Israel says final hostage physique returned from Gaza : NPR

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Israelis light the 8th candle of Hanukkah in Hostage Square holding placards bearing the face of Ran Gvili in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 21, 2025, as they call for the return of his remains. Of the 251 people taken hostage during Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war in Gaza, all but the remains of Israeli Ran Gvili have been handed over. (Photo by ILIA YEFIMOVICH / AFP via Getty Images)

Israelis gentle the eighth candle of Hanukkah in Hostage Sq. holding placards bearing the face of Ran Gvili in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 21, 2025, as they name for the return of his stays.

Ilia Yefimovich/AFP by way of Getty Photos

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Ilia Yefimovich/AFP by way of Getty Photos

Israel says the physique of the ultimate Israeli hostage in Gaza has been recognized and returned to Israel.

People hold signs with a photo of Ran Gvili, who was killed while fighting Hamas militants during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and whose body has been held in Gaza ever since, during a rally calling for his return in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

The army stated in an announcement that Ran Gvili, 24, a particular forces policeman, was killed whereas combating militants through the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, assaults and his physique was taken to Gaza.

The army stated it launched a “large-scale operation” for his physique over the weekend in a cemetery in northern Gaza, on the Israeli-occupied facet of Gaza, performing primarily based on intelligence.

Hamas-led fighters captured 251 hostages in Israel on Oct 7, 2023, in keeping with Israeli authorities.

“We have now introduced again Rani Gvili, of blessed reminiscence, a hero of Israel. There aren’t any extra hostages in Gaza,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the nation’s parliament Monday.

He added, “We have now accomplished this mission, as I promised — and so we are going to full the remainder of the missions we now have set.”

The return of Gvili’s stays is anticipated to mark the top of the primary part of the U.S.-backed ceasefire within the warfare in Gaza. It might additionally pave the best way for one more large step: Israel says it can permit Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt to reopen once more for Palestinians to enter and exit.

This can be a growing story that might be up to date.

Israeli soldiers continue search operations for the remains of an Israeli hostage in a mass grave located in the Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, on Monday. Tanks and heavy machinery belonging to the Israeli army are observed operating in the area during the ongoing excavation and recovery efforts.

Israeli troopers proceed search operations for the stays of an Israeli hostage in a mass grave positioned within the Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza Metropolis, Gaza Strip, on Monday. Tanks and heavy equipment belonging to the Israeli military are noticed working within the space through the ongoing excavation and restoration efforts.

Anadolu/Getty Photos

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Anadolu/Getty Photos

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