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Israel has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the return of slain hostage St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, sending a high-level delegation to Cairo for urgent negotiations, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Thursday. The move marks a renewed push to resolve one of the last unresolved human tragedies from the October 7 attacks.
The delegation was led by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, and included representatives from the IDF, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Mossad. Their presence underscored the gravity Israel attaches to recovering Gvili’s remains, which continue to be held by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli and Egyptian officials held what were described as “intensive and focused discussions,” aimed at establishing a clear route toward locating and retrieving the fallen officer. By the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to begin what was termed an “intensive and immediate effort” to locate Gvili’s body.
The development comes just one day after Hamas returned the remains of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak, whose death and captivity had also drawn international attention. With that handover, Gvili became the final hostage whose remains are known to still be held in Gaza.
Gvili, an officer in the Israel Police’s Special Patrol Unit (YASAM), was killed on October 7, 2023, while fighting Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israeli communities along the Gaza border. Before his death, he played a crucial role in protecting civilians fleeing the Nova music festival in Re’im and in defending Kibbutz Alumim from armed attackers.
His actions earned him national recognition and deep public admiration. But nearly two years later, the absence of his remains has compounded the grief of his family and the wider Israeli public, prolonging an already painful chapter in the country’s collective memory.
At Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, posters of Gvili continue to be displayed prominently, serving as a stark reminder of the unresolved ordeal. The square has become a symbol of the ongoing campaign to bring every hostage—alive or deceased—back home. His image, alongside those of other captives, remains at the center of weekly demonstrations calling for governmental action.
The Cairo talks reflect broader efforts by Israel and Egypt to stabilize the region amid ongoing tensions. Egypt has played a critical role in mediating between Israel and Hamas since the beginning of the conflict, facilitating prisoner exchanges and humanitarian arrangements. Officials familiar with the talks said Cairo remains fully committed to helping resolve the case of Gvili’s remains.
The retrieval of bodies from Gaza has long been a politically and operationally difficult task. Hamas and other militant groups have used hostages and remains as bargaining tools in negotiations with Israel, often demanding significant concessions. Israeli officials did not specify whether additional terms were discussed in Cairo, focusing instead on the urgency and humanitarian importance of recovering the slain officer.
The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the discussions were held “with full coordination and determination,” adding that Israel would continue to pursue every possible channel until Gvili is brought home. Security officials said the cooperation with Egypt could expedite intelligence-sharing and operational coordination, raising hopes for a breakthrough.
The Gvili family has maintained a visible presence in public campaigns, urging the government not to allow their son’s memory to fade or his remains to remain in enemy hands. Thursday’s announcement brought them cautious optimism, though they stressed that only the physical return of his body would bring any sense of closure.
Across Israel, the case has resonated deeply, emblematic of the country’s ethos of leaving no soldier behind. Public sentiment has reinforced expectations that the government must exhaust all diplomatic, intelligence and operational means to recover every fallen Israeli.
While no timeline was provided for further developments, officials involved in the Cairo meetings described the atmosphere as constructive and serious. The coming days are expected to see increased cooperation between Israeli and Egyptian intelligence services, alongside continued diplomatic engagement.
For now, Israel’s efforts remain centered on a singular mission: to bring Ran Gvili home and allow his family—and the nation—to finally lay him to rest.