Israel has launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza to locate the remains of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, who is believed to be the final hostage still held in the territory. The Israeli government has stated that the vital Rafah border crossing with Egypt will only reopen once this search mission is “exhausted” or completed. Returning Gvili’s body is considered the final obstacle to initiating the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan aimed at ending the two-year war.
Date: January 25, 2026. Source: theguardian.com