The parents of Ran Gvili, Itzik and Talik Gvili, have stated their expectation for the return of their son's body from Gaza. Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli police officer, was killed during an engagement with Hamas gunmen in Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, 2023.
His body was subsequently taken into Gaza. Ran Gvili was among 251 individuals taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which also resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities. His parents reported that he had been on medical leave due to a broken shoulder but responded to the events unfolding on October 7. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Ran Gvili's death in combat.
The Gvilis have advocated for the return of all hostages, both living and deceased. Under the initial phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which became effective on October 10, Hamas committed to returning the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 28 deceased Israeli and foreign hostages within 72 hours. All living hostages were released on October 13 in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza. The return of the bodies of deceased hostages has occurred incrementally.
The Gvilis are currently the only Israeli family awaiting the repatriation of a deceased family member from Gaza. They have indicated a desire for "closure" and for the dismantling of Hamas.
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Ran Gvili's actions during the October 7 events, stating he "eliminated 14 terrorists." Netanyahu also affirmed the commitment to returning Ran Gvili's body for burial.
Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, this campaign has resulted in over 70,120 fatalities.