Palestinians cross a flooded street following heavy rain in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Dec. 11.
Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
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Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
TEL AVIV, Israel — Recovery efforts for the final Israeli hostage in Gaza have been hampered by severe weather conditions in the region, an Israeli official told NPR on the condition of anonymity.
The official mentioned that search operations are currently on hold due to inclement weather in northern Gaza but are expected to resume once conditions improve.
The delayed recovery is also impacting the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, which is pending the transfer of the last hostage’s body to Israeli authorities by Hamas.
Phase two of the ceasefire deal involves Hamas disarming and Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Ran Gvili, the final Israeli hostage held by Hamas, was killed while assisting individuals at the Nova music festival. Gvili, 24, was a member of an elite police unit.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, advocating for the hostages’ return, confirmed that search operations are currently on hold due to unfavorable weather conditions.
While the Israeli military did not confirm the delay, they urged Hamas to fulfill their obligations under the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassim described the search efforts as “very complicated,” with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel’s continued strikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 380 Palestinians, as reported by local health authorities.
Earlier this month, Israel’s military targeted a top Hamas leader, triggering accusations of ceasefire violations from Hamas.
Severe rains have flooded thousands of tents used by displaced Palestinians as shelters.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, appealed to the Israeli military to facilitate the entry of more aid into Gaza to address the dire situation.
“With Storm Byron causing heavy rain and cold temperatures, people in Gaza are at risk of freezing to death,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated on X.
Lazzarini highlighted the collapse of waterlogged buildings in Gaza, with Gaza civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal reporting multiple fatalities due to building collapses.
“These buildings pose a significant threat in Gaza and endanger the lives of thousands,” Basal emphasized to NPR.
Contributions to this report were made by Itay Stern from Tel Aviv, Abu Bakr Bashir from the United Kingdom, and Ahmed Abuhamda from Cairo.
