Members of Kibbutz Alumim gathered in Tel Aviv on January 9, 2026, to demand the return of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili’s body, the last remaining hostage held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks. The event at Beit Ariela near Hostage Square highlighted calls to halt progress on the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase until Gvili, a police officer killed defending the kibbutz, receives a proper burial.
Background on Ran Gvili and October 7 Events
Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old master sergeant in the Yamam special operations unit, was at home in Meitar awaiting shoulder surgery when Hamas-led terrorists attacked on October 7, 2023. He put on his uniform and rushed to Kibbutz Alumim, where he fought off invaders and saved lives before being killed and his body taken to Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Gvili’s actions that day prevented greater loss at the kibbutz. Recent reports show he eliminated multiple terrorists while injured, showing immense bravery. His story has become a symbol of sacrifice amid the ongoing conflict, with families and supporters keeping his memory alive through public events.
Over the past two years, the hostage crisis has seen 47 of 48 remaining hostages returned under the October 2025 ceasefire. Gvili remains the sole unresolved case, with searches resuming this week involving Hamas and the Red Cross in Gaza City.
Details of the Tel Aviv Gathering
The gathering took place on a stormy Friday afternoon, drawing hundreds despite heavy rain and winds. Participants included kibbutz residents, Gvili’s family, and former hostages, all united in a pre-Shabbat event to honor Gvili and push for his return.
Speakers shared personal stories, emphasizing community and faith. Former hostage Bar Kuperstein spoke about finding strength in Shabbat during captivity, linking it to the need to support the Gvili family now.
The event featured calls for action, with signs and chants demanding no advancement to phase two of the truce without Gvili’s body. Attendees braved the weather to show solidarity, turning the library space into a hub of remembrance and resolve.
Organizers noted this as part of a shift from large Saturday rallies to smaller Friday gatherings, adapting to the reduced number of hostage cases while keeping pressure on authorities.
Family Statements and Emotional Impact
Itzik Gvili, Ran’s father, spoke movingly about his son’s heroism. He rejected apologies from local leaders, saying Ran knew the risks and would do it again. “Rani went there to fight. He knew where he was going,” Itzik said, speaking of Ran in the present tense until they see his body.
Talik Gvili, Ran’s mother, expressed frustration over delays, recently returning from meetings in the US where officials committed to help but shared troubling assessments of Hamas claims. The family insists on a Jewish burial, meeting with religious leaders like Israel’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi to underscore this duty.
Their words highlighted the personal toll, with siblings and friends sharing memories of Ran’s courage. This emotional depth has resonated widely, inspiring ongoing public support.
Here are key points from the family’s recent statements:
- Itzik Gvili emphasized Ran’s role in saving Kibbutz Alumim and building a new sense of family there.
- Talik Gvili voiced concerns that Americans believe Hamas may not know the body’s location, adding to the family’s distress.
- The family calls for weekly gatherings to remind leaders that progress in Gaza talks must include Ran’s return.
Broader Context of the Hostage Crisis
The October 7 attacks led to over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, sparking a war that reshaped the region. By January 2026, most hostages have returned, but Gvili’s case lingers as a sticking point in ceasefire implementation.
Recent developments include Hamas claiming the body is under rubble, though Israeli intelligence disputes this. Searches restarted after a pause, amid international involvement like the Red Cross.
The Hostages Forum has scaled back operations, closing Tel Aviv offices while focusing on Gvili. This reflects a transition from mass protests to targeted advocacy, with global attention on figures like Hadar Goldin’s father supporting the cause.
Public sentiment remains strong, with social media posts and rallies keeping the issue alive. In 2025, related events saw physical attacks on advocates, showing the heated emotions surrounding the topic.
| Key Milestones in Ran Gvili Hostage Case | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| October 7 Attack | October 7, 2023 | Gvili killed defending Kibbutz Alumim; body abducted to Gaza. |
| Ceasefire Agreement | October 10, 2025 | Hamas agrees to return all remaining hostages within 72 hours; 47 returned so far. |
| Family Announcement | December 2025 | Shift from Saturday rallies to Friday gatherings. |
| Search Resumption | January 2026 | Hamas and Red Cross restart efforts in Gaza City. |
| Latest Gathering | January 9, 2026 | Kibbutz Alumim event in Tel Aviv demands return before phase two of truce. |
Calls for Action and Future Outlook
Supporters urge immediate action, insisting the truce’s second phase, involving Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament under international oversight, wait for Gvili’s return. This phase includes a US-led Board of Peace, with figures like Nickolay Mladenov involved.
Experts note that resolving this case could pave the way for broader stability in Gaza, where reconstruction efforts are underway. Public pressure continues through gatherings and online campaigns, aiming to ensure no one is left behind.
The story of Ran Gvili serves as a reminder of individual sacrifices in larger conflicts, fostering unity among diverse groups.
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