Hundreds of people gathered for a second consecutive week at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, on Friday (12 December), to support the family of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last remaining Israeli hostage whose body is believed to be held in Gaza.
Gvili, 24, who was killed in Kibbutz Alumim during Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, was one of roughly 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
Speaking at the rally, his father, Itzik Gvili, said: "It’s hard for me to accept condolences. Until I see his body, I don’t speak about him in the past tense."
Gvili also addressed police officers attending the gathering, praising their actions during the 7 October attack, and recalled how his son was woken early that morning after Hamas launched its assault on southern Israel.
Family members lit candles and sang prayers.
His mother, Talik Gvili, has said Israel will not fully heal as a society until her son is brought home, reflecting the broader emotional toll of the hostage issue on the country.
Several former hostages attended the rally, including Eitan Horn and Yocheved Lifschitz, who were reportedly abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, as well as Dani Miran, the father of released hostage Omri Miran.
Organisers said additional solidarity rallies will be held on Saturday evening in Meitar, the Gvili family’s hometown, as well as in Shaar Hanegev in southern Israel and in Carmei Gat.
The rally, along with many others, underscores continued public pressure on the government to secure the return of all captives.
Israeli officials have said they have shared information with international mediators aimed at helping locate Gvili’s remains, making his case a key issue in ongoing ceasefire and hostage-related negotiations with Hamas.
An Israeli negotiator has said militant groups face practical difficulties locating his body amid widespread destruction in Gaza.
The handover of Gvili’s remains would complete a key condition in the initial phase of U.S.-backed efforts aimed at ending the Gaza war.
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Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 13th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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The United States is sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, U.S. media outlets reported on Thursday, 12 February, in an effort to reinforce its naval presence as diplomatic efforts falter.
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