The action coincides with a stalling of the cease-fire agreement, with Israeli sources saying they believe Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are aware of the location of the remains.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israel has stepped up efforts to retrieve the remains of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza, Staff Sgt. Maj. Ran Gvili, by detaining a terrorist who was involved in his abduction and knows his whereabouts, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
The action coincides with a stalling of the cease-fire agreement, with Israeli sources saying they believe Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are aware of the location of the remains, and the terror groups claiming they are unable to find them.
According to the Saudi report, the detained Palestinian Islamic Jihad member was seized in central Gaza City, near Palestine Square. The IDF declined to comment on the report, Army Radio said.
Israeli security sources say responsibility for locating Gvili’s remains lies squarely with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “Hamas and the PIJ know where Gvili’s remains are located, and have the ability to find them. The problem is they are not motivated to do so,” a security source told Maariv earlier this month. “We believe they can put in more effort.”
In recent weeks, Hamas and the International Committee of the Red Cross conducted searches in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, an area believed to be connected to the case. Those efforts were temporarily suspended due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Byron.
Israeli officials have warned that the current stalemate carries tangible consequences for Hamas. “We are applying very strong and clear pressure. Until Gvili’s remains are returned, there will be no progress. Everyone knows we are in an interim situation,” another security source told Maariv.
The source added that Hamas would receive no concessions tied to Gaza’s rehabilitation while the issue remains unresolved. “This stage also has disadvantages for Hamas, as they will not receive anything that will allow the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip. There will be no concrete, no concrete mixers, no discussion of a new Yellow Line, no opening of the Rafah border crossing — and more!”
Gvili was killed during the Oct. 7 assault, and Israeli officials have reiterated that the return of all hostages and remains is a central condition for any future steps in Gaza.
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