The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 843 - IDF forensics search Gaza cemetery for final hostage
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Jan 26, 2026 
Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent reporting from the front lines, discusses the IDF’s forensic search for Master Sgt. Ran Gvili in a Gaza cemetery. He explains how that search ties to plans for reopening the Rafah crossing. He also covers recent Israeli airstrikes hitting Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and assesses Hezbollah’s current capabilities and the risk of wider escalation.
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Search At Gaza Cemetery
- Emanuel Fabian describes IDF teams exhuming bodies at a Muslim cemetery in eastern Gaza City near Shajia and Daraj an Tuffah.
- Forensic experts, dentists and rabbinical officials join soldiers to identify and prepare the remains for return to Israel.
Who Ran Gvili Was
- Emanuel Fabian recounts Ran Gvili's actions on October 7: he left leave despite injury, fought near Kibbutz Alumim and was abducted to Gaza after being wounded.
- Fabian says Islamic Jihad likely took and buried him, possibly without realizing they held a hostage.
Intelligence Confirmation Strengthens Lead
- Fabian says the intelligence about Gvili's burial in the cemetery was known for months and grew clearer through recent operations.
- Israel even communicated the finding to Hamas via mediators and received confirmation, boosting credibility of the lead.