IDF Recovers Body of Ran Gvili, Last Israeli Hostage Held by Hamas in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces announced Monday that it has recovered the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, marking the return of the final remaining hostage held in the Gaza Strip since the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023.

Gvili, a 24-year-old volunteer with the Israel Police’s Special Patrol Unit (Yasam), was identified following a forensic review by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with the Israel Police and Military Rabbinate.

Gvili was killed in battle during the October 7 onslaught and abducted by Hamas terrorists, the IDF said. “The IDF shares the family’s grief,” the statement continued, affirming that the military would continue to support the families of hostages and work to ensure Israel’s security.

With his return, Hamas is no longer holding any Israeli captives living or deceased for the first time since 2014. That year, the group had seized the remains of two IDF soldiers killed during the Gaza war.

Gvili’s body was recovered during a specialized military operation dubbed “Operation Brave Heart”, which targeted a cemetery in northern Gaza. Using extensive intelligence, IDF units scanned the area and recovered the body late last week.

The operation capped an exhaustive effort involving multiple intelligence services and field units, aiming to fulfill Israel’s commitment to return every captive living or deceased to their families.

Despite suffering a broken shoulder just days earlier, Gvili left his home in Meitar on the morning of October 7, donned his uniform, and reported for duty. “Rani told us he would not let his friends fight alone,” said his father, Itzik Gvili. “Even with the fracture, he said he could still hold a handgun.”

During the battle near Kibbutz Alumim, Gvili saved approximately 100 people who had fled the Nova music festival and personally killed 14 Hamas terrorists. Despite being shot in the arm and leg, he refused evacuation, radioing enemy movements until succumbing to his wounds. Hamas terrorists then abducted his body.

“Ran was a courageous fighter, driven by a deep sense of mission,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz. “His bravery is part of the story of Israel’s resilience in the face of terror.”

Katz added, “The return of Ran... is a painful moment of closure. It underscores the State of Israel’s commitment to its soldiers and citizens to bring every single person home.”

On October 7, 251 individuals Israeli and foreign nationals were abducted to Gaza. Of these, 168 were freed alive, while others were confirmed dead. Many of the deceased were returned through negotiated truce deals or recovered in IDF operations over the past year.

Ran Gvili’s return marks the end of this chapter one that has defined Israel’s national consciousness since the Hamas attack.

He will be laid to rest with full honors in the coming days.

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