Body of Ran Gvili back in Israel, marking first time without hostages in Gaza since 2014

The body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili has been brought back to Israel from the Gaza Strip after 843 days, the military says in a statement, confirming that no hostages now remain in the Strip.

The military says it informed Gvili’s family that their son has been identified and was returned to Israel for burial. A funeral is planned for Wednesday.

“As such, the return of all of the living and deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip to the State of Israel has been completed,” the army says.

It marks the first time since 2014 that there are no hostages held in Gaza.

In addition to the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, two Israelis who had been captured after entering Gaza of their own accord in 2014 and 2015 — Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed — were released during the war, and the bodies of two IDF soldiers killed during the 2014 Gaza War — Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin — were recovered.

“Throughout the entire war, IDF troops operated day and night, on the front lines and deep in enemy territory, while greatly endangering their lives, with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to the sanctity of life, in order to establish the conditions that would allow the return of all the hostages, the living and the deceased as one,” the military says.

The IDF says the return of the hostages, including Gvili, “was carried out over two years of intense combat and represents the promise between the IDF and the citizens of the State of Israel, to never leave anyone behind.”

IDF troops carry the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, after it was located in eastern Gaza City, January 26, 2026. (Courtesy)