Overview
- The order followed an emergency security meeting after Israel identified remains handed over by Hamas as those of Ofir Tzarfati, whose body had been recovered in 2023.
- Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades said they are postponing a planned handover of a hostage’s body, arguing Israeli actions undermine recovery efforts.
- An Israeli military official reported Hamas fire on troops near Rafah, with Israel responding with artillery and airstrikes in the area.
- Health officials in Gaza reported at least two people killed and 12 wounded, including children, in strikes in Gaza City during the overnight barrage.
- Israel recently allowed Egyptian specialists, the ICRC and Hamas teams to search for remains in Israeli-controlled parts of Gaza as families press for the return of 13 bodies still unaccounted for.