First Thing: Boost for Biden as United Auto Workers union endorses his re-election

Both Biden and Trump had courted influential union. Plus, a poll finds 35% of Americans say Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians

Good morning.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) formally endorsed Joe Biden's re-election campaign on Wednesday at the union's national community action program conference in Washington DC.

How influential is the UAW? It has 40,000 members. It is based in Detroit, Michigan, a key swing state where, according to one poll conducted at the end of 2023, Trump is edging out Biden 39% to 37%.

How did Trump try to court the union? In September, Trump said Fain was a good man ... he's got to endorse Trump". He also attacked electric vehicles and claimed, in office, we will drill baby drill" and support gas engines.

What did Biden tell the UAW conference? On Wednesday, Biden talked up his pro-labor credentials: The union movement in America is important because it produces the best skilled workers in the world", adding: During my presidency, we opened 20 auto factories and more than 250,000 auto jobs all across the country."

What is the latest in Gaza? The Israeli army says that it had encircled" the southern city of Khan Younis after two days of heavy fighting. The city is crowded with 88,000 residents and about 425,000 displaced people with many trapped sheltering in hospitals. Everyone in Gaza is hungry," the UN secretary general said Wednesday.

How many Palestinians have been killed? More than 25,700, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say, since the 7 October attack that saw 1,200 in Israel killed. About 85% of the 2.3 million people in Gaza have been displaced and face hunger and potential disease.

What's happening off the coast of Yemen? Two ships owned by Maersk's US subsidiary sought US navy support after hearing explosions. Houthi militants are continuing their attacks on commercial shipping - which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians.