The morning began with Defense Minister Katz publicly instructing IDF Chief Halevi to cooperate with the State Comptroller's October 7 investigation, leading to an unprecedented clash between military and civilian leadership. By noon, the IDF announced recovering Youssef al-Ziadna's body from a Rafah tunnel, marking the first hostage body retrieval of 2025. The family's anger intensified upon learning he died alongside Hamas militants, possibly in an IDF strike.
The evening brought news of three armor corps soldiers killed when their tank triggered explosives in Beit Hanoun: Staff Sergeants Matityahu Perel, Kanao Kasa, and Nevo Fisher. This incident followed yesterday's deaths of two Nahal officers in the same area, suggesting intensified Hamas resistance in northern Gaza despite claims of IDF control.
Throughout the day, reports emerged of a potential hostage deal framework offering Hamas a 6-8 week pause in exchange for lists of living captives.