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.

Today is day 85 of the war. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's podcast.

Magid updates how despite a second Gaza border crossing being opened, there is a marked decrease of humanitarian aid entering the Strip. What's happening here?

Qatari mediators have reportedly told Israel that Hamas “agrees in principle” to resume negotiations for the release of further hostages taken by the terror group during the October 7 atrocities, in exchange for a truce of up to a month in the Gaza. Magid tells us what else is known about any potential deal.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken fast-tracked the sale of munitions to Israel, bypassing congressional review over weapons being sent to Jerusalem for its war against Hamas for the second time this month because of the emergency. How long can this go on and what should we expect from Blinken's trip to Israel this week.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog December 30, 2023

Hamas said to ‘agree in principle’ to resume talks with Israel on hostage deal

US bypasses congressional review for month’s second fast-tracked arms sale to Israel

Under pressure from Smotrich, PM cancels war cabinet meeting on post-war Gaza plan

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

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IMAGE: Released Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel marches with teenagers from Kibbutz Kfar Aza during a five-day march from Tel Aviv to the Jerusalem Knesset on December 28, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

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