The family of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage whose remains were recovered from Gaza, expressed profound sorrow and pride as his body was returned to Israel on Monday. Gvili, aged 24, was killed while attempting to protect others during the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, despite being ordered to stay home due to a broken collarbone.
During a solemn ceremony, Gvili’s father, Itzik, recalled his son’s bravery. “You had every chance to stay at home,” he said, addressing his son’s coffin. “But you said, ‘I won’t leave my friends to fight alone.’” This statement encapsulated Gvili’s spirit and commitment to his comrades, even at great personal risk.
Gvili was a member of the Israeli Police Special Forces and was recovering from his injury when the attack occurred. Despite his condition, he rushed to aid residents of Kibbutz Alumim, where he sustained serious injuries while confronting Palestinian terrorists. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries while being transported into Gaza.
Itzik Gvili took comfort in the outpouring of respect shown for his son. “The whole police force is with you, the whole army is with you, the whole nation is with you. I’m proud of you, my son,” he said during the military procession that accompanied Gvili’s remains. His father noted that the tragedy had served to unite the nation in its grief, as many awaited the return of Gvili’s remains.
Gvili’s mother, Talik, also expressed her gratitude during the ceremony. She thanked former President Donald Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff for their efforts in facilitating the return of her son’s body. “Our pride is much, much stronger than our pain,” she stated. “The people of Israel live and are strong.”
Israeli Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, who led the procession, described Gvili as embodying the “DNA” of the police force. He lamented that Gvili was unable to return home alive, unlike many other hostages. “We salute you, we respect you, and we apologize… that we could not save you and bring you back alive,” Levy said.
The recovery of Gvili’s body, which had been feared lost, followed a significant operation by the Israel Defense Forces. This involved exhuming and testing approximately 250 bodies in a cemetery in northern Gaza after Hamas indicated that Gvili might be buried there. His identification was confirmed through dental and fingerprint records.
Ran Gvili’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, marking a somber conclusion to a painful chapter in Israel’s recent history. The collective grief and respect shown during this time reflect the impact of his sacrifice on the nation.
