Israel says it retrieved hostage remains from Gaza as Rafah crossing reopening awaited

Jerusalem, Israel. Israel’s military said on Monday it retrieved and identified the remains of police officer Ran Gvili, described as the last remaining hostage held in Gaza. The military said the remains will be returned for burial.

Identification and background

The military said in a statement that Gvili’s remains had been held in Gaza since he was killed during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, when militants attacked southern Israeli communities, triggering a two-year Israeli offensive.

Rafah crossing and administrative plans

Israel has said it will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt once the search operation for Gvili’s remains was completed. A government spokesperson had no immediate comment when asked when the border crossing would be reopened.

A Palestinian committee of technocrats backed by the United States to administer Gaza said the border would open this week.

Ceasefire deal and next phase

Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in October intended to halt fighting and return all living and deceased hostages in exchange for the release of some Palestinians held in Israeli detention.

Gvili was one of 251 hostages taken to Gaza during the October 7, 2023 attack. At the time of the deal, 48 hostages remained in Gaza, 28 of them believed dead, including Gvili.

Even before Gvili’s body had been found, the Trump administration announced that the deal would move to its next phase, intended to include reconstruction of Gaza and demilitarization of the territory.

Hamas response

In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the discovery of Gvili’s remains confirms Hamas’ commitment to the U.S. plan to end the war.

What do you expect to happen next with the reopening of the Rafah crossing?