Day 597 - As IDF increases Gaza strikes,ex-hostages share fears

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 Gaza Health Ministry, and the international headlines about this loss.

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 to safety 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 Democrats party head Yair Golan and colleagues, and how 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 that will handle the 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 relating to topics that diplomats don't generally touch. Leiter also talks about implementing President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Gazans.

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 Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

IMAGE: Protestors at Begin Road in Tel Aviv on May 24, 2025, carry a large banner, 'Save the Hostages End the War' (Credit: Dana Reany/Israeli Pro-Democracy Movement)

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