Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Ran Gvili, the final Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip, following a military operation. Gvili, an Israeli police officer, was killed on October 7, 2023, and his body had remained in Gaza since then. The recovery marks the first time since 2014 that no Israeli hostages are reported to be held in the enclave. The identification process was conducted by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, and was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces.
The remains were repatriated to Israel for burial. Gvili was posthumously promoted to the rank of first sergeant by the Israeli government. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that the recovery concluded a period of national waiting and prayer, describing it as the closure of a significant chapter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited the operation as an outstanding accomplishment, affirming that Israel had fulfilled its promise to return all hostages, including the deceased.
The recovery was facilitated by diplomatic efforts involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, according to two US officials. One official noted that Hamas demonstrated cooperation in fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The US government acknowledged the role of these intermediaries, with President Donald Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributing the success to US leadership. Hamas confirmed that the return of Gvili’s remains demonstrated its commitment to the first phase of the ceasefire, and demanded full and timely implementation of all agreed terms by Israel.