Israel confirmed Monday that the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, has been recovered and returned home.
Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli police officer from Meitar at the time of his death, was killed during fighting on October 7, 2023, after confronting Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Alumim and was later kidnapped to Gaza, according to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
“Ran, with his broad shoulders and radiant smile, was all heart. A true friend, loved by all. He loved life, was a young man with deep values, always spoke at eye level and had a powerful yet quiet presence,” the group said.
Gvili is survived by his parents, Talik and Itzik, his brother Omri and his sister Shira, and extended family.
AMERICAN-ISRAELI IDF PETOTON COMMANDER KILLED IN BATTLE, BODY HELD IN GAZA, IDF SAYS
People hold signs with a photo of Ran Gvili, who was killed fighting Hamas militants in the October 7, 2023, attack and whose body has been held in Gaza since then, during a rally calling for his return in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, January 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that following the completion of an identification process conducted by Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with police and military authorities, officials informed the Gvili family that their loved one’s remains had been identified and would be returned for burial.
The IDF extended its condolences to the family and said all hostages have now been returned to Israel from Gaza.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
