Efforts to recover the body of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza have been delayed due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions within the northern Gaza Strip, according to an Israeli official. Search operations are expected to resume once ground conditions allow. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the suspension of search activities for the same reason. The Israeli military urged Hamas to fulfill its part of the agreement, without directly confirming the delays. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassim described the search efforts as "very complicated." The individual identified is Ran Gvili, 24, a member of an elite police unit, who was killed while attempting to assist people at the Nova music festival.
Ceasefire Agreement Status
The commencement of phase two of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement is currently on hold. This phase, which involves Hamas disarming and an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, is contingent upon the transfer of Gvili's body to Israeli authorities by Hamas. Both Israel and Hamas have issued statements accusing the other of violating the terms of the initial ceasefire phase. Since the ceasefire deal was reached in October, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 380 Palestinian fatalities, according to local health officials. Earlier this month, the Israeli military killed a Hamas leader, identified as the second-in-command of its military wing, an action Hamas declared a violation of the ceasefire.
Humanitarian Situation
Heavy rains have inundated thousands of tents that serve as shelters for displaced Palestinians. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), reported severe conditions for residents in the Gaza Strip due to heavy rain and cold weather associated with Storm Byron. Lazzarini also noted the collapse of waterlogged building ruins. Mahmoud Basal, Gaza civil defense spokesperson, stated that dozens of Palestinians died when buildings collapsed, describing these structures as a "major nightmare" threatening lives. UNRWA has appealed to the Israeli military to permit increased aid access to Gaza.