After more than two years of uncertainty and anguish, Israeli officials confirmed on Monday that the remains of the final Israeli hostage held in Gaza have been recovered, the IDF said.
Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old officer in the Israeli Police Special Forces, was identified following a complex and large-scale operation carried out over the weekend in northern Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the operation took place in a cemetery, where Israeli teams located and retrieved his body.
With the recovery of Gvili’s remains, the IDF stated that there are now officially no Israeli hostages remaining in captivity in Gaza.
Gvili was killed during the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023, when he fell in combat while carrying out his duties. His body was abducted during the assault and remained in Gaza ever since.
Israeli forces began searching the area after Hamas announced that it had fulfilled its obligations under the current ceasefire framework. The return of all hostages, both living and deceased, was a central condition of the agreement’s first phase.
Throughout the negotiations, Gvili’s family repeatedly appealed to Israel’s leadership not to proceed to the next stage of the ceasefire until his remains were brought home. Their plea was echoed by many across Israel, where his image became a symbol at public gatherings and vigils, including events held during Chanukah in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.
Following the identification, officials said that Gvili’s body will now be returned to Israel for burial.
The IDF extended condolences to the Gvili family and reiterated its commitment to supporting bereaved families and continuing efforts to safeguard Israel’s citizens.
With the final hostage now recovered, Israel marks a somber milestone in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, as the nation continues to mourn its fallen and confront the lasting consequences of the war.
Please, ENOUGH Korbonos Have mercy on your children We are completely numb and broken impossible to process what’s taking place all around us The extreme is destroying any chances of making this world a place to serve you a place we could all call home Don’t prolong kolus It really feels like you gave up or regret your pass decisions choosing us, if it is true please bring everything to a end NOW. We all really really tried, but clearly never had a chance. Am Israel need to hear direct from you, No representative No messenger s, No signs. Let… Read more »
Shkoyah !! Nothing to add you expressed exactly how so many of us feel … we are so eager to be busy knowing Gd and so tired of relating to him thru the prism of Gallus
Unfortunately the guy who is really in charge of the state of Israel ( you know the guy who lives in the WH ) won’t go for this at all because of orders from Qatar
TY to the IDF
Sending love to the Gvili family