Remains of last Israeli held in Gaza after 7 October 2023 returned

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Emma Graham-Harrison in JerusalemJanuary 26, 2026 at 05:28 PM

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The remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, who died fighting Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, have been returned to Israel from Gaza. Gvili was the last of those captured that day whose remains were still held in the territory. His body was taken to Gaza to be used as a bargaining chip. The return fulfills a key initial demand of Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza, potentially paving the way for the plan's next stage. The plan envisions a unified Palestinian-run Gaza, but faces challenges including disarming Hamas and overcoming Israeli objections. Despite the return, the Rafah crossing will only reopen to pedestrians, not easing the humanitarian crisis.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Egypt 30% Kibbutz Alumim 40% Rafah crossing 40% Jared Kusher ×250% Benjamin Netanyahu 50% Donald Trump ×260% Hamas ×480% Ran Gvili ×690% Israel ×790% Gaza Strip ×790%

Keywords

gaza 100% hostage return 90% hamas 80% ceasefire plan 70% israeli-palestinian conflict 60% demilitarization 60% humanitarian aid 50% rafah crossing 50% donald trump 40%