Israel Launches Major Gaza Operation to Find Last Hostage Amid Ceasefire Pressure
Israel has announced that its military is conducting a large-scale operation to locate the last hostage in Gaza, as international mediators, including the United States, intensify pressure to advance the ceasefire process.
The statement was released on Sunday, coinciding with a Cabinet meeting in Israel to discuss the potential opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. This development follows high-level talks between U.S. envoys and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the next steps in the conflict.
Ceasefire Progress Hinges on Hostage Recovery
The return of the remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, is widely viewed as a critical step to moving forward with the ceasefire's second phase. Opening the Rafah crossing would signal this progression, but Gvili's recovery remains a key obstacle.
Under the first phase of the ceasefire, which began on October 10, the return of all hostages, whether alive or deceased, has been a central requirement. Prior to Sunday, the last hostage was recovered in early December, highlighting the prolonged nature of these efforts.
Intensified Search Efforts in Gaza
While Israel has previously conducted searches for Gvili, this operation involves unprecedented detail and scale. The military is focusing on a cemetery in northern Gaza near the Yellow Line, which demarcates Israeli-controlled areas of the territory.
In a separate development, an anonymous Israeli military official indicated that Gvili might be buried in the Shujaiyya–Daraj Tuffah area. Specialized teams, including rabbis and dental experts, are on the ground to assist in the search, underscoring the operation's complexity and sensitivity.
Political and Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Gvili's family has publicly urged Netanyahu's government to delay the ceasefire's second phase until his remains are returned. However, mounting pressure from international actors, including the Trump administration, which has declared the second phase underway, complicates this stance.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of hindering the recovery process. In response, Hamas issued a statement on Sunday claiming it has provided all available information about Gvili's remains and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas under its military control.
This large-scale operation marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with the outcome likely to influence the future of the ceasefire and regional stability.
