Israel has told international mediators that Gaza terror groups know how to retrieve the body of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the final hostage held in the Strip since October 7, 2023. A delegation led by hostage envoy Gal Hirsch met Egyptian officials in Cairo on Thursday to demand immediate action.
Talks also addressed Phase Two of President Trump’s Gaza plan, which aims for a transition toward demilitarization—something mediators say Hamas may be willing to discuss, despite public statements insisting they will keep their weapons.
Separately, Egypt, Qatar, and six other Muslim-majority nations voiced alarm over Israel’s plan to reopen the Rafah Crossing for outbound Palestinian movement only, warning against any measure that could be seen as forced displacement.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz will visit Israel and Jordan to advance the Gaza framework and monitor humanitarian operations.
Despite hopes of progress, violence continues. The IDF reported killing a terror operative approaching troops in northern Gaza, and loud explosions heard across central Israel Friday were attributed to ongoing tunnel demolition.
