"Israeli Army Confirms Deaths of Soldiers in Gaza Conflict"

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the death of Yair Yaakov, previously thought to be a hostage in Gaza, while Staff Sgt. Rotem Sahar Hadar was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the U.S. for not pressuring Israel enough, and rocket sirens sounded in northern Israel. Israel asked the world court to dismiss South Africa's request for emergency measures ahead of an offensive in Rafah, and protesters in Tel Aviv called for a hostage deal and government overhaul. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal on the release of hostages held by Hamas remains possible, while U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged Israel to fully open the Kerem Shalom crossing for international aid to Gaza.