JERUSALEM, January 26, 2026 — Israel’s military announced on Monday that it has recovered the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, fulfilling a key condition of a U.S.-brokered plan to end hostilities and potentially enabling the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The military statement said the remains of police officer Ran Gvili have been identified and will be returned to Israel for burial. Gvili was among the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 and had been held in Gaza for more than two years. His recovery completes the return of all hostages under the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli authorities have linked the retrieval of Gvili’s remains to progress on the next stages of the peace framework, including expanded humanitarian access and limited movement through the Rafah crossing, which has been closed for extended periods during the conflict. Government officials have not yet provided a firm timeline for reopening the crossing.
The recovery comes as part of a ceasefire deal agreed last year between Hamas and Israel under pressure from international mediators. The deal originally specified the return of all living and deceased hostages in exchange for a halt to major military operations, though other aspects of the agreement remain contested.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the development as a significant milestone for the state, while mediators said it could help unlock further steps in implementing the ceasefire and easing movement restrictions for civilians.
The conflict, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 offensive, has resulted in widespread devastation and thousands of casualties on both sides, making the current phase of negotiations and humanitarian efforts critical for stability in the region.
Originally Published By: Reuters, AL Monitor and ABC
Disclaimer: This report is based on information from international news agencies and official statements. It has been edited for clarity and length and does not reflect the views of this publication.
Editorial Desk is the official editorial byline of The Global Confluence, used for staff-written reports, news updates, and institutional analysis produced in line with the publication’s editorial policies and standards.