Netanyahu Declares: No More Hostages in Gaza

After 843 agonizing days, the recovery of the remains of 24-year-old police officer Rani Gvili from Gaza has brought closure to Israel and fulfilled a critical condition of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The successful operation, which completes the accounting of all 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, now enables Israel to proceed to phase two of the truce, which includes

Story Highlights

  • IDF successfully retrieves remains of 24-year-old police officer Rani Gvili from northern Gaza cemetery, completing recovery of all 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
  • Recovery fulfills phase one of Trump administration-brokered ceasefire, enabling reopening of Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
  • Netanyahu declares “no more hostages in Gaza” as Israel transitions to phase two focused on Hamas disarmament and Gaza reconstruction.
  • Gvili’s family had pressured government to halt ceasefire progress until their son’s remains were returned home.

Final Hostage Recovery Ends 843-Day Ordeal

The Israel Defense Forces announced Monday that they successfully retrieved the remains of Rani Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer killed defending his community during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terrorist assault. Operating in northern Gaza near the “yellow line” dividing controlled areas, Israeli forces used strong intelligence to locate Gvili’s body in a cemetery. Dental identification confirmed his identity, bringing closure to a family that had waited nearly two and a half years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation as “perfect,” declaring Gvili a “hero of Israel” before the Knesset.

Trump’s Ceasefire Agreement Advances After Key Condition Met

The recovery fulfills a critical requirement of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire’s first phase, which began in October 2025 under President Trump’s leadership. Phase one mandated the return of all hostages—living and deceased—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and bodies. With all 251 hostages now accounted for, including 85 returned in caskets, Israel can proceed to reopen the Rafah crossing, which has been largely closed since May 2024. This humanitarian corridor will enable desperately needed medical evacuations and aid deliveries to Gaza residents, including cancer patients and families living in tents.

From Terror Attack to Ceasefire Resolution

Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being dragged into Gaza—a cruel assault that stunned the conscience of freedom-loving people worldwide. Throughout the conflict, Israel maintained its sacred commitment to bring every hostage home, whether alive or deceased. Prior to Gvili’s recovery, 20 living hostages had been freed and 27 remains returned since the ceasefire began. The Gvili family had courageously urged the government not to advance to phase two without their son’s remains, demonstrating the personal stakes behind diplomatic negotiations.

President Trump celebrated the achievement, calling it an “impossible thing done,” while his administration pushes for phase two implementation. This next stage focuses on Hamas disarmament, establishing new governance structures in Gaza, and launching reconstruction efforts with international support. The Trump administration’s direct involvement proved crucial in brokering terms acceptable to both parties, contrasting sharply with the previous administration’s approach that allowed tensions to fester. For Israeli families, this moment represents both profound grief and necessary closure after an ordeal that tested the nation’s resolve.

Phase Two Challenges Loom Amid Fragile Progress

While the hostage recovery marks significant progress, the path forward remains complex and fraught with challenges. Phase two requires Hamas’s complete disarmament and the establishment of security arrangements that protect Israeli communities from future attacks—non-negotiable conditions for lasting peace. Hamas claims it cooperated in the recovery effort and demands Israel honor all ceasefire commitments, including full Rafah access. The mutual accusations of delays and obstruction that characterized phase one negotiations reveal the fragile nature of this truce. Gaza residents hope this development signals an end to what they call “pretexts” blocking humanitarian assistance.

Watch the report: Israel-Gaza Tensions: Israel Recovers Remains Of Ran Gvili, Last Hostage In Gaza | WION

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