The Israeli military announced on Monday the successful recovery and identification of police officer Ran Gvili’s remains, marking the retrieval of the last hostage held in Gaza. This development represents a critical milestone in the initial phase of former US President Donald Trump’s proposed roadmap to conclude the prolonged Gaza conflict.
Gvili had been held since October 7, 2023, when he was killed during Hamas’ assault on Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel. His remains have been formally identified and will be returned to his family for burial, according to an official military statement.
The resolution of this case triggers a significant diplomatic commitment: Israel has pledged to reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt—the territory’s primary connection to the outside world—once Gvili’s remains are repatriated or the search operation concludes. This border reopening carries substantial humanitarian implications for Gaza’s civilian population.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered in October under concerted pressure from regional powers and the Trump administration, established the framework for this development. Trump previously characterized the arrangement as a foundational step toward achieving what he described as a “strong, durable and everlasting peace” in the region.