UPDATE: Israel has successfully retrieved the remains of the last hostage held in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant milestone in ongoing tensions. The military confirmed that police officer Ran Gvili, who was killed during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has been identified and will soon be returned for burial.
This development fulfills a critical condition of the initial phase of former US President Donald Trump‘s plan to end the conflict in the region. The military announced that the Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to the world, will reopen once Gvili’s remains are returned or the search for his body concludes. A government spokesperson has not provided a timeline for the reopening.
The Palestinian committee of technocrats, supported by the US, indicated that the border could open as early as this week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed this achievement as “incredible,” stating, “I promised we would bring everyone home and we have brought everyone home.”
Ran Gvili was one of the 251 hostages taken to Gaza by militants during the October attack. Following a ceasefire agreement under pressure from regional powers and Trump, 48 hostages remained in Gaza, with 28 of them believed dead at the time of the deal. Gvili’s recovery is a poignant moment for many families still impacted by the ongoing conflict.
In a statement, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem asserted that the discovery of Gvili’s remains underscores Hamas’ commitment to the US-led plan for peace. “We will continue to uphold all aspects of the agreement, including facilitating the work of the national Gaza administration and ensuring its success,” he stated.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the world remain on the Gaza Strip, where the implications of this development could reshape the dynamics of peace efforts in the region. Observers are keenly watching for any further actions from both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, particularly regarding the reopening of the Rafah border crossing.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, impacting countless lives on both sides of the conflict.
