Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch traveled to Cairo to meet with senior officials and representatives of mediating countries in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Hirsch presented new intelligence, including information intended to assist in locating the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili’s remains from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. Gvili is the last remaining hostage.
An Israeli source told The Jerusalem Post that the discussions were “in-depth, detailed, involved intelligence sharing, and included planning and agreements on continued efforts to locate Gvili’s remains.”
Hirsch was accompanied by representatives from the IDF, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the Mossad, the PMO noted.
Senior Israeli officials assert that Hamas is capable of returning Gvili’s remains and continue to emphasize that without it, there will be no progress toward the second phase of the deal. This comes as senior US officials, including US President Donald Trump, say the second phase will begin in January.
A similar delegation led by Hirsch headed to Cairo earlier this month. At the end of those discussions, both parties agreed to an “intensive and immediate effort” to locate Gvili’s remains.
However, searches for Gvili were paused due to flooding during Storm Byron earlier this month.
Turkey continues to insist on role in Gaza post-war
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continued efforts to demonstrate to the Trump administration that Turkey should play a role in the Gaza plan, after Israel vetoed its participation in the International Stabilization Force.
On Wednesday, a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Turkey. According to Hamas, “The parties discussed implementing the agreement to end the war in Gaza and political developments.” Turkish officials published video footage and photos to underscore their role in the Gaza talks.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Tuesday released an AI-generated video showing Gvili calling for Trump to secure his return from Gaza.
Gvili identifies himself as “the son of Talik and Isik,” recounts fighting terrorists at Kibbutz Alumim on October 7 despite a prior shoulder injury, and states, “I am the last hostage still held in Gaza.”
He thanks Trump for an agreement that brought many captives home and pleads, “Mr. President, finish what you started. Bring me home before it’s too late.”
Hirsch, on October 9, told the Post that he was not planning to end his role as hostage coordinator, as the mission to bring back hostages from Gaza has not yet been completed.
Shir Perets and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.