URGENT UPDATE: Families of former hostages are demanding the immediate return of the body of Ran Gvili before Israel proceeds to the next stage of the ceasefire agreement. This demand comes as tensions rise over the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with the Hostages Families Forum expressing outrage over the prospect of advancing the peace plan without Gvili’s remains being repatriated.
The forum’s statement, released earlier today, insists that the return of other bodies “proves unequivocally” that Hamas is aware of the locations of all remaining hostages. They are calling on Israeli officials and international mediators to ensure that Hamas fulfills its commitments. This urgent plea coincides with reports that the United States is preparing to announce significant progress toward the next phase of its Gaza plan within the next two weeks.
In a crucial diplomatic move, Israel dispatched a delegation to Cairo last week, led by hostage envoy Gal Hirsch. This team, which included representatives from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad, is actively advocating for the repatriation of Gvili. Gvili, a 24-year-old volunteer with the Israel Police Special Patrol Unit from Meitar, heroically rushed to assist during the October 7, 2023 attacks, despite having suffered a shoulder injury just days prior. He is credited with saving approximately 100 people from the Nova music festival and is believed to have engaged Hamas militants before being abducted into Gaza.
A panel of experts declared in January 2024 that Gvili is no longer alive, heightening the urgency for his body to be returned. At a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to bringing Gvili home for burial, stating, “We are determined to return Ran for burial in Israel and will spare no effort to do so.” He emphasized that he and his wife maintain ongoing communication with Gvili’s family, asserting, “We will bring him back just as we brought back 254 hostages.”
The situation remains fluid as families and officials alike await further developments. The international community watches closely, with the U.S. pushing for both sides to adhere to the terms set out in the ceasefire established last month. As negotiations continue, the emotional toll on families of hostages is palpable, with many demanding swift action to resolve the matter before further peace talks are initiated.
Stay tuned for updates as this crucial situation unfolds. For more breaking news on Israel, sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.
