The Jerusalem Post reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Rafah Border Crossing will remain closed until the remains of St. -Sgt.- Maj. Ran Gvili are returned. Ran’s father also said that U.S. President Donald Trump, who he met in Florida at last month’s meeting, told him that the Gaza Strip would not be reconstructed until Ran is returned.
This follows agreements reached with the Trump administration, the report noted, adding that Israel intends to set a deadline for Hamas terrorists to disarm.
Israel should not open the Rafah Border Crossing under any circumstances until Gvili’s remains are returned, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich affirmed on Monday.
“This is our duty,” he added, referring to achieving the return of his remains. “Hamas can and must return Gvili to Israel.”
Ran’s parents also met with Netanyahu in Florida before his summit with Trump. The Prime Minister affirmed that every effort is being made to return Ran home despite Hamas reportedly stalling his return to avoid disarming as per the ceasefire.
The Rafah Border Crossing has been closed since the IDF took control of it in May. It was also meant to open during the U.S. brokered ceasefire, but remained close as Hamas slowed up on the remaining hostages’ return. Ran’s mother shares that the hope that he will be returned and even could still be alive is what has kept the family going during this dark time.
The Fellowship and our supporters keep Ran, his family, and all the victims of October 7 in our hearts and prayers.
