UPDATE: Families of former hostages are expressing outrage as Israel considers advancing to the second stage of a ceasefire agreement before the return of the last body held in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum has urgently demanded that the Israeli government secure the repatriation of Ran Gvili, whose remains are still with Hamas.
The forum declared yesterday that the return of other bodies “proves unequivocally” that Hamas is aware of the whereabouts of all remaining hostages. As the United States prepares to announce progress on the second phase of its Gaza plan within two weeks, families are insisting that Israel and mediators ensure that Hamas adheres to its commitments.
Last week, a delegation from Israel, led by hostage envoy Gal Hirsch, met in Cairo to advocate for Gvili’s repatriation. This delegation included representatives from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad. Gvili, a 24-year-old volunteer with the Israel Police Special Patrol Unit, bravely intervened during the October 7, 2023, attacks, despite having sustained a shoulder injury just days before. He is credited with rescuing approximately 100 people from the Nova music festival and is believed to have engaged Hamas terrorists before being taken captive.
In January 2024, a panel of experts determined that Gvili was no longer alive. During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment, stating, “We are determined to return Ran for burial in Israel and will spare no effort to do so.” He emphasized that he and his wife maintain ongoing communication with Gvili’s family, assuring them, “We will bring him back just as we brought back 254 hostages.”
The situation remains tense as families await further developments. The demand for Gvili’s return before any advancement in peace talks underscores the emotional weight and urgency surrounding the hostage crisis. As negotiations continue, the families are calling for transparency and accountability from both Israel and Hamas, urging that the terms set in October be honored.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Israeli government and international mediators to see if they can meet the families’ demands and ensure the return of Ran Gvili. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.
