Body of final Israeli hostage Ran Gvili recovered in Gaza after ‘large-scale operation’: IDF

The remains of the final Israeli hostage being held in Gaza has finally been recovered following a dramatic last-ditch effort, Israel said Monday — well over two years after the Israel-Hamas war broke out.

Police officer Ran Gvili’s body was located and identified following a “large-scale operation” in a cemetery in northern Gaza over the weekend, according to Israel’s Defense Force.

“There are officially no more hostages in captivity in Gaza,” the IDF confirmed in statement in X.

Police officer Ran Gvili’s body was located and identified following a “large-scale operation” in Gaza. Courtesy Gvili family

Gvili’s body will now be returned to his family in the Jewish state for burial, officials said.

Israeli teams started combing through the cemetery in search of Gvili’s remains after Hamas claimed it had done all required of it under the ceasefire agreement.

The return of all remaining hostages — living or dead — had been a key part of the ceasefire’s initial phase.
Despite pressure to move forward, Gvili’s family had urged Israel’s government not to enter the second phase until his body had been recovered and returned.

Gvili, a member of the Israeli Police Special Forces, was 24 when he “fell in combat” the morning of the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attacks, the IDF said.

Israelis light the 8th candle of Hannukah in Hostage Square holding placards bearing the face of Ran Gvili in Tel Aviv. AFP via Getty Images

His body was among those abducted and held in Gaza.

“The IDF expresses deep condolences to family,” the military said.

“The IDF will continue to support the families and the returnees, and to act to strengthen the security of the citizens of Israel.”

With Post wires