Palestinian resistance forces killed four Israeli soldiers in a booby-trapped building explosion in Khan Younis on Eid al-Adha morning, with Israeli military sources officially confirming the casualties. The operation, which Palestinian sources framed as an "Eid gift," involved commandos who were seriously wounded alongside the deaths. Additional ambushes occurred in Jabalia, continuing the tactical momentum from previous days' resistance operations.
Despite ongoing bombardment that killed over 35 Palestinians since dawn, tens of thousands performed Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque and among Gaza's ruins. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation closed all aid distribution sites, compounding the crisis that forced doctors to donate their own blood to treat patients.
Diplomatic activity intensified as Hamas responded to Qatari mediation efforts regarding the Wittcoff proposal modifications, while France's Foreign Minister announced determination to recognize Palestinian statehood. Netanyahu called it a "very difficult day" as Israeli officials acknowledged unpreparedness for prolonged warfare.