The Palestinian committee of technocrats backed by the U.S. to administer Gaza has said the border crossing would open this week. Gvili's remains had been held in Gaza since he was killed during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israeli communities, which triggered the two-year Israeli offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to reporters at the Knesset, described the discovery of Gvili's remains as an "unbelievable achievement for the State of Israel." Israel's offensive has since killed more than 71,400 Palestinians, with more than 480 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 10, 2025, according to Palestinian figures. In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the discovery of Gvili's remains confirms Hamas's commitment to the plan.

Source: CBC News January 26, 2026 18:02 UTC