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.

US President Donald Trump is more optimistic about a hostage deal that would include the immediate release of all living hostages, says Magid, discussing the President’s Sunday tweet. He discusses the current plan offered by Trump and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, passed through unofficial Trump adviser Bishara Bahbah and Israeli activist Gershon Baskin.

More from The Daily Briefing

Magid also talks about another hostage deal proposed by Israel late last month, which veers from the principles that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted upon for several weeks. It calls for the release of all living hostages within 48 hours of a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas in a second phase, and a third phase of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.

Magid, currently in Israel, discusses the Saturday night protest for the hostages in Jerusalem, based on the idea of social cohesion as Israelis show up to support the hostages’ families and the strongly held value that no one should ever be left behind.

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

After Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas, terror group says it’s ready to restart talks

Israel submitted hostage deal offer that strays from PM’s public conditions for ending war

‘Traitor’: Mass Jerusalem crowd pans PM as hostage’s mom calls him worst foe of Jewish nation

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