The morning papers prepared Israel for receiving four hostage bodies from Hamas. The transfer began with Hamas staging a ceremony in Khan Younis, which Israeli sources criticized as violating agreements. The Red Cross vehicles received the coffins by 8 AM, followed by an IDF ceremony in Gaza with Chief Rabbi Karim.
By afternoon, forensics confirmed Oded Lifshitz was murdered in Islamic Jihad captivity over a year ago, while identification continued for Shiri Bibas and her children. Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square as a senior diplomatic source indicated Phase Two negotiations would be "complex and lengthy."
Evening brought a coordinated terror attempt in central Israel, with three bombs exploding in empty buses across Bat Yam and Holon, while two additional devices were discovered. The 5kg devices, marked "Revenge from Tulkarem," were meant to detonate Friday morning.