First Thing: Israeli army conducts ‘targeted’ tank raid in Gaza

Army radio describes relatively large' ground incursion backed by tanks and infantry vehicles. Plus, why Dutch maternity care is the envy of the world

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Good morning.

Israeli troops backed by tanks have attacked Hamas targets in a brief ground raid in the Gaza Strip, the military has said.

Was Joe Biden against the ground offensive? US media have reported that Biden has been pushing Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on a ground invasion while Hamas still holds hostages, but on Wednesday Biden denied such reports. What I have indicated to him is that if that's possible to get these folks out safely, that's what he should do. It's their decision ... But I did not demand it," Biden said.

How many hostages are there? The confirmed number of people held hostage in the Gaza Strip since the 7 October cross-border raids by Hamas is now 224, Reuters reports, citing the Israeli military, which said the number could rise further.

Do police have a suspect? Lewiston police said Robert Card, 40, was a person of interest" and should be considered armed and dangerous". A state police bulletin reviewed by the AP news agency said he was a firearms instructor trained by the military.

How many people have died in US mass shootings this year? The shooting in Lewiston is the 36th mass killing this year, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. At least 188 people have died in those killings.