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Sep 22
19m 33s

Day 717 - IDF says half of Gaza City emp...

The Times of Israel
About this episode

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.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

More than half of the estimated one million Palestinians residing in Gaza City have evacuated to the Strip’s south, the military said Sunday, as Israeli troops moved deeper into the city amid an expanding offensive against Hamas in the area. We learn about IDF efforts on the ground.

IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin voiced frustrations about the lack of cooperation from international humanitarian organizations yesterday, saying, “At Kerem Shalom crossing, thousands of tents and supplies are waiting right now for collection by the UN and international organizations." He further said that Hamas is a major obstacle to distribution. We ask Fabian whether the IDF would consider becoming the point of aid distribution in the Strip.

The IDF will bolster its presence in the West Bank with eight additional companies during the Jewish holiday season in light of heightened security risks. Fabian compares the troop deployment to that of October 6, 2023, saying that with the additional troops in place, the Judea and Samaria Division will be staffed by the equivalent of 23 battalions.

An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including a father and his three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday. Fabian explains what we currently know about how bystanders were killed as a Hezbollah operative was neutralized.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal announce recognition of Palestinian state; PM: Won’t happen

IDF troops push deeper into Gaza City, as half a million residents said to have left

Two rockets fired at Ashdod; IDF says ‘many’ Hamas fighters killed in Gaza City push

In southern Gaza, new anti-Hamas enclave emerges under militia claiming Israeli backing

IDF to deploy reinforcements in West Bank in preparation for Jewish holiday season

IDF investigating after strike on Hezbollah operative also kills 4 Lebanese civilians

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple PodcastsSpotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves.

IMAGE: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip, September 22, 2025. (IDF)

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