Israel says it retrieved remains of last hostage held in Gaza

Jerusalem, Israel. Israel’s military said on Monday it had retrieved and identified the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, police officer Ran Gvili. The development meets a condition in the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war.

Identification and return for burial

The military said in a statement that Gvili’s remains had been identified and would be returned for burial.

Rafah border crossing condition

Israel has said it will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the enclave’s main gateway to the world, once Gvili’s remains are returned or the search operation for his body concludes.

Background on Gvili’s death

Gvili had been held in Gaza since he was killed at Kibbutz Alumim during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Ceasefire agreement

Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in October under pressure from regional powers and Trump, who called the deal a first step toward a “strong, durable and everlasting peace”.

What do you think the reopening of the Rafah border crossing would mean for Gaza’s access to the outside world?