UPDATE: Families of former hostages are expressing outrage as Israel prepares to advance to stage two of its ceasefire deal without the return of the last body still held in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum is demanding that the Israeli government prioritize the repatriation of Ran Gvili, whose remains are currently with Hamas.
The forum’s statement, issued yesterday, asserts that the return of other bodies “proves unequivocally” that Hamas is aware of the location of all remaining hostages. They are calling on Israel and international mediators to ensure that Hamas honors its commitments. This plea comes as the United States is poised to announce significant progress toward the second phase of its Gaza peace plan within the next two weeks.
Just last week, an Israeli delegation led by hostage envoy Gal Hirsch traveled to Cairo to advocate for Gvili’s repatriation. This delegation included representatives from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad. Gvili, a 24-year-old volunteer with the Israel Police Special Patrol Unit from Meitar, bravely rushed to assist during the October 7, 2023 attacks, despite recently suffering a broken shoulder. He is credited with saving approximately 100 individuals fleeing the Nova music festival and is believed to have engaged Hamas terrorists before being abducted.
In a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to repatriating Gvili for burial, stating, “We will spare no effort to do so.” He emphasized that he and his wife maintain continuous communication with Gvili’s family, pledging, “We will bring him back just as we brought back 254 hostages.”
As tensions rise, the families of hostages are demanding that the government take immediate action to ensure that no further progress is made in peace negotiations until Gvili’s body is returned. The urgency of their plea highlights the emotional turmoil and desperate need for closure amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
What happens next is crucial. With the U.S. looking to mediate a smooth transition to the next phase of its plan, all eyes are on Israel’s response to these mounting pressures. The situation continues to develop, and updates are expected as negotiations unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
