News|Israel-Palestine conflictIsrael says Rafah crossing to open after search for last captive body endsNetanyahu’s office says the Gaza border crossing with Egypt will reopen only after search for soldier Ran Gvili’s remains is over.
Israel will reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt for the passage of people only after the operation to locate the body of the last remaining Israeli captive in the enclave is completed, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Israel will reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt for the passage of people only after the operation to locate the body of the last remaining Israeli captive in the enclave is completed, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office on Sunday indicated that the reopening of the crossing is contingent upon the return of all living captives and a complete effort by Hamas to locate and return all deceased captives.
Hamas reported on Sunday that it has provided the location of the remains of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili, the last captive in Gaza, as the second stage of the ceasefire commenced. A spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades stated that the group fulfilled its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and urged mediators to ensure the Israeli occupation implements the agreed terms.
Netanyahu's office confirmed ongoing large-scale operations at a cemetery in northern Gaza to locate the remains. The Israeli military is also conducting search operations in the "yellow line" area of Gaza.
Hamas reported on Sunday that it has provided the location of the remains of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili, the last captive in Gaza, as the second stage of the ceasefire commenced.
Gvili, a noncommissioned officer in the Israeli police’s elite Yassam unit, was killed on October 7, 2023, during an attack led by Hamas in Israel. His body was subsequently taken to Gaza. As part of the United States peace proposal, Hamas is required to return all captives, living and deceased, from Gaza to Israel.
Despite delays in finding Gvili’s remains, the ceasefire has moved into a second stage, potentially leading to the opening of the Rafah border crossing, reconstruction of the Strip, and disarmament of Hamas.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that discussions were held with Netanyahu, focusing on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks across Gaza have resulted in casualties, with at least three Palestinians killed and four others wounded in separate incidents, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
