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Hamas officials confirmed on Wednesday that search efforts for the remains of Ran Gvili, the final Israeli hostage held in Gaza, have resumed following a two-week delay caused by severe weather.
The recovery mission, conducted by the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades alongside Red Cross teams, is concentrated in the Zeitun district of Gaza City.
Heavy rains and mud had previously made the area inaccessible to the heavy machinery required for the search.
The return of Gvili’s body is a critical diplomatic hurdle; Israel has maintained that it will not progress to the second phase of the October ceasefire agreement until his remains are repatriated.
Hamas officials expressed hope that the recovery would finalise the current “exchange file” and urged international mediators to pressure Israel into fulfilling the first stage of the truce and reopening the Rafah border crossing.
Ran Gvili, an elite Israeli police officer, was killed during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
His family, represented by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, expressed profound relief at the news but maintained a firm stance, calling for the Rafah crossing to remain closed until their son is returned.
They have urged global mediators to use all available leverage to conclude the deal and end the family’s period of uncertainty.
