Itzik Gili, father of slain Israeli hostage Master Sergeant Ran Gili, plans to address crowds at a Tel Aviv rally on November 29, 2025, which could mark the end of weekly protests for hostages held in Gaza. With only two bodies left unreturned after over two years of conflict, the Hostages Families Forum suggests halting large events as terror groups search for remains, shifting focus to support the last families.
Background on Ran Gili and the Hostage Crisis
Ran Gili, a 24-year-old police officer, died fighting Hamas terrorists at Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, 2023. His body was taken to Gaza, leaving his family in ongoing pain. Israeli authorities declared him dead in January 2024 based on intelligence, but his parents hold onto hope for a miracle.
Gili rushed to the scene despite a shoulder injury, saving dozens at the Nova music festival before his death. His story highlights heroism amid the attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. Over 250 hostages were taken that day, with most returned through deals or operations by late 2025.
The conflict has seen ceasefires, including a major one in October 2025, but two bodies remain: Gili’s and Thai worker Sudthisak Rinthalak’s. Rinthalak died in Kibbutz Be’eri, where he worked in agriculture.
Recent returns include Dror Or’s body on November 25, 2025, reducing the count. Families like Gili’s fear prolonged waits, comparing it to past cases like soldier Hadar Goldin, held for a decade before return.
Details of the Tel Aviv Rally
The rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv starts Saturday evening, drawing supporters for the final push. Itzik Gili will speak, sharing his family’s struggle and urging action.
Other speakers include Jon Polin, father of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin; Ayelet Goldin, sister of Hadar Goldin; Nira Sharabi, wife of slain hostage Yossi Sharabi; and Eyal Eshel, father of soldier Roni Eshel.
Protests also occur at Shaar HaNegev Junction and Carmei Gat, home to evacuated Kibbutz Nir Oz residents. A Jerusalem group holds a farewell for the Hostages Tent, set up since the crisis began.
Social media buzz shows public sentiment, with posts praising Gili’s bravery and calling for closure. Attendees expect emotional tributes, possibly the last major gathering.
Hostages Forum’s Decision to Scale Back
The Hostages Families Forum announced this week that Saturday’s event might be the final one. With only two families left, they plan to narrow activities, citing high costs of about 200,000 Israeli shekels per rally for stages and systems.
Forum leaders say rallies no longer fit the situation, as terror groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad search for bodies. This shift aims to avoid disrupting potential recoveries.
The forum stays in touch with Rinthalak’s family in Thailand via the embassy, but they have not joined rallies. The Gili family supports the decision while pushing for their son’s return.
This change reflects the war’s evolution, with over 100 hostages freed in 2024 deals and military actions recovering others.
| Remaining Hostages in Gaza (as of November 29, 2025) | Details |
|---|---|
| Ran Gili | 24-year-old Israeli police officer, killed October 7, 2023, body held in Gaza |
| Sudthisak Rinthalak | 43-year-old Thai agricultural worker, killed in Kibbutz Be’eri, body held in Gaza |
Family Perspectives and Hopes
Itzik Gili expressed fears his son could become another unresolved case like Ron Arad, missing since 1988, or Hadar Goldin. He told media, “As far as I am concerned, until Ran comes back, he is alive.”
Ran’s mother, Talik, and siblings share stories of his sensitivity and love. Brother Omri refuses to call him fallen, holding slim hope he survives. Sister Shira speaks of the family’s daily awareness efforts.
These views echo broader sentiments among hostage families, who have rallied weekly since 2023. The emotional toll persists, with some finding solace in community support.
Broader Context of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The hostage crisis ties into the ongoing war, now in its third year. Recent events include a ceasefire holding since October 2025, but tensions remain with strikes and arrests.
International attention focuses on Gaza’s humanitarian needs, with 15 field hospitals opened since the war started. Protests worldwide, like Italy’s recent strike against Israel’s actions, show global divides.
Israel’s operations in Syria and the West Bank add layers, as forces detain suspects amid regional unrest. Families hope diplomatic pressure will bring final resolutions.
- Key developments in 2025: Ceasefire in October, return of Dror Or’s body, and scaled-back rallies.
- Public calls: Increased social media demands for the last hostages’ return.
- Global impact: Thai involvement highlights international stakes in the conflict.
As this chapter may close, share your thoughts on the hostage rallies and support for families in the comments below. Spread the word by sharing this article to keep awareness alive.
