Tel Aviv, Jan 26, (dpa/GNA) – The Israeli military said on Monday all hostages abducted by Hamas have now been accounted for, after the remains of police officer Ran Gvili were identified and returned to Israel.
Army representatives “informed the family of the deceased hostage Sergeant First Class Ran Gvili, that their loved one has been identified and will be returned for burial,” the military said.
Gvili “fell in combat on the morning of October 7th, 2023, and his body was abducted to the Gaza Strip.”
“With this, all hostages have been returned from the Gaza Strip to the State of Israel,” the military said.
This fulfils a key condition for moving on to phase two of the Gaza peace plan, which was brokered by the United States and signed in October.
“The entire people of Israel are moved to tears,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his relief. “There are no more hostages in the Gaza Strip,” he said in parliament.
US President Donald Trump, who pushed for the Gaza peace plan, also expressed his delight: “AMAZING JOB!” he wrote on the Truth Social platform in all capital letters.
“Most thought of it as an impossible thing to do. Congratulations to my great team of Champions!!!” he added, praising the efforts of US mediators.
Several Israeli media reported that Israeli forces had been examining the remains of around 250 people at a Gaza cemetery since the weekend.
Gvili’s body was recognized by its dental structure, reported the Times of Israel. Further tests were then carried out to confirm his identity.
All other bodies were returned to their graves and the cemetery was cleaned, the report continued.
Once Israel hands over the remains of 15 Palestinians in return, the conditions for formally entering the next phase will be met.
Earlier this month, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that the peace plan was entering its second phase, although Israel cautioned it would only occur once Gvili’s remains had been brought home.
The main goals of the second phase are disarming Hamas; establishing a technocratic government; and beginning the reconstruction of Gaza, after the coastal Palestinian territory suffered massive destruction during Israel’s military campaign in the territory.
GNA