Tel Aviv [Israel]: The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports suggesting that Hamas provided a list of hostages as part of a potential ceasefire agreement, according to Fox News.
This clarification follows claims by a UK-based news agency that Hamas had approved a list of 34 hostages to be released in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the implementation of a permanent ceasefire. The report stated that the deal was contingent on Israel’s acceptance of these terms.
In response, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement: “Contrary to what was claimed, Hamas has not forwarded a list of names of hostages until this moment.” Netanyahu, who recently underwent prostate surgery and was discharged from the hospital in good condition, is currently leading the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) across multiple fronts in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the IDF announced a series of military operations targeting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives in Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, a drone strike was carried out on a Hamas command center in the Khan Younis area, located within a designated humanitarian zone. The compound was reportedly used to plan and execute attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.
In a separate operation, the IDF targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative in Deir al-Balah, emphasizing that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm.
Additionally, the IDF reported the elimination of Saad Said Zaki Dahnon, a senior Islamic Jihad commander and deputy head of the group’s rocket division in northern Gaza. Dahnon was accused of participating in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and orchestrating multiple assaults on IDF troops in Beit Lahiya.
The IDF released footage showing Dahnon and another operative attempting to approach Israeli soldiers under the cover of darkness. Dahnon was killed in a close-quarters battle, while the second operative, carrying an explosive device, surrendered and was taken into custody for further questioning.
These developments underscore the ongoing tensions and military engagements between Israel and militant groups in Gaza as the region faces continued instability.