It’s finally over. After more than two years since the devastating attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, the body of police officer Ran Gviri—the last remaining hostage from Gaza—has returned to Israel.
This marks the end of a painful chapter not only for Israel but for Jews worldwide and, really, for all compassionate individuals.
For the first time in over a decade, there are no Israeli hostages left in Gaza, whether alive or deceased. That’s a relief, honestly.
This is undoubtedly good news, and much of the credit goes to President Donald Trump, who played a significant role in pushing for the ceasefire that ultimately allowed for the release of these hostages.
However, Gviri’s return serves as a stark reminder of the reasons behind the conflict and highlights the urgent need for a peace plan to prevent such tragedies in the future.
On that harrowing day, October 7, 2023, ruthless terrorists launched a coordinated attack from land, sea, and air. They even filmed their horrifying acts using a GoPro, sharing them with the world almost immediately.
The sheer brutality—burning infants alive, committing sexual assaults, and murdering people in front of their families—laid bare the inhumanity of Israel’s adversaries.
In response, Israel initiated military operations to rescue hostages and decisively eliminate these dangerous groups, ensuring that Hamas would not pose a threat again.
You’d think anyone with a rational mind would support that mission, but amid rising anti-Semitism globally, many instead chose to criticize Israel.
Nevertheless, Hamas must be dismantled. This will guide President Trump and his peace efforts as they aim for a long-lasting resolution to the violence in Gaza and potentially beyond.
At a minimum, these terrorists need to be stripped of their weapons and any form of political authority.
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump have set a timeline for Hamas to disarm by March, with a stern warning of serious consequences if they fail to comply.
However, some leaders of the group insist they will not back down, indicating their intent to maintain a political presence in Gaza even while facing disarmament efforts.
While Gviri’s return marks a significant moment, as Netanyahu emphasized, the deeper implications of the October 7 atrocities will not truly resolve until the threat from Gaza is eliminated.
Let’s hope that day arrives soon.
