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Israeli Forces Detain Islamic Jihad Operative Amid Search for Hostage's Remains
12/28/2025, 9:55:55 PM
Detention of Operative Linked to Hostage Abduction
Covert Israeli forces have detained a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) operative connected to the abduction of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage still held in Gaza. The operative, affiliated with the al-Quds Brigades, was apprehended in the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, approximately one kilometer west of the Gaza ceasefire line. This information was reported by the Saudi-owned outlet Asharq al-Awsat, which cited local sources as well as sources from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to requests for comment regarding the detention.
Context of the Hostage Situation
Ran Gvili was reportedly abducted during the conflict, and Israeli officials have accused Islamic Jihad of retaining his remains. A document provided by Israel to mediators in Cairo last month allegedly listed the detained operative among those responsible for capturing Gvili's body. Islamic Jihad has claimed that it returned all hostages in its possession, a statement that Israel has rejected. Sources from Islamic Jihad assert that they initially held Gvili's body in various locations before transferring it to Hamas's armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. Conversely, Hamas sources have denied current possession of Gvili's remains, attributing difficulties in locating the body to Israeli military operations in the area.
Recent Developments in Hostage Returns
As of now, Hamas has returned 27 of the 28 deceased captives' bodies, with the last few remains being those held by Islamic Jihad. The most recent body returned was that of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak on December 3. Gvili's family has been vocal in their demands for his return, organizing protests in Tel Aviv to urge the Israeli government not to proceed with the next phase of the U.S. peace plan without securing his remains. Talik Gvili, Ran's mother, emphasized the family's commitment to ensuring that he is not forgotten, stating, “We don’t forget. And we won’t let anyone leave him there.”
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to secure the return of Gvili. He is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida, where discussions may include advancing to the second phase of the peace deal. During a recent Hanukkah event at the White House, Trump claimed that all remaining hostages had been released from Gaza, a statement that was publicly contested by Gvili's family.
Criticism & Opposition
The handling of the hostage situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the perceived failure of Hamas to exert pressure on Islamic Jihad for the return of Gvili's remains. The families of hostages have expressed frustration over the delays in recovering their loved ones, highlighting the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the current status of Gvili's remains, with Islamic Jihad and Hamas providing conflicting accounts of their involvement in the abduction and retention of the body. While Islamic Jihad claims to have returned all hostages, Israeli officials maintain that Gvili's remains are still being withheld. The exact circumstances surrounding the detention of the operative and the ongoing search for Gvili's body remain unclear, with no official confirmation from the IDF on the details of the operation.
