Search operations are ongoing in eastern Gaza’s Zeitoun neighborhood to locate the remains of the last Israeli soldier believed to be held in the enclave since October 7, according to local reports.
Technical teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross have returned to the area, accompanied by heavy machinery and members of Palestinian resistance factions, as efforts continue to locate the body. The search area lies near a former Israeli military site in the far eastern part of the neighborhood.
The task has been complicated by extensive destruction caused during Israel’s ground offensive, which significantly altered the area’s landmarks and terrain. About a month ago, human remains and personal belongings were recovered and handed over to Israel through the Red Cross, but Israeli authorities later confirmed they did not belong to the soldier, identified as Ran Giveli.
The recovery of the remains is considered critical to advancing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials have linked progress on this phase, as well as the reopening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions, to the return of the soldier’s body. As of now, no confirmed remains or belongings have been found.
Follow the latest news on Google News
