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Israel: Forum of Families of Hostages to Cease Operations – Only Remains of One Hostage Left

Published January 1, 2026, 07:22
Israel: Forum of Families of Hostages to Cease Operations – Only Remains of One Hostage Left

The Forum of Families of Hostages, the main Israeli association representing relatives of people held in the Gaza Strip, announced on Wednesday that it is concluding its activities and ceasing operations, as only the remains of one hostage remain in the Palestinian enclave. In its announcement, the Forum emphasizes that the struggle to return all hostages is not over, but its form has changed. It continues to seek the return of Ran Gvili's remains to be buried in Israel and to complete its mission. The Forum was founded immediately after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and served as the voice of the hostages' families, organizing demonstrations and informing the public. During its operation, it helped secure the release of many hostages, including 20 who returned to Israel during the recent ceasefire. However, the return of Ran Gvili remains pending, and Israel awaits the completion of his return to begin negotiations for the second phase of the agreement with Hamas. Ran Gvili, a non-commissioned officer of the Yasam special unit of the Israeli police, was killed in action on the day of the Hamas attack on Israeli territory. His body was transferred to the Gaza Strip. The Forum represented most of the relatives of the hostages, Israelis and foreigners, soldiers and civilians, from that day onwards. It has been the voice of the families in the media and organized hundreds of demonstrations in Tel Aviv and throughout the country. Most of the hostages were released during the two previous temporary truces between Israel and Hamas. After the current ceasefire came into effect on October 10, under pressure from the United States, the last 20 living hostages as well as the remains of 27 out of 28 deceased returned to Israel.