Israeli assessments indicate Hamas can immediately transfer five deceased hostages of out of the remaining 13, with several more requiring additional effort to locate.

More than 100 Gaza border residents gathered to honor the casket of the deceased hostage as the convoy passed through the Nahal Oz junction, including Yael Adar, mother of Tamir Adar whose body was returned six days ago in the previous pulse. "I came here to receive whoever arrives," Yael Adar said. "I wish I could receive all thirteen today. I know how moved I was when they received the convoy when Tamir arrived, and when I discovered after the fact it was him. I understood this is the least I can do for the others. I'll be here until the last hostage. I stand with the families."

A diplomatic source announced Monday that one of 13 deceased hostages would be returned to Israel overnight but the handover, it turns out, was apparently, either deliberately or accidentally was not that of a hostage.

Hamas officially confirmed the deceased hostage would be handed over to Israel through the Red Cross. A source in Hamas's military wing told Al-Jazeera that during searches Tuesday a deceased hostage was found in the at-Tuffah neighborhood and coordination was underway with the Red Cross regarding transfer.

Earlier, Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said, "Israel has been committed to this ceasefire plan for more than two weeks, and so has Hamas. Hamas violated the agreement and did not return all our hostages. Israel received only the bodies of 15 out of 28 murdered hostages. And in the past five days we have received nothing from Hamas. Promises and commitments have been broken. Hamas is still a terrorist organization, and its only motivation for holding the bodies of murdered hostages is to continue torturing their families."

She added, "Hamas committed to President Trump and other Arab leaders that it would stand by this plan, which includes in the first phase the release of all our remaining hostages. Hamas knows where they are located, and there is no other possibility but to return them home. An Egyptian technical team is currently in Gaza to assist in searching for the bodies of the hostages. The team will bring additional equipment to help locate the hostages, including tractor-type vehicles. The Red Cross, the Egyptian technical team and Hamas personnel also received approval to enter beyond the IDF's yellow line in Gaza under close IDF supervision, in order to identify the location of our hostages. Hamas kidnapped them and murdered them. Israel demands the terrorist organization locate them."

US President Donald Trump wrote Saturday evening on his TRUTH account that "We have a very strong PEACE in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being EVERLASTING," but added a direct warning to Hamas, "Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages, including two Americans, quickly, or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action." Trump added, "Let's see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely.""

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In Jerusalem, several central roads will be intermittently closed through the morning and early afternoon, including Ben Zvi Boulevard, Gaza Street, Agron Street, Paris Square, the Customs Junction, King David Street, Rabin Boulevard, the government complex area, and roads surrounding the Old City.

At 9:30 a.m., Highway 1 westbound and Highway 20 northbound will close up to the HaShalom Interchange in Tel Aviv. These roads will only reopen after the vice president arrives in Tel Aviv around 11:30 a.m. Until then, drivers will need to exit at the Lod Interchange and use alternative routes.

From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tel Aviv HaShalom train station will be closed to incoming passengers. Authorities are advising commuters to use the Tel Aviv HaHagana and Tel Aviv Savidor Central stations, which will remain open.

Road closures in Tel Aviv between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. include:

• Kaplan Street from Ibn Gvirol to Yigal Alon, in both directions

• Menachem Begin Road from Jabotinsky to HaHashmonaim, in both directions

• Leskov Street from Heftman to Kaplan northbound

• Heftman Street from Shprinzak to Leskov westbound

• Leonardo da Vinci Street from Heftman to Kaplan northbound

• Dubnov Street from Shaul Hamelech Boulevard to HaArbaa, in both directions

• Daniel Frisch Street from Ibn Gvirol to Dubnov eastbound

• Shaul Hamelech Boulevard from Ibn Gvirol to Namir Road, in both directions

• Weizmann Street from Berkowitz southbound

• All on-ramps to the HaShalom Interchange from both directions

Public transportation will not operate on these streets or near the Azrieli junction during these hours.

The Israel Police have also issued a ban on the use of aerial devices, including drones, throughout the vice president's visit.

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One of those addresses is Nachalat Binyamin Street, which has emerged in recent years as the most prominent focal point in the city's culinary landscape. Spearheading this movement is Pereh restaurant, owned by Chef Aviad Feld, which opened four and a half years ago and continues to maintain its standing as one of Tel Aviv's finest and most cherished restaurants.

Feld, along with his kitchen partner Uri Steinberg, has created at Pereh a seasonal Israeli cuisine that communicates in local dialect but thinks globally. This is a restaurant that succeeds in balancing technical precision with the instincts of a chef who understands how to work with Israeli ingredients without sacrificing sophistication. It draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, from local farmers and from the markets – and presents them with meticulous aesthetics and a stylish yet unpretentious atmosphere.

Video: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visit the Pereh restaurant / Credit: Usage under Israeli Intellectual Property Law Article 27a

On the menu you'll discover evolving dishes that change with the seasons, highlighting local vegetables, fresh fish and premium meats alongside contemporary techniques and Feld's personal touch, and naturally a Japanese soufflé pancake, which has evolved into one of the city's signature dishes.

Witkoff and Kushner, apparently, have already made this discovery themselves. On Monday evening they were observed at Pereh for the second time within a week, escorted by security personnel, seated during the late evening hours and savoring the ambiance.

Chef Aviad Feld told Israel Hayom, "It's profoundly moving to host Witkoff and Jared and it touched not only us, but everyone who was present during both of their visits to the restaurant. Their connection to the restaurant and the personal bond between us warms the heart and brings special happiness. Already anticipating hosting them on their next visit."

Overall, it appears Witkoff and Kushner appreciate the remarkable culinary scene Tel Aviv has to offer. During their previous visit, immediately following the rally where they addressed the crowd at Hostages Square, the two proceeded, together with Ivanka Trump naturally, to the prestigious Pop and Pope restaurant of Chef Shachaf Shabtai on HaArba'a Street.

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"We have not been involved in any discussions on regulatory reform and have no plans to launch in Israel," a spokesperson for the company said, distancing Uber from the statements made by Regev in recent days.

Speaking for the first time about the decision with Israel Hayom, Regev said: "I don't understand why everyone is so surprised, I've said before that this would happen. Yes, there are taxi drivers who oppose it, but there are also those who want to be both taxi drivers and Uber drivers. At the moment, the matter is being handled with the Finance Ministry, with Israel's citizens and the cost of living in mind. Our goal is to lower ride prices and keep looking forward."

Uber pulled out of the Israeli market in June 2023, citing difficult market conditions and relatively limited demand. The company does not appear to have any intention of returning to Israel in the near future.

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This is a significant move expected to have a major impact on the country's taxi industry, which may soon undergo additional changes due to proposed fare adjustments recently submitted by the ministry's Special Rides Pricing Committee.

The ministry's proposal to revise taxi fares has already faced pushback from several groups, including the Histadrut's Forum of Independents and Freelancers, which represents the Taxi Drivers' Union within Israel's national labor union. The arrival of a ride-sharing platform such as Uber is expected to disrupt the industry even further.

In a formal letter submitted Monday, the Forum argued that the assumptions used by the committee in determining the new fare structure did not accurately reflect the real costs of operating taxis. But with the imminent arrival of a US company offering online ride-hailing through a shared-service model, some question whether a renewed discussion of the fare issue is even relevant.

It is worth noting that Uber has faced heavy criticism in the US and Europe over claims that it undermines the livelihoods of local taxi drivers. Protests against the company took place as early as 2016, and in 2023 Uber shut down operations in Israel, citing regulatory hurdles and the country's relatively small market.

An Uber spokesperson stated: "We have not been involved in any discussions on regulatory reform, and have no plans to launch in Israel."

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Despite the dramatic voyage, it appears that during their journey to Cyprus, Taglit passengers seized the opportunity to decompress with a spectacular party that many Israelis cannot enjoy these days, while under fire.

Video: Taglit evacuated approximately 1,500 program participants Tuesday night in an emergency sea operation / Credit: Mano Maritime

The organization evacuated approximately 1,500 program participants Tuesday night in an emergency sea operation, utilizing the Israeli luxury vessel "Crown Iris" from Mano Maritime, which departed from Ashdod Port bound for Cyprus. The voyage, lasting roughly 13 hours, proceeded under tight escort from Israeli Navy vessels that safeguarded the participants throughout their journey amid heightened regional security tensions.

The vessel was chartered specifically as part of Taglit's swift initiative to begin repatriating the approximately 2,800 program participants who had been staying in Israel, following the escalation with Iran. Boarding priority was granted to groups that had completed their ten-day programs in the country.

Following their Cyprus arrival, all participants are scheduled to continue via chartered flights to their home countries – the United States, Britain, Australia, and beyond. Taglit covers all expenses for this operation, both maritime and aerial. Separately, American participants are expected to return on chartered flights financed by Florida state.

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Acting on directives from the Ministry of Transportation, the airline launched a special registration process on Monday for passengers whose flights to Israel were canceled. The effort, which also includes El Al's charter subsidiary Sundor, marks the first coordinated step toward repatriating tens of thousands of Israelis currently abroad.

An estimated 150,000 Israelis are currently stranded abroad. El Al opened registration through a dedicated link on its official website, stressing that phone requests would not be accepted. Applicants were instructed to await an email confirmation – typically sent within three hours – acknowledging receipt of their request. However, the airline emphasized that this confirmation does not guarantee a seat on a flight either.

Shortly after the announcement, the airline's website temporarily crashed due to a surge in traffic, rendering the registration portal inaccessible for many users. The disruption, however, was short-lived, and the site has since returned to full functionality.

Birthright visitors will be able to return home

Earlier in the day, Transportation Minister Miri Regev announced that outbound flights would also be permitted, enabling tourists and temporary visitors – including participants in Birthright Israel programs – to return to their home countries. She acknowledged that repatriating all stranded Israelis would take time and urged those abroad to remain calm.

"There's no need to panic," Regev said in a public address to stranded Israelis. "You're abroad – enjoy yourselves. I know it's not simple… but I ask for your patience."

Prioritization criteria and special cases

EL AL stated that prioritization will be based on the original departure dates of canceled flights. In special circumstances, humanitarian and security-related cases may be given precedence, subject to approval from relevant authorities.

While the sequence of registration is being tracked, it will not be a determining factor in seat allocation. Decisions will be made according to operational feasibility and evolving security conditions.

The airline urged passengers to prepare for potential delays in communication and flight scheduling. Travelers were advised to secure temporary accommodations as needed and to retain receipts for potential reimbursement, in accordance with Israel's consumer protection regulations.

Flight details will be released once government approval is granted. As of Monday evening, El Al confirmed it is coordinating closely with national authorities to ensure the safe execution of these exceptional repatriation operations.

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The Ministry of Transport announced, "The airspace of the State of Israel is closed to takeoffs and landings until further notice. The purpose of the closure is to prevent and minimize risks to passengers and aircraft. Passengers scheduled to depart from Ben Gurion Airport today are requested to remain at home and not arrive at the airport."

Passengers will receive notifications through media channels at least six hours before the airspace reopens and can check updated flight schedules on airline websites and the Israel Airports Authority website. The ministry added, "Passengers currently abroad whose flights were canceled, did not depart, or landed at alternative airports are requested to follow media updates and, once the airspace reopens, check airline websites for their new flight times."

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This opportunity follows the team's impressive fourth-place finish in the national "FIRST Israel" robotics competition, run by the organization affiliated with the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

"Every year, we devote 300 to 400 hours of volunteer work to the robotics teams, and this year, for the first time, we made it to fourth place nationally," Evron told Israel Hayom with excitement.

The initiative is backed by a nonprofit organization Evron leads, called Dream – Education for Technology and Science. The nonprofit recruits individuals with engineering backgrounds to establish robotics teams in middle and high schools throughout the city. These teams not only compete in tournaments, thanks to the organization, but also take part in educational programs that use robots to introduce children to technology-focused learning.

"Our goal is to teach kids science and technology through an engaging experience – one that incorporates teamwork, accountability, and activities that demand investment beyond regular school hours," said Evron.

Focus on technological education

Today, there is a league for students from 4th to 9th grade, a high school league for 10th to 12th graders, and a national league for these age groups. "There are around 500 such teams in Israel, with about 20 of them competing each year for the top spot in the national competition. Within our teams, we build LEGO-based robots while the kids learn coding, algorithms, and mechanics."

To donate or support the team: PayBox Donation Link

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Video: Wikoff and Boehler speak at the Hostages and Missing Families Forum / Courtesy

During the meeting, Witkoff and Boehler emphasized their personal commitment to bringing back the remaining 58 hostages, both living and deceased. Witkoff told the families, "We are committed to returning all hostages – both living and deceased. We won't accept anything less than everyone's return. This is the president's mission. We all want to see a diplomatic solution. The fact is that most survivors came out through diplomatic solutions. If Adam and I didn't believe there's a chance for progress in negotiations, we wouldn't have traveled to Doha."

Hanna Cohen, aunt of Israeli hostage Inbar Hayman, told Israel Hayom about Witkoff: "He tried very hard not to touch our political matters. His aspiration for a larger deal that includes deceased hostages and living hostages is evident. He understands the need to return the deceased because he has a child who is no longer alive."

According to Cohen, she left the conversation feeling positive, "People asked questions, Witkoff was very kind and sat with us for a long time, and spoke patiently. I hope everything will be okay. I drew hope from his words, and I want to believe they're true. Witkoff said he trusts Netanyahu that he does want to bring everyone back."

Sharon Sharabi, brother of the deceased hostage Yossi Sharabi, emphasized the urgency, "We have no time. Witkoff knows this and is committed to the mission. Adam Boehler said that Israel was born from the Holocaust and Nazism and I know this Holocaust cannot be repeated. The State of Israel experienced a mini-Holocaust on October 7, and we won't let it happen again. I'm sure the Americans understand this well, hope the families will see their loved ones soon, and we can leave this issue behind us, but also analyze and learn from it."

According to Sharabi, Witkoff said their entire schedule is dedicated to the mission of releasing the hostages. "'Hostages must not remain in the hell of the Middle East. Israel needs to move forward with countries in the region to jointly defeat terrorism threats,' he said. These are very clear words, and as families of hostages, we know the American administration is doing everything to bring the hostages home."

Rubi, father of captured soldier Itai Chen, added, "The fact that Witkoff sat with us for more than two hours is truly a special act. I'm sorry that the Israeli government doesn't do something similar with the families. Witkoff is here until the last hostage [returned] and will do what he can until that happens. He said if he didn't think it would help him to be here, he wouldn't have traveled. There's optimism here."

Ayelet Samerano, whose son Yonatan is a hostage, described the meeting as empowering, "We met with Witkoff in the room that has accompanied us since October 7. It was empowering and strengthening. We leave optimistic, we were told that the Trump administration is committed until the last hostage. They see eye to eye on everything with the Israeli government. Hoping we'll get our hostages back soon. Adam Boehler joined, and we saw that these are two strong people who, inspired by President Trump, will do everything for us."

"I came out strengthened from the meeting," the father of Israeli hostage Idan Shtivi said. "I thank Trump and the Israeli government that's working with them, and I'm pleased with this because we thought differently."

"The most significant message is that Witkoff won't leave this issue until the return of the last hostage," Dani Miran, father of Israeli hostage Omri Miran, said. "I asked him that the hostages not return in groups, but to make one deal for all hostages. Even though my son is the oldest there and has two daughters and would be in the first phase to be released, I asked that if needed, delay but bring everyone in one phase, so there will be relief for all families."

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