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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan from Chicago for today's episode.

Talks to bring about a ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners are “on the brink of collapsing,” according to a Politico report, citing two unnamed US officials and one unnamed Israeli official. Magid explains the significance of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's nixed audience with Qatar’s Emir Tamim Al-Thani after sitting down with top leaders in Israel and Egypt and weighs in on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's mixed messaging with the families of slain soldiers and Hamas hostages.

The Democratic National Convention began Monday in Chicago. After his speech, US President Joe Biden made a statement regarding the hostage release negotiations in which he accused Hamas of “backing away” from a hostage deal with Israel that would halt the ongoing fighting in Gaza. We hear of the statement's strategic purpose, as well as disturbances during Biden's speech.

The first two days of the convention spotlighted a number of well-known Jews. Magid highlights their speeches and discusses the Hostage Square exhibit set up near the convention center.

Finally, we learn about what anti-Israel demonstrations have taken place so far -- and what may be on the horizon.

For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Blinken urges ‘maximum flexibility’ from Israel and Hamas in hostage-ceasefire talks

Biden says Hamas ‘backing away’ from hostage-ceasefire deal, as Blinken heads to Egypt

Israel activists erect ‘Hostage Square’ in Chicago on sidelines of Democratic convention

Anti-Israel protests fail to overshadow first day of Democratic Party confab

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators charge police line outside Israeli consulate in Chicago

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

IMAGE: Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention August 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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