South. But right now that crossing appears to be closed in both directions for people and humanitarian aid. Also happening, the Israeli Security cabinet will hold a meeting with Prime Minister netanyahu, and in just a few hours from now, as the world braces for what is believed to be an upcoming israeli invasion of gaza. Plus, Secretary Of State Antony Blinken is back in tel aviv today to meet with israeli leaders just as we learned that families of 199 hostages have been notified their loved ones were abducted. In just a few minutes well speak with a family of 85yearold yafa adar and her grandson, taken during saturdays horrific terrorist attack. The desperate pleas from that family and dozens of others to get their loved ones back safely. And we begin this hour with the very latest on whats happening on the ground in the middle east. For that we turn to nbc news chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel who joins us from the israelgaza border. Richard, its just at sunset, and continu
Arab leaders over the siege denying gaza water, food and fuel. Now staying in the region another day as the one possible escape for gazans is not open, despite promises. President biden canceled his scheduled trip to colorado to stay in d. C. , stay at the white house and oversee the crisis. The white house is in touch with iran through back channels, we are told, to hold off any expansion of the war or else. Future u. S. Aid for israel is on hold until the House Republican majority can unite behind a new speaker, with the current frontrunner facing obstacles to securing the gavel. Good day. Im Andrea Mitchell in washington where the humanitarian crisis in gaza is worsening by the day. Israeli troops are massed at the border. They are not moving into position for an assault. Israel says the number of hostages has increased to 199. Secretary blinken in israel today is extending his diplomacy, pressing to open the crossing to let people out of Gaza To Egypt and let aid in. In the u. S. ,