Israel has announced the recovery of the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The military confirmed that the body of police officer Ran Gvili, who had been missing for over 840 days, has been identified and will be returned for burial.
Gvili’s recovery could lead to the limited reopening of the Rafah Crossing, which serves as Gaza’s main connection to the outside world. The Palestinian committee, supported by the U.S. to oversee Gaza, stated that the border crossing would be opened later this week, though a government spokesperson did not provide a specific timeline.
Gvili, hailed as a hero, was killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which targeted southern Israeli communities and initiated a two-year military escalation. Footage from the military showed soldiers in Gaza participating in a somber tribute, singing a Hebrew song of hope as they honored Gvili’s memory. His mother, Talik, has referred to her son as a hero in her social media messages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about Gvili’s remains being found, labeling it “an unbelievable achievement for the State of Israel.” He described Gvili as a hero who went into danger even while off duty due to an injury.
Gvili was among the 251 hostages taken during the initial dire moments of the conflict. Following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, 48 hostages were still believed to be in Gaza, with many thought to be deceased, Gvili among them. The return of his body is hoped to provide a sense of closure for a grieving nation, still reeling from the trauma of the October 7 attacks, deemed the deadliest event for Jews since the Holocaust.
As the Trump administration prepares to transition to the next phase of its plan to end the war, which aims to include Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization, reactions from Hamas affirm their commitment to the deal. A spokesperson expressed that they would adhere to all aspects of the agreement, which includes supporting the national administration in Gaza.
Overall, the recovery of Gvili’s remains is seen not only as a crucial step towards reconciliation but also as an opportunity for Israel to begin healing from the unprecedented violence experienced during this conflict.
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