Daily Briefing Mar. 14: Day 525 – With Hamas immovable, extended ceasefire prospects dim

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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s Daily Briefing.

Children across the Diaspora came to school wearing Batman costumes in honor of the slain Bibas boys, Kfir and Ariel. And last night, thousands came to Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square for the Purim eve reading of the Book of Esther. The gathering, which included Israelis from different communities, sectors and denominations, included a call for the return of the 59 remaining hostages in one release. But that doesn’t appear to be the proposal on the table, currently.

We discuss reports out of Doha, which indicate a revision to a previously suggested proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff of 10 living hostages for 60 days of ceasefire. What is the new outline to extend the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and how are Israel — and Hamas — responding to it?

Mahmoud Abbas may be the last Palestinian leader who believes in a two-state solution and opposes violence as a means for bringing it about, a potential successor to the PA president, Jibril Rajoub, told Magid in a recent interview. So what’s the alternative?

Please see today’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Jewish kids in Israel and beyond dress up as Batman for Purim to honor the Bibas boys

Witkoff reportedly presents new proposal for Gaza truce extension to Israel, Hamas

Boehler to continue supporting Witkoff’s efforts in Mideast amid reports of sidelining

Abbas may be the last PA leader who believes in two states, warns potential successor

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Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode here: