The Israeli military is preparing to step up its offensive in Gaza.

House Republicans will vote on a new speaker today

and we have an exclusive story about guns and schools.

That's some of what we'll get to today on the 7th from the Washington Post.

I'm Jeff Pierre. It's Wednesday, October 11th. Let's get you caught up with today's 7 stories.

Number one, President Biden gave a speech yesterday

reiterating US support for Israel in its war with Hamas. Let there be no doubt the United States has Israel's back.

We will make sure the Jewish and Democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow,

as we always have. It's as simple as that.

Biden called Hamas's attack, an act of sheer evil. He also said American citizens are among the hostages held captive in Gaza and

that at least 14 Americans have been killed since Saturday's terror attack.

The death toll in Israel has passed 1,200, as bodies continue to be recovered from devastated communities in southern Israel.

Israeli forces are gathering at the Gaza border.

A ground invasion into the territory is expected this week.

The Israeli military has called up 360,000 reservists for the fight.

This is the largest mobilization since the Yamkopor War in 1973.

Meanwhile in Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed at least 950 people so far.

More than 260,000 Palestinians have been displaced.

That number is expected to rise.

And airstrikes have closed a border crossing into Egypt,

which is the only route for civilians to escape the blockaded territory.

At number two, the search for a new speaker of the House continues without a clear end in sight.

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