Daily Briefing May 20: Day 592 – Fury as politician claims Israel kills Gazan babies ‘as a hobby’

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.

Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement Monday condemning Israel’s handling of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and calling on the Jewish state to immediately halt military action in the enclave and allow in more aid, threatening “further concrete actions in response” if Jerusalem refuses. Likewise, an additional 19 countries issued a joint statement urging Israel to “allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately” after the partial lifting of its blockade on the territory. Horovitz describes what he says is a new, troubling sign in this round of global condemnations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his decision to allow limited humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, saying that pressure on Israel had been “approaching a red line.” The step was necessary to press ahead with the expanded military offensive against Hamas, he said to his political allies, and had to begin despite the fact that IDF-secured distribution centers designed to keep the supplies out of the hands of the terror group were not yet ready. How has his coalition taken the news?

In comments that have roiled Israel, Yair Golan, head of the opposition party The Democrats, issued a scathing denunciation of the government and the war in Gaza, saying that Israel was killing children in Gaza “as a hobby.” Later attempting to fend off widespread criticism over his comment, The Democrats chairman praised IDF fighters as “heroes” fighting on behalf of a “corrupt” government. Horovitz weighs in on what may have brought Golan to make these explosive statements.

This conversation can be viewed here:

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

For further reading:

UK, France, Canada warn of ‘concrete actions’ if Israel doesn’t halt war, boost aid

Five trucks of humanitarian aid enter Gaza, says Israel, ending two-month blockade

Netanyahu defends Gaza aid resumption, acknowledges step stemmed from allies’ pressure

‘Insanity’: Hawkish politicians and groups pillory Netanyahu for resuming aid to Gaza

Qatar PM says ‘fundamental differences’ between sides have stalled Doha ceasefire talks

Outrage as opposition party leader Golan says Israel ‘killing babies as a hobby’ in Gaza

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: