Back to the Bargaining Table

Israel proposes a deal to free the hostages. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( January 23, 2024 Good morning. A pause in fighting in Gaza could be on the horizon, so we’re explaining what Israel’s bringing to the bargaining table. Then, we're clearing up some confusing calls “from” President Biden ahead of the New Hampshire primary — and explaining [how artificial intelligence is being used to suppress votes](. We’re also sharing [Sarah Ferguson’s shocking health update]( and [the states with the highest divorce rates](. Read on...   In the News [protest on behalf of israeli hostages]( Protesters call for a hostage deal near the Israeli Prime Minister's Jerusalem residence. (Getty Images) Back to the Bargaining Table Israel has proposed a two-month pause in fighting with Hamas, Axios reports, which would be the longest ceasefire since hostilities began. The proposal was delivered via Qatari and Egyptian mediators on Monday. Here’s what’s in the fine print. Bring them home: Under the proposal, Hamas would release all the hostages who are alive — Israel estimates that's 104 of the 132 still in Gaza — as well as the remains of any dead hostages. This initiative would take place in phases, starting with women, men over 60 years old, and those in critical condition. In exchange: Israel would also release a to-be-determined number of Palestinian prisoners to Hamas, though the agreement wouldn't include all of the 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Major milestones: The proposal comes at a precipitous time in this conflict. In Gaza, the death count has topped 25,000, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry; in Israel, the families of hostages recently stormed a parliamentary meeting to demand more decisive action. Added to this, 21 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday in the biggest single loss of life for the country's troops since the start of the war. The wider regional unrest is also amplifying constantly: The U.S. and U.K. launched a fresh round of strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen yesterday. Even if Hamas agrees, Israeli officials have made it clear that ending the war is not in the cards — but IDF officials did say fighting in Gaza would become less intense. This shift in military strategy would allow for the return of Palestinian citizens to Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip. Stay tuned for updates.   More Stories [Nikki Haley holds a baby wearing a ''Nikki Haley'' badge]( Getty Images Final push: Donald Trump's lead has widened in New Hampshire, with the latest Washington Post and Monmouth University poll putting him at 52% support versus 34% for Nikki Haley. Haley's still fighting hard though, and told an N.H. crowd yesterday: "America doesn’t do coronations." A midnight vote in Dixville Notch saw Haley win all six votes, which she described as “a great start to a great day in New Hampshire.” More details: Two U.S. Navy SEALS who were declared dead following a nighttime raid off the coast of Somalia have been identified. Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher Chambers, 37, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, were “exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many," Capt. Blake Chaney said. The pair were involved in the seizure of "advanced lethal aid" being illegally transported from Iran to Yemen to resupply Houthi forces. Making connections: The greatest risk factor for death for people with obesity has been identified as loneliness. A new study showed all causes of death for obese people were 36% lower in those who felt less socially isolated. Rather than focusing on weight loss (a tactic that has a pretty low long-term success rate), this "highlights the importance of taking social and mental health into account in improving health," said Dr. Lu Qi, the study's lead author. People are.... not OK: Few of us are immune to a trend, but one woman in California appears to have taken things way, way too far. The unnamed 23-year-old has been arrested after police discovered $2,500 worth of Stanley cups in her car. She reportedly walked out of a store with a cartload, refusing to pay for them. "While Stanley Quenchers are all the rage, we strongly advise against turning to crime to fulfill your hydration habits," police posted on Facebook.   In Focus [Kamala Harris on a green background]( KCM / Getty Images Yesterday should have marked 51 years since the constitutional right to abortion was established, but instead, access is in serious jeopardy as we gear up for the 2024 election. For the latest episode of my podcast, I sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris (!!) to discuss where the fight currently stands and how she and President Biden are working to secure reproductive rights. The interview will drop on Thursday — so [make sure you’re subscribed to Next Question](, and check back right here in Wake-Up Call that morning to get the first look!   Must-Reads [Robot in a suit speaking at a podium in front of the American flag]( Spam Call A robocall of what sounds like Joe Biden's voice is being used to confuse voters — and it's just one way AI could influence the election. [Read More »]( [Heart divided into roads]( Headed to Splitsville Divorce rates around the country might be lower than you think. These are the states with the lowest, and highest, rates of dissolution. [Read More »]( [Sarah Ferguson]( "A Shock" A little over six months since she was treated for breast cancer, Sarah Ferguson revealed she was diagnosed with melanoma. Here's more. [Read More »](   A Closer Look If you’ve ever felt a lump in your breast, you know it can be a pretty terrifying experience. But not all lumps mean cancer, so we called up an oncologist to discuss [everything you should know about breast cysts](, including how they differ from tumors and what to do if you aren't sure which one you have. [LEARN MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Got You Covered [Tarte Shape Tape concealer on purple gradient background]( KCM No one likes a face full of thick, cakey makeup, which is why pros and beginners alike love Tarte's Shape Tape concealer. It's easy to apply and blend, offers full coverage without a ton of product, and it lasts all day without touchups. Right now, Ulta is offering its lowest price ever on all three formulas of the concealer ([creamy](, [original](, and [radiant](), but the savings won't last long. [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing It's National Pie Day...not to be confused with Pi Day, which falls on March 14, although we'll take any excuse to dig into a slice of this delicious dessert. To celebrate, I teamed up with the Crust Queen herself, Marie Saba, for a tart twist on an apple pie. Check out the recipe and [watch me try my hand at baking it right 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.