The day began with ongoing reports of accelerating IDF preparations for a Gaza City offensive, linking to previous days' mobilization. This was abruptly disrupted by extensive coverage of a significant Hamas breach of an IDF outpost in Khan Younis via a tunnel, revealing security failures and sparking calls for lessons learned. Mid-morning saw a shift to the return of an Israeli captive from Lebanon after secret negotiations, a positive development. Attention then briefly moved to domestic political friction as Transport Minister Regev blamed the Attorney General for protest-related bus delays. In the afternoon, military reports confirmed forces advancing towards Gaza City's outskirts. The day culminated with Prime Minister Netanyahu's late-day directive to immediately begin negotiations for all hostages and war conclusion, explicitly coupled with approving Gaza City conquest plans, signaling a dual-track strategy. Concurrently, an anticipated UN declaration of famine in Gaza emerged as a new, pressing concern.