Morning Rundown: Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza and House Speaker provides latest update

Israel Pounds the Gaza Strip with Airstrikes as Festival Organizer Describes Harrowing Escape from Hamas Gunmen

In the latest developments of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has announced that it has retaken full control of its border with Gaza. This comes after Hamas fighters broke through the fence and launched a bloody attack. While no Hamas militants have crossed into Israel since last night, the IDF spokesperson has warned that infiltrations could still be possible.

The aftermath of the attack revealed the bodies of approximately 1,500 Hamas militants inside Israel, indicating the significant force that Hamas was able to mobilize for their surprise assault. Israel responded by bombarding Gaza and urging citizens to evacuate the blockaded strip of land. The situation remains tense, with the potential for a ground operation and fears of a broader regional conflict. President Joe Biden is scheduled to address the war in a speech later today.

Amidst the escalating violence, Noa Beer, an organizer of the SuperNova X music and arts festival, shared her harrowing escape from Hamas gunmen. As festivalgoers enjoyed the event, rockets launched from Gaza could be seen but not heard due to the loud music. Security guards intervened, instructing people to leave quickly. In the chaos, Beer fled by car and encountered armed gunmen who opened fire. She vividly recalls the moment they looked her in the eyes, showing no concern for the terror they were inflicting.

Meanwhile, in the realm of politics, Republican lawmakers will be hearing from two congressmen who are vying for the House speaker role. Reps. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise will make their cases for the leadership position at a closed-door candidates forum. Tensions are running high as right-wing firebrand Jordan and Majority Leader Scalise have already divided the conference. Additionally, there is speculation surrounding Kevin McCarthy, who some consider a dark horse candidate despite his denial of running for his old job.

In other news, TikTok’s new feature, TikTok Shop, has become a platform for commission-based marketing. Some resourceful teenagers are using their social media marketing skills to profit from advertising products. Although minors are prohibited from applying to TikTok Shop, certain users have found ways to exploit this rule.

In brief political updates, special counsel Robert Hur has interviewed President Joe Biden as part of the investigation into his handling of classified documents. This suggests that the nearly nine-month probe may be coming to a close. Former President Donald Trump’s bid to delay his classified documents trial until after the 2024 election has been pushed back by special counsel Jack Smith. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has withdrawn from the Democratic presidential nomination and launched an independent bid, aiming to disrupt the election for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Lastly, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton plans to file criminal complaints against lawmakers involved in his impeachment. He alleges that they doxxed him by releasing documents containing his home address.

That concludes today’s news highlights. Stay informed by following the live coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict and sign up for the Morning Rundown newsletter to start your day with curated news.