What's happened
Recent updates confirm that the remains of two hostages, Israeli police officer Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak, are still in Gaza. Despite ongoing searches and negotiations facilitated by the Red Cross, Hamas has not officially announced plans to return any hostages or remains, amid complex military and diplomatic efforts. The situation remains tense as Israel and Gaza continue negotiations under a fragile ceasefire, with efforts focused on recovering all bodies and hostages.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing delay in returning the remains of Gvili and Rinthalak highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the complex dynamics between Israel and Gaza. The fact that Hamas has not officially announced plans to return any hostages or remains suggests a strategic hesitation, possibly linked to broader negotiations over demilitarization and political control. The search operations, often criticized as staged or superficial, underscore the difficulty of verifying the whereabouts of the last bodies. This situation exemplifies how humanitarian issues are deeply intertwined with political and military objectives, and it is likely that progress will remain slow until broader agreements are reached. The international community, particularly mediators like Qatar, will continue to push for the return of all remains as a confidence-building measure, but the core issues of disarmament and governance remain unresolved. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds or if escalation resumes, with the potential for further casualties and diplomatic setbacks.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the remains of the two last hostages are still in Gaza, with ongoing searches by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and negotiations facilitated by the Red Cross. The article emphasizes the slow progress and the political implications of the delay. The New Arab highlights the slow retrieval process and the accusations from Israel that Hamas is dragging its feet, with searches continuing in northern Gaza. Reuters notes that Israeli officials believe Hamas has found the bodies but is hesitant to return them, and reports ongoing military operations targeting Hamas operatives in Gaza. These contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of the situation, with Israel demanding immediate return and Hamas citing logistical difficulties, all amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing military activity.
How we got here
The current situation stems from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages and the deaths of over 1,200 civilians. A US-brokered ceasefire was established in October 2025, including the return of some bodies and hostages. However, the process of retrieving remains has been slow, with Hamas and Islamic Jihad conducting searches for the last three bodies, which they claim are difficult to locate due to the extensive destruction in Gaza. The negotiations are complicated by Hamas's refusal to disarm and the broader political and military tensions in the region.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza after two years of war?
Gaza remains devastated after over two years of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The region has seen massive destruction, with thousands of lives lost and much of the infrastructure reduced to rubble. Despite the relentless violence, stories of resilience and hope continue to emerge, highlighting the complex human stories behind the headlines. Many are asking: what is the current state of Gaza, and what does the future hold for its people?
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Who Are the Hostages Still Held in Gaza?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the detention of several hostages, including civilians and military personnel. Despite efforts to locate and free them, many remain in captivity, raising urgent questions about their identities, the efforts to rescue them, and the broader diplomatic challenges involved. Below, we explore the current situation of the hostages, ongoing search efforts, and what it means for families and international negotiations.
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