U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is marking the start of a new era in the Middle East following the return of the remains of the final .
The remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili were brought back to Israel on Monday, signifying the return of all hostages—both living and deceased.
“Yesterday was a historic day,” Witkoff wrote in . “Now, all 20 living hostages and all 28 deceased hostages in Gaza have been returned to their families—a monumental, historic achievement few thought possible. This is thanks to the hard work of so many, especially [the president], who works tirelessly for peace.”
“This closes a painful chapter for many and paves the way for a new future defined by peace, not war, and prosperity, not destruction,” Witkoff added. “A new day has dawned in the Middle East, and President Trump, myself, and the entire team are committed to sustained peace and prosperity for all in the region.”
The , an organization formed after the Oct. 7 attacks to represent kidnapped victims’ families, thanked Witkoff and echoed his message: “Without [the president] and his administration, the hostages would never have come home.”
President celebrated Gvili’s remains returning from Gaza with a Truth Social post.
“Just recovered the last hostage body in GAZA. Thus, got back ALL 20 living hostages and ALL the dead! AMAZING JOB! Most thought this was impossible. Congratulations to my great team of champions!!!” Trump wrote.
Israeli Prime Minister also praised Trump while addressing the Knesset (Israel’s parliament). He thanked Trump, Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and their teams “for their significant and important support.”
Trump has made high-profile Middle East diplomatic moves before. During his first term, he brokered the Abraham Accords—normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
Witkoff and Trump visited Israel in October, the same day the last remaining living hostages returned home from Gaza after over two years in captivity. The Knesset greeted them and other administration members with grateful cheers.
“No American president has ever done more for Israel,” Netanyahu said then. “It ain’t even close.”
When the living hostages were released, Witkoff celebrated their return and recognized the pain of those whose loved ones would not come home alive.
“Even in this moment of relief and happiness, my heart aches for those whose loved ones will not return alive. Bringing their bodies home is a must—an act of dignity that honors their memory forever,” Witkoff .
On Oct. 7 morning, Gvili was supposed to rest at home while waiting for shoulder surgery (sustained in a motorcycle accident). But when rocket sirens blared, 24-year-old Gvili grabbed his uniform and went to fight. He fought alongside fellow officers and was killed near Kibbutz Alumim. His body , held there for over 840 days.
In December, Ran’s mother Talik Gvili wrote an op-ed for Digital reflecting on her son’s final moments and pleading for his return.
“My Ran never hesitated when evil came knocking… That’s who my son was,” she said of his Oct. 7 actions.
“I promise you, my Ran, your story will be heard around the world. Everyone will know what you did, how you fought, how you never gave up.”