MEITAR, Israel – The final chapter in a harrowing ordeal for Israel closed on Wednesday with the funeral of Ran Gvili, the last hostage whose remains were returned from Gaza. The service, held in Meitar, Israel, marks the end of a painful saga that began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
A Nation Mourns
Hundreds of mourners, including family members and children, gathered for the funeral. A large banner displaying Gvili’s portrait served as a backdrop, and a screen projected the procession. Many attendees carried Israeli flags and wore yellow ribbons, symbols of the over two-year-long hostage crisis.
On Monday, Israeli forces brought home Gvili’s remains, confirming he was killed during the October 7th attack. He was one of 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas militants. Gvili, a member of the elite Yassam unit, was on medical leave for a scheduled shoulder surgery when the attack occurred, but reportedly rushed to the area armed.
Final Salute
Earlier on Wednesday, a convoy carrying Gvili’s body traveled from Camp Shura in central Israel to Meitar, lined by hundreds of onlookers waving Israeli flags. A line of police officers rendered a final salute as the coffin passed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak at the funeral. He stated on Tuesday that Israel had “fully completed the sacred mission of returning all of our hostages,” adding, “Ran was the first to charge, and Rani was the last to return.”
The return of the hostages unfolded over more than two years through a combination of ceasefire agreements, prisoner exchanges, and military rescue attempts. The latest handover was part of the ceasefire deal that began on October 10. Late Tuesday, hundreds gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square as a clock tracking the duration of the hostage crisis stopped after 844 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the return of Ran Gvili’s remains?
Israeli forces brought home the remains of Gvili as part of a US-backed Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect on October 10.
How many hostages were taken on October 7, 2023?
251 hostages were taken by militants on October 7, 2023, and Ran Gvili’s remains were the last to be returned to Israel.
What was Ran Gvili’s role before being taken hostage?
Gvili was a police officer in the elite Yassam unit, on medical leave for shoulder surgery when Hamas launched its attack, but he reportedly responded to the area with his weapon.
As Israel lays Ran Gvili to rest, what lasting impact will this prolonged hostage crisis have on the nation’s security policies and its approach to future negotiations?
