Hamas stated on January 26, 2026, that the recovery of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, demonstrates its adherence to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement enacted in October 2025. The group's spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, emphasized their commitment to facilitating Gaza's transitional governance while urging mediators to ensure Israel complies with the pact.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the return of Gvili's remains, calling it a 'tremendous achievement' for military forces. The 24-year-old police officer was killed during cross-border clashes on October 7, 2023, with his body recovered through a recent IDF operation in northern Gaza.
The ceasefire's first phase, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., has now seen all hostages returned alive or deceased. While Hamas claims full compliance, tensions persist over Israel's accusations of agreement violations. Analysts suggest the development could accelerate negotiations for Gaza's post-conflict reconstruction, a key concern for regional investors.
