October 12, 2023 - PBS NewsHour full episode

More than 2 million people live in Gaza, one of the most densely populated corners of the planet. In the six days since Hamas’ terrorist attacks, Israel says it has dropped 6,000 bombs on Gaza. The UN says 650,000 Gazans face water shortages and 340,000 have had to flee their homes. Nick Schifrin and producer Zeba Warsi spoke to Gaza residents who face bombardment with no escape.

House Republicans and Congressman Steve Scalise may have slipped further away from having the votes to fill the job of House speaker. The chamber remains frozen and the GOP is deeply divided over who should lead them. Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins spoke to dozens of members during this highly unusual day and reports from Capitol Hill.

As Republican infighting complicates the process of electing a new speaker, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York joined Geoff Bennett to discuss who Democrats would like to see holding the gavel and how it is affecting aid for Israel and Ukraine.

Since the attack by Hamas and Israel’s ongoing response, there have been bitter debates on many college campuses over which side bears responsibility. This plays into already raging debates at many schools over free speech and academic freedom. Judy Woodruff visited four colleges to understand how this fits into the nation's political divide. It's part of her series, America at a Crossroads.

A day after House Republicans narrowly voted to nominate Steve Scalise to be the next speaker, the Louisiana congressman withdrew his name from consideration after it was clear he did not have the votes to win on the House floor. This development is throwing the GOP search for its next leader into further chaos. Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.