From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 16, 2026
Ex-hostage to join Gvili family in call to pause Phase 2 in Gaza until last hostage body is returned
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
A Kabbalat Shabbat service calling for the release of the remaining hostage body, that of slain police officer Ran Gvili, will take place at 2 p.m. in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, organized by the Kibbutz Movement and Kibbutz Eyal.
Gvili, a member of the Yamam police unit, was killed battling terrorists at Kibbutz Alumim, and his body was abducted to Gaza, where it is still being held.
Former hostage Agam Berger will perform “Habayta” (Home) on the violin, her first performance at Hostages Square since her February 2025 release.
The Gvili family and supporters will repeat their message that there should be no move into phase two of the Gaza plan while there is one remaining hostage body.
Rallies will be held in Meitar, the Gvili family’s home community and at the Kshatot Junction in the south, attended by members of the Gvili family, Merav Leshem Gonen, mother of former hostage Romi Gonen, and bereaved family members who lost loved ones on October 7 and in captivity.
Other support demonstrations and vigils will take place throughout the weekend at numerous locations across the country.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for ending the war in Gaza, including the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian administration for the Strip. The US has said it is working for the return of Gvili’s body, but will not hold up phase two for that purpose.
The Times of Israel Community.