August
01.08.2025
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Friday
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Avitar David's Proof, Gaza's Diplomatic Paths

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Israeli media coverage on August 1st began with President Trump's immediate imposition of a 15% tariff on Israeli exports, a new economic pressure point building on previous days' diplomatic tensions. This coincided with the arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff in Gaza, who inspected aid centers and whose assessment led directly to President Trump's pledge of new and increased humanitarian aid for Gazans. However, by mid-afternoon, the editorial focus shifted dramatically with Hamas's release of a 'proof of life' video for hostage Avitar David, displaying his severely deteriorated state. This intensely emotional event, reminiscent of yesterday's Rom Braslavsky video, prompted urgent family appeals against its dissemination, quickly becoming the dominant story. Amidst this, a missile from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel, a recurring security concern. Discussions also persisted on future war strategies and the IDF Chief's stance on continued fighting without a partial hostage deal, alongside ongoing international pressure for a comprehensive agreement.
02.08.2025
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Saturday
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The Skeleton's Grave

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Israeli media on August 2nd focused overwhelmingly on the plight of hostages, following the release of "proof of life" videos. Morning coverage intensified with families describing detainees as "skin and bones," prompting protests in Hostage Square and the arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff. By early afternoon, the release of a distressing image and then the full video of Evyatar David, severely emaciated after 666 days, became the dominant narrative. Further reports revealed he was forced to dig his own grave, amplifying public outrage and family pleas for immediate action. Despite Witkoff's statements on an "all or nothing" deal, a security source admitted no agreement was in sight, tempering hopes. Evening rallies saw tearful accusations of Hamas conducting "live hunger experiments," while former President Trump's reaction reportedly influenced new deal proposals, alongside Tisha B'Av observances.
03.08.2025
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Sunday
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Rom's Plea, Policy's Divide

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The day's editorial focus was dominated by the escalating hostage crisis, especially the critical condition of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavsky. Early reports centered on Evyatar's emaciation and family pleas, prompting calls for a comprehensive US-backed deal. Public outrage intensified throughout the morning, leading to protests and a controversial call from a hostage family member for Israel to "surrender" for their release. Concurrently, Minister Ben Gvir's Temple Mount visit drew criticism for potentially jeopardizing hostage efforts. By evening, the release of Rom Braslavsky's harrowing video, explicitly pleading for his life, seized headlines. This intensified the debate, with Prime Minister Netanyahu insisting on military victory to free captives and eliminate Hamas, while hostage families vehemently criticized this strategy as endangering lives and leading to "perdition."
04.08.2025
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Monday
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Judiciary Halts AG's Removal

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Israeli media initially highlighted the dire condition of hostages, with families comparing their plight to Auschwitz, fueling debates on military versus negotiation strategies. Attention then shifted to intense political conflict: the Attorney General vehemently argued her impending dismissal was illegal and politically motivated, tied to the Prime Minister's trial. Concurrently, MK Yuli Edelstein's controversial conscription law draft, outlining sanctions for draft evaders, led to his removal from a key committee. The government unanimously voted to dismiss the Attorney General, but the High Court of Justice immediately froze this decision, asserting no replacement should be declared pending judicial review. Later, severe medical reports revealed hostages Avitar David and Rom Breslavsky lost nearly half their body weight, facing immediate mortal danger. This coincided with senior officials briefing on a new decision for a full Gaza Strip occupation, signaling an intensified military approach and reports of Chief of Staff's resistance. A missile from Yemen was intercepted over central Israel in the evening.
05.08.2025
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Tuesday
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General's Warning, Hostage's Plea

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The day's Israeli media focused heavily on the deepening political-military conflict over Gaza strategy. In the morning, Prime Minister Netanyahu pushed for a full Gaza occupation despite strong opposition from the IDF Chief of Staff, who warned of risks to hostages and proposed alternative plans. Defense Minister Katz publicly asserted political authority over the military, emphasizing the chain of command. Concurrently, the constitutional crisis surrounding the Attorney General's dismissal intensified. The State Prosecutor declared the dismissal unlawful, while ministers openly defied the High Court's authority on the matter, raising concerns about the rule of law. By evening, the narrative shifted dramatically to urgent appeals at the UN Security Council. Family members of hostages, including Evyatar David's brother, testified about extreme emaciation and imminent death, urging international pressure on Hamas, foregrounding the human cost amidst the ongoing strategic debate.
06.08.2025
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Wednesday
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Gaza Conquest Debated, Draft Fury Ignites

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Israeli media consistently prioritized the intensifying debate over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed full Gaza Strip occupation. Reports detailed plans for a multi-month operation involving several IDF divisions, while Chief of Staff Zamir and other military figures increasingly warned of high costs, significant casualties, and risks to hostages. Opposition leader Lapid and the French ambassador also voiced concerns. As the day progressed, the security cabinet prepared for a decisive vote, revealing sharp internal disputes and an apparent axis forming against Netanyahu's plan. Concurrently, a major domestic crisis erupted as IDF arrests of yeshiva students ignited fury among Haredi leadership, who declared it a "war" and threatened civil disobedience. Separately, Hezbollah's strong rejection of the Lebanese government's disarmament decision drew significant attention, signaling heightened regional tensions.
07.08.2025
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Thursday
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Gaza's Fate: General Warns, Families Chain

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The Israeli media extensively prioritized the Security Cabinet's crucial debate on Gaza's future strategy. Throughout the day, Prime Minister Netanyahu advocated for military control of the entire Strip to dismantle Hamas, while clarifying intentions for an alternative civilian government rather than annexation. This met with increasingly public and firm warnings from the Chief of Staff, who asserted the military's right to express views "without fear," highlighting risks to hostage lives and potential humanitarian disaster in Gaza City. Concurrently, hostage families escalated their protests, launching a flotilla towards Gaza and some chaining themselves outside the cabinet meeting, pleading against sacrificing captives for prolonged conflict. Domestically, the Haredi conscription issue also gained significant traction, with religious leaders declaring "war" following initial arrests, marking a key internal development.
08.08.2025
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Friday
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Gaza Conquest, Germany's Arms Halt

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Israeli media extensively reported the Security Cabinet's approval of the Gaza Strip conquest, particularly Gaza City, early in the day. This decision followed hours of debate and was made despite Chief of Staff warnings regarding hostage lives and humanitarian concerns. Reports detailed the Chief of Staff's initial opposition, even suggesting removing hostage return as a war objective, before committing to execute the plan. The morning saw significant international condemnation, notably Germany's dramatic decision to halt military equipment transfers to Israel, citing concerns over the Gaza operation. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized this as rewarding Hamas. Domestic focus included strong opposition from hostage families, who labeled the decision a "death sentence," and ongoing internal political clashes. New reports emerged of Qatar and Egypt proposing a single-phase hostage release deal.
09.08.2025
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Saturday
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Smotrich's Broken Faith

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The day saw the Security Cabinet's approval of the Gaza conquest plan, despite early warnings from security chiefs who stressed hostage risks. International diplomatic efforts by the US and Qatar intensified in the morning, focusing on preventing full Israeli occupation and securing a hostage deal, with reports highlighting President Trump's direct involvement. As the day progressed, pressure mounted from hostage families, who called for a national economic shutdown and issued stark warnings to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding his responsibility for captives' lives during the takeover. The day culminated with Finance Minister Smotrich's public declaration of having "lost faith" in Netanyahu's capacity or will to achieve a decisive Gaza victory, criticizing the cabinet's approved operation as "immoral foolishness" intended only for pressure, not true success or hostage return. This signaled a significant internal political challenge.
10.08.2025
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Sunday
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Netanyahu's Gaza Strategy, Families' Strike Call

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Netanyahu's press conferences dominated the day's Israeli media, framing the Gaza operation as "liberation" and presenting five conditions for ending the conflict, while expediting the takeover timeline. This followed earlier reports on Finance Minister Smotrich's continued political pressure for decisive action, even threatening elections, and detailed IDF plans for Gaza City. Simultaneously, hostage and fallen soldier families escalated their protest, announcing a general strike for August 17th and publicly posing urgent questions to the Prime Minister. Netanyahu asserted Hamas misled Israel and was not genuinely interested in a deal, making decisive action the path to retrieve the 20 living hostages. Families dismissed his address as a "spin." Separately, a terror plot by a father and son, with the son converting post-October 7th, was uncovered, targeting an IDF pilot. Additionally, the High Court issued an interim order blocking the dismissal of the Legal Advisor.
11.08.2025
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Monday
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Leadership Rift, Hostage Pathways

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Israeli media extensively covered developments in the Gaza conflict and the ongoing hostage crisis. Early reports highlighted international diplomatic shifts, notably Australia's confirmed plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN, with New Zealand considering a similar move. Domestically, pressure intensified from hostage families, who called for a national strike and demanded clarification from Prime Minister Netanyahu on his commitment to all captives, though the Histadrut opted against a general strike, instead supporting protests. As the day progressed, new, comprehensive hostage deal proposals reportedly emerged from Egypt, including demands for Hamas's disarmament. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his stance against partial agreements, a position supported by former President Trump, who emphasized the need for military pressure. The day concluded with reports of a significant internal rift, as the Defense Minister publicly rejected military appointments made by the Chief of Staff, signaling a notable civil-military dispute.
12.08.2025
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Tuesday
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Captives' Abuse Unveiled, Gaza Relocation Explored

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The day was marked by a deepening civil-military conflict, with Defense Minister Katz freezing senior IDF appointments, citing lack of coordination. Military sources accused Katz of "blackmail" and "bullying," a persistent focus throughout the day.
Media initially highlighted Israel's claims debunking Hamas's "starvation campaign" in Gaza. However, the narrative shifted dramatically mid-day with a Health Ministry report detailing severe abuse of returned Israeli captives, including starvation and sexual assault. Israel sent this report to the Red Cross.
Hostage deal talks renewed in Cairo, but Prime Minister Netanyahu remained firm against partial agreements. By evening, a new, internationally significant development emerged: Israel reportedly discussed with South Sudan the voluntary relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a plan facing international opposition.
13.08.2025
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Wednesday
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Gaza Advance, Internal Contention

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The day's headlines were dominated by two intertwined narratives: the progression of Gaza operations and deepening internal government-military friction. In the morning, reports indicated ongoing discussions regarding a "Trump migration plan" for Gazans, with South Sudan denying reports of receiving them later in the day. Concurrently, the public dispute between the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff escalated, with the Minister asserting civilian oversight and accusing the Chief of Staff of acting on "anti-government" advice. This friction intensified as Minister Ben Gvir called for the Chief of Staff's dismissal. By mid-day, the Chief of Staff approved the "central concept" for the Gaza conquest plan, with operations in Zeitoun reportedly underway. Amidst these developments, the coalition experienced a significant legislative setback when a vote to extend reservist call-up orders failed due to a lack of majority. Separately, a historic heatwave gripped the country, breaking records and leading to a heatstroke fatality in Eilat. The day also saw Gideon Sa'ar's party merger back into Likud, marking a notable internal political development.
14.08.2025
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Thursday
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Doha Talks, Command Unity Forged

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The day's headlines centered on two converging narratives. Diplomatic efforts to secure a hostage deal intensified, marked by the Mossad chief's visit to Doha for renewed talks with Qatar. Reports conflicted on the specific agenda, but confirmed discussions about a comprehensive agreement, with Israel maintaining its refusal of a partial deal. This push occurred amid escalating public pressure, including a planned strike by hundreds of companies demanding hostage returns. Concurrently, the prominent civil-military dispute between the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff publicly resolved, as they met and vowed to "act as one fist" on the Gaza operation, signaling a unified command. Separately, controversial plans for extensive E1 settlement construction received final approval, explicitly described by some as "burying the Palestinian state" concept.
15.08.2025
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Friday
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Alaska Summit Convenes, Hamas Softens Stance

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Israeli media coverage initially highlighted National Security Minister Ben Gvir's controversial prison visit and ongoing discussions about Gaza's future, including Egypt's aid pledge and alleged efforts to preserve Hamas. Military operations saw the elimination of a senior Hamas militant in Rafah, while Hezbollah's Secretary-General declared the group would not disarm, threatening the Lebanese government. A significant shift in the hostage crisis emerged in the afternoon as Hamas reportedly signaled willingness for a "partial deal," retreating from previous demands. This document was conveyed to the Prime Minister. Concurrently, throughout the latter part of the day, Israeli outlets extensively covered the commencement and conclusion of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, emphasizing its focus on the Ukraine war and regional implications. Domestically, a major railway malfunction, attributed to "criminal negligence," caused widespread disruption, and new recordings of former Military Intelligence chief Aharon Haliva discussing October 7 gained attention.
16.08.2025
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Saturday
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Hostage Strike Commences, European Diplomacy Engages

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Israeli media on August 16 predominantly highlighted the escalating domestic pressure for hostage returns. The day saw extensive reporting on the planned nationwide "Day of Stoppage" and protests organized by hostage families, with detailed coverage of schedules, locations, and participants across various outlets. Emotional testimonies from relatives, like the sister of Bipin Joshi, amplified urgent pleas for a deal and voiced concerns over Gaza operations. Concurrently, international attention remained on the aftermath of the Trump-Putin summit. Following its conclusion without a Ukraine ceasefire, headlines shifted to President Zelensky's upcoming Washington visit, with reports confirming European leaders were invited to join these talks. Media analysis also focused on Putin's perceived strategic gains and Trump's evolving stance on peace negotiations. Separately, international pressure on Israel increased as Denmark openly considered sanctions and criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu. Amidst these developments, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his demand for a comprehensive, single-phase hostage exchange, a stance juxtaposed with reports of a shift in Hamas's position towards a partial deal.
17.08.2025
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Sunday
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The Nation Paused for Hostage Return

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Israel's 'Day of Stoppage' for hostage return dominated the media, marking an intensification of public pressure that began with widespread protests and road blockades in the morning. As the day progressed, demonstrations escalated nationwide, leading to dozens of arrests and clashes, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly condemned the movement, stating it hardened Hamas's stance and risked a return of October 7 atrocities. A significant development was the release of emotional new footage of captive Matan Tsangaoker, which further intensified public calls for a deal. Hundreds of thousands participated in evening rallies, culminating in a march to the Likud headquarters with subsequent clashes. Separately, a missile from Yemen was intercepted in central Israel. A hostage family also called for a national referendum on any potential deal.
18.08.2025
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Monday
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Hamas's Deal Response Day

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The day centered on the ceasefire and hostage negotiations, with Israeli media intensely awaiting Hamas's response to the latest Egyptian-Qatari proposal. Early reports detailed military plans for Gaza City's conquest, linked with Hamas potentially moving hostages. President Trump emphasized a "last chance" before escalation and later asserted remaining hostages would be released only with Hamas's destruction. In the afternoon, reports overwhelmingly indicated Hamas submitted a positive response or agreement to the deal. Details emerged, including a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Prime Minister Netanyahu attributed Hamas's readiness to "atomic pressure." Israel received the response, with officials beginning examination, though some sources noted Israel's core demands for full hostage release remained. Separately, the State Comptroller intensified efforts to investigate October 7th failures.
19.08.2025
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Tuesday
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Gaza Mobilization, Hostage Demands Firm

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Israeli media prioritized evolving hostage negotiations alongside accelerating military preparations. Early coverage noted Hamas's positive response to a partial ceasefire and hostage proposal, and initial details of IDF Gaza conquest plans. By mid-day, Israel's official position solidified, reiterating demands for all 50 hostages, rejecting any partial agreement. Extensive transportation disruptions commenced in Tel Aviv due to planned train station closures. The government approved debated budget cuts for war expenses. By evening, a major shift occurred towards military escalation, with tens of thousands of reservists receiving call-up orders for an upcoming Gaza City takeover. This reflected Israel's two-pronged approach to the conflict.
20.08.2025
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Wednesday
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Gaza Conquest Advances, Outpost Ambush Repelled, Roads Blocked

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Israeli media first highlighted the approval of "Gideon's Chariots B," the IDF's comprehensive plan to conquer Gaza City, prompting calls for up to 130,000 reservists for an operation expected into 2026. This focus was abruptly interrupted by intense coverage of a surprise attack in Khan Yunis, where 14-20 terrorists emerged from tunnels attempting to raid an IDF outpost and abduct soldiers. IDF forces repelled the assault, neutralizing many attackers, with one soldier seriously wounded. As the day progressed, editorial attention shifted to widespread Haredi protests blocking major highways across central Israel, disrupting traffic amidst violent clashes over draft evasion. By evening, reporting returned to Gaza, noting the IDF's preliminary actions for the maneuver and Prime Minister Netanyahu's directive to accelerate operations, rejecting ongoing truce proposals.
21.08.2025
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Thursday
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Gaza's Dual Command, Khan Younis Breach

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The day began with ongoing reports of accelerating IDF preparations for a Gaza City offensive, linking to previous days' mobilization. This was abruptly disrupted by extensive coverage of a significant Hamas breach of an IDF outpost in Khan Younis via a tunnel, revealing security failures and sparking calls for lessons learned. Mid-morning saw a shift to the return of an Israeli captive from Lebanon after secret negotiations, a positive development. Attention then briefly moved to domestic political friction as Transport Minister Regev blamed the Attorney General for protest-related bus delays. In the afternoon, military reports confirmed forces advancing towards Gaza City's outskirts. The day culminated with Prime Minister Netanyahu's late-day directive to immediately begin negotiations for all hostages and war conclusion, explicitly coupled with approving Gaza City conquest plans, signaling a dual-track strategy. Concurrently, an anticipated UN declaration of famine in Gaza emerged as a new, pressing concern.
22.08.2025
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Friday
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Hostage Count Challenged, Air Defenses Activated

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The day opened with extensive media coverage of the cabinet's formal approval for the Gaza City conquest, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots B," detailing plans for troop deployment and civilian evacuation. Concurrently, the UN declared a "famine epidemic" in Gaza City, prompting immediate and strong condemnation from Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, who branded the report "false," "biased," and a "modern blood libel." Earlier, an imminent Israel-Syria security agreement, potentially involving Donald Trump, continued to be reported. By evening, new critical developments emerged. Missile launches from Yemen triggered widespread alarms across central Israel, including Jerusalem, before being successfully intercepted. Almost simultaneously, Donald Trump's public statement suggesting "fewer than 20 living hostages" and that "not all may be alive" sparked immediate anger from hostage families demanding direct updates. Israel officially denied Trump's assertion.
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