Israeli officials say the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) knows where the remains of the last Israeli hostage, police officer St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili are being held and continues to demand his return, Ynet reported on Wednesday.
An Israeli official told Ynet, “There are people in the Islamic Jihad organization who know where Ran [Gvili] is. A conversation took place with a senior figure among the mediators, and a strong message was delivered from Israel. We shared information on the matter in talks held by the POW and Missing Persons Coordinator, Gal Hirsch, in Cairo last Thursday, and we will not relent until Ran is buried in Israel.”
The official added, “The issue of Ran’s return is not a tactical event; it is a highly significant matter in the implementation of the agreement. The Islamic Jihad’s claim is false. We take the statement very seriously and strongly reject it. Hamas is obligated to return all the fallen, and responsibility lies with them. Even after the announcement yesterday, searches continued, and we insist that he be returned.”
The PIJ said it has “closed the file” on Gaza hostages, claiming in a Telegram post on Tuesday that it had “handed over the final remains” of captives on December 2, spokesperson Abu Hamza of the group’s al-Quds Brigades said.
PIJ's statement 'unacceptable'
According to N12, Israeli officials remain skeptical of the PIJ’s claims. Gal Hirsch sent a message to mediators stating, “Islamic Jihad’s statement is unacceptable to us. There are those who know where Ran is being held. We will not let this go.”
Israeli authorities have reportedly set a condition for Hamas and the mediators. Without Gvili’s return, the next phase of the agreement cannot proceed. Hirsch added, “We will not relent until he is returned to his grave in Israel."