Reports emerged of Israeli airstrikes on displaced persons' tents in Khan Younis, killing multiple civilians including children. The Gaza Ministry of Health announced 1,500 Palestinians have lost their eyesight during the conflict with 4,000 more at risk.

By midday, Palestinian news sources reported direct negotiations between Hamas and the Trump administration, bypassing Israel. This marked a significant shift following Trump's reported frustration with Netanyahu's continued military operations, which Trump allegedly described as "wasted effort."

The Israeli Cabinet approved plans to expand operations in Gaza, mobilizing five reserve brigades while a senior Israeli security official claimed the war might continue for two more years.

The day's most significant development came in the evening when Hamas announced its willingness to release American-Israeli soldier Eidan Alexander as part of broader ceasefire efforts, described by Al-Resalah as "a resounding slap to Netanyahu." Qatar and Egypt welcomed the move as Islamic Jihad insisted no captives would be released without fully ending the war.