The president added: "I cannot imagine your pain. Our strength is with you; we stand with you." On the condition of the hostages, he said: "Out of 59, you had 24 that were living, and now I understand that it’s not even that number."

The Nova massacre survivor Mia Schem gave an interview to Channel 12, revealing that she was the one who approached police with the allegation. “I’m not the one who should be hiding,” she said. 

An IDF soldier was left alone inside the Gaza Strip for approximately 40 minutes during a military operation earlier this week, the IDF confirmed, calling the incident a "serious operational failure."

Which ceremonies are happening, how the day differs from past celebrations, who will receive awards – and whether the skies will host a flyover for Israel’s 77th birthday. Here's the full breakdown, including the weather forecast and all you need to know.

Residents of the Gaza border kibbutz have created a symbolic display in which the Star of David at the center of the Israeli flag has been replaced with the number 59 — the number of hostages still held in captivity. "We have no other choice," they said. The flag bears the pain of the community and delivers a clear message: as long as the hostages have not been returned, Independence Day cannot be celebrated.