Overview
- Israeli and Arab sources estimate 200–300 Hamas fighters are isolated in tunnels under Israeli-controlled areas, while Hamas says about 100, mostly in Rafah with others near Khan Younis, Beit Hanoun and Shuja'iyya.
- Recent clashes after fighters surfaced from a tunnel killed two Israeli soldiers, and subsequent airstrikes caused many casualties, underscoring the fragility of the U.S.-mediated weapons truce.
- Israel insists the fighters must surrender and has signaled it will operate without restrictions in the controlled zone, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew a conditional evacuation plan; Hamas seeks safe passage.
- Israel identified the body of hostage Lior Rudaeff after his remains were returned, leaving five deceased captives to be transferred under the October agreement that mandates reciprocal handovers.
- Israeli media report Hamas may have located the remains of soldier Hadar Goldin in a Rafah tunnel; the IDF chief met his family and vowed to bring all bodies home, while thousands, including former hostages, rallied to demand the remaining returns.