Israel Sets Rafah Reopening After Search for Last Hostage as Phase-Two Talks Advance

Overview

• Israeli forces are carrying out a large search at a northern Gaza cemetery for the remains of Sergeant Ran Gvili, described by officials as the last hostage case.
• Netanyahu’s office said the Rafah crossing will open only after the current operation concludes and that any reopening will be limited to the movement of people under full Israeli control.
• Hamas’s al‑Qassam Brigades said it gave intermediaries coordinates and details on the body’s location, while Israel said the search is using all available intelligence.
• U.S. special envoy Steve Uitkoff and Jared Kushner met Netanyahu on January 24, with Uitkoff calling the talks constructive and saying both sides agreed on next steps for the 20‑point second phase.
• Council of Peace High Representative Nikolay Mladenov is reported to plan a January 26 visit to Israel to discuss Rafah, with Axios citing sources who say an opening decision could come in the coming days.