Jerusalem, Jan 26 (.) The body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili has been returned to Israel from the Gaza Strip after 843 days, the Israeli military said on Monday, marking the end of the hostage chapter that began with the October 7, 2023 terror attack by the Hamas.
In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Gvili’s family had been formally notified after his remains were identified.
“With the return of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the return of all living and deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip to the State of Israel has been completed,” the military said.
The announcement marks the first time since 2014 that no Israelis are being held captive in Gaza.
Gvili was among the hostages taken during the October 7 assault, in which 251 people were abducted by Hamas terrorists and taken into the enclave.
In addition to those seized in 2023, two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who entered Gaza of their own accord in 2014 and 2015 and were subsequently held there, were also released during the conflict.
The bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed during the 2014 Gaza war—Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin—were likewise recovered.
“Throughout the entire war, IDF troops operated day and night, on the front lines and deep in enemy territory, while greatly endangering their lives, with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to the sanctity of life,” the military said, adding these efforts were aimed at “establishing the conditions that would allow the return of all the hostages, the living and the deceased as one.”
Describing Gvili’s return as part of a broader pledge to the nation, the IDF in a statement said “The return of the hostages represents the promise between the IDF and the citizens of the State of Israel—to never leave anyone behind.”
Gvili, 24, from Meitar, was located after 843 days in captivity following the October 7 attack. His identification was completed at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Ran, hero of Israel — he went in first and came out last. This is a great achievement.
A brief memorial ceremony was held at the IDF’s Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border, attended by Gvili’s father, Itzik, and Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy.
Following the ceremony, police escorted Gvili’s body to the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv ahead of Wednesday’s funeral.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum honored Gvili as “First to go in; last to return.”
Palestinians in Gaza expressed hope that the recovery of the remains would lead to the opening of the Rafah crossing and allow travel to and from Gaza along with the evacuation of people needing medical care.
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