Hamas reveals details about remains of last Gaza captive to Israeli authorities

Israeli Forces Launch Search Operation for Captive’s Remains in Gaza Cemetery

A search operation is underway at a cemetery in northern Gaza to locate the remains of Ran Gvili, the last captive held by Hamas in the Palestinian territory. According to a statement released on Sunday, Hamas has provided the location of Gvili’s remains with “absolute transparency” as part of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, stated that they have fulfilled all their obligations under the agreement and are committed to permanently closing this file. The group expressed its concern for the interests of its people and called on mediators to uphold their responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed a large-scale operation is underway at the cemetery. The Israeli military also reported that search operations are ongoing to retrieve Gvili’s body from the “yellow line” area in Gaza, which separates the locations of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters.

Gvili, a non-commissioned officer in the Israeli police’s elite Yassam unit, was killed in action on October 7, 2023. As part of the United States President Donald Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza, Hamas was required to return all captives, living and dead, from the besieged enclave to Israel.

Despite not finding Gvili’s remains, US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced last week that the ceasefire is moving to its second stage. This phase is expected to include the opening of the Rafah border crossing, reconstruction of the Strip, and disarmament of Hamas.

In addition to the search operation for Gvili’s remains, Israeli attacks have continued across Gaza, resulting in at least three Palestinian deaths and an Israeli drone wounding four others in Gaza City.

Source: Al Jazeera