Israel has retrieved the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli captive in Gaza, clearing the way for the next phase of the October ceasefire, including reopening the Rafah crossing without restrictions. Israel Army spokesman Avichay Adraee said Gvili’s body was returned for burial, confirming all hostages held in Gaza have now been repatriated.

 

Mr. Gvili, an Israeli policeman, is thought to have been killed during the October 7, 2023, attack. His return to Israel marks the end of Hamas’s obligation to return all 251 people, dead or alive, to Israel under the terms of the ceasefire deal. 

 

Following the retrieval, Hamas said it has fulfilled all obligations under the ceasefire and urged Israel to complete implementation, including opening Rafah in both directions, lifting bans, withdrawing forces, and facilitating Gaza’s management.

 

Now the second stage of the ceasefire announced by US special envoy Steve Witkoff will focus on Gaza’s post-war governance, Hamas demilitarisation, and reconstruction.