January
01.01.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Gallant Left The House

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Hamas marked the new year with rocket fire toward Netivot at midnight, continuing a pattern from 2024. The morning brought revelations about September's Shaldag operation in Syria, where IDF commandos destroyed an Iranian missile facility. A mass casualty incident in New Orleans, where two Israelis were injured, evolved from initial reports of a ramming to confirmation of ISIS involvement.

The political sphere focused on Yoav Gallant's resignation from the Knesset, announced in the evening. His departure, framed around opposition to the new ultra-Orthodox draft law, followed two months of tensions since his removal as Defense Minister. Reports emerged of Hamas's renewed strength in Gaza, with force estimates between 12,000-23,000 fighters, suggesting limited success of the current military strategy.

Trump's team signaled plans for increased action against Houthis, while evidence surfaced of Chinese-Houthi cooperation.
02.01.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Ben Gvir Lost His Power

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The Supreme Court struck down Ben Gvir's authority over police investigations in a 5-4 decision, while preserving other aspects of his expanded powers law. This ruling emerged as the Attorney General demanded sanctions in any new ultra-Orthodox draft law, declaring pre-October 7 arrangements irrelevant.

IDF released details of Operation "Many Paths" from September, revealing how 100 Shaldag commandos infiltrated 200km into Syria to destroy an Iranian missile facility. The operation marked the largest special forces mission since Entebbe.

By evening, an Israeli delegation prepared to depart for Qatar following Hamas signals of flexibility in hostage negotiations. This development coincided with reports that Biden had reviewed options for striking Iranian nuclear facilities, while Gulf states prepared post-war reconstruction plans for Gaza.
03.01.2025
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Friday
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The Day Yemen's Missiles Found Modi'in

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A pre-dawn Houthi missile reached central Israel, triggering sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with interceptor debris falling near Modi'in. Hours later, a Houthi drone was intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. These attacks coincided with the Houthis' rejection of US mediation efforts.

The morning brought renewed rocket fire from Gaza for the eighth consecutive day, including an anti-aircraft missile targeting an IDF helicopter near Be'eri. UNRWA prepared to cease operations in Gaza and the West Bank following new Israeli legislation.

By afternoon, an Israeli delegation departed for Qatar following Netanyahu's special discussion. Netanyahu, recovering from prostate surgery, requested a two-week postponement of his criminal trial testimony. By evening, Israeli officials expressed cautious optimism about reaching a hostage deal, while the US signaled increased strikes against Houthi targets.
04.01.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Albag Spoke Through Hamas

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The early morning brought news of an $8 billion US arms package for Israel, followed by IDF's announcement of destroying Hamas's "Officers' Quarter" in northern Gaza. The trajectory shifted when Hamas released a proof-of-life video of Liri Albag, held captive for 456 days. Her family's response dominated the afternoon media cycle, transforming into pressure on Netanyahu's negotiating position.

By evening, as Albag's parents demanded negotiators return with a deal, the US expressed pessimism about near-term agreement prospects. The news cycle's focus on hostage negotiations was interrupted by Houthi escalation, with a ballistic missile from Yemen intercepted near Hadera. This marked the second day of expanded Houthi reach into central Israel, following yesterday's Modi'in incident.

Ben Gvir's apology to Netanyahu, following his power loss yesterday, received minimal coverage amid these developments.
05.01.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Brazil Sought The Nova Survivor

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The morning was dominated by the Brazilian court's order to investigate an IDF soldier, a Nova massacre survivor, for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The soldier managed to leave Brazil before potential arrest, triggering diplomatic tensions and prompting Israel to establish a task force for protecting soldiers abroad.

By afternoon, negotiations took center stage as the Mossad chief prepared to fly to Qatar. Hamas claimed to have approved a list of 34 hostages for release, which Israeli officials immediately denied receiving. The proposed deal reportedly includes potential immunity for Hamas leaders.

Meanwhile, Israel announced its northern residents' return package, scheduled for March 7, offering substantial compensation. The morning's Houthi missile interception near Hadera marked continued escalation, while reports emerged of Israeli strikes near Damascus and renewed concerns about Iranian responses.
06.01.2025
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Monday
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Three Dead at Funduk Junction

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The morning began with Blinken's two-week deadline declaration for hostage negotiations, as Hamas presented a list of 34 hostages for potential release. The diplomatic momentum was interrupted by a deadly terror attack near Kedumim, where two terrorists shot at point-blank range, killing police investigator Elad Weinkelstein and two women from Kedumim - Rachel Cohen and Aliza Reiz.

By afternoon, the Nagel Committee's recommendations regarding Iran's nuclear threat gained prominence, suggesting Israel prepare for independent military action by 2025. The news cycle shifted again in the evening when two soldiers, including Captain Eitan Shkenazi, were killed by anti-tank fire in northern Gaza.

The hostage families' protests against Hamas's selective list continued throughout the day, while settler violence was reported in response to the morning's attack.
07.01.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Three Nahal Warriors Fell in Beit Hanoun

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The morning began with revelations about two Nahal officers killed by anti-tank fire in Beit Hanoun: Major Dvir Zion Revach and Captain Eitan Israel Shkenazi. By noon, Staff Sergeant Ido Shamiach joined the list of fallen soldiers in the same area.

Hamas operative interrogation footage revealed tactics of using Kamal Adwan Hospital as a shelter, supporting IDF's previous claims about medical facilities. In parallel, UAE engaged in talks with US and Israel regarding Gaza's provisional government.

Trump's negotiation team prepared to return to Qatar, expressing optimism about progress before his inauguration, while senior IDF officers suggested ground operations in Gaza had reached their limit. The northern front gained attention as military sources indicated possible long-term Israeli presence in certain Lebanese areas, despite the formal ceasefire arrangement.
08.01.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Tank and Tunnel Claimed Six

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The morning began with Defense Minister Katz publicly instructing IDF Chief Halevi to cooperate with the State Comptroller's October 7 investigation, leading to an unprecedented clash between military and civilian leadership. By noon, the IDF announced recovering Youssef al-Ziadna's body from a Rafah tunnel, marking the first hostage body retrieval of 2025. The family's anger intensified upon learning he died alongside Hamas militants, possibly in an IDF strike.

The evening brought news of three armor corps soldiers killed when their tank triggered explosives in Beit Hanoun: Staff Sergeants Matityahu Perel, Kanao Kasa, and Nevo Fisher. This incident followed yesterday's deaths of two Nahal officers in the same area, suggesting intensified Hamas resistance in northern Gaza despite claims of IDF control.

Throughout the day, reports emerged of a potential hostage deal framework offering Hamas a 6-8 week pause in exchange for lists of living captives.
09.01.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Law and Tank Changed Form

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The morning brought details about three armor corps soldiers killed in Beit Hanoun when their tank triggered explosives made from IDF ordnance, bringing the ground operation toll to 401. The incident revealed Hamas's evolving tactics in using Israeli munitions remnants.

By noon, Lebanon elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president after two years of vacancy, promising border stability while maintaining support for Palestinians. In parallel, Justice Minister Levin and Foreign Minister Sa'ar unveiled a judicial reform compromise, restructuring the Judicial Selection Committee while allowing Justice Amit's appointment.

The evening saw three Houthi drone interceptions over central Israel within an hour, bringing the total to 320 since war's start. The US House passed legislation to sanction the ICC over potential Israeli arrest warrants, as Poland offered Netanyahu protection during his planned Auschwitz visit.
10.01.2025
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Friday
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The Day Fire Rained on Yemen

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The morning began with identification of hostage Hamza al-Ziadna's body in Rafah, found alongside his father's remains, both taken alive on October 7. Their funeral in Rahat occurred amid growing pressure for a comprehensive hostage deal, with Biden noting progress while identifying Hamas as the main obstacle.

By noon, Israel joined US-UK forces in striking Houthi targets across Yemen, deploying over 20 aircraft in daylight operations targeting underground facilities near Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Ras Issa. The strikes coincided with Houthi mass protests.

Evening brought two significant developments: Qatar delivered a positive message from Hamas regarding hostage negotiations, and IDF Deputy Chief Amir Baram announced his resignation, citing limited ability to contribute as war intensity decreases - a move widely interpreted as positioning for future chief of staff role.
11.01.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Four Fell As Peace Knocked

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Trump's envoy Whitkov arrived from Qatar with reported progress on hostage negotiations, leading Netanyahu to dispatch Mossad chief Barnea and Shin Bet head Bar to Doha. Sources indicated 90% of deal terms were agreed upon, with pressure mounting to conclude before Trump's January 20 inauguration.

Meanwhile, Liri Albag's mother addressed Netanyahu from the hostages' square, describing her daughter's Hamas video as evidence of ongoing failure. The convergence of diplomatic momentum was interrupted by news of four Nahal Brigade soldiers killed by an explosive device in Beit Hanoun - Alexander Fedorenko, Danila Diakov, Yahav Maayan, and Eliav Astiukar - bringing the ground operation toll to 400. The incident occurred in the same area where three soldiers fell two days prior, suggesting Hamas's evolving tactics using IDF ordnance remnants as explosives.
12.01.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Qatar Pulled All Threads

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The morning began with Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs landing in Qatar, as four Nachal Brigade soldiers killed in Beit Hanoun were laid to rest. By noon, Biden called Netanyahu to discuss hostage negotiations, with reports indicating 90% of deal terms agreed upon. The proposed deal involves releasing 3,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for remaining women and children hostages.

Coalition tensions emerged as Netanyahu met separately with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, who oppose the deal terms. Meanwhile, police seized phones from Hani Belowitz's family in the Sara Netanyahu investigation, while the Attorney General blocked Netanyahu's appointment of Roy Kahlon as interim civil service commissioner.

Evening brought reports of IDF strikes north of the Litani River, as senior officers warned Gaza border communities about Hamas's continued capability to conduct cross-border raids, similar to October 7.
13.01.2025
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Monday
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The Day Five Scouts Fell As Peace Approached

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Morning headlines focused on a breakthrough in hostage negotiations, with reports of a final draft submitted to both parties. The framework involves releasing 33 hostages in the first phase, most confirmed alive by Israeli sources. Trump's January 20 deadline creates pressure to conclude the deal, while coalition tensions emerged as Smotrich opposed the terms.

By afternoon, tragedy struck as five Nahal reconnaissance unit soldiers were killed in a building collapse in Beit Hanoun, bringing the week's casualties in that sector to 16. The incident occurred in the same area where four soldiers fell yesterday.

Evening brought Biden's statement that parties were "on the brink" of a deal, with Qatar set to host final talks tomorrow. Meanwhile, Hamas reportedly demanded Sinwar's body, which Israel rejected, while American pressure mounted to conclude negotiations before Trump's inauguration.
14.01.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Hamas Made Israel Wait

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Yemen's missiles triggered sirens across central Israel before dawn, with fragments landing near Jerusalem. The morning brought reports of Hamas accepting the hostage deal framework, but by afternoon, Hamas delayed its final response, claiming Israel hadn't provided maps of planned IDF withdrawals.

Netanyahu met with hostage families, promising the deal would include all captives, while Gallant criticized Ben-Gvir and Smotrich's opposition at the Hostages Square. Trump's statement about a "handshake" and warning of "big trouble" without a deal added pressure.

By evening, Netanyahu spoke with the Israeli delegation in Qatar as negotiations continued into the night. Israeli media reported preparations for receiving hostages as early as Sunday, with hospitals readying specialized care protocols. The military reported six militants killed in an airstrike in Jenin.
15.01.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Hamas Said Yes Three Times

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The morning began with reports of Hamas accepting the hostage deal framework, followed by sudden new demands regarding the Philadelphi Corridor that threatened to derail negotiations. By early afternoon, Hamas gave verbal approval, triggering Trump's premature announcement of success. Qatar's Prime Minister waited until evening to officially confirm the deal, scheduling implementation for Sunday noon.

The agreement includes releasing 33 hostages over 42 days, with Israel freeing approximately 1,650 Palestinian prisoners at a 30:1 ratio (50:1 for female soldiers). Netanyahu's office maintained some details remained unresolved even after Qatar's announcement, while coalition partners Smotrich and Ben-Gvir positioned themselves against the deal.

Biden emphasized the agreement could lead to a permanent ceasefire, while Israeli military sources prepared contingency plans for resumed combat after the pause.
16.01.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Ben-Gvir Left as Hostages Found Hope

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Morning headlines reported Hamas challenging prisoner release terms, causing Netanyahu's office to delay scheduled cabinet meetings. By afternoon, Deri announced breakthrough in negotiations, with cabinet approval scheduled for tomorrow and implementation set for Sunday. The deal includes releasing 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.

The political sphere erupted as Ben-Gvir announced his Otzma Yehudit party would resign from the government once the deal passes, while maintaining coalition support from outside. Smotrich's Religious Zionism party indicated similar intentions but demanded guarantees for resumed fighting. American officials expressed concern about implementation delays, warning they could endanger the agreement.

Hospitals prepared specialized protocols for receiving hostages, including psychological support and nutritional care, while thousands protested outside the Prime Minister's office against "surrendering to Hamas."
17.01.2025
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Friday
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The Night Ink Dried in Doha

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The hostage deal signing in Doha shortly after midnight triggered a cascade of political maneuvering throughout the day. The security cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for morning, was delayed as Netanyahu negotiated with Smotrich, leading to Defense Minister's cancellation of administrative detention orders for Jewish settlers as a concession.

By afternoon, the list of 33 hostages for first-phase release became public, while the security cabinet approved the deal despite Ben-Gvir and Smotrich's opposition. The government convened at 15:30 for final approval, with ultra-Orthodox ministers leaving supporting votes before Shabbat. The session extended beyond six hours as Netanyahu shared Trump's weapons supply guarantees.

The implementation mechanism emerged: names of first hostages to be released will arrive by 16:00 tomorrow, with transfers beginning Sunday through Red Cross coordination inside Gaza.
18.01.2025
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Saturday
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The Night Lists Were Late in Gaza

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The government approved the hostage deal after midnight with 24 ministers in favor and 8 against, setting implementation for Sunday 8:30 AM. By morning, Yemen launched two missiles toward central Israel and Eilat, both intercepted. A stabbing attack in Tel Aviv's Levontin Street left one person seriously wounded, with the attacker neutralized.

The day's momentum stalled as Hamas delayed providing the list of hostages scheduled for release. Netanyahu announced Israel would not proceed without the names, while emphasizing readiness to resume fighting "with new means" if needed. Ben-Gvir announced his resignation from the government. By evening, intensive negotiations through Qatari mediation continued, with Hamas promising the list "in coming hours." The welfare ministry revealed a five-stage absorption plan for returning hostages, while discussions emerged about replacing the IDF's top command.
19.01.2025
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Sunday
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First Hostages Cross After Dawn Delay

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The planned 8:30 AM ceasefire failed to begin as Hamas delayed providing the list of hostages, prompting Netanyahu to postpone implementation. IDF announced retrieving fallen soldier Oron Shaul's body from Gaza after a decade-long intelligence operation.

By afternoon, Hamas transferred the names of three women - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher - through Qatari mediation. The Red Cross received the hostages around 15:00, facilitating their transfer to IDF custody. The women crossed into Israel by 16:00, meeting their mothers at Reim base before being airlifted to Sheba Medical Center.

The release marks the first hostage transfer since November, implementing the agreement approved yesterday despite Ben-Gvir's resignation threat. Reports indicate Emily Damari lost two fingers during her October 7 capture. The next group of releases is scheduled for Saturday.
20.01.2025
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Monday
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The Day Hostages Spoke After Trump Returned

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The morning began with first testimonies from three freed hostages - Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher - revealing details of their 471-day captivity. Emily's account of losing fingers during capture and her dog being shot dominated early coverage.

By midday, Donald Trump's inauguration as 47th US president overshadowed other news, with his speech emphasizing peacemaking and referencing the hostage releases. Hamas initially attempted to delay the next phase of releases scheduled for Saturday but backtracked after Israeli pressure.

The evening turned violent in the West Bank, where settlers torched buildings in the Palestinian village of Funduk. The situation escalated when a police officer accidentally shot two masked Israelis, wounding them critically. These events occurred near where Staff Sergeant Avitar Ben-Yehuda was killed by an explosive device in the morning.
21.01.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Iron Wall Crumbled

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Trump marked his return to office by hosting Israeli hostage families and revoking sanctions on West Bank settlers. His statements cast doubt on the Gaza ceasefire deal's sustainability, declaring "it's their war, not ours."

By noon, the IDF launched Operation Iron Wall in Jenin, resulting in six Palestinian casualties. Hours later, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced his resignation, effective March 6, citing responsibility for October 7 failures. Southern Command chief Yaron Finkelman followed suit.

The evening brought a stabbing attack in Tel Aviv's Nachalat Binyamin, where an American tourist of Moroccan origin wounded four people before being neutralized. Reports revealed border control initially refused his entry, but Shin Bet overruled their decision three days prior, prompting calls for investigation into security protocols.
22.01.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Coalition Blocked Truth Commission

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The morning began with aftermath of IDF Chief Halevi's resignation, as Defense Minister announced three candidates for his replacement: Baram, Zamir, and Yadai. A Tel Aviv stabbing attack by a Moroccan-American revealed security gaps, as Shin Bet had overruled border control's initial entry denial.

By afternoon, the Coalition blocked legislation to establish an October 7 state commission of inquiry, amid protests from bereaved families. The vote occurred amid confusion, leading to claims of procedural mistakes that will prevent re-submission for six months.

Evening reports revealed Netanyahu seeking Trump's approval to maintain five IDF outposts in southern Lebanon, while negotiations for the second phase of hostage releases focused on demands for Arbel Yehud's inclusion in Saturday's group. UAE emerged as potential post-war Gaza administrator, with preliminary security agreements discussed.
23.01.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Justice Minister Fought His Own Court

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Justice Minister Levin's demand for Acting Supreme Court President Amit to suspend his candidacy evolved into a public confrontation, with Amit accusing Levin of orchestrating a "coordinated smear campaign" and revealing a rejected "deal." The clash intensified following recent judicial interventions in government policies.

IDF eliminated two Islamic Jihad militants responsible for the al-Funduq attack in Jenin, continuing Operation Iron Wall launched after Chief of Staff Halevi's resignation announcement. Hamas indicated it would provide names for Saturday's second phase of hostage releases, with Israel pushing for Arbel Yehud's inclusion.

By evening, tensions mounted over Lebanon withdrawal deadline, with Israel maintaining positions despite the 60-day requirement. Iraqi Foreign Minister confirmed Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov is alive, with Red Cross offering assistance in securing her release.
24.01.2025
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Friday
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Day Four Watchtowers Return

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The morning began with Trump discouraging Israeli strikes on Iran while negotiations continued. The Justice Minister-Attorney General confrontation intensified as the Supreme Court ordered the convening of the Judicial Selection Committee, despite Levin's resistance.

By afternoon, Israel announced it would not withdraw from southern Lebanon on Sunday as scheduled, citing Hezbollah's violations of the agreement. This decision emerged alongside Hamas's submission of names for Saturday's hostage release, initially causing concern as the list violated previous understandings.

By evening, Israel accepted the modified terms, confirming the release of four female soldiers - Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa - captured from the Nahal Oz observation post 477 days ago. The sequence represents a shift from civilian to military hostages, marking a new phase in the exchange process.
25.01.2025
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Saturday
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Watchtowers Walk Free

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Four female soldiers captured from Nahal Oz observation post were released after 477 days in Hamas captivity. The morning handover at Palestine Square in Gaza City proceeded earlier than scheduled, with the women appearing in IDF uniforms. By noon, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy were transferred to Beilinson Hospital.

Their first testimonies revealed forced domestic labor for Hamas commanders and periods without food. They reported learning about their families through radio broadcasts and seeing footage of demonstrations for their release.

Israel linked Palestinian return to northern Gaza with guarantees for Arbel Yehud's release next Saturday. By evening, Hamas had not delivered the promised list of living and deceased hostages, creating another crisis in the exchange process. US approved shipment of previously frozen MK-84 bombs to Israel.
26.01.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Supreme Court Got President While Hostages Got Promise

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Trump's call for Jordan and Egypt to absorb Gaza Palestinians dominated morning headlines, though both countries rejected such proposals. The Lebanon border situation escalated as civilians attempted to return home, resulting in multiple casualties from IDF warning fire.

By afternoon, the Judicial Selection Committee elected Yitzhak Amit as Supreme Court President despite Justice Minister Levin's boycott and subsequent refusal to recognize the appointment, deepening the constitutional crisis.

The hostage crisis saw breakthrough by evening, with Qatar announcing an agreement for Hamas to release Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and another hostage on Thursday, followed by three more on Saturday. This development came after Islamic Jihad withdrew its attempt to classify Yehud as a soldier. Israel agreed to open the Netzarim corridor Monday for Palestinian return to northern Gaza.
27.01.2025
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Monday
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The Day Eight Did Not Return

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The morning began with news of six hostages to be released this week, including Arbel Yehud and Agam Berger on Thursday. Israel simultaneously opened the Netzarim corridor for Gazans' return north. By midday, Hamas's list revealed eight of the first phase hostages were deceased, leading to difficult notifications to families.

Two IDF reservists were arrested for allegedly spying for Iran, accused of documenting Iron Dome systems for $3,500. Released hostages' testimonies emerged, describing eight months underground without daylight. Operation Iron Wall expanded to Tulkarm, where Israeli forces eliminated a Hamas commander.

By evening, Islamic Jihad released a proof-of-life video of Arbel Yehud, filmed Saturday, ahead of her scheduled Thursday release. The video's timing and staging suggested careful coordination of the upcoming exchange.
28.01.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Coalition Received Three Ultimatums

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Released hostage Naama Levy broke her silence, revealing 50 days of solitary confinement, while families received confirmation that eight hostages from phase A would not return alive. Trump's scheduled meeting with Netanyahu generated conflicting reports about timing, as his envoy Witkoff prepared for crucial phase B negotiations.

Three political ultimatums emerged by afternoon: Deri demanded ultra-Orthodox draft law within two months or new elections, Religious Zionism opposed further hostage deals, and the US pressed for Palestinian civilian return to northern Gaza. The day ended in tragedy when IDF forces mistakenly killed Kobi Avitan, a Defense Ministry contractor, in the Netzarim corridor.

Reports of US transfer of Patriot missiles from Israel to Ukraine surfaced, while Saudi-Israel normalization talks showed progress according to diplomatic sources.
29.01.2025
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Wednesday
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Eight Names Cross Threshold

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The morning began with Finance Minister Smotrich threatening to dissolve the Knesset over ultra-Orthodox draft law disputes, escalating yesterday's coalition crisis. By noon, Hamas delivered the list of eight hostages for tomorrow's release: Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, Gadi Mozes, and five Thai citizens.

Northern Command General Gordin declared Hezbollah "defeated," while the Lebanese army reportedly seized a major Hezbollah tunnel complex. Trump's envoy Witkoff toured the Netzarim corridor as preparations advanced for civilian returns to northern Gaza.

The evening brought confirmation that terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi would be among tomorrow's released prisoners, while hospitals prepared for multiple reception points for returning hostages. Al-Julani's self-declaration as Syria's transitional president added regional complexity to the developing situation.
30.01.2025
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Thursday
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Eight Cross Through Chaos

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The third phase of hostage releases unfolded in three distinct stages. Agam Berger was transferred first through Jabalia, walking and waving to cameras in what media termed "Hamas theater." Hours later, Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes, along with five Thai citizens, faced a more precarious transfer in Khan Younis amid crowds that nearly disrupted the process.

Following their return, details emerged about their captivity conditions. Berger maintained religious practices and reunited with four fellow watchtower guards at Beilinson Hospital. Reports indicated Yehoud was held in isolation underground, unaware of the October 7 massacre's scale.

The day's momentum shifted when Sergeant Liam Hazi was killed in a Jenin operation, with six other soldiers wounded. By evening, focus turned to the fourth phase of releases, with Israeli officials demanding changes to transfer protocols following the Khan Younis incident.
31.01.2025
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Friday
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Three Men Cross While Family Stays

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Israeli media coverage focused on Hamas's list for the fourth phase of releases, naming Yarden Bibas, Ofer Calderon, and Keith Siegel. The morning began with IDF's first deep strike in Lebanon since the ceasefire extension, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the Syrian border.

By midday, attention shifted to the complex dynamics of Bibas's release, as his wife and children remain in captivity. The Rafah crossing opened earlier than planned, allowing wounded Palestinians including Hamas members to cross into Egypt.

New details emerged about previous hostages' conditions: Emily Demari was held in UNRWA facilities and denied medical treatment despite being shot, while Arbel Yehud's father reported she survived "hell" but returned in reasonable health. Liri Albag revealed she refused to enter Hamas tunnels during captivity.

The evening brought reports of US pressure to prioritize Keith Siegel's release, while the IDF prepared two separate release points for tomorrow's transfers.
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