New Delhi: The Israel Defense Forces on Monday confirmed the recovery and identification of the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili following a search operation at a cemetery in eastern Gaza City. The military officials said Gvili’s family has been informed and his body is being brought back to Israel for burial.
With this development, Israel has confirmed that no hostages remain in the Gaza Strip. It is the first time since 2014 that the country has got all his captives back, marking a significant and deeply emotional moment after more than two years of uncertainty.
Ran Gvili was the last hostage yet to be returned following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 during which 251 people were abducted. According to the IDF, his remains were identified through dental records and fingerprint matching at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.
The officials said searches were carried out at a Gaza City cemetery where around 250 bodies were examined before Gvili was identified. All other remains were returned to their burial sites after the process was completed.
“I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Messiah, even though he may delay. Despite this, I await him every day that he will come.”
A very moving moment in which IDF troops who were part of the op. to retrieve the body of Ran Gvili received the news of his… pic.twitter.com/hHMof3s797— גיא עזריאל Guy Azriel (@GuyAz) January 26, 2026
Who was Ran Gvili?
The 24-year-old Gvili was a combat fighter with the Negev Border Police in Israel’s Southern District. He was killed while defending Kibbutz Alumim during the October 7 attack and was subsequently abducted to Gaza. Despite suffering a broken shoulder from a motorcycle accident days earlier and awaiting surgery, he reported for duty that morning.
During the assault, Gvili is credited with saving dozens of civilians including people fleeing the Re’im music festival before being killed in battle.
A painful closure
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recovery as a moment of painful closure. He called Gvili a hero who “went in first and came out last.” His return brings an end to a long chapter for families of the hostages and for Israel as a whole.
Following the announcement, a Hamas spokesperson said the recovery reflected adherence to the terms of the agreement related to the war in Gaza while urging mediators to ensure its continued implementation.