Hamas Hands Over Body of Ran Gvili, Closing Chapter for Israel

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Isabel Kershner and David M. HalbfingerJanuary 26, 2026 at 03:45 PM

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long article 4 min

In January 2026, the Israeli military recovered the remains of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that initiated the two-year war. Gvili, a member of an elite police unit, was captured by Palestinian Islamic Jihad after being wounded in battle. The recovery, following a focused search in central Gaza, marks a significant milestone for Israel and allows for the next phase of a cease-fire plan brokered by President Trump. With Gvili's remains returned, Israel reopened the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza, enabling Palestinians who fled during the war to return home. The retrieval closes a painful chapter for Israelis concerned about the fate of hostages taken during the initial attack.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump ×240% Tel Aviv 40% Rafah Crossing 45% Egypt ×250% Palestinian Islamic Jihad 65% Israel Defense Forces 70% Hamas ×385% Gaza Strip ×590% Israel ×790% Ran Gvili ×995%

Keywords

ran gvili 100% gaza 90% hostage 80% remains retrieval 80% cease-fire 70% hamas 70% israeli-palestinian conflict 60% rafah crossing 50% counterterrorism 40%