The final Israeli hostage whose body remains in Gaza is a young police officer who died a hero while defending a community that was not his own on the day that sparked the ongoing war.
The Shield of Alumim: A Final Stand
Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer known as "Rani," was killed in combat against Hamas militants during the devastating October 7, 2023 attacks. Despite a series of exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners during ceasefire deals, his body has not been returned. His family and nation now mourn him as the last hostage still held in the Gaza Strip.
At the entrance to Kibbutz Alumim, a sign commemorates Gvili with his smiling photo in uniform. It credits him with saving the lives of the kibbutz members during the assault, dubbing him "Rani, the Shield of Alumim." Unlike other communities attacked that day, the residents of Alumim survived, a fact many attribute to the brave defence by Gvili and other emergency responders, soldiers, and police.
A Fateful Morning and a Heroic Battle
On the morning of October 7, Gvili was actually at home on medical leave from his elite police unit, recovering from a broken shoulder. His sister, Shira Gvili, recounted that upon hearing of the attack on the Nova Music Festival, he immediately headed towards the site with colleagues.
They never reached Nova, which became the scene of Israel's largest civilian massacre. Instead, they encountered militants near Kibbutz Alumim. Fellow officer Sergeant Richard Schechtman described how Gvili took immediate charge. "Rani pulled the pin and opened fire — and the whole team followed him," Schechtman told Ynet news.
According to his mother, Talik Gvili, who spoke with other fighters, Ran was later injured in the leg but continued to fight on the western flank of the kibbutz. "He fought them alone, injured in both his leg and arm, and he took down those monsters," she said. Israel's military states his body was abducted into Gaza soon after. His death was confirmed by intelligence four months later.
A Family's Agony and a Nation's Wait
For Gvili's family, including his parents Talik and Itzik and his siblings Shira and Omri, the wait is agonising. "We see all the other families whose sons came back and we see in their eyes that they have relief," said Shira Gvili. "This is why it’s so important. Because we want to move on with our life and just remember Rani."
They remember a protective, goofy young man who loved his dog Luna, played guitar, and told bad jokes. But they also fear his case could become like those of soldiers Hadar Goldin or Ron Arad, whose remains were lost for decades. "As far as I am concerned, until Ran comes back, he is alive," his father Itzik told Kan News. "I have nothing else to hope for."
The return of Gvili's remains is also a pivotal point in international diplomacy. It would mark the completion of the first phase of the U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point ceasefire plan. This initial phase also involves the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners and increased aid to Gaza. Subsequent phases, which include disarming Hamas and forming a temporary Palestinian government, are seen as far more complex.
