Historic day for Israel: Hamas hands over all hostages and bodies
Steve Witkoff (photo: Getty Images)
Hamas handed over all hostages and the bodies of the deceased to Israel. The last to be returned to his homeland was the body of officer Ran Gvili, said US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
"Yesterday was a historic day. The last remaining hostage in Gaza, Officer Ran Gvili, has been returned home to his family in Israel. He went out on October 7 to save lives, and yesterday he returned to rest in peace in Israel," Witkoff said.
He also noted that all 20 hostages and the bodies of all 28 deceased Israeli captives in Gaza have now been returned to their families.
"This closes a painful chapter for many, and paves the way for a new future that can be defined by peace, not war, and prosperity, not destruction. It's a new day in the Middle East, and President (of the United States Donald – ed.) Trump, myself, and the entire team are committed to sustained peace and prosperity for all in the region," Witkoff added.
What preceded
At the end of September, the United States presented a 20-point peace plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas, which envisions an immediate cessation of hostilities by mutual consent, a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the full return of all hostages.
The release of all captives and the transfer of all bodies of the deceased allow the United States and its partners to move to the next stage of the peace plan.
During the forum in Davos, US President's son-in-law Jared Kushner presented a vision of Gaza's future, featuring new residential neighborhoods, technological infrastructure, and resorts.
Alongside economic plans, Washington is promoting a 20-point political plan. Former Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaat, who is to govern the enclave, announced the opening of a key border via video link.
