Morning brought internal conflicts within Netanyahu's government as a "senior source" criticized former Mossad and Shin Bet negotiation teams, prompting immediate backlash from hostage families demanding focus on rescue efforts. Five IDF reservists were indicted for severely abusing a Hamas prisoner at Sdeh Teiman detention facility.
By afternoon, preparations intensified for receiving the first bodies from Hamas captivity. The IDF planned a ceremony in Gaza territory, including Kaddish prayers and flag-draped coffins. The forensics institute estimated identification could take up to 48 hours.
Evening brought confirmation of the deceased hostages' identities: Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, along with Oded Lifshitz. The Bibas family expressed outrage at the announcement's handling, leading to finger-pointing between the Prime Minister's Office and IDF. Hamas indicated readiness to release all remaining hostages in a single batch during phase two.