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.

Magid offers the latest on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with recent reports of staffers killed and perhaps taken captive by Hamas terrorists, as well as the possibility of some 25 Palestinians killed at one of the aid sites. Magid reviews the latest Hamas claims and GHF responses, discussing the confusion in this ongoing initiative.

More from The Daily Briefing

As the French and Saudis host a UN conference next week advancing a two-state solution, Magid says there is speculation whether France will use it as an opportunity to declare a Palestinian state, making it the most prominent country in the West to do so, while remaining an ally of Israel. Magid says there is still much indecision about the unilateral step, which could interfere with the ongoing hostage negotiations and raises concerns about how Israel would react.

Talks with Iran continue, with US President Donald Trump publicly criticizing the Islamic Republic for not negotiating seriously. Magid looks at some of the steps being taken by the US to shield its personnel in the Middle East, possibly indicating that an attack on Iran is coming.

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent video statement about possible progress in hostage talks, which has been dismissed by some, Magid says that the recent phone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu points to the US president’s intention that the war against Hamas in Gaza needs to end, despite the Israeli government’s interest in continuing to exert military pressure in Gaza.

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

Gaza aid group says Hamas killed at least 5 local staffers, possibly abducted others

Palestinians say 25 killed near Gaza aid site; IDF says troops fired at threats

MBS attendance at 2-state confab to signal that France will recognize Palestinian state

US slams UN conference on Israel-Palestinian issue, warns of consequences

US begins evacuating Mideast embassies, army bases as Iran nuclear talks come to a head

Trump said to have told Netanyahu to end Gaza war, attacking Iran off limits for now

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.