Friday morning news: October 27, 2023

Israel - U.S. aid » The United States is sending more military help to Israel. Pentagon spokesman, General Pat Ryder:

RYDER: I can confirm that in addition to the Iron Dome interceptors that we’re flying to Israel, we’re also planning to provide the two U.S. Iron Dome systems currently in our inventory to Israel to further enhance their defense capabilities.

And newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson met with President Biden at the White House Thursday to discuss more aid for Israel and Ukraine, among other things.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre:

PIERRE: We invited him to a bipartisan briefing with leadership on the president’s supplemental national security package.

Israel - ceasefire/pause » Meantime, Israel says it has killed several Hamas commanders, including the mastermind of the October 7th terror attacks against Israel Shadi Baroud.

Israeli troops and tanks briefly raided northern Gaza, engaging with Hamas fighters and targeting anti-tank weapons to prepare for an expected ground invasion.

But as casualties mount in Gaza, some Western allies are asking Israeli leaders to hold their fire. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez:

SANCHEZ: I would like to see a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes. But if we don’t have [the necessary] conditions, at least a humanitarian pause in order to channel all the humanitarian aid the Palestinian population needs.

And the White House is now seemingly joining those calls for humanitarian pauses. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby:

KIRBY: These are localized, temporary, specific pauses on the battlefield so that humanitarian assistance can get in to people that need it or they, the people can get out of that area in relative safety.

But the United States has said a full ceasefire would only benefit Hamas, giving terrorists time to regroup and launch another attack.

Florida weapons to Israel » And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he has arranged to send drones, weapons and ammunition to Israel responding to a request by the Israeli consulate in Miami.

The governor’s office said the supply of weapons and ammo is privately funded, but did not provide details on exactly what the state is sending.

Florida has already sent cargo planes with healthcare supplies, body armor and helmets.

Chinese FM visit » Beijing’s top diplomat is in Washington this morning as the United States and China look to keep rising tensions from boiling over. WORLD’s Christina Grube has more.

CHRISTINA GRUBE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sat down with Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Thursday at the start of a three-day visit.

Yi is also slated to speak with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and reportedly President Biden as well.

Earlier this week, China accused the United States of being—quote—the “biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability” criticizing U.S. support of Israel and Ukraine.

That followed a report from the Pentagon citing the rising military threat posed by China.

For WORLD, I’m Christina Grube.

Maine mass shooting » Families are mourning in Lewiston, Maine after a mass shooting on Wednesday night at a restaurant and a bowling alley. Officials now say at least 18 people were killed with more than a dozen others wounded.

Governor Janet Mills:

MILLS: In memory of those we lost and in honor of those who were injured, President Biden and I have ordered all US flags and state of Maine flags to be lowered to half staff.

Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card, an Army Reservist and firearms instructor.

He reportedly had known mental health issues.

Ford-UAW » Autoworkers have put down their picket signs at Ford plants after the United Auto Workers union struck a tentative deal with the carmaker.

UAW President Shawn Fain said the deal includes cost of living allowances, better retirement benefits, and bigger paychecks.

Fain: Since the strike began, Ford put 50% more on the table than when we walked out. Together, we are turning the tide for the working class in this country.

Workers are still striking outside GM and Stellantis plants with labor talks ongoing.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: Culture Friday. Plus, a closer look at the new speaker of the House Mike Johnson

This is The World and Everything in It.

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