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.

It is day 235 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

Berman comments about Israel’s operation in Rafah and reactions to Sunday night’s strike on two senior Hamas commanders that resulted in a fire that killed Gazans sheltering nearby. He notes that the US response has been muted compared with other countries, because the Israeli operation has been limited, as requested by the Biden administration.

He also looks at a shooting incident between Egyptian and Israeli forces in which an Egyptian soldier was killed. With Egypt positioning itself as a mediator in hostage talks, it is continuing to engage with Israel and appears to be more interested in brushing this incident aside.

Berman talks about the push to restart hostage talks and leaked comments made by leading IDF hostage negotiator Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, who remarked that the government will never sign a deal. Berman says it isn’t clear if talks would take place in Egypt or Qatar, and who Israel’s preferred mediator is right now.

Berman also speaks about Spain, Ireland and Norway planning to formally recognize Palestine as a state, which he believes is “a shameful move” that strengthens Hamas, offering the terror group another small political victory by way of liberal Western states.

For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

US laments ‘devastating’ Rafah strike, urges Israel to better protect civilians

Shrapnel from Israeli strike may have ignited fuel tank near Rafah tents — report

‘No longer justifiable’: Israel faces international condemnation for strike in Rafah

Egyptian soldier killed in clash with Israeli troops at Rafah Crossing

Netanyahu denies claim he’s blocking hostage deal, calls Rafah strike ‘tragic mishap’

IDF negotiator said to pan PM’s handling of hostage talks as they’re set to resume

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas’s onslaught on Israel

THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown

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