Day 137 - Ceasefire's many meanings at UN Security Council vote

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 137 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode in our Jerusalem offices.

The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a vote at 10 a.m. local time in New York (5 p.m. in Israel) for a resolution pushed by Arab nations demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the United States has proposed a rival draft of the resolution that would underscore the body’s “support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable, based on the formula of all hostages being released.” Horovitz delves into the nuance behind uses of the term "ceasefire" by world leaders.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid submitted a new version of a draft law under which those who evade military or civil service will no longer be eligible for state funding. While there are signs that even members of the coalition are against the current legislation lengthening IDF regular and reserve service, will this new bill move forward?

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reportedly cautioned against a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to impose age limitations on Arab Israelis who wish to pray at the Al-Aqsa compound atop the Temple Mount during Ramadan, saying that such a step would likely face legal obstacles. Horovitz speculates on rumors that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also on board with restricting Arab citizens' freedom of worship.

On Monday, the IDF released what it said was recently discovered footage showing mother Shiri Bibas and her two very young red-headed children surrounded by gunmen in the Gaza Strip hours after they were abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7. Horovitz tells us what we know of the family's fate.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 20, 2024

US proposes Security Council resolution backing temporary ceasefire to stymie Rafah push

Arabs push UN vote on immediate Gaza humanitarian ceasefire despite surefire US veto

Lapid advances bill to enlist ultra-Orthodox, demanding they share IDF burden

AG said to oppose broad Ramadan limits on Temple Mount access for Arab Israelis

IDF finds video of Bibas family in Gaza, ‘very concerned’ for mother, youngest hostages

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: File - The United Nations Security Council meets to discuss the situation in the Middle East at UN headquarters in New York on January 23, 2024. (Charly Triballeau / AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.