February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Three Return While One Family Waits

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The fourth phase of hostage releases proceeded through two separate transfer points, with Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon crossing first at Khan Younis, followed by Keith Siegel at Gaza port. All three appeared walking independently despite 484 days in captivity.

The releases generated media focus on Bibas's situation, as his wife and children remain in Hamas custody. The afternoon brought first testimonies of deception tactics used by captors, who repeatedly promised imminent releases that never materialized.

By evening, attention shifted to Netanyahu's pre-Washington moves: appointing Eyal Zamir as next IDF Chief of Staff and delaying the negotiating team's trip to Qatar until after meeting Trump. Released hostage Doron Steinbrecher made her first public appearance via video, promising to join protests for those still in captivity.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Three Return to Sedatives Truth

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The morning brought first detailed accounts of the three hostages released on February 1st, revealing systematic use of sedatives, container cells, and psychological manipulation. Ofer Calderon learned of his son's survival only two weeks before release, while Keith Siegel was held in isolation. Yarden Bibas faced continuous psychological torture regarding his captive family.

By midday, attention shifted to incoming IDF Chief Eyal Zamir's first speech, declaring 2025 would be a "year of fighting." Meanwhile, Operation Iron Wall expanded in the West Bank, with IDF demolishing 20 buildings in Jenin.

The evening brought Netanyahu's arrival in Washington for Trump talks, carefully avoiding European airspace due to ICC restrictions. Reports emerged that 82% of previously released Palestinian prisoners had returned to militant activities, complicating negotiations for the next phase of hostage releases.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Trump Gate Opens While Bibas Gate Closes

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Netanyahu landed in Washington for talks with Trump, avoiding European airspace due to ICC restrictions, while simultaneously postponing the Qatar negotiations for phase two of the hostage deal. Hamas announced readiness to discuss the second phase, with Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Trofanov promised immediate release.

Violence in Arab communities intensified with six murders in 24 hours, including a pediatrician and a 14-year-old, while police leadership remained abroad. The Bibas family revealed Yarden's isolation conditions and 15kg weight loss during captivity, as uncertainty continues regarding his wife and children's fate.

By evening, Arab foreign ministers expressed opposition to Trump's transfer plan, while Finance Minister Smotrich set "red lines" regarding Saudi normalization talks, opposing any Palestinian state prospects. The media reported Netanyahu's consideration of removing the Shin Bet chief from the negotiation team.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Two Fall at Tayasir While Trump Plans Gaza Exodus

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A terrorist infiltrated the Tayasir military post at dawn, killing two reserve soldiers - Ofer Yung and Avraham "Zvika" Friedman - and wounding six others. The attacker, wearing civilian clothes with a military vest, took control of a guard tower before being eliminated.

Netanyahu's delegation to Qatar for phase two hostage negotiations was delayed and limited to discussing only phase one implementation. By afternoon, released hostage Romi Gonen's mother revealed details of untreated injuries and psychological torture during captivity.

The evening brought Netanyahu and Trump's White House meeting, where Trump announced unprecedented sanctions against Iran while outlining a plan for permanent Gazan relocation. Trump stated Saudi Arabia isn't demanding Palestinian statehood for normalization, and suggested Egypt and Jordan would accept Gaza's population, describing the territory as uninhabitable for 10-15 years.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day America Claimed Gaza's Keys

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Trump's midnight announcement of US plans to "take over" Gaza and permanently relocate its 1.8 million residents dominated Israeli media coverage. The plan, kept secret even from most Trump advisers, envisions Gaza as a future "Middle East Riviera" after complete reconstruction. By morning, Arab states and European ministers rejected the proposal as violation of international law, while Iran's Foreign Minister suggested flexibility on nuclear issues.

Netanyahu's team described the Washington visit as "exceeding expectations," particularly regarding the promise of West Bank annexation announcement within four weeks. By afternoon, media focus shifted to implementation challenges, including American taxpayer costs and regional opposition.

Former Defense Minister Gallant gave his first interview since dismissal, criticizing the government's hostage negotiations, while soldiers who served at Tayasir revealed they had warned command about security vulnerabilities before recent attacks.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Gallant's Silence Broke

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Defense Minister Gallant's first extensive interview since October 7 dominated morning coverage, revealing Netanyahu's initial response to the Hamas attack and a crucial timeline discrepancy regarding the border breach awareness. The testimony suggested authorities knew about the fence breach at 6:29 AM, earlier than previously reported.

By afternoon, focus shifted to the hostage deal negotiations, with Israel seeking to extend phase one while families pressed Trump to prioritize the exchange over his Gaza plan. New testimonies from released hostages detailed psychological torture and physical abuse.

Evening coverage centered on Israel's operations in Lebanon following Hezbollah smuggling attempts, while Netanyahu denied reports of offering Hamas leaders exile abroad. The media awaited Hamas's list of hostages scheduled for weekend release, amid concerns that Trump's Gaza plan might complicate the exchange process.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Three Names Cross After Delay

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The morning began with Defense Minister Katz ordering a reprimand of Military Intelligence Chief Binder for warning about potential Ramadan escalation due to Trump's Gaza population transfer plan. By afternoon, tension mounted as Hamas missed the 4 PM deadline for submitting names for the fifth hostage exchange, claiming humanitarian protocol violations. After a two-hour delay, Hamas provided the names of three male hostages: Eli Sharabi (51), Or Levy (34), and Ohad Ben Ami (56), all in captivity for 491 days.

The media coverage reflected the continuing impact of Trump's Gaza plan announcement from February 5, with Netanyahu's support generating internal military and political friction. Released prisoners are now being shown footage of Gaza's destruction before their release, while preparations continue for tomorrow's exchange from central Gaza positions.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Three Cross Through Hamas Stage Show

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The fifth phase of hostage exchange began with Hamas staging a propaganda event in Deir al-Balah, where Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami appeared visibly emaciated after 491 days in captivity. The Red Cross vehicles arrived at 8:30 AM, with the transfer completed by 10:00 AM.

By afternoon, medical reports revealed severe malnutrition and psychological trauma. The hostages were kept underground, isolated from news, and received increased food portions only days before release. Or Levy's reunion with his 3-year-old son Almog generated significant coverage, while Eli Sharabi learned about his wife and daughters' deaths on October 7.

Security officials warned about deteriorating conditions of remaining hostages, using the returnees' state to pressure for accelerated negotiations. The cabinet postponed decisions about phase two until after evaluating Hamas's staged release ceremony.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Chains Stories Surfaced

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The morning brought harrowing testimonies from the three hostages released on February 8, revealing systematic starvation and physical abuse during their 491-day captivity. By noon, the first sign of life in 492 days arrived from hostage Alon Ohel, described as chained in Hamas tunnels with eye injuries.

Netanyahu's opposition to a state commission of inquiry into October 7 generated tension when he dismissed the Shin Bet chief as "just a clerk" for attempting to present his position. The cabinet postponed the inquiry decision by three months.

Palestinians approached the Gaza border fence near Nachal Oz following IDF's withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, while Netanyahu lobbied US lawmakers to support Trump's Gaza resettlement plan. Iran's nuclear program resurfaced in discourse with Netanyahu's admission that Tehran is "days away" from weapons-grade uranium enrichment.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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The Day Hamas Pulled The Chains Back

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The morning began with Netanyahu claiming in court and Knesset that security officials initially opposed hostage deals, while released hostage Ofer Calderon revealed worsening conditions after the first exchange phase. By afternoon, Hamas announced suspension of Saturday's planned hostage release, citing violations regarding civilian movement in northern Gaza.

The crisis prompted Netanyahu to advance the security cabinet meeting, while officials attempted to frame Hamas's announcement as a negotiating tactic rather than a definitive position. The timing coincided with Abbas signing a decree ending the PA's prisoner payment system, and Trump's statement that Palestinians would not have "right of return" to Gaza.

By evening, Hamas moderated its position, describing the announcement as a "warning," while military sources suggested the crisis was solvable. The Southern Command imposed travel restrictions on combat units.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Hell's Clock Started Ticking

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Trump's midnight ultimatum demanding all hostages' release by Saturday noon transformed into Israel's official position through a day of shifting messages. The first sign of life from twins Gali and Ziv Berman after 492 days coincided with confirmation that 86-year-old Shlomo Mantzur was killed on October 7.

Following a four-hour security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu initially demanded the release of nine specific hostages "within days." By evening, this position shifted to align with Trump's comprehensive demand for all hostages' release by Saturday. The state comptroller revealed systemic collapse in mental health services, with three million Israelis showing trauma symptoms since October 7.

Qatar initiated mediation efforts as IDF prepared for resumed combat operations, while Trump told Jordan's king that the US would "take Gaza" with Palestinians relocated elsewhere.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Life Signs Pierced War Drums

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Signs of life from three hostages - Yosef Ohana, Matan Angrest, and Eitan Mor - emerged through the morning and evening, providing momentum to negotiation efforts. These revelations coincided with Defense Minister Katz's warnings of unprecedented force if Hamas fails to meet Trump's Saturday deadline.

Egypt's reconstruction plan surfaced, explicitly rejecting Gaza population transfers, while Sissi declined White House invitation over disagreements with Trump's resettlement vision. By afternoon, Hamas indicated to Saudi media its willingness to proceed with limited releases, though not meeting the comprehensive US demand.

IDF continued preparations for renewed combat, establishing permanent positions in Lebanon and conducting infiltration drills along Gaza's perimeter. The military's readiness posture aligned with political messaging, even as Qatar and Egypt intensified mediation efforts to salvage the deal's first phase.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Supreme Court Crown Split Nation

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Hamas signaled willingness to proceed with Saturday's hostage release, while the PMO dismissed these reports as "fake news," maintaining pressure through Trump's ultimatum from previous days. The morning's conflicting messages evolved into afternoon confirmation of planned releases.

Justice Amit's Supreme Court presidency inauguration became a constitutional crisis as Netanyahu, Justice Minister Levin, and Knesset Speaker Ochana boycotted the ceremony. President Herzog condemned the unprecedented absence, while Amit called for dialogue.

Released female lookouts' families revealed systematic psychological torture in captivity, including forced viewing of IDF casualties and ministers' anti-deal statements. US intelligence assessment of planned Israeli strikes on Iran surfaced, suggesting coordination with Trump's potential return.

By evening, preparations for Saturday's hostage release intensified, with reports of accelerated Phase A implementation.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Iron Wings Met Tehran Plans

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Netanyahu and Trump's discussions regarding potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities dominated morning coverage, with US intelligence warning of regional war risks. The Air Force received delivery confirmation for upgraded aircraft, contextualizing the military preparations.

By midday, Hamas and Islamic Jihad confirmed the names of four hostages for Saturday release: Sasha Trofanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, with implementation details indicating two release points in Khan Yunis. Released lookout Naama Levy's testimony about forced viewing of torture videos emerged, while Keith Siegel appealed to Trump through video message.

Evening reports focused on Qatar-related allegations within the PMO, which called them "fake news," while UNIFIL forces faced Hezbollah supporters' violence in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad released footage of Trofanov on Gaza's beach, continuing their pattern of pre-release propaganda.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Three Walked Through Hamas Theater

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Hamas orchestrated the release of Sasha Trofanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn through Khan Yunis, forcing them to appear on a staged platform before transfer to Red Cross custody. The three, held for 498 days, walked independently despite their ordeal.

By afternoon, initial debriefings revealed physical torture of Dekel-Chen and intelligence from Horn about other captives. Netanyahu convened security consultations following Trump's ultimatum expiration, with focus shifting to securing six additional hostages before Ramadan.

Shin Bet launched an investigation into alleged connections between Netanyahu's office and Qatar, while US Senator Rubio arrived in Tel Aviv to support accelerated Phase A implementation. The military establishment supported extending the deal's first phase, including Palestinian gestures, to secure remaining live hostages.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Released Men Spoke of Underground Hell

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Morning testimonies from released hostages Sasha Trofimov, Sagi Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn revealed details of their 498-day captivity: torture, weight loss, and contaminated water consumption. Netanyahu and Secretary Rubio's meeting focused on Iran's nuclear program, while discussing Trump's vision for Gaza.

By afternoon, the IDF announced plans to release October 7 investigation findings starting February 25, notably excluding personal conclusions about officers' responsibility. Negotiations for Phase B gained momentum as Trump's envoy Witkoff confirmed ongoing talks, contradicting Netanyahu's earlier stance.

Evening testimonies from hostages' families revealed Trofimov was shot in both legs during capture, while Dekel-Chen counted 43 million seconds in captivity without knowing if his family survived. Hamas recordings exposed internal disputes over leadership priorities.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Five Hundred Underground Tales Surfaced

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The 500-day mark since October 7 brought new revelations about captivity conditions, with Ohad Ben-Ami describing six people confined to six square meters underground. Released hostage Ofer Calderon lost 25kg in captivity, with Hamas force-feeding him before release to conceal malnutrition.

By afternoon, Israel confirmed preparations to receive four hostage bodies on Thursday, while negotiating for six living hostages' release on Saturday. The IDF announced withdrawal from Lebanon except for five strategic outposts, tripling border forces.

Evening brought Yair Horn's first public testimony since his release two days prior, describing tunnel conditions and pleading for his brother's return. Reports revealed Hamas's Nukhba force had originally targeted Netivot but mistakenly reached Nova party. The War Cabinet convened to discuss Phase B parameters, while 83% of border evacuees returned home.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Six Lives Found Their Price

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The IDF's withdrawal from Lebanon, maintaining only five strategic positions, marked the morning's developments. Northern residents expressed concerns about Hezbollah's eventual return. By early afternoon, negotiations crystallized around six living hostages scheduled for Saturday release, in exchange for allowing caravans into Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the deal, revealing the identities of those to be freed: Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, and long-held captives Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.

Evening brought reports of Netanyahu removing Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs from the negotiation team, while setting demilitarization and Hamas removal as conditions for Phase B talks. The media coverage shifted between optimism about the upcoming releases and concern about the strategic implications of the Lebanon withdrawal.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Four Bodies Found Their Names

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Morning brought internal conflicts within Netanyahu's government as a "senior source" criticized former Mossad and Shin Bet negotiation teams, prompting immediate backlash from hostage families demanding focus on rescue efforts. Five IDF reservists were indicted for severely abusing a Hamas prisoner at Sdeh Teiman detention facility.

By afternoon, preparations intensified for receiving the first bodies from Hamas captivity. The IDF planned a ceremony in Gaza territory, including Kaddish prayers and flag-draped coffins. The forensics institute estimated identification could take up to 48 hours.

Evening brought confirmation of the deceased hostages' identities: Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, along with Oded Lifshitz. The Bibas family expressed outrage at the announcement's handling, leading to finger-pointing between the Prime Minister's Office and IDF. Hamas indicated readiness to release all remaining hostages in a single batch during phase two.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Four Coffins Crossed Through Theater

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The morning papers prepared Israel for receiving four hostage bodies from Hamas. The transfer began with Hamas staging a ceremony in Khan Younis, which Israeli sources criticized as violating agreements. The Red Cross vehicles received the coffins by 8 AM, followed by an IDF ceremony in Gaza with Chief Rabbi Karim.

By afternoon, forensics confirmed Oded Lifshitz was murdered in Islamic Jihad captivity over a year ago, while identification continued for Shiri Bibas and her children. Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square as a senior diplomatic source indicated Phase Two negotiations would be "complex and lengthy."

Evening brought a coordinated terror attempt in central Israel, with three bombs exploding in empty buses across Bat Yam and Holon, while two additional devices were discovered. The 5kg devices, marked "Revenge from Tulkarem," were meant to detonate Friday morning.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Bare Hands Truth Emerged

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The morning brought forensic confirmation that Kfir and Ariel Bibas were murdered by Hamas in November 2023. After Hamas initially provided a Gazan woman's body instead of Shiri Bibas's remains, IDF spokesperson revealed the children were killed by bare hands, not gunfire as previously claimed.

By afternoon, Hamas attempted damage control, claiming Shiri's remains were mixed with others due to IDF strikes. Trump expressed shock at Hamas's "ceremony" with the bodies, while indicating support for any Israeli response. Despite the violations, preparations continued for tomorrow's exchange of six living hostages.

Evening saw Hamas transfer another coffin to the Red Cross, claiming it contained Shiri's remains. The development echoed yesterday's deception, with Israeli officials expressing cautious skepticism while coordinating transfer to forensics.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Six Walk Free While Two Watch Through Bars

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The day began with the identification of Shiri Bibas's remains at Abu Kabir forensics institute, following yesterday's confirmation of her children's fate. By morning, the Red Cross initiated the seventh phase of hostage releases at two locations - Rafah and Nuseirat. Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu crossed first at Rafah, followed by Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert, and Eliya Cohen at Nuseirat. Hisham al-Sayed crossed separately.

As freed hostages reached hospitals, media revealed severe torture conditions: isolation in dark tunnels, forced religious rituals, and deliberate starvation. Evening reports exposed Hamas forcing two remaining hostages - Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Aviatar David - to watch their companions' release ceremony while keeping them captive. Israel delayed Palestinian prisoner releases in response to confirmed details about Bibas family murders.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Two Tanks Rolled Back Into Jenin

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Israel halted the planned release of Palestinian prisoners following Hamas's staged ceremony forcing two hostages to watch their friends' release. Netanyahu's office demanded guarantees against "humiliating ceremonies" for future releases.

Morning brought significant military escalation as IDF tanks entered Jenin for the first time since 2002, while Defense Minister Katz announced 40,000 Palestinians had left refugee camps. During Nasrallah's funeral in Beirut, IDF jets conducted demonstrative flyovers as thousands gathered.

Evening testimonies from recently returned hostages revealed severe conditions: Omar Shem Tov spent 450 days alone in tunnels, Omar Nenkrat lost 30kg without medication, while Eliya Cohen underwent surgery without anesthesia. The White House supported Israel's decision to delay prisoner releases, citing Hamas's treatment of hostages.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Hamas Leader Regretted October

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Netanyahu's attempt to reduce court appearances through security claims met judicial rejection, limiting his testimony to 14 additional sessions. The prosecution agreed to closed-door hearings with military intelligence chief participation.

Israel proposed returning Palestinian prisoners in exchange for four hostage bodies without ceremony, following yesterday's suspension of releases. Hamas senior official Abu Marzouk told New York Times he wouldn't have supported October 7 had he known its consequences for Gaza - a statement quickly disowned by Hamas leadership.

Released hostage Omar Wenkert joined families' protest, promising to fight for remaining captives. New testimonies revealed conditions worsened after Ben Gvir's statements about security prisoners. Military investigations of October 7 exposed force redeployment decisions that enabled Hamas's breach, while Israel developed new three-layer border defense strategy.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day October 7 Doors Opened Towards Truth

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The military began presenting October 7 investigations to residents, revealing how force redeployments enabled Hamas's breach into Nachal Oz with only one guard present against 150 terrorists in three waves. The Mossad chief disclosed Operation Beepers details, claiming it contained less explosive material than anticipated but proved decisive against Hezbollah.

Former hostages continued shaping public discourse: Four recently released captives demanded Netanyahu prioritize freeing fathers of minors, while Ofri Bibas criticized his repeated public detailing of her family's murder. Agam Berger's first interview revealed captives received newspapers and wore hijabs.

By evening, Israel and Hamas reached agreement on returning four hostage bodies without ceremony, resolving the crisis that emerged after Saturday's staged hostage viewing. The deal enables completion of the first phase while maintaining prisoner exchanges.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Mass Goodbye to Red Hair Child

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The funeral procession of Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir dominated media coverage, with masses lining routes from Rishon LeZion through southern communities. Following yesterday's investigation releases about October 7, Unit 8200's outgoing commander delivered public criticism of IDF leadership, revealing no comprehensive investigation has occurred.

By afternoon, Israel and Hamas finalized agreement for returning four hostage bodies - Tzachi Idan, Itzik Algrat, Shlomo Mantzur and another captive - without ceremony, resolving the crisis that emerged after Saturday's staged viewing. The Red Cross vehicles began moving towards handover points by evening.

The media's intense focus on the Bibas funeral, particularly on Ariel's red hair and Yarden's absence, demonstrated how this family became a symbol of October 7 trauma in Israeli consciousness.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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October Night When Intelligence Lost Its Past

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The night began with Israel receiving four hostage bodies through Red Cross mediation. Three were identified by morning: Shlomo Mantzur, Itzik Elgarat, and Ohed Yahalomi, with Tsachi Idan confirmed later. Intelligence revealed three were killed in captivity, while Mantzur died October 7.

By afternoon, a Palestinian from Jenin conducted a combined ramming-stabbing attack at Karkur Junction, wounding 14 people including a critically injured 17-year-old girl. The attacker was neutralized near Gan Shmuel.

Evening brought extensive military investigations of October 7, revealing systematic intelligence failures spanning years. The probe exposed how warning signs were dismissed the night before the attack, and detailed the complete collapse of Israel's defense doctrine. The Attorney General opened a criminal investigation into Netanyahu office's connections with Qatar.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day When Gaza Terms Met Zelensky's Fall

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The funeral of Tzachi Idan dominated morning coverage, with processions from Bloomfield Stadium to Kibutz Einat, where he was buried beside his daughter. His sister's words "sorry you returned in a coffin" echoed through multiple outlets.

By afternoon, negotiations in Cairo reached critical point as Israel proposed extending Phase A by 42 days, while Hamas demanded immediate transition to Phase B. Intelligence documents revealed Turkish officials met Hamas leadership on October 7 morning. Netanyahu scheduled rare Friday night consultations as delegation returned from Cairo.

Evening coverage shifted dramatically to Washington, where Trump expelled Zelensky from Oval Office meeting, accusing him of "gambling with World War III." European leaders rallied behind Ukraine while Russia celebrated the rift, marking significant shift in Western alliance dynamics.
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