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.

Editor David Horovitz and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.

We are on day 16 of the war instigated by Hamas’s bloody massacre of 1,400 — mostly civilians — on the morning of October 7. In addition to lives lost, the IDF has identified at least 212 hostages that are likely being held in Gaza. Our northern border is increasingly heating up and there is no lack of action in the West Bank. Horovitz speaks about what, in the midst of all this, is at stake here for Israel.

For the first time since it opened in 1954, last week Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine (Abu Kabir) in Jaffa allowed reporters to see and photograph the dead bodies inside. Ghert-Zand reports.

Ghert-Zand brings to life three stories of extreme bravery she has encountered while touring hospitals: Nadav, a lifelong resident of Kibbutz Magen; Amichai Shindler from Kerem Shalom and Michal Elon, who helped treat wounded at the Zikim army base.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog October 22, 2023

Day 14 of the war: As the IDF prepares to enter Hamastan, Israel holds its breath

Foreign media given unprecedented access to forensic institute to witness atrocities

From his hospital bed, injured kibbutznik recounts how his community fended off Hamas

Young dad of 6 absorbed blast to protect family in attack on Kerem Shalom

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: People call on the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, October 21, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.