Prosecutors allege Noa Goldenberg, frustrated by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's beach visit at a time of war, formed a "hardened mud ball" and threw it at Ben-Gvir, hitting him and bystanders.
In a rally at the Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, the family of Avera Mengistu – an Israeli citizen captured by Hamas and held in Gaza since September 2014 – marked 10 years to his captivity.
Around 65 rockets were launched toward Kibbutz Yiftach, Dan, and other northern communities in Israel. Five of the rockets landed in open areas. The mayor of Kiryat Shmona stated: "If the Prime Minister wants people to return and settle this region, no one will agree to be cannon fodder or live like lambs to the slaughter."
Twelve-year-old Erez Kalderon shares harrowing experience of captivity and separation from his father, still held by Hamas.
His body was recovered from Gaza alongside five other hostages murdered by Hamas: Eden Yerushalmi, Alex Lobanov, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Carmel Gat. President Herzog eulogized him and said, "I am sorry we failed to return you home safely."
"Those who murder hostages are not interested in negotiations," Netanyahu says in a recorded statement on the deaths, issued after a notable delay. "Along with all Israeli citizens, I am appalled by the cold-blooded murders."
Foreign reports suggest that Israel has consented to a humanitarian pause in hostilities across several areas of the Gaza Strip to facilitate the vaccination effort. Israel has exposed that hundreds of is employees were allegedly affiliated with terrorists, some of whom took part in atrocities.
86-year-old Arie Zalmanovicz, whose death in captivity was confirmed in December, was denied proper medical care. Approximately 40 days after his abduction, Hamas released a 28-second video showing Zalmanovicz lying on a bed, connected to a monitor and complaining of feeling unwell. Later footage showed him motionless and covered with a white sheet.
Qaid Farhan Alkadi is greeted by a special welcome home party after nearly 11 months in captivity.
The campaign, the largest of its kind in nearly two decades, is backed by significant air support, both for protecting forces and for strikes by helicopters and drones against terror targets.