The IDF has intensified operations against Hamas in Gaza. Early this morning (Sunday), Israeli Navy forces opened fire on Palestinian vessels that strayed beyond the permitted maritime zone and were suspected of abnormal activity near the coast, according to Israeli news site, Walla.
The naval operation followed reports of loud explosions heard overnight in southern Israel, which, according to journalist Nitzan Shapira, originated from an IDF airstrike that destroyed a residential compound in northern Gaza.
Deadly Incident Over the Weekend
During Shabbat, Master Sgt. Ghaleb Sliman Al-Nasasra, a decorated tracker in the IDF’s Northern Brigade, was killed during an operational mission near Beit Hanoun.
Several others were injured, including a tracker who remains in serious condition and a female officer and combat medic from the Border Defense Corps’ 414th Battalion. All wounded were evacuated to hospitals, and their families were informed.
Hamas Releases New Video of Hostage Elkana Bohbot
Meanwhile, Hamas released a third video in one month showing hostage Elkana Bohbot, who tearfully addressed his wife Rivka and son Raam David: “I dream of you every day, every hour,” he said, pleading: “Please don’t stop fighting for me. Do everything you can.”
His family responded: “The only thing we feel as this holiday ends is the opposite of freedom… We are deeply worried about his physical and emotional state.”
Netanyahu: “We Will Not Surrender to Murderers”
In a recorded statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to growing calls to end the war: “I’ve instructed the IDF to increase pressure,” he declared.
“If we give in now—all our achievements will be lost. Ending the war under surrender terms would send a dangerous message to our enemies.”
Netanyahu revealed that Hamas rejected a new hostage deal and added: “If we don’t finish the job and eliminate Hamas—another October 7 is only a matter of time.”
Amid ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S., he emphasized: “I remain fully committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.”
Hundreds of Targets Hit, Dozens of Militants Killed
The IDF continued intense fighting throughout Gaza: Givati Brigade and Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit destroyed a booby-trapped tunnel route in Rafah and uncovered weapons caches and explosives, the 188th Armored Brigade’s combat team killed over 40 militants and destroyed key terror infrastructure, and IAF fighter jets struck approximately 300 targets over the weekend, bringing the total to over 1,400 strikes since the start of Operation “Oz V’Herev” (Might and Sword).
Additionally, artillery units also launched powerful shelling on the MORAG corridor terror targets, including weapons depots, launch sites, and armed militants.
IDF Statement: “The IDF will continue operating against terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to defend Israeli citizens and bring all hostages home.”
