Ran Gvili's sister Shira requests delay in implementing Phase Two of deal until brother's remains are returned

Shira, the sister of Ran Gvili, has appealed for Phase 2 of the US-mediated hostage-ceasefire agreement to be delayed until her brother's remains are returned. A group of demonstrators gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, uniting in their demand for the return of Ran Gvili, the sole hostage whose remains are still being held in Gaza.

"This is the first Shabbat that Rani has remained alone there," said Shira, referring to her deceased brother. "I am repeating my plea: please do not proceed with Phase 2 until Rani is back home. We must urge Hamas to return him to the country he loved. Stand with us, think of my Rani. 254 hostages have been released from Gaza, but our Rani remains there."

Shira described Rani as a hero, stating, "Rani is the last hostage left in Gaza, but he is the first in so many ways. He was always the first to help, to assist, to save. He was the first to wear the blue uniform and charge into danger."

"For the past two years, weve done everything we canattended countless meetings, given interviews, shouted, begged, prayed," she continued. "Our faith in you, in our people, in the army, in the police, and in kind-hearted people, keeps us going. Its faith that sustains us. Its what allows us to breathe."

Also present at the rally were Ziv and Keren Zioni, Ran Gvilis uncle and aunt. Earlier this week, the Gvili family had requested that the weekly rallies for Ran's return be moved from Saturdays to Fridays, so they could be held ahead of Shabbat services, as reported by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Theres nothing like sibling love, nothing like those quiet moments of connection at home. Each of you knows what its like to have a brother or sister," Shira said, addressing the crowd. "I ask you to continue standing with us. When you sit down for Shabbat tonight, raise a glass in his honor. When you open the prayer book in the synagogue, offer a prayer for him. Whether you open a door, go for a run, play the guitar, or laugh with your siblingstake a moment to think of him. Until the last hostage comes home."

Author: Maya Henderson