The death toll in the Middle East conflict continues to rise.

A thousand Israeli people have died since Hamas' surprise attack, while retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed more than 800.

Up to 150 Israelis are believed to be held hostage currently, with Hamas saying it won't negotiate over them 'until the end of the battle'.

US President Joe Biden will address the American people shortly about the conflict.

Washington Post Foreign Affairs Columnist, Ishaan Tharoor, told Kate Hawkesby that there are questions of how Biden defuses a crisis like this — one which potentially may reach a scale never seen before.

He says he'll have to articulate some form of vision beyond his already pledged 'unwavering support'.

LISTEN ABOVE

The death toll in the Middle East conflict continues to rise. 
A thousand Israeli people have died since Hamas' surprise attack, while retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed more than 800. 
Up to 150 Israelis are believed to be held hostage currently, with Hamas saying it won't negotiate over them 'until the end of the battle'. 
US President Joe Biden will address the American people shortly about the conflict. 
Washington Post Foreign Affairs Columnist, Ishaan Tharoor, told Kate Hawkesby that there are questions of how Biden defuses a crisis like this — one which potentially may reach a scale never seen before. 
He says he'll have to articulate some form of vision beyond his already pledged 'unwavering support'. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.