Israel has retrieved the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli held captive in Gaza, clearing the path for the next stage of the October ceasefire, including the unrestricted reopening of the Rafah crossing. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed that Gvili’s body was returned for burial, marking the repatriation of all hostages previously held in Gaza.
Gvili, an Israeli police officer, is believed to have been killed during the October 7, 2023, attack. His return fulfills Hamas’s obligation under the ceasefire agreement to hand over all 251 captives, alive or deceased.
Following the handover, Hamas stated that it has met all its ceasefire commitments and called on Israel to reciprocate by opening Rafah in both directions, lifting restrictions, withdrawing forces, and facilitating governance in Gaza.
The second phase of the ceasefire, announced by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, will now focus on Gaza’s post-war administration, the demilitarisation of Hamas, and the region’s reconstruction.
