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Israel Launches Operation for Last Gaza Hostage, Signaling Potential Progress in Ceasefire
Israel’s military announced Sunday it has launched a “large-scale operation” to locate the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage in Gaza, a move that could clear the way for the next phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.
The operation is taking place in northern Gaza near the so-called Yellow Line, which marks Israeli-controlled areas of the territory. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that search teams, accompanied by rabbis and dental experts, are focusing on the Shijaiya-Tuffah area of Gaza City where Gvili’s remains are believed to be buried.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated late Sunday: “Upon completion of this operation, and in accordance with what has been agreed upon with the United States, Israel will open the Rafah crossing.” While no timeline was provided, Israeli military officials suggested the operation could take several days.
The recovery of Gvili’s remains has emerged as a critical element in advancing the ceasefire agreement. His family has urged the Netanyahu government not to proceed to the second phase of the deal until his remains are returned, making this operation a potential breakthrough moment in the implementation of the agreement that took effect on October 10.
Israel has previously conducted search operations for Gvili, but this latest effort comes with unusual public detail about the operation, suggesting increased confidence in its success. The return of all hostages, alive or dead, constitutes a central component of the ceasefire’s first phase, with the previous hostage recovered in early December.
Meanwhile, tensions continue between the parties. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of delaying the recovery of Gvili’s remains. Hamas countered in a statement Sunday that it had provided all available information about Gvili and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in Gaza areas under Israeli military control.
The announcement follows a meeting of Israel’s Cabinet to discuss reopening the vital Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a day after top U.S. envoys met with Netanyahu to discuss advancing the peace process. The Trump administration has already declared the second phase of the ceasefire underway, adding diplomatic pressure on Israel to move forward.
The Rafah crossing represents a crucial gateway for humanitarian aid and civilian movement in and out of Gaza, with its reopening seen as essential to addressing the humanitarian crisis that has developed during the two-year conflict.
UN Agency Headquarters Set Ablaze
In a separate but related development, the shuttered headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem was set on fire overnight, just days after Israeli bulldozers demolished parts of the compound.
Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s West Bank director, reported that Israeli settlers were observed looting furniture from the main building, and multiple holes had been cut in the security fence. While Israel’s fire department dispatched teams to prevent the blaze from spreading, the perpetrators behind the fire remain unknown.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini characterized the incident as the “latest attack on the UN in the ongoing attempt to dismantle the status of Palestine refugees.” The agency had previously closed the compound in May 2024 after settlers set fires to its fence.
The incident highlights the increasingly precarious position of UNRWA, which provides aid and services to approximately 5.5 million Palestinian refugees across the region. The agency’s operations were severely curtailed last year when Israel’s Knesset passed legislation severing ties and banning it from functioning in territories Israel defines as its own, including East Jerusalem.
Israel has long criticized UNRWA, accusing it of Hamas infiltration and alleging some employees participated in the 2023 attack that triggered the Gaza conflict. UNRWA leadership has maintained they took swift action against any implicated employees and has denied allegations of tolerating or collaborating with Hamas.
As the search for Gvili continues, all eyes remain on whether his recovery will indeed lead to the reopening of Rafah and the implementation of the ceasefire’s next phase, potentially marking a significant step toward stability in a region that has seen devastating conflict for the past two years.
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12 Comments
This operation signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict. While the situation remains delicate, the recovery of the final hostage’s remains could be an important breakthrough that allows the ceasefire to move forward. I’ll be closely following the developments in the coming days.
The successful recovery of the last hostage’s remains would be a significant milestone in the ceasefire process. Both sides should approach this with caution and respect, as it could have important implications for the broader negotiations. I hope the operation is carried out in a way that prioritizes the dignity and humanity of all involved.
This operation could be a significant turning point in the conflict, as the recovery of the last hostage’s remains is a critical element of the ceasefire agreement. I’ll be closely monitoring the situation to see how it unfolds and what it might mean for the broader negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The search for the final hostage in Gaza is a critical component of the ceasefire agreement. I hope the operation is conducted with the utmost care and respect for the remains, and that it ultimately helps to advance the peace process between Israel and Hamas.
Agreed. The successful recovery of the hostage’s remains could be a significant confidence-building measure that paves the way for further progress in the negotiations. Both sides will need to demonstrate good faith and a genuine commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
Locating the last hostage in Gaza is a critical step towards implementing the ceasefire agreement. Securing the release of all captives should be a top priority for both Israel and Hamas as they work towards a more stable and peaceful resolution.
Agreed. Bringing closure to the families of those who have been held hostage is an important humanitarian gesture that could help build trust and pave the way for further negotiations.
This is a complex and sensitive issue that requires a nuanced approach. While the recovery of the last hostage is an important step, it’s crucial that all parties involved exercise restraint and work towards a sustainable, long-term solution. I’ll be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
The search for the final hostage in Gaza is a crucial step towards implementing the ceasefire agreement. I hope the operation is conducted with the appropriate sensitivity and respect, and that it ultimately helps to pave the way for a more lasting peace between the two sides.
The search for the final hostage in Gaza is a delicate and sensitive matter that requires a measured response from all involved. I hope the operation is carried out with the utmost care and respect, and that it ultimately helps to advance the ceasefire and move the peace process forward.
This operation represents a potential turning point in the conflict, as the recovery of the last hostage’s remains could be a crucial step towards implementing the ceasefire agreement. I’ll be following the developments closely to see how this unfolds and what it might mean for the broader peace process.
This is a delicate situation that requires a careful, diplomatic approach from all sides. The recovery of the final hostage’s remains could be an important step towards a more lasting ceasefire. I hope the operation is conducted with the utmost sensitivity and respect for all involved.