Israel has recovered the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza, marking the end of a key phase in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The body of Police Sergeant Ran Gvili, killed during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, was identified and returned to Israel on Monday.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Israeli military confirmed the retrieval of Gvili’s remains after a large-scale operation in a cemetery in northern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recovery an "incredible achievement," stating that all hostages—living or dead—have now been returned. The discovery clears the way for the next phase of the ceasefire, which includes disarming Hamas and reopening Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Gvili, a 24-year-old special forces officer, was among the first hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. His family had urged Israel not to proceed to the next phase of the ceasefire until his remains were recovered.
Deeper Dive & Context
Ceasefire Progress and Next Steps
The recovery of Gvili’s remains fulfills a critical condition of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which paused the Israel-Hamas war. The next phase will focus on disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and reconstructing the territory. Israel has also announced plans to reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt, though it will retain control over who enters and exits Gaza.
Hamas’ Role and Reactions
Hamas has stated it has complied with all terms of the ceasefire’s first phase, including the return of hostages. The group had previously claimed it provided intelligence on Gvili’s location but accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas under Israeli control. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the discovery confirms the group’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
Political and Humanitarian Implications
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Hamas for its role in returning Gvili’s remains, noting the difficulty of the search. Meanwhile, Israeli officials and families of hostages have shifted focus to demands for an independent inquiry into the October 7 attacks and the war’s aftermath. Some have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict to protect his political career.
Palestinians in Gaza hope the reopening of the Rafah crossing will ease humanitarian conditions, allowing for medical evacuations and the movement of aid. However, Israel’s continued control over the crossing has raised concerns about restrictions on travel and supplies.
The recovery of Gvili’s remains marks the end of a painful chapter for Israel, with all 251 hostages from the October 7 attacks now accounted for. The next phase of the ceasefire will address the complex challenges of governance, security, and reconstruction in Gaza.