Israel
‘Small remains’ returned by Hamas not linked to either hostage still in Gaza
‘The efforts to bring them home will not stop until the mission is complete,’ said the Prime Minister’s Office
December 3, 2025 11:04
‘The efforts to bring them home will not stop until the mission is complete,’ said the Prime Minister’s Office
December 3, 2025 11:04Israel has confirmed that "small remains" handed over to the IDF last night do not belong to either of the hostages left in Gaza.
The Red Cross confirmed overnight that it had handed over "pieces" of a body after receiving them from Hamas.
But forensic testing in Tel Aviv found that these were not a match for either Ran Gvili or Sudthisak Rinthalak, both of whom are confirmed to be deceased.
Ran was a police officer in the Negev YASAM unit who was on medical leave due to shoulder surgery on October 7. When he heard of the Hamas attacks, he took up his personal firearm and ventured out to defend his community, before fatally shot and his body abducted.
Hostage advocacy group Coming Home Soon remembered him as “distinguished by his sincere concern for others”.
It went on: “Ran had a passion for motorcycles, enjoyed gatherings with friends, cherished moments with his sister and brother, and relished playing the guitar while sipping lemon arak.
"Ran was of the fabric of fighters, belonging to that unique breed of individuals who prioritise the welfare of others over their personal needs.”
Sudthisak, meanwhile, was a Thai agricultural worker living on Be’ri, where he was murdered during the October 7 attacks.
His mother, On, told Ynet: “About 10 days before October 7 was the last time we spoke.
"We asked him to come home to Thailand for a visit. We hadn’t seen him in many years, ever since he went to Israel for work. He told us he wanted to save a bit more money and then come home for good. Then October 7 happened and he was murdered. I want my son home as soon as possible. I wait for him every day.”
The Prime Minister's Office said the families of both men had been informed of the development.
"The efforts to bring them home will not stop until the mission is complete — returning them for a proper burial in their country."
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.