Searches resume for body of Ran Gvili, Gaza’s last hostage

“We believe that an agreement has two sides, and both must honor their obligations.”

By World Israel News Staff

Reports from the Gaza Strip indicate that Hamas teams, working alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross, have resumed searches for the body of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili.

According to the reports, the renewed search effort follows the receipt of new intelligence regarding the possible location of Gvili’s remains, after search operations had been halted for nearly a month.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, together with the Gvili family, welcomed the resumption of the searches, saying the move came after sustained pressure and followed what they described as an “agonizing period” marked by uncertainty and emotional strain.

In a joint statement, the family and the forum said they “welcome the renewal of the searches for Ran Gvili in Gaza,” and praised what they called a firm and principled stance on the Rafah Crossing. They emphasized that Rafah should remain closed as long as Hamas fails to meet its commitments and act to return Ran home.

“We believe that an agreement has two sides, and both must honor their obligations,” the statement said, adding that “pressure on Hamas is a necessary tool to achieve a breakthrough.”

Ran’s parents, Itzik and Talik Gvili, said the return of search teams to the field has brought a measure of relief after weeks of anguish. “After a difficult month of uncertainty and a sense of complete stagnation, we feel great relief knowing the search teams have been sent back,” they said. “Every minute feels like an eternity for us, and the knowledge that every part of Gaza is once again being searched gives us renewed hope.”

The parents also voiced strong support for the government’s decision regarding Rafah, saying it was time for Hamas to understand that “there are no free gifts.” “The Rafah Crossing must not be opened until our Ran comes home,” they said, calling on international mediators to “use their full weight” to complete a deal and bring an end to the suffering.

“We are waiting for you,” they added in an emotional closing. “We will not stop for a moment until you return.”

Gaza ceasefirehostage bodiesRan Gvili