Tel Aviv.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has denied reports that Hamas sent a list of hostages to be released under a possible ceasefire agreement on Sunday. The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office comes after a UK-based news agency reported that Hamas has approved a list of 34 hostages whom it will release in exchange for a ceasefire agreement.
According to the report, Hamas has said that the deal is contingent on Israel agreeing to withdraw from Gaza and implementing a permanent ceasefire. “Contrary to what was claimed, Hamas has not sent a list of the names of the hostages until this moment,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. Currently, PM Netanyahu is leading the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on multiple fronts in the Middle East. The statement came days after Netanyahu was released from hospital on Thursday following prostate surgery. According to his office, Netanyahu was in good condition and fully conscious after the surgery. Meanwhile, the IDF has announced that it has launched a drone strike against Hamas operatives on a command center in the Israel-designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza. According to the Israeli military, the complex, located in the Khan Yunis area, was used by Hamas operatives to plan attacks against troops and Israel in Gaza.
The IDF launched a separate attack in the Deir al-Balah area.
The IDF said a separate attack was carried out in the Deir al-Balah area of the humanitarian zone, targeting an activist of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which has previously carried out attacks in the area. According to Israeli media reports, the IDF said it took measures to minimize civilian harm in both attacks.
Saad Saeed Zaki Dahnon killed by soldiers
The IDF said troops killed Saad Saeed Zaki Dahnoun, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad company commander and deputy head of the terror group’s rocket division in northern Gaza, during recent operations in Jabaliya, northern Gaza. He took part in the attack on October 7, 2023.
Dahnon had infiltrated into Israel
The IDF said that Dahnon had infiltrated into Israel. He was also involved in several attacks against soldiers in the Beit Lahiya area. According to media reports, the IDF has released a video in which Dahnon and other militants are seen covering themselves in blankets. Also, they are seen trying to approach the soldiers under the cover of rainy season.
Second operative brought to Israel for questioning
The IDF said that Dahanon had been killed, while the other operative surrendered to troops. According to the IDF, the second operative was in possession of an explosive device and was brought to Israel for further questioning.
