People hold signs with a photo of Ran Gvili, who was killed while fighting Hamas militants during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and whose body has been held in Gaza ever since, during a rally calling for his return in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Leo Correa/AP
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Leo Correa/AP
NAHARIYA, Israel — Israel announced on Sunday that its military was engaged in a “large-scale operation” to locate the final hostage in Gaza, amidst pressure from Washington and other mediators to advance the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Cabinet meeting in Israel discussed the potential opening of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt, following a meeting between top U.S. envoys and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The return of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, is crucial for progressing to the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Netanyahu’s office stated that once the current operation is completed, Israel will open the Rafah crossing in accordance with agreements made with the United States.
Efforts to recover all remaining hostages, whether alive or deceased, have been a key element of the ceasefire’s initial phase. Israeli military officials are focusing their search for Gvili in a cemetery in northern Gaza near the Yellow Line.
An Israeli military official suggested that Gvili might be buried in the Shijaiya-Tuffah area of Gaza City, where specialized search teams are deployed. Gvili’s family has urged the Israeli government to delay entering the ceasefire’s second phase until his remains are found.
Pressure has been mounting for progress, with the Trump administration indicating that the second phase of the ceasefire is already in motion. Hamas has provided information about Gvili’s remains and accused Israel of hindering search efforts in areas under its control.
A U.N. agency office is set ablaze
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees in east Jerusalem faced a fire overnight, following the demolition of parts of the compound by Israeli bulldozers. UNRWA’s West Bank director reported that Israeli settlers looted the main building, causing damage to the property.
The incident marks a series of attacks on the U.N. agency, which provides aid to Palestinian refugees in various regions. UNRWA’s operations have been restricted in Israel following legislative actions.
Israel has criticized UNRWA, alleging connections to Hamas and involvement in past conflicts. UNRWA leaders deny these claims and emphasize their commitment to providing assistance to Palestinian refugees.
