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.