Daily Briefing Feb. 16: Day 499 – Freed Nir Oz hostages describe torture, torment in Gaza

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

As details emerge on the 16-month captivity of the three hostages released from Gaza on Saturday, Horovitz discusses the scraps of information shared so far, including what’s known about Iair Horn’s brother Eitan, who is still a captive; that Sagui Dekel-Chen was tortured; and the potential implications of these testimonies.

Horovitz also reviews the latest on the hostage deal, with updates on how many hostages remain to be released in the first stage and the delayed start to negotiations on the second stage of the ceasefire. He discusses whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is debating a return to negotiations — as called for in the deal — and what kind of leverage US President Donald Trump has, including over Qatar.

Horovitz also discusses comments made by a former Israeli hostage negotiator on ostensible missed opportunities for a hostage deal months ago, allegations dismissed in an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Please see today’s ongoing live blog for more updates.

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

For further reading:

Hours after release, freed hostages talk of Hamas torture, psychological torment

Netanyahu cagey on Israel’s next steps as Trump deadline to free all hostages passes

Former Israeli hostage negotiator says Israel missed two windows for deal