MORNING OF OCTOBER 9TH, MIDEAST LATEST:  Here is what we know about the boiling situation in the Mideast:

The number of Israelis killed by the Hamas attack stands at about 800; the number of hostages held by Hamas is probably over 100, but no one outside Hamas is absolutely sure.

The State Department officially announced that nine Americans have been killed, but noted that the number could go higher; there is no estimate as to the number of Americans who might be held hostage.

Israel announced that it had retaken all Israeli territory near the Gaza strip that had been temporarily held by Hamas invaders.  However, Israel cautioned that there still might be terrorists operating on the Israeli side of the Gaza border.

The United States is sending the USS Gerald Ford carrier group to the eastern Mediterranean to caution Iran about making any new moves.

There is continuing controversy as to Iran's involvement in the Hamas operation.  Both Hamas and Hezbollah, another group of terrorist lovelies, have openly said that they get help from Iran, and the Wall Street Journal, as we note below, is reporting that Iran was heavily involved in the Hamas attacks.  The State Department stiffly asserts that it has no proof of any Iranian involvement, which sounds a bit absurd.

Rocket attacks from Gaza to Israel continued all night, but they were much lighter than the original attacks.  It is now reported that some operatives tried to get into Israel across its northern border with Lebanon, but we don't have details.

Israel is launching major air attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza, and is sealing the Gaza border so supplies cannot be brought in.  However, Gaza has another border, with Egypt, so any Israeli blockade could be ineffective.

The Arab nation of Qatar says it is in contact with Hamas to try to get release of the hostages.  This is questionable.  Hamas, in the past, has driven a very hard bargain, over long periods of time, in hostage negotiations.  We have to assume that it will do the same now.  The 100 hostages they hold are powerful weapons in their hands.

More coming later in the day. 

October 9, 2023