The Israeli army has recovered the body of Ran Gvili from the Gaza Strip. Gvili had been considered missing since the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, and was the last unresolved case among the Israeli victims of that day. With the return of his body, one of the most painful chapters of the hostage and missing persons crisis comes to a close.
Ran Gvili, 24 years old, was a volunteer in the Yasam special unit of the Israel Police. He was killed on the morning of October 7, 2023 during the massive attack by Palestinian terrorists and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza. While numerous hostages have been released in recent months—alive and dead—Gvili’s fate remained unclear for a long time. For his family, the months of waiting meant agonizing uncertainty, which has now come to an end.
According to the IDF, the recovery of his body was based on precise intelligence. Specialized units were deployed over several days in a sensitive area of the Gaza Strip. The identification was carried out forensically and subsequently confirmed by the relevant authorities. Only then was the family officially notified.
In Israel, the return carries significance far beyond the individual case. It is a reminder of the central principle that the state does not abandon its citizens and security personnel—neither in life nor in death. This self-understanding has shaped Israel’s actions for decades and also explains the considerable military and political effort invested in such operations.
Politically, the recovery also carries weight. The issue of the missing persons and hostages had recently been closely linked to international discussions about the Gaza Strip, humanitarian access, and possible transitional arrangements. The fact that the last missing Israeli has now been brought home changes the starting position in these debates—without, however, resolving the fundamental security problems.
With the return of Ran Gvili’s body, his family now has the opportunity to bury their son with dignity and to say goodbye.
Read more: ‘It’s important that all Israelis, all Jews and the world know who Rani was’
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