The day began with sirens in Beer Sheva as the IDF intercepted a Houthi missile launched from Yemen. Simultaneously, news broke of Syria's pledge to the US that it would not threaten Israel, committing to monitor Palestinian factions within its borders.
By mid-morning, a massive explosion rocked Iran's strategic Bandar Abbas port, with casualty reports escalating throughout the day from dozens to over 500 injured. Media reports connected the blast to mysterious Chinese chemical shipments possibly linked to ballistic missile fuel, noting its proximity to Revolutionary Guard facilities.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations gained momentum as Hamas reportedly agreed to a five-year ceasefire in exchange for all remaining hostages, with Egypt presenting a "final agreement" framework.
By late afternoon, the IDF announced that two soldiers - Captain Ido Voloch and Staff Sergeant Neta Yitzhak Cahana - were killed during combat operations in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, as military officials prepared to intensify operations.