Israel confirmed on Monday that the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, who was held in Gaza, have been recovered and returned home.
Gvili, a 24-year-old Israel Police officer from Meitar at the time of his death, was killed during fighting on Oct. 7, 2023, after confronting Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Alumim, according to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
“Ran, with his broad shoulders and bright smile, was pure heart. A genuine friend, adored by everyone. He cherished life, was a young man of deep values, always spoke to others at eye level, and carried a powerful yet calm presence,” the group said.
Gvili leaves behind his parents, Talik and Itzik, his brother Omri, his sister Shira, and extended family.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that following the completion of an identification process conducted by Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine, in coordination with police and military authorities, officials informed the Gvili family that their loved one’s remains had been identified and would be returned for burial.
The IDF expressed condolences to the family and said all hostages have now been returned from Gaza to Israel.
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