Israel Launches Major Operation in Gaza to Recover Last Hostage as Ceasefire Talks Hang in Balance

Post by : Saif Nasser

Israel has launched what it calls a “large-scale operation” in Gaza to locate and recover the last remaining hostage from the October 7, 2023 attack, as pressure grows to move forward with the next phase of a fragile ceasefire. The operation comes at a critical moment, with international mediators, led by the United States, urging both Israel and Hamas to take steps toward easing restrictions and stabilizing the region.

The hostage, Ran Gvili, was killed during the Hamas-led attack more than two years ago, and his body has been held in Gaza since then. His return has become a central issue in Israeli politics and a deeply emotional matter for the public. Many see the recovery of his remains as the final hurdle before Israel agrees to open the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt and advance to the second phase of the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that once the current military operation is completed, and in line with understandings reached with the United States, Israel will open the Rafah crossing. No exact timeline was given, though Israeli military officials indicated the search could take several days. The Israeli Cabinet met on Sunday to discuss the border crossing and broader ceasefire steps, a day after senior U.S. envoys held talks with Netanyahu.

Israel’s military has released more information than usual about the search effort. Officials said troops are combing a cemetery in northern Gaza near the Yellow Line, which marks Israeli-controlled areas. Another military official said there is information suggesting Gvili may have been buried in the Shijaiya-Tuffah area of Gaza City. Specialized teams, including rabbis and dental experts, are involved to help identify remains if they are found. The official spoke anonymously because the operation is still ongoing.

Gvili’s family has urged the Israeli government not to move ahead with the second phase of the ceasefire until his remains are returned. Their position has found sympathy among many Israelis, who believe all hostages, whether alive or dead, should be brought home before further concessions are made. Under the first phase of the ceasefire, which began in October, Israel committed to recovering all remaining hostages. The last recovery before Sunday took place in early December.

At the same time, pressure is building from abroad. The Trump administration has already said in recent days that the second phase of the ceasefire is effectively under way. Hamas, for its part, accused Israel of delaying the process. In a statement, the group said it had shared all the information it had about Gvili’s remains and claimed Israel was blocking searches in areas under Israeli military control. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of dragging its feet and failing to cooperate fully.

Tensions have also risen on another front. Overnight, a fire broke out at the closed headquarters of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, in east Jerusalem. The cause of the fire remains unclear. UN officials said Israeli settlers were seen entering the compound and removing furniture, and that parts of the fence had been cut. Israel’s fire service said it worked to stop the blaze from spreading.

UNRWA leaders condemned the incident, calling it another attack on the agency amid growing pressure on its operations. Israel has long accused UNRWA of being influenced by Hamas and has alleged that some of its staff were involved in the 2023 attack. The agency has denied working with Hamas and says it took action against employees accused of wrongdoing. Last year, Israel passed laws limiting UNRWA’s activities in areas it considers part of Israel, including east Jerusalem.

As Israel continues its search in Gaza, the situation remains tense and uncertain. The outcome of the operation could shape the next steps in the ceasefire, the opening of Gaza’s borders, and the broader effort to move away from a devastating war. For now, the focus remains on recovering the final hostage and deciding whether this painful chapter can finally be closed.