Daily Briefing May 19: Day 591 – PM orders immediate Gaza aid as talks falter

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 episode.

Dozens of airstrikes were reported in Gaza overnight and IDF spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, in a press statement from the border, says five divisions are now operating inside the Strip in the new offensive aimed at defeating Hamas. The ramped-up operation and Israel’s apparent determination have caused renewed determination to strike a deal. But the real question is which deal and whether the sides will bend at all. Magid fills us in.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate resumption of “basic” humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Sunday evening. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages. We learn about the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and when it will be up and running.

This conversation can also be viewed here:

Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Netanyahu orders immediate renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza, under heavy US pressure

US said pushing 2-month ceasefire deal for 9-10 hostages; Hamas denies this is agreed

Witkoff told mediators US not planning to force Israel to end Gaza war, officials say

New aid group: We’ll start Gaza operations by June; Israel to lift blockade in interim

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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

Check out yesterday’s episode here: