Morning headlines focused on a breakthrough in hostage negotiations, with reports of a final draft submitted to both parties. The framework involves releasing 33 hostages in the first phase, most confirmed alive by Israeli sources. Trump's January 20 deadline creates pressure to conclude the deal, while coalition tensions emerged as Smotrich opposed the terms.
By afternoon, tragedy struck as five Nahal reconnaissance unit soldiers were killed in a building collapse in Beit Hanoun, bringing the week's casualties in that sector to 16. The incident occurred in the same area where four soldiers fell yesterday.
Evening brought Biden's statement that parties were "on the brink" of a deal, with Qatar set to host final talks tomorrow. Meanwhile, Hamas reportedly demanded Sinwar's body, which Israel rejected, while American pressure mounted to conclude negotiations before Trump's inauguration.