Report: Israel delayed operation to recover Ran Gvili’s remains in Gaza as it sought more specific intel

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Israel has held intelligence for some time on the supposed location of the remains of the last remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, and delayed a recovery operation several times, as it sought more specific intel, Channel 12 reports, after the IDF confirmed it is searching for Gvili’s remains in a Muslim cemetery northern Gaza.

Security officials believe the operation could last anywhere from several hours to a few days.

Parts of the effort are taking place near Gaza’s Yellow Line, including in areas under Hamas control, and Channel 12 says officials cautioned government ministers there is no guarantee of success, describing the operation as highly complex.

The report adds that the unfolding developments may delay an expected cabinet decision in the coming days on opening the Rafah Border Crossing, a step the US has been pressing Israel to implement as part of the ceasefire framework.

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