Ceremony for last Israeli captive returned from Gaza

In January 2026, Israeli police held a ceremony for Ran Gvili, the last slain Israeli captive whose remains were recovered from Gaza. Members of Gvili's family attended the ceremony. The retrieval of Gvili's remains marks a significant step, clearing the path for the implementation of the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire agreement. The recovery concludes the search for captives and allows focus to shift towards the next stage of the negotiated truce. The event took place in Israel following the return of Gvili's body from Gaza.

A US official stated that Hamas disarmament in Gaza will likely include some form of amnesty for the group's members. This comment was made after the recovery of the last Israeli captive in Gaza, which is seen as a step toward the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal agreed upon in October 2026. The official indicated that the US believes Hamas will disarm and that a program is in place to facilitate this. While details remain unclear, the possibility of amnesty in exchange for disarmament is being discussed, marking a potentially significant development. The statement was made during a background briefing by senior officials from the US President Donald Trump’s administration and reporters in Washington, DC.

Israel has recovered the remains of the final hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, paving the way for the next phase of the ceasefire. The recovery followed a large-scale Israeli military operation in a cemetery in northern Gaza. The return of all hostages, living or dead, was a key condition of the ceasefire's initial phase, with Gvili's family urging Israel to delay phase two until his remains were found. Israel had accused Hamas of delaying the recovery, while Hamas claimed to have provided all available information and accused Israel of obstruction. Mediators, including Washington, have been pressuring both sides to move into the second phase of the truce, which began on October 10.

Israel confirmed on Monday the recovery of the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer, was killed on October 7, 2023, during fighting with Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Alumim. Following his death, his body was abducted to Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement describing Gvili as a beloved friend with deep values. Gvili is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.