Netanyahu says Gaza governance plan will not delay return of captive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that plans to establish a technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip will not impede efforts to retrieve the body of the last Israeli captive held in the territory. The comments came on Wednesday, shortly after the United States announced the formal launch of the second phase of its Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plan.

Assurance to a Grieving Family

Netanyahu delivered the assurance during a conversation with Tali and Itzik Gvili, the parents of Ran Gvili, whose remains are still in Gaza. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu told the family that the return of their son is a "top priority" and that the "declaratory move regarding the establishment of a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran." Israel has consistently linked progress on the US-backed peace plan to the resolution of this issue.

Launch of US Plan's Second Phase

The context for Netanyahu's remarks is the US announcement of Phase Two of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declared the shift from a ceasefire to a stage focused on "demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction." In his announcement, Witkoff warned of "serious consequences" if Hamas fails to meet its commitments, which include facilitating the return of the last captive's body. Palestinian factions have expressed support for forming a transitional committee to govern Gaza.

A Stumbling Block and Ongoing Tensions

The recovery of the body has been a persistent stumbling block, with Hamas stating the task is difficult due to the massive destruction caused by the war. Meanwhile, Palestinians have accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, citing hundreds of subsequent casualties. Israel has also refused to reopen Gaza's crossings for sustained aid and reconstruction, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for such measures, maintaining a state of severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.