The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Final hostage returns home. Inside Operation Courageous Heart
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Jan 27, 2026 
Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent covering Israeli defense and recovery operations. He walks through Operation Courageous Heart and the forensic teams that exhumed and identified remains. He outlines the long search, the roles of armed groups, and the field procedures used to return Ran Gvili’s body. Short, vivid accounts of planning, on-site forensics, and the national reaction.
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Volunteer Officer Who Stayed To Fight
- Ran Gvili left home on October 7 despite being on leave and injured, volunteering to fight with his friends.
- He was mortally wounded defending Kibbutz Al-Ubim and his body was taken to Gaza.
Body Moved Between Multiple Locations
- Multiple intelligence leads suggested Ran Gvili's body moved between locations, complicating recovery efforts.
- A captured Islamic Jihad operative and Hamas confirmation narrowed the location to an eastern Gaza cemetery.
Large-Scale Forensics In The Field
- Operation Courageous Heart combined reservists, heavy engineering and dozens of forensic specialists to exhume and test hundreds of graves.
- Teams tested over 250 bodies on-site using dental records, fingerprints and clothing to confirm identity.