Rafah Crossing is readied for Gazans to pass through

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 Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns of a regional conflict in the case of a US attack, Fabian reports that the IDF is on high alert and in contact with its US counterparts, with expectations of updates if US President Donald Trump decides to strike the regime.

Gaza's Rafah Crossing with Egypt is being prepared ahead of its official opening on Monday, reports Fabian, when approved Gazan residents will be able to return to Gaza and leave the Strip.

Fabian discusses the IDF report regarding the accuracy of the Hamas-led Health Ministry toll of around 70,000 Gazans during the war, noting that the overall number doesn't include a breakdown between civilians and terrorists.

As the IDF Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters goes dormant with the release of the final hostage body of fallen police officer Ran Gvili, Fabian discusses some of the work of the unit that opened after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, including intelligence gathering and rescue missions.

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

For further reading:

Zamir spoke with US officials over weekend amid tensions with Iran

Israel confirms Gaza’s Rafah Crossing will reopen Sunday to pedestrians in both directions

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

‘We did not assess all would return’: IDF shutters its Hostages HQ 846 days after Oct. 7

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

IMAGE: Palestinian patients wait at Rafah Crossing to leave Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on February 2, 2025. (Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/ Flash90)

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