The Israelis are firing tear gas, but I think we are okay to hold here for a second.

But it is a very volatile, a very quickly developing situation, and it is not just in the West Bank.

Palestinians inside Israel, Palestinians in Jerusalem are holding a strike.

All of this in solidarity with the people of Gaza, saying that what is happening in Gaza needs to stop, and here comes the tyranny.

NBC's Richard Engel reporting, as Israel responded to Palestinian protests that turned violent in the West Bank yesterday,

the fighting has now entered a 10th day. The question this morning, is a ceasefire on the way?

Plus, more legal woes for Donald Trump, as New York State expands its investigation into the Trump organization.

The question is, could it lead to possible charges from the Manhattan DA?

And the latest from Capitol Hill, the House is expected to vote today on whether to appoint a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack.

The question is, why is the House Republican opposed? Isn't it, though? It's way too early for this.

Good morning and welcome to way too early, the show that wants to lift up our colleagues who are working in that war zone as well as all of those who are suffering this morning.

I am Casey Hunt on this Wednesday, May 19th. We'll start with the news.

Israeli officials are reportedly moving closer to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas,

as violence between the two sides stretches into a 10th day.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the New York Times says a senior Israeli official claimed Israel was not ready for a ceasefire yet, but, quote, acknowledged that it might be soon.

On the Hamas side, a senior official told the times they were ready for a deal, but Israel was being, quote, stubborn.

These developments come as Egypt and the UN intervene in hopes of bringing an end to the violence that has killed at least 222 people so far, mostly Palestinians.

Despite the reported moves toward peace talks, Crossfire continued this morning,

according to local media. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel

gathered in public squares yesterday, going on a general strike to protest their own treatment

by Israel. But events turned violent in the West Bank. Three Palestinian protesters were reportedly shot and killed when demonstrators began burning tires and throwing rocks at Israeli police.

And NBC News is learning new information about President Biden's Monday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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