>> Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, more help needed.

Representative Josh Gottheimer pushing the president for more aid to Israel.

>> Americans were killed.

Americans remain in Gaza as hostages.

We have to take action here and make sure Israel has what she needs.

>> As the bombing continues and death toll's rise, a doctor living in Israel puts out a 911 for additional medical help, and thousands answer the call.

>> There is a deep loyalty and love for this country, and what we are seeing is a level of unity and loyalty.

>> 77 days and counting for the 1700 striking RWJ nurses, no deal in's right -- in sight.

>> It is time to resolve this and go back to work.

>> and expanding pre-k, acting Governor announces a $25 million spending plan to increase preschool programs across the state.

NJ Spotlight News begins right now.

Announcer: Funding for "NJ Spotlight news provided by the members of the New Jersey Education Association, making public schools great for every child.

RWJBarnabas Health, let's be healthy together.

And Orsted, committed to the creation of a new long-term, sustainable, clean energy future for New Jersey.

>> From NJPBS, this is NJ Spotlight News.

>> Thanks for joining us this Thursday night.

Desperately needed humanitarian aid could begin flowing into the Gaza Strip within the next 24 hours from Egypt.

A deal brokered from the U.S. that will allow a small convoy of 20 trucks carrying critical supplies to the Rafah crossing.

Condition set by Israeli leaders will require international observers to inspect aid trucks for the enter Gaza to ensure weapons and supplies don't get into the hands of Hamas.

Officials from the World Health Organization say the aid may be too little too late as conditions worsen for civilians, bombed and overcrowded hospitals in Gaza have closed, limited their services and turned off the lights.

The Palestinian health ministry says more than 3700 people have been killed.

Israel's northern border with Lebanon is also tense.

The terrorist group Hezbollah and the Israeli military are trading fire.

The war could brought into the region.

The U.S. State Department issuing a rare worldwide alert advising all U.S. citizens abroad to be extra cautious as protests erupted across the Middle East, and worldwide in opposition to the Bloody fighting.

We're looking at this conflict from three different angles.

His story of one New Jersey doctors effort to recruit additional medical help, a conversation with representative Josh Gottheimer, and we begin with a pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Patterson, who as Senior correspondent reports, are calling for a cease-fire.

REPORTER: Pro-Palestinian protests gathered in Patterson.

A smaller group but with the same basic messages, protesters who swarmed the rotunda on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Police arrested more than 300 chanting demonstrators who occupy the area.

>> Enough is enough.

We need our Congress members and elected officials across the state to take a principled stand, to listen to constituents, and heed their calls.

REPORTER: Protesters at Patterson, Washington, and around the world, demanded the Biden administration will this political influence with Israel, to call a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, that has claimed thousands of lives, and seems primed to explode in renewed violence.

Searing images of death and destruction have inflamed both sides after Hamas attacked and slaughtered.

Israeli defense forces pounded Gaza with deadly airstrikes, until now blocking deliveries of food, water and medicine in an ongoing massacre.

Humanitarian aid could barely get through.

>> The situation is dire.

Israel has dropped bombs without reprieve, and with a full season on Gaza for 13 days.

Tragically, over 3500 Palestinians have been murdered.

REPORTER: The Patterson group called on their Congressman to sign the cease-fire now resolution cosponsored by the 12th district representative, urging President Biden to sign a cease-fire and the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

>> Your district is home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the nation, the largest Muslim community nation in the state.

You are silent on the suffering of Palestinians overseas and here.

REPORTER: President Biden scored diplomatic results for -- during his visit with Israeli officials yesterday, saying he convinced them -- >> To agree for the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

An understanding that there will be inspections and the agent go to civilians, not Hamas.

REPORTER: 20 trucks could roll into Gaza from Egypt starting this Friday, possibly opening the door for U.S. and dual citizens to leave.

The president did not call for a cease-fire.

He did urge Israel to seek justice.

>> I caution this while you feel that rage, don't be consumed by it.

After 9/11 we were at rage in the U.S., while we saw justice, we made mistakes.

REPORTER: The congressman was not available to comment.

A spokesperson for the Democrat says he continues to support Israel and Israel has a right to defend itself and Hamas must be defeated in the law of armed conflict.

This congresswoman will not sign the measure, nor will this Democrat, Rob Menendez, noting prior to the discussion of a cease-fire, Hamas must return all Israeli and American hostages and immediately end all terrorist activities against the state of Israel.

>> It is evident to our office that the pro-Israel lobby has a chokehold on a New Jersey -- are New Jersey elected officials.

REPORTER: There's no rush for representatives to sign the cease-fire now resolution.

The president will discuss sending more foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine, when he addresses the nation later tonight.

>> The Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer has supported Israel since the attack carried out by Hamas, pledging to deliver U.S. aid and other support in the war effort.

He has -- is also part of a larger bipartisan group, urging the White House to take a stronger stance against Arab countries that have helped funded and helped Hamas, as he fields phone calls from victims families and those whose loved ones have been taken hostage.

The congressman joins me now from Capitol Hill.

Thank you so much for your time.

I know you have been attending vigils, holding meetings, what are you hearing from your constituents right now with how things stand in Israel?

>> It is a painful time for our community and country.

I've met with families who have children who are hostages right now in Gaza.

Who Hamas kidnapped and including in northern New Jersey one of my constituents, his son is IDF in the Israeli military, he was taken hostage in the first day of the attack.

It is a very difficult time for everyone.

You are talking about 31 Americans killed and at least a dozen American hostages that we know of.

You are looking at 1400 Israelis and Americans killed that day.

The rockets continue to be fired into Israel.

Briana: A lot of the nation of the world had not realized how much of a population we have had in New Jersey with connections with family who travel back and forth.

You joined some of your colleagues about writing a strong letter to President Biden who has pledged unwavering support Israel but asking him to boost security there but also put pressure on nations whose the Oort Hamas.

What specifically do you want to see the White House do?

Rep. Gottheimer: It called for additional actions to make sure Israel does what it needs to get the hostages out and home as well as crush and kill Hamas terrorist organizations and others who were responsible for this heinous attack, barbaric attack.

Those were the major points in the letter as well as making sure that we have additional sanctions on Iran which has always been a big supporter of Hamas.

Briana: There have been growing clause -- calls including from your Democratic colleagues were a cease-fire.

Where do you stand on that?

Rep. Gottheimer: They continue to actually fire rockets into Israel.

They are continuing their attack.

I don't believe anybody would just sit back and say do nothing.

We will take action to get those hostages out, and to crush and kill the terrorists.

I believe that should be, right now, the policies we support of our key ally, Israel.

Briana: None of this can happen, a lot of these take congressional action.

Without a speaker in the house, where do things stand with perhaps extending the interim speakers powers to enable some of these resolutions to go forward?

Rep. Gottheimer: Many of us Democrats and Republicans have been working since early last week on the idea of extending the power of the temporary speaker, called the speaker pro tem, Patrick McHenry, who has effectively gained an -- administrative control.

This will give the speaker pro tem, Patrick McHenry the power to be able to run the house and open it, including we make sure a government shutdown and we continue to pass legislation to support the American people, as well as the package that the president called for yesterday, support for Israel, Ukraine, including border security and other actions coming from the Senate, for us to consider.

Until the house opens for business.

Right now because the Republicans have been unable to pick a speaker, a full-time speaker, until they do the house cannot open.

Briana: Congressman Josh Gottheimer joining us.

Thank you so much.

The day after the deadly attack by Hamas, one former Bergen County man was desperate to help the victims, putting out a call for medical help that exceeded all expectations.

His simple message, making its way across the world, and listing thousands of licensed medical volunteers -- enlisting thousands of licensed medical volunteers.

Raven Santana has a story.

>> We have been hearing the booms of the missiles and rockets being launched at us and the iron Dome system really knocking them down.

Raven: It has been a tense couple of weeks, the former resident moved to Israel seven years ago.

>> We live not far from Tel Aviv.

We can see Tel Aviv from our house.

Raven: Once the bombing started, Marcus said he wanted to do his part to help.

He tried to recruit his brothers who were both doctors to volunteer in Israel in the event that the country faced the physician shortage.

His wife overheard him on the phone and drafted a what's up message -- what's at message, asking for volunteers.

What happened next was beyond what either expected.

>> That message went viral globally.

Today, 12 days later, we have 7000 medical personnel who have signed up to volunteer in Israel to come and serve.

Raven: Before he knew it his dining room was transformed into a command center for processing volunteer forms.

He says with the help of his kids, their friends, and a newly formed partnership with the Israel's ministry of health, they have been able to recruit dozens of authorized medical professionals.

>> We have between 15 and 20 volunteers who fill my house up.

We assumed the burden of collecting credentialing information from physicians, Verifying it independently, and giving that to the Ministry of health in Israel, so they can authorize an emergency license for physicians.

There is a deep loyalty and love for the country.

We are seeing a level of unity and loyalty.

Raven: That sentiment is being felt thousands of miles away, or integrated health care network, care one, organized the first charter flight, to transport essential supplies Israel.

The CEO and his daughter spearheaded the relief efforts that included more than 600 volunteers.

>> We have sent -- I would say I am going to estimate, but over 100 pallets of goods, of all kinds of medical supplies, and in some cases light military needs for the soldiers.

Personal deeds.

Needs for the families.

We are just going to continue.

We're not stopping.

Raven: Staff I spoke with say on average they receive about 20 pallets filled with donations like the one behind me on a daily basis.

>> Many, many people dropped off donations were from different faiths, religions, races, they came with tears in their eyes and said, what can we do?

Will this make a difference?

I said absolutely.

Please give it to me and I will be on a plane to Israel.

My team will point out energy to fight people with love and goodness.

That is exactly what we are doing.

Raven: If you want to help, donations can be dropped off at any of the locations including this one in Teaneck.

Briana: First it was members of Congress and Governor Murphy calling for Bob Menendez to resign.

Now, a little less than a month after being indicted on federal bribery charges, it appears most New Jerseyans want the senior senator to go too.

A new poll finds 70% of the states residents want Menendez to resign, rather than serve out the remainder of his term.

According to the survey released today, Menendez lost the port -- support of voters across clinical parties.

The results suggest the corruption case against him could leave some independent voters to support Republican candidates.

Menendez was able to weather previous corruption charges that resulted in a hung jury.

The public does not seem to be behind him this time.

The poll comes a week after federal authorities charge the senator as acting as a set -- foreign agent for Egypt.

Menendez has designed -- denied any wrongdoing.

Union leaders were back at it again, spending hours at the negotiating table.

RWJ University Hospital and the union representing 1700 nurses are locked in debate over contract, nearly three months after the nurses went on strike.

A Senior correspondent reports that both sides are locked in, but eager to cut a deal.

>> It is time to end it in go back to work, we are on day 77.

REPORTER: Of a nursing strike that has left both sides frustrated, and left nearly 1700 nurses without work, pay or benefits for more than two months now.

>> It has gone on way too long.

It's time to resolve this and go back to work.

REPORTER: Union reps for the nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital sat down with hospital leaders to continue hashing out the sticking points of a deal to hopefully get the nurses back to work.

Though sticking points focused on penalties that the unions requested if the hospital does not meet an agreed-upon staffing ratio.

>> If they don't meet the staffing guidelines, again the only way the guidelines are enforceable as of there is a penalty.

I guess that is what we need guidelines with the penalty.

>> The nurses Union proposed a $20 per hour penalty any time nursing unit is a shortstaffed.

Union president Judy DeMello tells us the hospital is looking for wiggle room, by proposing what is called a core deficit.

>> They want to have a core deficit which means they can go below a certain amount of staff, without still meeting the penalty.

If that ever took place, it would not be an enforceable guideline.

REPORTER: Negotiations hinge on whether a 18% core deficit will be included in a deal.

John August says negotiations like this are happening all around the state and country, and are the result of the bleeding of nursing staff that was exacerbated by COVID.

>> The industry as a whole needs to be held accountable to not advancing a greater reaching out to staff and working in a collaborative way to figure this out.

It is management who has control.

They don't want to give up that control.

They should, and empower nurses to sit down and be a partner, in figuring out solutions.

REPORTER: Solutions to improve their solutions of care delivery.

Something he thinks should be a focus in this post-COVID conversation.

He believes nurses should be a part of the conversation.

>> Include them in what is necessary which is the realignment of how we actually deliver care by using a much larger team, with more advanced capacity and abilities, certainly technology can enhance that.

Finally, I think what the real issue is, the nurses in particular who are leaving the profession, they don't feel like they have control over what they are doing.

Some of that is staffing.

But I think it really has to do with the deeper question, of what is the role in actually determining care delivery.

REPORTER: Leadership maintained they want their nurses back to work as quickly as possible saying in a statement they have continued to offer language in some word of top of market wages as well as staffing standards that meet or exceed levels set forth by legislation in California and in a number of hospital labor settlements across the country.

Both sides, hopeful that a regulation -- resolution can be reached soon.

Briana: The price of cost of childcare has kept thousands of other workers out of the labor force since the start of the pandemic, especially women.

Today state leaders announce they will spend nearly $25 million to expand access to preschool programs for kids across more than two dozen school districts.

The money will add more than 1700 new preschool seats for three and four-year-olds in more than half the states counties, enabling them to access three full-day pre-k, part of Governor Murphy's goal to expand early childhood education.

The administration also targeted learners on the other end of the system, acting government -- the acting governor signed legislation to boost mental health support on college campuses.

It requires institutions to annually train employees about suicide prevention, make more students aware of the rise in national prices, and increase their access to proper mental health care.

In our spotlight on business tonight, the cost of a lifesaving COVID-19 medication is set to double.

Visors confirming a Wall Street Journal report that the company will price a five day treatment course of antiviral drug Paxlovid to $1400.

Starting next year when the medication goes on the commercial market.

The U.S. government had paid about $529 for the drug, but is now transitioning out of the emergency phase of the pandemic.

Therefore not picking up the TAB anymore.

Pfizer is trying to counter the sticker shock.

A spokesperson says the list price does not necessarily reflect the price the patient will pay.

The pharmaceutical company says people covered by Medicare will get the drug for free through 2024.

Pfizer is working on offering rebates and help with co-pays for those who qualify, along with securing health insurance payments for low or no out-of-pocket costs.

Stocks inched lower today, following Federal Reserve Chairman Powell's comments that inflation is still too high and warned more tightening to another rate hike is likely.

Here's how the markets closed.

And be sure to tune in this weekend with Raven Santana.

She looks set trends -- at trends, including the competition between urgent care centers and primary care physicians and why one local hospital chose the switch to a nonprofit model.

Watch at 10:00 a.m., Saturday.

That is going to do it for us tonight.

But make sure you check out a special edition of Chat Box with David Cruz, David teams up with Carlos Medina to celebrate Hispanic heritage in conversation with chefs, artists, journalists, athletes and leaders amplifying Otieno voices across New Jersey.

That is happening, Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday morning at 10 p.m.. Also, a reminder to download the NJ Spotlight News podcast, so you can listen anytime.

That does it for us tonight.

I am Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire NJ Spotlight News news team.

Thanks for being with us.

Have a great evening.

We will see you tomorrow.

Announcer: NJM insurance group, serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

New Jersey realtors, the voice for real estate in New Jersey.

>> Orsted will provide renewable offshore wind energy jobs, educational, supply, and economic opportunities for the Garden State.

Orsted.

Committed to the creation of a new, long-term, sustainable clean energy future for New Jersey.

Online at US.Orsted.com.

>> Life is unpredictable, health insurance shouldn't be.

For over 90 years Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has provided affordable health plans to New Jersey residents.

We have served generations of families, businesses, and are committed to driving innovations that put you at the heart of everything you do.

Our members are our neighbors, friends, families.

We are here when you need us most.

Horizon.

Proud to be New Jersey.

♪ >> NJM Insurance group has been part of New Jersey for over a century.

We support our communities through NJM's corporate giving program supporting nonprofit organizations that serve to improve the lives of children, rebuild communities and help to create a new generation of safe drivers.

We are proud to be part of New Jersey.

NJM, we have got New Jersey covered.