Israel Conducts Major Operation to Locate Last Gaza Hostage Amid Ceasefire Talks

Israel has launched a significant military operation in Gaza to locate its last remaining hostage, Ran Gvili, as international mediators, including the United States, urge progress into the next phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. The Israeli military is focusing its search efforts in a cemetery in northern Gaza and the Shuja'iya-Daraj Tuffah area, employing specialized teams, including rabbis and dental experts, to identify potential remains.

The return of Gvili is viewed as a pivotal step toward opening Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt and advancing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire's second phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that upon completion of the search operation, and in accordance with agreements with the United States, Israel will open the Rafah crossing.

Hamas claims to have provided all available information regarding Gvili's remains and accuses Israel of hindering recovery efforts in areas under Israeli military control.

In a separate development, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem was set ablaze overnight, following recent demolitions by Israeli forces. UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the incident as an "unprecedented attack" against the UN, emphasizing that UN premises are protected under international law.

UNRWA provides aid and services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region. The recent actions against the agency have raised concerns about the safety and security of humanitarian operations in the area.