Palestinian resistance groups have halted the search for the remains of an Israeli captive presumed dead in Gaza, weeks after multiple attempts failed to recover the body from under rubble in the eastern neighborhood of Al-Zaytoun, a source within the resistance told Al Manassa, without confirming if the search would resume anytime soon.
The development comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that his government had reached an understanding with the United States to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until the remains of the last Israeli captive held by Hamas are recovered.
Speaking at a security briefing following his return from Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump last week, Netanyahu said that reopening Rafah remained conditional on what he described as security guarantees, coordinated with Washington.
Out of 47 captives held by Hamas and gradually released under the terms of a ceasefire deal implemented in October 2025, only the remains of a single Israeli officer, Ran Gvili, are yet to be recovered. Resistance sources say their teams have been unable to locate the body, which is believed to be buried beneath destroyed structures in Gaza City.
Netanyahu also stated that Israel, in coordination with the US, would be setting a deadline for Hamas to begin disarmament—a clause reportedly tied to ongoing negotiations but with few details shared publicly.
Rafah reopening delayed
Israeli daily Haaretz reported two days ago that preparations had been completed to reopen Rafah for Palestinians stranded outside Gaza after nearly two years of travel restrictions. However, the final decision remains subject to Israeli political approval and military oversight, with European forces expected to monitor the process. Stringent body checks and electronic screening will be imposed, the report added.
Trump’s Gaza ceasefire framework, announced earlier this year, included provisions for joint administration of Rafah by the Palestinian Authority and a European monitoring mission, replicating mechanisms used during the crossing’s last opening in January 2025. Yet Israel has reportedly delayed implementation.
Closed crossing leaves thousands in limbo
The prolonged closure of Rafah continues to take a heavy toll on Palestinians. On Sunday, dozens of university students staged a sit-in in central Gaza, demanding permission to leave the besieged enclave to resume their studies abroad.
“Our future is collapsing because of the border closure,” said Omar Saadeddine, one of the protesting students, who told Al Manassa that some classmates risk losing scholarships due to months-long delays.
Meanwhile, more than 17,000 patients and wounded individuals are reportedly awaiting permits to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment, according to Dr. Mohammed Zaqout, director-general of Gaza’s public hospitals. “Many of them are deteriorating due to the blockade,” Zaqout said.
Two days ago, the Israeli daily Haaretz revealed that preparations to reopen the Rafah border crossing for Palestinians seeking to return to Gaza had been completed, following nearly two years of enforced travel restrictions.
According to the report, the reopening will be subject to directives from Israel’s political leadership, tight military oversight by the occupying army, and monitoring by European forces stationed in Israel. Physical searches and electronic screening procedures will also be implemented at the crossing.
Despite the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10, Israeli forces continue to carry out near-daily air raids on residential homes and displacement camps. Tel Aviv has refused to enter phase two of the deal—which includes humanitarian access and reconstruction—until the full return of all Israeli captives, including the remains of Gvili.
