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.

ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing.

Following the heartbreaking Wednesday afternoon burial of Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas and Kfir Bibas, Israel receives the bodies of four more hostage bodies, Itzik Elgarat, Tsahi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi and Shlomo Mantzour, received in the middle of the night on Wednesday.

Horovitz discusses the ongoing national mourning for the hostages, including the outpouring of sorrow for the Bibas family, who became a symbol of the October 7 tragedy, highlighting the emotional toll on the mourning families and the nation as a whole.

The return of the four hostage bodies marks the end of the first phase of the hostage deal, and Horovitz reviews Israel's military strategy and political dynamics that are closely intertwined in the negotiations.

Horovitz also examines how Hamas is perceived by the US, and the role of Qatar in the conflict, reflecting on the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the ideology behind Hamas and reeducate the region.

Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates.

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.

For further reading:

‘Bitter news’: Israel confirms identities of 4 bodies of hostages returned from Gaza

Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas buried in a single casket: ‘They will remain together’

With orange balloons and cries of ‘sorry,’ masses line route of Bibas funeral procession

What Israel’s leaders, Donald Trump, and the rest of the free world owe Yarden Bibas

IMAGE: People pay their respects along the convoy carrying the bodies of hostages Shiri Bibas, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, in Rishon LeZion, February 26, 2025. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

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