Israel recovers the remains of Ran Gafili, the last hostage in Gaza, and Hamas's stance
In a significant development in the ongoing events in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Israeli army announced on Monday the recovery of the remains of Ran Gafni, described as the last hostage held in the Gaza Strip. This effectively closes the file on those held captive in the Strip, according to the Israeli narrative. The remains were transferred to Israel for burial after the completion of all verification and identification procedures by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, and after his family was officially notified.
Details of the announcement and the end of the hostage situation
A statement issued by the Israeli army confirmed the successful operation, noting that Gafni, a sergeant in the police's elite Yassam unit, had been killed during the October 7, 2013, attack, and his body had been transferred to the Gaza Strip. According to the statement, the recovery of Gafni's remains signifies "the return of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip," representing a pivotal turning point in the ongoing war and military operations.
Historical context and the importance of the prisoners' file
The issue of hostages and prisoners is one of the most complex and sensitive files since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2013. This file has been a major pressure point and an influential factor in military and political decisions within Israel, as well as a source of widespread public mobilization and internal pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The announcement of the recovery of the last remains closes a long and thorny chapter and may have direct repercussions on the course of political negotiations and future security arrangements in the region.
Diplomatic moves and the future of the Rafah crossing
On the diplomatic and international front, and coinciding with this event, intensive American efforts emerged. President Donald Trump's envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Wittkopf, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. These American demands reflect an international desire to separate the humanitarian track from the military track, as the Rafah crossing is considered the main artery for the flow of humanitarian aid. The call to reopen it without waiting for the return of the remains underscores the strategic and humanitarian importance of the crossing under the current circumstances.
Hamas' position and commitment to the truce
For its part, Hamas reacted to the announcement, considering the discovery of the remains of the last hostage as tangible proof of its commitment to the terms of the ceasefire agreement that went into effect on October 10th. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated, "The discovery of the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza confirms Hamas's commitment to all the requirements of the ceasefire agreement, including the prisoner exchange process and its complete closure as stipulated in the agreement." This statement indicates the movement's desire to reaffirm its credibility with international mediators and its commitment to maintaining the truce.
