Under full moonlight

— Check out what we Skimm’d for you today October 19, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm [Update location]( or [View forecast]( “I'm surrounded by enough people” — [Dolly Parton]( on why she’s only reachable by fax. She’s only speaking fax around here. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Good luck texting Dolly Parton #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) Top Story Aftermath The Story The [fog of war]( is complicating an already complex situation. What’s fog of war? The term refers to uncertainty during wartime. In the context of the latest Israel-Hamas war, it’s playing out through misinformation, disinformation, and conflicting narratives. This week, Palestinian health officials said hundreds are believed to be killed after an [explosion at a hospital]( in northern Gaza. Hamas blamed an Israeli airstrike, calling it “a horrific massacre.” Israel blamed [Palestinian Islamic Jihad]( — another militant group in the region — calling it a failed rocket launch. The news enraged the region with [protests]( spreading across the Middle East and Jordan [canceling]( a planned meeting with President Biden. Now, the White House says it’s continuing to collect information, but that its current assessment is that Israel was “not responsible.” What’s the assessment based on? Infrared satellite data, intercepted communications provided by Israel, and open source information showing a launch that didn’t come from Israel. That includes [assessments]( that the alleged crater in the parking lot of the hospital was inconsistent with impacts from Israeli airstrikes. Still, Biden noted that “there's a lot of people out there” who are “not sure” about who’s responsible. Media outlets have not been able to independently verify material — like video and audio — indicating who’s behind the hospital explosion. Why is it hard to verify? Multiple reasons. Misinformation and disinformation is running [rampant]( on social media platforms, as tech [layoffs]( cut back on the number of fact checkers. Plus, even without that complication, the process can take time. But it's important to get it right, especially given the stakes and how things have played out in the past. Meaning what? In 2022, Israel claimed that militants were to blame for the death of Palestinian-American journalist [Shireen Abu Akleh]( but eventually took responsibility about a year later. Meanwhile, the Associated Press last year said it [verified]( an Israeli assessment that Islamic Jihad rockets fell within Gaza, killing at least a dozen Palestinians. AP verified the assessment through TV footage and onsite visits. Then, there's the US government — which has its own history of [flawed assessments]( that have led to war. theSkimm Anger is mounting over a war with a death toll now in the thousands, and competing allegations can inflame an already fraught situation. Verifying responsibility is critically important when a larger Middle Eastern war might be at stake. Developing: - The US [vetoed]( a UN resolution to condemn violence against civilians, including Hamas’s attacks on Israel, and allow a humanitarian pause to deliver aid to Gaza. - President Biden will [address the nation]( tonight at 8 pm ET. He’s expected to focus on his admin’s response to Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel and other foreign policy. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=The fog of war is complicating the Israel-Hamas war #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR How Does US Aid Play a Role in the Region? In light of the latest Israel-Hamas war, the US is sending [$10 billion]( in military aid to Israel (part of a larger emergency aid package) and [$100 million]( in aid to Palestinians. It comes as Israel [agreed](to allow Egypt to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza — which could happen [starting tomorrow](. The US has a history of providing aid to the region. Here's theSkimm: Israel: The US-Israel relationship dates back to 1948, when the US became the first country to recognize Israeli statehood. In the decades since, the relationship has grown thanks to the US’s [strategic interests]( in the region — including access to oil, eradicating terrorism, and countering the influence of Russia and Iran. The US provides [$3.8 billion]( dollars each year to support Israel’s military and [missile defense system]( — the largest amount of foreign aid the US consistently gives. To date, the US has given Israel over [$158 billion dollars](. The [two countries]( also rely on each other for intelligence sharing, collaborate on weapons research and design, and trade about $50 billion in goods and services each year. Palestinians: The US has historically been the largest single donor to [UNRWA](, the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees, donating hundreds of millions of dollars per year. In 2018, the Trump admin [ended]( that aid. But over the past two years, the US recommitted to sending aid. Now, President Biden says a [$100 million package]( will be directed to the “more than 1 million displaced” Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Still, Biden warned Hamas not to take the aid. As he put it, if they do, “they will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people, and it will end as a practical matter.” [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=The US wants to send millions in aid to Palestinians and Israel #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) And Also...This What's still looking for the one... [The House](. Yesterday, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) failed to secure the House speaker role for the second time. The House hasn’t had a speaker for over two weeks, since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was [removed]( from his post. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) [bowed out]( of the speaker race after just one go at it. Jordan is still manifesting holding that gavel in his hand — despite [losing more votes]( in the second round. Another vote is expected today. Meanwhile, some representatives on both sides of the aisle said they would be [open to expanding]( Rep. Patrick McHenry's (R-NC) limited powers as temporary speaker, potentially in 15-day increments at a time. --------------------------------------------------------------- Whose family is getting closure... [Natalee Holloway's](. Yesterday, a US judge said Joran van der Sloot confessed to killing Holloway. In 2005, Holloway went missing during a high school graduation trip to Aruba. Her disappearance captured international attention. Van der Sloot, a Dutch national, had long been a prime suspect. In June, he was [extradited]( to the US to face wire fraud and extortion charges, accused of attempting to get $250,000 from Holloway’s family in exchange for info about her disappearance. As part of a plea deal, van der Sloot had to explain to the Holloway family what happened to Natalee and her body. He’s been sentenced to 20 years in prison — which he will serve concurrently with his [28-year sentence]( in Peru for the death of Stephany Flores. Holloway’s mother said that her daughter’s case is “solved.” --------------------------------------------------------------- What wants to fill up its piggy bank… [X](. Earlier this week, the company, formerly known as Twitter, said it'll start testing a $1 annual fee with new users in New Zealand and the Philippines. The “Not A Bot” test will require payment in order for new users to “post and interact with other posts.” X owner Elon Musk has previously said the company planned to use a subscription model to combat “vast armies of bots.” --------------------------------------------------------------- Who shoots and scores... [The Las Vegas Aces](. Yesterday, they beat the New York Liberty 70-69 to become back-to-back WNBA champions. The Aces are the first team to win the title consecutively since 2002. --------------------------------------------------------------- Who’s going to be on the sidelines for a while… [Neymar](. --------------------------------------------------------------- While the House can’t get it together… [Sen. Chuck Grassley]( (R-IA) is playing cupid. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=The House still has no speaker. Natalee Holloway's case is coming to a close. And Neymar is out for now #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) Forward this to a friend. [Click here](mailto:?&subject=Check out this Daily Skimm newsletter&body=Check it out . Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. How the travel pros save up to $2K on every single flight for life. Answer: [this flight club](. And for the next 12 hours, Skimm’rs can get a lifetime membership for $129 (psst…it’s normally $1,690). Just before jet-setting to London or Paris from $228.* [Save $1,500 now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Game-changing devices that have helped 385K+ people hear clearly. [These German hearing aids]( have a brand new dual processing system that makes every word sound crystal clear. Plus, the design is so small they’re practically invisible. Clearer hearing, right this way.* [Check them out]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. An award-winning flexible vibrator that’s so good, docs recommend it. An orgasm with [this FDA-registered vibrator]( a day keeps the doctor away, arewerite? It’s got six unique motors with 16 speeds to target just the right areas. Plus it’s Bluetooth-enabled. And Skimm’rs get 30% off.* [Get yours now]( Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Skimm'rs We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community. Give a mile…Paul M (MI). He donates proceeds from his book to Give a Mile, which is dedicated to getting flights for people who’d like to see their loved ones one last time. (Some) Birthdays…Christine Whitman (NY), Kathryn McDonnell (MO), Marcee Mygatt (CO), Elizabeth Marut (IL), Shannon Finegan (PA), Erin Lopez (TX), Charlotte Wessel (AL), Ann Jones (MI), Stephanie Campbell (WI), John Geekie (NY), Kristy Carroll (MD), Annie Canadeo (CT), Jayme Parker (VT), Anita Humer (NY), Jocelyn Riordan (OR) PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out [here]( for a chance to be featured. Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Alex Carr, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Niven McCall-Mazza, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Momen Faiz via Getty Images, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to the Daily Skimm](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Update Your Preferences or Unsubscribe](esource=syl&date=20231019) --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2023 theSkimm, All rights reserved. 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