Last Gaza hostage recovered; all abductees returned to Israel
Last Gaza hostage recovered; all abductees returned to Israel
Israel confirms the last hostage's remains have been recovered, completing the return of all abductees as a ceasefire enters its next phase.
Israel's military announced that the final hostage, Ran Gvili, has been recovered from Gaza and is set to be repatriated to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it an extraordinary achievement and a pledge fulfilled, a moment of relief for families who have waited for news for years.
The latest development comes as the first phase of the ceasefire that began earlier this month moves toward its next steps. Hamas, in a brief statement, said the discovery confirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and to keeping lines of communication open while aid corridors remain open.
Officials said the search involved operations near a cemetery in northern Gaza, where the remains were located. The timing of the discovery has fuelled debate over when and how cross-border access will be restored, with authorities signaling the opening of the Rafah crossing as the ceasefire's second phase begins.
Families of the abductees are expected to participate in the repatriation process as remains are returned to the country. International observers will watch closely as the ceasefire transition continues, with humanitarian needs and regional stability hanging in the balance.
