaker: The House will convene today to vote on whether Rep. Jim Jordan can replace Kevin McCarthy as speaker and end the stalemate that's paralyzed the chamber for two weeks. Key holdouts including House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers — plus Reps. Ann Wagner, Ken Calvert and Vern Buchanan — have flipped their votes, and Jordan's allies are optimistic he'll hit the 217 tally he needs. Even if Jordan doesn't succeed the first time round, he could force additional ballots — just as his [predecessor did back in January](. Trump gag order: The judge overseeing Donald Trump's federal election interference case in Washington has placed a partial gag order on the former president. “This is not about whether I like the language Mr. Trump uses,” Judge Tanya Chutkan said. “This is about language that presents a danger to the administration of justice.” The order forbids Trump from speaking about potential witnesses and verbally attacking the prosecution, and comes on the heels of his persistent barrages against potential witnesses, prosecutors and the court. LinkedIn layoffs: LinkedIn is cutting 668 jobs, with most layoffs hitting the network's core engineering teams. The move is part of an ongoing restructuring effort within the company, which explained in a memo yesterday that it's adapting its organizational structures to "improve agility and accountability." LinkedIn is still growing financially, but appears to be shifting resources towards artificial intelligence — which it's already using to assist recruiters on the site.   Superb Solves [The Puzzler with A.J Jacobs on blue gradient background]( iHeart Media Looking for a way to flex your mental muscles while you walk the dog or run errands? Allow us to introduce you to [the seriously stimulating podcast The Puzzler](. Each day you'll be treated to original, audio-friendly games, trivia, riddles, and more. Host A.J. Jacobs and "chief puzzle officer" Greg Pliska know exactly how to make it fun and appropriately challenging, so it's the perfect daily boost for your brain. [LISTEN HERE]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Must-Reads [Brain sitting in lounge chair with umbrella]( Get a Move On There's yet another side effect of sitting all day: It may be linked to increased dementia risk, according to a recent study making waves. [Read More »]( [Illustration of two Black women embracing, one older than the other]( Passed Down You can get traits like your eye color from your parents and grandparents — but did you know you may inherit their trauma? Here's more. [Read More »]( [Radiologist looking at mammogram scan]( Tissue Talk Nearly half of women (including yours truly) have dense breasts. Here's what it means, and how to tell if you have them, too. [Read More »](   In Conversation For this week's episode of Next Question, I sat down with the woman who's been generating so much buzz: Jada Pinkett Smith. She talks about her deep friendship with Tupac Shakur, her secret separation from husband Will Smith (and why they're still legally married), and yes: how she reacted to the Oscars slap. [Check it out right here](.   Extra Credit [Amy Poehler holding up camera on orange background]( Getty Images / KCM Like and subscribe: There are a number of risks social media can pose to kids, but one of the calls for alarm may be coming from inside the house. We're investigating [the new type of stage parents]( who are pushing their kids to perform for the phone screen, rather than the silver screen. Watch your wallet: Wondering if you're on the right track financially? This look at the [average savings in every age bracket]( offers fascinating insight into how you stack up with your peers — plus insights from an expert at Capital One on the keys to financial health. Deals on deals: Get [25% off must-have fall essentials]( at White House Black Market. We're eyeing [these perfect jeans](, which are discounted on top of the sale price. (And just to be clear, we don't think skinny jeans are out, no matter who says otherwise!)   Photo of the Day [Two children from Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City dressed in Halloween costumes as Princess Peach] Photos courtesy of Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City Everyone's getting into the Halloween spirit, and that includes the incredible kids at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City, which just hosted its annual costume clinic and parade. Princess Peach from The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a popular pick this year — both 9-year-old Maddie (left) and 8-year-old Annika (right) transformed their wheelchairs into spitting images of Peach's go-kart. “This costume clinic is a highlight of the year for the patients and their families," says Annika's mom, Jennifer Ellefsen. "The people working on the costumes make every wheelchair look amazing. Instead of Annika feeling singled out at school in a negative way, as being different, she's the coolest girl each October because of her transformed wheelchair.”   Fan Favorites [lululemon Scuba oversized funnel-neck half zip and define jacket on gray background]( lululuemon / KCM The chilly mornings (and afternoons, and evenings) have finally started getting to us, and lululemon's collection is scratching our itch for jewel tones and staples you have no problem wearing for 24 hours at a time. The bestselling [Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip]( manages to be both chic and cozy with structured stitching and a comfy funnel neck. For something more tailored to your workout, the [Define Jacket]( stretches and moves with you, and its cuffs convert into hand warmers for those unexpectedly chilly runs. [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have 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.