President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel on an official trip, displaying solidarity with the country in the aftermath of Hamas’ surprise attack. Biden’s visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will also include meetings with other Israeli leaders. Additionally, Biden plans to stop in Jordan to engage with regional leaders who play a vital role in safeguarding Palestinian civilians and promoting stability in the Middle East.
As part of the visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. and Israel will collaborate on a plan to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza in response to the ongoing conflict. Currently, an aid convoy carrying crucial supplies is stuck on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. The director of Gaza’s border crossings, responsible for overseeing the Rafah crossing, was tragically killed this morning. Foreign nationals who have been waiting to leave Gaza remain unable to do so as the gate remains closed.
Moving to other headlines, a shooting in Belgium that resulted in the death of two Swedish nationals is being investigated as a suspected terrorist attack. The perpetrator claimed on social media to have been inspired by the Islamic State and expressed a possible motive to target Swedish people. Belgian authorities emphasize that there is currently no evidence linking the attack to the conflict in the Middle East.
In domestic news, the race for a new speaker of the House of Representatives could be decided soon with a floor vote expected. Republican Representative Jim Jordan is working to rally support within his party to secure the necessary 217 votes for victory. However, some centrist Republicans are concerned that Jordan’s divisive brand of politics may not resonate with their swing districts and could alienate independent voters. While the outcome of the vote remains uncertain, the trends appear to be favoring Jordan.
In healthcare news, vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women is on the rise. A recent report from the CDC reveals that a significant number of pregnant women express reservations about receiving vaccines, including the flu shot and those recommended for protecting against COVID-19, pertussis, and respiratory illnesses. Encouraging open dialogue and addressing misconceptions surrounding vaccines is crucial to ensuring the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their babies.
Lastly, the bankruptcy of Rite Aid, the third-largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., will likely result in the closure of numerous stores. This development highlights the changing landscape of retail pharmacies as big box chains and grocery stores increasingly offer pharmacy services and medicine delivery through apps. Experts argue that traditional drug stores are not effective retailers, contributing to their decline.
This roundup of news provides a snapshot of the notable events happening today. Stay informed with Morning Rundown, a daily newsletter to kickstart your morning.
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