Tel Aviv, Israel – Four months after the ceasefire agreement and amid continued tensions in Gaza, the remains of the final Israeli hostage held in the strip was already found.
In a social media statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the remains were located during a focused operation based on their consolidated intelligence leads given by Hamas yesterday.
The last fallen hostage was identified as Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli Master Sergeant.
According to the IDF, Gvili was killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.
Although off duty at the time, he reportedly confronted militants while attempting to protect civilians.
This recovery marks a major development in the first phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, particularly the prisoner-hostage exchange component.
Under the agreement, Hamas had already released all hundreds of living hostages and now returned the remains of all 28 deceased captives, including the recent recovery.
However, the first phase still falters as Hamas refuses to disarm.
Meanwhile, Israel is still committing an offensive in Gaza with more than 400 deaths on the ongoing ceasefire.
Going back, the recovery could now pave the way for the limited reopening of the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as previously announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Officials from the U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic committee have said the crossing is expected to reopen later this week.
Israeli authorities have yet to confirm an exact date but said the reopening would initially allow the passage of people only.
It can be recalled that Rafah is also a key route for humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
Israeli officials said that Gvili’s remains were already brought home and that they are coordinating closely with his family, assuring them that he will be given a proper burial.