The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the reopening of Zikim Beach near the northern Gaza Strip border to the public starting tomorrow, October 16th, 2025. This decision, approved by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, follows a fresh assessment and significant operational activities in northern Gaza, removing a closed military zone imposed since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Zikim Beach was the site where 38 Hamas terrorists arrived via speedboats on October 7, 2023, resulting in the murder of 17 civilians and one soldier. The IDF stated the reopening was made possible by preparations from the Southern Command and Navy. This development occurs as the bodies of three identified hostages—Tamir Nimrodi, Uriel Baruch Zal, and Eitan Levi Zal—were confirmed returned for burial on October 15th, 2025, following forensic identification. Indications suggest that Hamas may have erred in identifying bodies, potentially hoping for more prisoner releases, according to an Israeli factor cited by N12. While four bodies were returned to Israel overnight, only three are likely those of Israeli hostages, with the fourth possibly identified as a Hamas operative. The IDF continues its efforts to locate and return all abductees, with forensic identification processes ongoing. President Donald Trump had previously warned Hamas to disarm or face forceful disarmament, and Palestinian Authority Security Forces spokesperson Anwar Rajab condemned Hamas's actions as "vile terrorism."
