The head of the Israeli Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Ayat Zamir, ordered the military's readiness increased to the highest level this morning, October 6th, 2025, emphasizing defense during the Eid Sukut holiday. This development occurs as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a prisoner exchange have begun, according to Egyptian al-Qahir al-Qahier Channel. The Israeli military's primary focus will be on defense through the end of the holiday, with Lieutenant General Zamir stating, "We are always ready for it, we are ready to defend and attack all the fronts. We continue our mission so that the Israeli people can celebrate Eid Sukut in peace and security." This announcement follows reports of continued destruction in Gaza City. In parallel, the Israeli Embassy in Italy, led by Ambassador Yonatan Peled, successfully protested and worked with Italian authorities to cancel an event that sought to "glorify" the October 7th massacre. Ambassador Peled stated, "I find it outrageous that in Italy there are events that celebrate the massacre of 7 October: rapes, mutilations, summary executions, people burned living and kidnappings of innocent civilians committed by Hamas. Crimes against humanity that have no justification." Previous reports from October 6th indicated that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs had characterized the Hamas-Sumud flotilla as a "publicity stunt" after discovering minimal aid. Approximately 171 flotilla participants, including Greta Thunberg, were deported from Israel to Greece and Slovakia, with the MFA stating their legal rights were upheld. Additionally, earlier on October 6th, the Israel Defense Forces announced the dismantling of long-range rocket stockpiles and weapons caches in Gaza City.
