May
Firefighters gained control over the massive Jerusalem Hills wildfire after 30 hours, with Canada Park almost completely destroyed and over 20,000 dunams burned. While evacuated residents returned home, officials established a special investigation team, with fire authorities suggesting hikers' negligence as the initial cause.

Controversy erupted when Netanyahu claimed 18 arson suspects were arrested, while police reported only 1-3 arrests. Later, Netanyahu sparked outrage among hostage families by declaring "victory over enemies" the war's "supreme goal" while describing hostage return as merely "an important goal."

Trump met with Idan Alexander's parents, stating they "don't know his condition" while suggesting fewer than 24 hostages remain alive in Gaza.

By evening, thousands of Druze protesters blocked northern roads and gathered outside Netanyahu's Caesarea residence, demanding intervention to protect their community members facing violence in Syria.
Houthi forces launched two missiles toward northern Israel, both intercepted with debris from the first hitting a kindergarten. The attacks came as Israel struck near Damascus's presidential palace, sending what Netanyahu called "a clear message" following massacres of Druze in Syria.

IDF paratrooper Niv Dayag was killed in an operational vehicle accident in the Golan Heights.

A Gaza aid flotilla reported being attacked near Malta, with Arab media attributing the assault to Israeli forces as the vessel carrying 30 people began sinking.

By evening, following a security meeting, Netanyahu approved significantly expanding military operations in Gaza with tens of thousands of reservists to be mobilized. This escalation comes amid conflicting reports about hostage negotiations, with Hamas claiming Israel rejected a temporary ceasefire while the Prime Minister's Office denied these claims.

The day ended with Israel conducting extensive airstrikes across Syria, hitting targets in Damascus, Hama, and Latakia in the largest operation in Syria since Assad's fall.
Early morning Houthi missile launches triggered alarms in Jerusalem and southern regions, marking the fourth attack from Yemen in 24 hours. Despite US operations in Yemen, these launches continued throughout the day.

Reports emerged that Trump fired his National Security Advisor Waltz over alleged secret discussions with Netanyahu about Iran strikes, creating tension between the allies as Trump prepares for his first international trip to Saudi Arabia.

Hamas released a new propaganda video showing hostage Maxim Herkin, the second appearance since his kidnapping from the Nova festival.

By evening, Israel began issuing tens of thousands of "Tzav 8" emergency call-up orders to reservists, signaling a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza. This prompted thousands to protest across the country, with hostage families warning that expanded fighting endangers captives' lives.

Meanwhile, the government sought court injunctions to prevent a planned teachers' strike scheduled for tomorrow.
Early morning headlines revealed an IDF investigation showing soldiers fled Hamas terrorists at Zikim Beach on October 7, abandoning civilians to be massacred.

By dawn, a Houthi ballistic missile from Yemen struck Ben Gurion Airport after both Israeli Arrow and American THAAD defense systems failed to intercept it. The missile created a large crater near the control tower, injuring eight people. This unprecedented breach prompted numerous international airlines to cancel flights to Israel, effectively creating a partial air blockade.

Netanyahu vowed retaliation against both the Houthis and Iran, stating "this is not 'bang and done'" but promising "there will be bangs." Israeli officials indicated preparations for military strikes in Yemen had begun.

Meanwhile, a teachers' strike initially delayed school openings until an agreement was reached reducing salary cuts from 3.3% to 0.95%, though many teachers remained dissatisfied and threatened to continue protests by calling in sick.
The security cabinet unanimously approved "Operation Gideon's Chariots," a significant shift in Gaza strategy from limited raids to full occupation and control. IDF Chief warned this endangered hostages, who could starve if abandoned during fighting. The plan carries an ultimatum - implementation begins after Trump's upcoming Middle East visit unless Hamas accepts a deal beforehand.

The government rejected establishing a state commission of inquiry into October 7 events, promising updates in three months despite Attorney General pressure.

Teachers continued striking for a second day, rejecting the Treasury agreement as "humiliating" with hundreds of schools remaining closed.

By afternoon, Israel launched an unprecedented air strike on Yemen's Hodeidah port, deploying 20 fighter jets with 50 munitions against Houthi economic infrastructure, responding to yesterday's missile that struck Ben Gurion Airport after defense systems failed.
Israel conducted a dramatic strike on Sanaa International Airport in Yemen, following a second day of operations against Houthi targets. The military issued an unprecedented evacuation warning before completely disabling the airport's infrastructure. This strike was in response to the Houthi missile that hit Ben Gurion Airport on May 4.

By early afternoon, President Trump unexpectedly announced the US would halt its attacks on Yemen, claiming the Houthis had surrendered and agreed to stop attacking shipping. Israeli officials appeared blindsided by this announcement, particularly as Houthi leaders immediately stated they would continue attacking Israel regardless.

Domestically, Israel's cabinet disagreement over Gaza operations continued, with some preferring to delay action until Trump's visit. Meanwhile, the education system remained partially paralyzed by teacher protests over salary cuts, while tension mounted over the military draft for ultra-Orthodox Jews after the IDF chief ordered expanded conscription notices.
Netanyahu confirmed Trump's controversial claim that only 21 hostages are definitively alive in Gaza, with uncertainty about three others, contradicting Israel's previous count of 24. This sparked demands from hostage families for immediate disclosure of any withheld information.

Reuters revealed secret talks between Israel and Syria, mediated by the UAE, focusing on security and intelligence matters. Syrian President later confirmed these indirect negotiations aimed at easing tensions.

US-Israel relations showed strain after Trump's unilateral Houthi ceasefire announcement, which excluded Israel. The Houthis launched another missile toward Israel that landed outside its borders, demonstrating the agreement's limitations.

US and Israeli officials discussed a potential American-led temporary administration for post-war Gaza, bypassing both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Two terror attacks in the West Bank wounded three Israelis, while a boating accident in Eilat left one dead and multiple injured.
The "Qatargate" scandal dominated headlines as Netanyahu advisor Jonathan Aurich was rearrested alongside a former Mossad official. Investigators claimed they received "hundreds of thousands of dollars" from Qatar during the war, with suspicions the Qatari intelligence operated them using code words. A judge initially ordered Aurich's release, criticizing investigators for conducting an unfocused probe, but later reversed the decision.

Defense Minister Katz threatened to strike Tehran "as we did to the Houthis," while Trump announced he would proceed with Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program without requiring normalization with Israel - a reversal of Biden-era policy portrayed as abandoning Israeli interests.

Officials confirmed only 21 hostages are definitely alive, with serious concerns for three others - identified as Israeli soldier Tamir Nimrodi and two foreign nationals from Thailand and Nepal.

Teachers reached an agreement with the Treasury, reducing planned salary cuts while continuing their protest.
Two IDF soldiers were killed in separate incidents in Rafah. Sergeant Yishai Eliakim Orbach, 20, died when a building collapsed after RPG fire, while Staff Sergeant Yam Fried, 21, was killed when his armored vehicle exploded. Four additional soldiers were seriously wounded.

Former hostage Eli-ah Cohen revealed a failed escape attempt during his Gaza captivity when militants temporarily abandoned him during Israeli bombing.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee announced a new humanitarian aid plan for Gaza that will operate without direct IDF involvement, emphasizing this was "most urgent" for President Trump.

In the early afternoon, the Houthis fired a missile at central Israel - their first attack since Israel's strikes on Yemen. The Arrow-3 defense system successfully intercepted it, while Defense Minister Katz promised a forceful response.

The Supreme Court rejected Netanyahu aide Yonatan Aurich's appeal, keeping him detained in the expanding "Qatargate" scandal, with evidence suggesting he received Qatari funds throughout the war.
Hamas released a disturbing video of hostages Elkana Bohbot and Yosef-Haim Ohana, showing Bohbot in deteriorating health with Ohana reporting his fellow captive has attempted self-harm after learning the war continues. The video, released on day 582 of captivity, sparked nationwide protests demanding immediate action to secure hostage release.

Trump brokered an immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan, ending three weeks of escalating tensions between the nuclear powers. Israeli officials expressed concerns about Trump's upcoming Middle East visit, with fears his "capricious statements" could upend negotiations despite US coordination.

A Gulf diplomatic source claimed Trump is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, while reports emerged that Lebanon's government has purged Hezbollah staff from Beirut airport, disrupting the group's smuggling operations. Former hostage Tal Shoham revealed Hamas rigged explosives above captives' tunnels in case IDF forces approached.
The Mossad and IDF recovered the remains of Staff Sergeant Tzvi Feldman, missing since the 1982 Sultan Yacoub battle, through a complex five-month operation in Syria. His body was located in a cemetery after agents developed local contacts and identified his uniform before confirming with DNA testing.

Tensions between Netanyahu and Trump escalated, with American sources describing their relationship as reaching a "boiling point" over Gaza strategy, with Trump calling Israel's offensive a "wasted effort." Reports emerged of direct Hamas-US negotiations bypassing Israel.

By evening, Hamas announced it would release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander on Tuesday at noon as a gesture to Trump ahead of his Middle East visit. US envoy Witkoff was traveling to Israel to facilitate the release.

Israel issued evacuation warnings for three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, followed by reported airstrikes, continuing its response to recent Houthi missile attacks.
Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was released from Hamas captivity after 584 days, with newspapers tracking his journey through every phase - from Hamas custody to Red Cross transfer, IDF reception, and family reunion. The release was negotiated directly between Hamas and the US, bypassing Israeli authorities, as a "goodwill gesture" toward President Trump.

Alexander's release set into motion broader diplomatic movements, with Netanyahu announcing an Israeli negotiating team would depart for Doha tomorrow for comprehensive hostage talks. Reports indicated Alexander was held in a cage while chained and suffered from food shortages.

Following medical evaluation at Ichilov Hospital, Alexander wrote messages thanking Trump and supporting his Golani unit. His mother expressed hope this would lead to a comprehensive deal for remaining hostages. Families of other captives questioned why foreign citizenship appeared necessary for prioritized release.
Following his release, American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander spoke with Trump by phone, revealing he was held in a tunnel without sunlight or air and severely underfed. The newspapers described mounting tensions between Netanyahu and Trump, with reports that Trump was conducting negotiations with Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran independently.

Trump began his Middle East trip by landing in Saudi Arabia, signing a historic $142 billion arms deal, while notably bypassing Israel. Reports emphasized that Saudi normalization with Israel was "off the table" during this visit.

Meanwhile, Israel's Attorney General ordered military conscription notices for all ultra-Orthodox men, triggering threats from religious parties to collapse the government if a single yeshiva student was arrested.

By afternoon, the IDF launched a dramatic strike on Khan Younis' European Hospital, targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar in an operation compared to Nasrallah's assassination. Officials expressed optimism that Sinwar was eliminated and suggested this could advance hostage negotiations.
Israeli media reported growing assessment that Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was killed in yesterday's IDF strike, with speculation the Rafah Brigade commander and Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida were also present. Military operations continued with a "fire belt" created around Khan Younis' European Hospital.

Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking the first US-Syrian presidential meeting in 25 years. The White House announced Trump urged al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords with Israel, with Trump later claiming al-Sharaa would recognize Israel "once Syria stabilizes."

After landing in Qatar, Trump claimed credit for hostage releases, stating "without the US, most hostages would be dead." US envoy Whitcroft pressured Netanyahu in negotiations.

By evening, a terror shooting in the West Bank critically wounded a pregnant woman traveling to delivery. Her baby was delivered at Beilinson Hospital while IDF forces launched a manhunt.
Pregnant Tzaela Gaz was murdered by a terrorist while traveling to hospital to give birth. The assailant fired from bushes along Route 446 near Bruchin settlement, also wounding her husband. Her baby was delivered by emergency cesarean and remained in critical condition. Security footage later revealed the attacker fleeing on foot after firing.

Trump announced during his Qatar visit that the US was "very close" to a nuclear deal with Iran and should "take over Gaza and make it a freedom zone," raising concerns in Israel about regional realignment.

Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed direct talks with the US, stating Hamas would relinquish power in Gaza for an end to the war. Hostage negotiations in Qatar reached an impasse with both sides blaming each other.

In the evening, a Yemeni missile was intercepted during Lag BaOmer celebrations, causing alarms across central Israel. Reports emerged of secret Israeli talks with Syria's al-Sharaa regime about joining the Abraham Accords.
Israel launched Operation "Gideon's Chariots" in Gaza after heavy overnight bombardment reportedly killed over 100 Palestinians. The IDF confirmed seizing strategic areas as part of this expanded offensive, which comes after the assassination attempt on Mohammed Sinwar and stalled hostage negotiations.

In a parallel escalation, Israel conducted daytime airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, deploying 15 aircraft that dropped 35 bombs on Hodeidah and Al-Salif. Netanyahu promised "more to come," while Foreign Minister Katz threatened to target Houthi leadership.

Meanwhile, freed hostage Idan Alexander provided a sign of life from Matan Tzangauker. Trump, completing his Middle East tour, expressed skepticism about Netanyahu's ability to secure a hostage deal and revealed the US presented Iran with a new nuclear proposal. NBC News reported the Trump administration is developing plans to relocate one million Gazans to Libya.

The day ended with a stabbing attack against a police officer in Jerusalem's Old City.
Israel launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots" overnight, seizing strategic territories in Gaza with extensive airstrikes. By morning, Defense Minister Katz announced Hamas had returned to negotiations in Qatar "without preconditions" - framing it as direct result of military pressure. The proposed framework includes releasing 8-10 hostages with a 70-day ceasefire.

Media reported Israel and Syria held direct talks in Azerbaijan, potentially signaling diplomatic breakthroughs amid conflict. Reports also emerged of Trump developing plans to relocate Gazan Palestinians to Libya.

By evening, Hamas confirmed agreeing to discuss a "partial deal" while Israel continued military operations. Families of hostages demonstrated nationwide, with incidents of violence against protesters reported.

Meanwhile, Yuval Raphael represented Israel at Eurovision finals amidst pro-Palestinian protests, concluding her performance with "Am Israel Chai" (The people of Israel live), briefly putting Israel in first place during voting.
Yuval Raphael secured second place at Eurovision, winning the popular vote while facing protest attempts. During her celebration, air raid sirens sounded as a Houthi missile was intercepted over central Israel.

Major developments followed with Saudi reports claiming Mohammed Sinwar's body was found in a Khan Younis tunnel alongside Hamas commanders, though IDF did not officially confirm.

By midday, Netanyahu's office made a significant announcement: Israel is considering deals that could end the war entirely. Simultaneously, the IDF launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots" with ground forces moving into multiple Gaza areas.

Under American pressure, Netanyahu approved resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza without allowing cabinet vote, angering right-wing ministers.

In separate developments, Israel announced recovering spy Eli Cohen's personal archives from Syria in a covert operation, and security services arrested an 18-year-old Israeli recruited by Iran to spy on former PM Bennett.
Netanyahu resumed humanitarian aid to Gaza after a 10-week blockade, avoiding a cabinet vote despite right-wing opposition. The decision came as the US approached what Netanyahu called a "red line" over famine concerns. Finance Minister Smotrich unexpectedly supported the move, claiming "no aid will reach Hamas."

Overnight, Israeli special forces disguised as women conducted an operation in Khan Younis, killing senior militant Ahmad Sarhan, who reportedly kidnapped hostage Arbel Yehud. Following the operation, the IDF ordered mass evacuations from eastern Khan Younis, warning of "unprecedented" strikes.

By afternoon, five aid trucks entered Gaza as global pressure intensified. The Washington Post reported Trump threatened to "abandon Israel" if it doesn't end the war, while France, Britain and Canada threatened "concrete measures" against Israel. Combat engineer Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22, was killed in northern Gaza fighting.
Negotiations collapsed as Qatar declared an impasse with Israel, blaming "irresponsible aggression." Netanyahu recalled senior negotiators from Doha while allowing a junior team to remain.

Military combat engineer Yosef Chirak, married just seven months earlier, was killed by friendly fire in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, security services revealed two Israeli men were arrested for installing surveillance near Defense Minister Katz's home under Iranian direction, motivated by gambling debts.

Britain dealt Israel a diplomatic blow by suspending free trade negotiations and imposing sanctions on settlement entities. Israel's Foreign Ministry responded that "the British Mandate ended 77 years ago."

Political controversy erupted when Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan claimed Israel "kills babies as a hobby." Despite widespread condemnation including from IDF Chief of Staff, Golan refused to retract his statement, clarifying his criticism targeted the government not soldiers.

Reports emerged that the IDF may be preparing strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Staff Sergeant Danilo Mocanu, 20, was killed when a building collapsed in southern Gaza, bringing the IDF death toll to 858 since October 7.

The Supreme Court ruled that Netanyahu's dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was illegal and conducted while the prime minister had a conflict of interest regarding the "Qatar-gate" affair. Attorney General Baharav-Miara subsequently directed Netanyahu to refrain from appointing a new Shin Bet chief until new guidelines are established.

In his first press conference in months, Netanyahu announced that 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza with 38 confirmed dead. He outlined four conditions for ending the war: return of all hostages, Hamas disarmament, implementation of Trump's Gaza relocation plan, and maintaining Israeli security control over Gaza. Despite the Attorney General's directive, Netanyahu declared his government would appoint a new Shin Bet chief.

Netanyahu faced immediate criticism for claiming "nothing happened" in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha on October 7.
Two Israeli embassy workers, Yaron Lishinsky and Sarah Milgram, were murdered in a shooting outside Washington DC's Jewish Museum. The attacker, identified as Elias Rodriguez, shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack. The couple had planned to get engaged next week in Jerusalem.

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched two missiles toward Israel, triggering sirens in central Israel and Jerusalem. Both missiles were successfully intercepted.

An IDF investigation into the October 7 battle at Kibbutz Kissufim revealed serious failures, as the area wasn't fully secured until October 12, five days after the initial attack.

By afternoon, Netanyahu recalled Israel's entire negotiating delegation from Qatar due to a deadlock in hostage talks. Later, defying the Attorney General's directive citing conflict of interest concerns, Netanyahu appointed Major General David Zini as the next Shin Bet chief, escalating tensions with the judiciary following yesterday's Supreme Court ruling.
A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel early in the morning, marking the third such attack in two days. This followed Washington shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez telling police he "did it for Gaza" after murdering two Israeli embassy workers.

The main story developed when IDF Chief of Staff Zamir dismissed Major General David Zini from military service after discovering Zini had conducted secret negotiations with Netanyahu about the Shin Bet appointment. Zamir emphasized that "any communication with political leadership requires prior approval." Former IDF Chief Eisenkot published an open letter urging Zini to decline the appointment.

Reports emerged that Zini had opposed hostage deals in closed military discussions, calling the conflict "an eternal war," triggering outrage from hostage families. Meanwhile, media reported on the fifth round of Iran nuclear talks concluding with limited progress, while the IDF conducted exercises preparing for a multi-front war.
Media reported significant progress in negotiations to release Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, held captive in Iraq for over two years, though a US official later denied any breakthrough.

The IDF deployed all regular infantry and armored brigades in Gaza, expanding operations as Hamas reportedly faces an unprecedented military and economic crisis, struggling to pay fighters and acquire weapons.

A humanitarian crisis deepened with planned American-supervised food distribution stations delayed and aid trucks looted. Reports of nine Palestinian children killed in an IDF strike in Khan Younis were under investigation.

Controversy surrounded designated Shin Bet chief Major General David Zini following reports of a heated confrontation with former IDF Chief Hertzi Halevi over hostage prioritization, with Zini describing the conflict as an "eternal war."

By evening, freed hostage Naama Levy spoke publicly for the first time since her release, revealing she survived on rainwater during her 477 days in captivity and feared IDF airstrikes most.
Morning began with a Houthi missile launch from Yemen triggering sirens in Jerusalem and successfully intercepted, the fourth such attack this week. Debris fell in open areas near Hebron.

The central story developed around escalating tensions between military and political leadership. IDF Chief Zamir publicly contradicted designated Shin Bet head Zini's "eternal war" characterization, stating "this is not an endless war" during a visit to Khan Younis. This came after Zini's leaked recordings revealed his acknowledgment of October 7 intelligence failures.

Defense Minister Katz and Zamir clashed over the Military Advocate General's participation in a Bar Association conference, with Katz overruling Zamir's approval. Meanwhile, IDF officials revealed plans to control 75% of Gaza within two months through Operation "Merkavot Gideon," having killed over 800 Hamas militants since its launch.

By evening, reports emerged that Netanyahu had lost trust in Zamir, considering him just another "clerk" in the ongoing conflict.
Reports emerged of Trump planning to announce a Gaza ceasefire "within days," signaling increased American pressure on Israel to end the war "as quickly as possible." The ceasefire framework reportedly includes a 70-day pause and release of ten hostages.

Israel launched a major military operation in southern Gaza with unprecedented evacuation orders while the humanitarian situation deteriorated further with the resignation of the Gaza aid foundation CEO, citing inability to maintain humanitarian principles.

Opposition leader Lapid accused the government of secretly funding Gaza aid through shell companies, using Israeli taxpayer money.

The Jerusalem Day Flag March proceeded with thousands participating amid violent clashes and chants of "Death to Arabs" in East Jerusalem.

By afternoon, Attorney General Baharav-Miara declared Netanyahu's appointment of Major General Zini as Shin Bet chief "invalid and unlawful" due to the Prime Minister's conflict of interest, triggering furious coalition responses and deepening the constitutional crisis.
Morning began with a Houthi missile from Yemen intercepted over the West Bank, the second such launch within hours. A military investigation into the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Mefalsim dominated early coverage, revealing how local emergency teams prevented a larger massacre despite IDF failures.

By midday, reports emerged of direct talks between Israel and Syria, with face-to-face meetings in both Syrian territory and inside Israel aimed at reducing tensions. This diplomatic revelation came as Trump reportedly warned Netanyahu against actions that might jeopardize US-Iran nuclear negotiations.

The American-managed humanitarian aid distribution centers in Gaza opened but quickly descended into chaos as thousands of Palestinians overwhelmed the facilities, looting supplies while American security contractors fired warning shots. The aid organization blamed Hamas for the disruption but later resumed operations.

Meanwhile, Hamas claimed to accept American envoy Witkoff's ceasefire proposal, though Israeli officials insisted "no breakthrough" had occurred in negotiations.
Israeli media marked 600 days since October 7 with investigations into the Kerem Shalom battle, revealing how approximately 100 Hamas militants attempted infiltration through 11 points while local emergency teams fought for hours before receiving air support. The IDF admitted defensive failures while praising heroic resistance.

Netanyahu officially confirmed Mohammed Sinwar's death during a heated Knesset session, declaring Israel was making a "dramatic turnaround in defeating Hamas." This came as Hamas claimed agreement with US envoy Witkoff on a ceasefire framework, which Israeli officials dismissed as "propaganda."

The military revealed its Iron Beam laser defense system successfully intercepted dozens of Hezbollah drones during the war, marking the world's first operational combat use of such technology. Trump confirmed warning Netanyahu against striking Iran, while Witkoff expressed optimism about new ceasefire terms despite Finance Minister Smotrich threatening to block any partial deal.
Morning coverage focused on baby Ravid Chaim's death from injuries sustained when his mother Tzala was murdered in a West Bank attack two weeks prior. The infant was buried beside his mother after a two-week hospital struggle.

US envoy Witkoff presented a modified hostage framework involving 10 living hostages and 18 bodies for a 60-day ceasefire. Netanyahu told families Israel accepted the proposal, though Hamas sources indicated dissatisfaction. Cabinet ministers simultaneously approved 22 new West Bank settlements.

Afternoon brought dramatic but false reports that both sides had agreed to the deal, with Saudi media claiming Trump would announce the agreement within hours. Both Israeli and Hamas officials quickly denied any agreement existed.

The day ended with a Houthi missile from Yemen disrupting the State Cup final and major concerts in Tel Aviv, marking their first attack since Israeli strikes on Sanaa. Defense contractor David Levi was also killed by an explosive device in northern Gaza.
Israeli media declared Hamas losing governmental control in Gaza as aid distribution centers bypassed the organization for the first time. Multiple outlets described armed clans filling the power vacuum while Gazans no longer feared Hamas intimidation. Defense officials claimed "signs of success" in the new American-backed distribution system, with over 250,000 Palestinians evacuated from Jabaliya.

Ceasefire negotiations remained confused throughout the day. Hamas initially rejected the Witkoff framework through BBC, then stated they were "consulting with other organizations" about the proposal. Defense Minister Katz issued an ultimatum: accept the deal or face destruction.

By evening, Trump declared the sides "very close" to agreement with announcements possible "today or tomorrow," though Israeli assessments remained skeptical. The day also featured an IDF investigation revealing October 7 terrorists took a wrong turn while targeting the sensitive Unit 8200 base, instead attacking Urim base where eight soldiers died.
Trump's optimism about an imminent Gaza deal collapsed as Hamas delivered its response to the Witkoff framework. The organization offered to release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies but demanded a permanent ceasefire lasting up to seven years and complete Israeli withdrawal from areas captured since March. US envoy Witkoff called the response "totally unacceptable" and said it took negotiations backward.

The IAEA revealed Iran had secretly enriched enough uranium for nine to ten nuclear weapons, prompting Netanyahu's office to issue a rare Saturday statement urging immediate international action. Iranian citizens told Israeli media they hoped for strikes to topple the ayatollahs' regime.

The IDF officially confirmed Mohammed Sinwar's elimination in Khan Younis three weeks earlier, alongside the Rafah brigade commander. Israel also blocked a Saudi-led delegation from visiting Ramallah and conducted strikes in Syria. Former Bank of Israel governor Stanley Fischer died at 81.
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