Sunday shows preview: All eyes on Middle East as Israel escalates ground war in Gaza

The escalating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will likely take center stage in this week’s Sunday news shows, as Israel began a ground invasion of the territory early Saturday.

The Israeli military had hinted at the expected ground invasion for days, including sending multiple night raids into Gaza. Airstrikes also continued to escalate and the Israeli military cut off all internet and phone communication in the territory, exacerbating what is already considered a humanitarian crisis.

The war began early this month after Hamas militants killed over 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, in a surprise attack and took about 200 people hostage. Responding airstrikes have killed over  7,300 Palestinians as of Friday, including at least 3,000 children.

The U.S. military has reportedly advised the Israelis against a full ground invasion, citing concerns about wider conflict in the Middle East. 

The conflict caused hundreds of thousands of people to protest the Israeli air and ground campaign in London, Istanbul and New York City on Saturday, among other cities around the world.

Jake Sullivan, the White House national security advisor, will be the only guest on ABC’s “This Week” and will also feature on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Much of the international focus will be on how foreign powers and militant groups around the Middle East react to a ground invasion.

Iran has repeatedly warned the U.S. against supporting further Israeli military action, threatening consequences. The U.S. striked multiple Iranian-backed militia bases in Syria on Thursday in retaliation for attacks believed to be directed by Iran.

Retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, the former commander of U.S. Central Command, will be on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

International aid groups are also continuing their efforts to get aid into Gaza, though are facing fuel shortages, and now, communications outages.

The United Nations re-upped calls for a humanitarian cease-fire this week, as the ground invasion neared. While Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was hopeful for a consensus on a cease-fire, he instead saw military escalation.

“Regrettably, instead I was surprised by an unprecedented escalation of bombardments, undermining humanitarian objectives,” Guterres posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. “This situation must be reversed.”

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Robert Mardini, will be on “Face the Nation.”

In Congress, the House finally elected a new Speaker after three weeks of leaderless chaos. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) took the job, the fourth GOP candidate to attempt a bid.

Johnson will feature on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” alongside one of the candidates he bested for the position, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

The 2023 election is also right around the corner, with crucial races in Virginia that will decide the entire state legislature and key ballot measures in Ohio. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Va.) will also be on “Sunday Morning Futures.”

The presidential race also rages on, with a shrinking field after former Vice President Mike Pence bowed out of the campaign on Saturday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) will be on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this week’s Sunday talk shows:

ABC’s “This Week” — White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

NBC’s “Meet the Press” — Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.); Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).

CBS’ “Face the Nation” — Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio); Robert Mardini, director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross; retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel

CNN’s “State of the Union” — Sullivan; Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.)

“Fox News Sunday” — Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas; Mayor Eric Johnson of Dallas.

Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” — Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.); Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Va.); Jared Kushner, former senior adviser to former President Trump; Jonathan Turley, GWU law professor.