Daily Briefing May 25: Day 597 – As IDF increases Gaza strikes, ex-hostages share fears

US bureau chief Jacob Magid discusses reports of 9 siblings killed in IDF strike, hostages’ fears during said strikes, managing aid in Gaza and podcast comments by Israeli ambassador to the US

With:

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 Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

Following reports of nine children killed from one family by an Israeli strike, Magid discusses the recent toll on Gazan children and the need to carefully weigh statements from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry and the international headlines about this loss.

This conversation can be viewed here:

Magid also reviews statements made this weekend by released hostages and families of hostage members regarding the frightening experiences of captives in Gaza during Israeli strikes, including a harrowing story of narrow escape by recently released hostage Edan Alexander. The statements highlight the lack of certainty felt by hostages and their families as the IDF increases the intensity of fighting in Gaza. He also mentions recent comments made by The Democrats party head Yair Golan and colleagues, and how some Israelis are expressing similar feelings in polls about the ongoing war.

As Israel continues to manage the distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip following the 11-week blockade meant to squeeze Hamas, Magid discusses an American program set to handle aid distribution, including non-food items and medicines.

He looks at the funding mechanisms and the distribution process, and whether this plan is close to operational.

Magid looks at comments made by Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, during a PragerU podcast, in which he criticizes the Israeli opposition, and relates to the charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissing them out of hand and discussing partisan issues that diplomats don’t generally touch.

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

For further reading:

Gazans say 9 children of doctor couple killed in Israeli strike; IDF looking into report

IDF strikes on Hamas tunnel nearly killed Edan Alexander in his last month of captivity — report

Letter shows Israel may let humanitarian groups in Gaza stay in charge of non-food aid

Israeli envoy to US accuses Netanyahu’s political opponents of ‘blood libel’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple PodcastsSpotify, 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:

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