MayelynP@bocafed.org

The Latest: As fighting continues, additional IDF soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 134, (and to 466 since October 7). See details of all the fallen soldiers here. Multiple, unconfirmed reports have emerged that “intensive” talks are taking place in Egypt over a possible deal for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has arrived in Cairo to take part. According to some news outlets, Hamas would return 40 hostages it is holding, in exchange for hundreds of Hamas prisoners (including some accused of serious offenses) as well as a week-long ceasefire. At the moment, Hamas is demanding a ceasefire while a deal is negotiated, but Israel says that any ceasefire will only begin once a deal is in place.

THE LATEST: As fighting continues, additional IDF soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 116, (and to 442 since October 7). Among those who fell yesterday was American-Israeli Elisha Loewernstern, a young father of six (and a friend and neighbor of this writer). May his memory (and those of all the fallen), be for a blessing. See details of all the fallen soldiers here. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) OPERATIONS Fierce fighting continues in both northern and southern Gaza. See this summary and statement in English about the latest fighting, by an IDF spokesperson. Earlier today, IDF troops operated in the Kamal Adwan Hospital area with the Shin Bet, and dozens of Hamas terrorists were killed or detained. During the operation, the IDF troops located a building close to the hospital that was being used by Hamas terrorists. An exchange of fire took place, in which a number of Hamas terrorists were killed. Some 70 terrorists surrendered and left the building with their weapons and were detained and taken for interrogation by the Shin Bet.

The Latest: The IDF reported today that it hit 450 sites in Gaza over the past day. As fighting continues, five more IDF soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number of IDF casualties since the ground offensive began to 91. See details of all the fallen soldiers here. An anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon struck and killed an Israeli civilian in the northern border town of Mattat yesterday. The man in his 60s was treated by Magen David Adom medics near the scene who were forced to declare his death. By Thursday, the IDF said that its troops had surrounded Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, (and a center of Hamas’ power) and had also advanced inside the city. All restrictions have been lifted regarding the resumption of schools in the center of Israel. Until now, schools could only open if students could reach shelters within the allotted time when sirens rang. Israeli authorities have now identified a total of 274 soldiers and 859 civilians killed during the brutal October 7 assaults. The latter figure includes 57 Israel Police officers and 38 local security officers. It is unclear which of these individuals were on duty when killed. Removing those victims leaves a figure of 764 civilians. Read additional details about the demographics and nature of those murdered.

The Latest: The week-long ceasefire in Gaza ended this morning after Israel and Hamas failed to agree on a list of hostages to be released today. Also, the Prime Minister's office accused Hamas of not fulfilling its promise to release all the female hostages. In a terror attack in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, three people were killed when two brothers, Hamas-affiliated terrorists, opened fire at a bus stop. At least six other people were injured. Among those killed were a 24-year-old woman, and a Rabbinical Court Judge, Dayan Rabbi Elimelech Wasserman. Israeli security forces arrested 15 people last night in the West Bank on suspicion of terrorism. A rocket landed this morning in a kibbutz in the south of the country; no casualties, however, were reported.