The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) arrested 15 Palestinians in the northeastern city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip between 8:35 AM and 9:35 AM UTC on October 15th, 2025, according to Elmiedin Channel. This action comes as the IDF confirmed that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas overnight was not an Israeli hostage, with Israeli sources suggesting it was a Gazan mistakenly delivered. Hamas is expected to return more bodies today. This past hour, Israeli sources indicated they believe Hamas mistakenly handed over the body of a Gazan individual. This individual was reportedly wearing an IDF uniform and was apparently shot during the war. The Elmiedin Channel also reported the IDF arrests in Rafah during this period. Turkey has dispatched dozens of personnel to Gaza to aid in locating bodies. The IDF's confirmation that one of the four bodies returned overnight was not an Israeli hostage follows previous reports from this morning, October 15th, 2025, detailing the identification and return of three hostage bodies: Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch Zal, and Eitan Levi Zal. Indications from an Israeli factor cited by N12 had suggested Hamas might have erred in identifying bodies. The IDF continues its efforts to locate and return all abductees. Separately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed a judge that he is experiencing health issues, citing a persistent bronchitis that has affected his voice, and requires rest, though he has official events scheduled for tomorrow. This discussion occurred while a law that could potentially halt Netanyahu's trial was on the government's agenda. Earlier today, the IDF announced the reopening of Zikim Beach near the northern Gaza Strip border to the public starting October 16th, 2025. This decision, approved by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, removes a closed military zone imposed since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Zikim Beach was a site where 38 Hamas terrorists arrived via speedboats on October 7, 2023, leading to the murder of 17 civilians and one soldier.
