• Israel conducts a large-scale operation to find the last hostage's remains in Gaza.
• The Rafah crossing with Egypt will reopen after the operation is complete.
• U.S. pressure is mounting on both Israel and Hamas to advance the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military launched a “large-scale operation” to find the remains of the last hostage, Master Sergeant Ran Gvili, in Gaza. This development comes as pressure mounts from Washington and other mediators for Israel and Hamas to transition into the next phase of their ceasefire. Netanyahu's office indicated that the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt would occur following the completion of this operation, crucial for facilitating the movement of people into and out of Gaza, according to SCMP and LA Times.

The operation is viewed as critical to removing the final hurdle to reopening the Rafah crossing, which had been promised during the ceasefire agreed upon last October. Israeli military sources indicated that they were focusing their search efforts on a cemetery in northern Gaza, near the Yellow Line, which delineates Israeli-controlled areas. As efforts continue, intelligence leads suggest possible locations for Gvili's remains in the Shujaiyya–Daraj Tuffah area, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

While the search for Gvili's remains continues, his family has publicly urged the Israeli government not to enter the ceasefire's second phase until their loved one is returned. The tension is compounded by accusations from Israel that Hamas is stalling the recovery process, while Hamas claims to have shared all information regarding Gvili’s whereabouts but accused Israel of hindering the search in areas under its military control. This ongoing situation reflects the complex negotiations within the peace process, according to LA Times and Reuters.

Israeli authorities have also engaged in broader discussions about the humanitarian implications in Gaza, particularly concerning the operations of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which has faced accusations from Israel of being infiltrated by Hamas. Tensions erupted recently when the UNRWA's compound was set on fire, with reports indicating Israeli settlers were involved. These events underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding the humanitarian crisis in the region amidst military operations, as noted by SCMP and Channel News Asia.