Media reported significant progress in negotiations to release Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, held captive in Iraq for over two years, though a US official later denied any breakthrough.
The IDF deployed all regular infantry and armored brigades in Gaza, expanding operations as Hamas reportedly faces an unprecedented military and economic crisis, struggling to pay fighters and acquire weapons.
A humanitarian crisis deepened with planned American-supervised food distribution stations delayed and aid trucks looted. Reports of nine Palestinian children killed in an IDF strike in Khan Younis were under investigation.
Controversy surrounded designated Shin Bet chief Major General David Zini following reports of a heated confrontation with former IDF Chief Hertzi Halevi over hostage prioritization, with Zini describing the conflict as an "eternal war."
By evening, freed hostage Naama Levy spoke publicly for the first time since her release, revealing she survived on rainwater during her 477 days in captivity and feared IDF airstrikes most.