Israel launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots" overnight, seizing strategic territories in Gaza with extensive airstrikes. By morning, Defense Minister Katz announced Hamas had returned to negotiations in Qatar "without preconditions" - framing it as direct result of military pressure. The proposed framework includes releasing 8-10 hostages with a 70-day ceasefire.
Media reported Israel and Syria held direct talks in Azerbaijan, potentially signaling diplomatic breakthroughs amid conflict. Reports also emerged of Trump developing plans to relocate Gazan Palestinians to Libya.
By evening, Hamas confirmed agreeing to discuss a "partial deal" while Israel continued military operations. Families of hostages demonstrated nationwide, with incidents of violence against protesters reported.
Meanwhile, Yuval Raphael represented Israel at Eurovision finals amidst pro-Palestinian protests, concluding her performance with "Am Israel Chai" (The people of Israel live), briefly putting Israel in first place during voting.