Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid and diaspora reporter Canaan Lidor join host Jessica Steinberg on today's episode.

Magid reports on US involvement in hostage negotiations through UN, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, given lack of direct relations with Hamas. He also discusses US push on Israel to have a longer-term plan for Gaza Strip.

Lidor describes US citizens boarding a ship at Haifa port as part of US evacuation efforts.

Magid adds more information about decision of US President Joe Biden to make quick, hours-long solidarity visit to Israel Wednesday.

Lidor speaks about interviews in southern town of Netivot, where poverty interferes with residents' desires to take a break from their town hard-hit by rocket fire and Hamas attack.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog October 17, 2023

Biden to make wartime ‘solidarity’ visit to Israel on Wednesday

US pressing Israel to devise strategy for scenario of Hamas’s rule being toppled

IDF notifies relatives of 199 people that their loved ones are Gaza hostages

At Haifa port, evacuating Israeli-Americans feel torn between family and country

In order to cook for tens of thousands, Tel Aviv restaurants kasher their kitchens

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

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IMAGE: US citizens in Israel board ship at Haifa port to be evacuated to Cyprus, on October 16, 2023. (Photo by Flash90)

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