The 500-day mark since October 7 brought new revelations about captivity conditions, with Ohad Ben-Ami describing six people confined to six square meters underground. Released hostage Ofer Calderon lost 25kg in captivity, with Hamas force-feeding him before release to conceal malnutrition.
By afternoon, Israel confirmed preparations to receive four hostage bodies on Thursday, while negotiating for six living hostages' release on Saturday. The IDF announced withdrawal from Lebanon except for five strategic outposts, tripling border forces.
Evening brought Yair Horn's first public testimony since his release two days prior, describing tunnel conditions and pleading for his brother's return. Reports revealed Hamas's Nukhba force had originally targeted Netivot but mistakenly reached Nova party. The War Cabinet convened to discuss Phase B parameters, while 83% of border evacuees returned home.