Day 49 - Temporary ceasefire begins as all eyes on hostage release

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 49 of the war. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and US bureau chief Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast. Seventy IDF soldiers have fallen during the Gaza ground offensive as of the commencement of the temporary ceasefire this morning. Fabian explains how the IDF is maintaining its hold on its control of the northern Gaza Strip during this pause of offensive operations. Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at northern Israel on Thursday in one of the largest barrages fired from Lebanon since October 7, sending thousands of people in northern towns and communities rushing to bomb shelters. How does this coincide with its stated plan to join in the Gaza ceasefire?  Magid brings US concerns over the number of aid trucks currently entering the Strip, as well as a pressing request that the IDF present detailed plans for the population of southern Gaza as the military turns its eyes there. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog November 24, 2023 As sides confirm truce Friday, Israel notifies families of 13 hostages set to be freed Hamas commander killed ahead of truce; Gallant: War will resume for at least 2 months Hezbollah hits Israel with heavy rocket barrages, anti-tank missile attacks US officials say Israel likely can’t make good on hostage deal promise to up Gaza aid THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Stories of 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: View of the 'Hostage Square' in Tel Aviv, November 23, 2023. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.