Israel has confirmed the identification and repatriation of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, concluding a nearly two-year ordeal that began with Hamas’ October 2023 assault. The Israeli military announced Monday that Gvili’s remains had been returned for burial, marking the resolution of a complex diplomatic and military effort to recover all 251 captives taken during the cross-border attack.
The repatriation fulfills Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to bring home “everyone back… down to the very last captive.” President Isaac Herzog noted this moment represents the first time since 2014 that no Israeli citizens remain hostage in Gaza, acknowledging that “an entire nation prayed and waited for this moment.”
Gvili, a 24-year-old motorcycle enthusiast and elite police officer, was on medical leave for shoulder surgery when Hamas attacked. Despite his injury, he grabbed his personal weapon and raced toward the conflict zone to engage militants, where he was ultimately killed in combat near Alumim kibbutz.
The recovery operation involved Israeli forces searching cemeteries in northern Gaza, with the discovery occurring amid U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem characterized the body’s return as demonstrating the group’s “commitment to all requirements of the ceasefire agreement.”
The ceasefire’s second phase had faced opposition from Gvili’s family until his remains were recovered. The agreement also includes reopening Gaza’s Rafah crossing, though initially for pedestrian travel to Egypt only.
Remembered as “the Defender of Alumim” by his community, Gvili was described by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as “a true friend, loved by everyone” who “carried a powerful yet calm presence.” His father recalled him as always being “the first to help and the first to jump in,” even while injured.
The conflict that began with Hamas’ attack (which Israeli figures indicate killed 1,221 people) has resulted in extensive destruction across Gaza, with the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 71,660 fatalities—figures the UN considers reliable.