Israel confirms recovery of last hostage’s remains in Gaza
Israel has confirmed that the remains of the final hostage in Gaza, 24-year-old Border Police officer Ran Gvili, have been recovered, clearing the way for the next phase of the ceasefire that ended the Israel-Hamas war. Gvili, who was killed during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, had been the last missing person whose return was required before moving forward with the U.S.-brokered truce. His family had urged the government to complete his recovery before advancing to the second phase.
The military conducted a large-scale operation in a northern Gaza cemetery, drawing on intelligence to locate Gvili’s remains. Rabbis and dental experts assisted with identification. The operation follows months of tension, with Israel accusing Hamas of delaying the handover and Hamas asserting it had provided all information available. Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2023, Israel had already recovered the remains of 27 hostages and returned 20 living hostages, while releasing hundreds of Palestinian bodies in exchange. With Gvili’s recovery, Israel has indicated it will reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt for Palestinians, a critical lifeline that has been mostly closed since May 2024.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which included the return of all hostages, had been closely monitored by mediators, including Washington. The next phase calls for an international stabilization force, the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government, and the disarmament of Hamas. The recovery operation occurred amid continued Israeli military activity in Gaza, which has resulted in additional Palestinian deaths, and the Israeli Supreme Court is considering a petition to allow independent foreign journalists access to the territory.
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