Israel Recovers Remains of Last Gaza Hostage, Paving Way for Limited Rafah Reopening

Overview

• The IDF said the remains of 24-year-old police officer Ran Gvili were found during a large search and excavation at a cemetery in northern Gaza and have been repatriated.
• Israeli authorities said there are no longer Israeli hostages in Gaza, meeting a central condition of the October ceasefire framework.
• Israel announced a limited pedestrian reopening of the Rafah crossing subject to full Israeli inspection mechanisms, a step viewed as crucial for humanitarian access after prolonged closure.
• Hamas said it shared information with mediators on the possible burial site and stated it remains committed to the ceasefire terms and the US-backed technocratic administration for Gaza.
• US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff had pressed Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen Rafah sooner, while far-right ministers and Gvili’s family called for waiting until his remains were returned.