IDF chief affirms unwavering mission to return Ran Gvili as families demand no phase advances.
On Friday afternoon, shortly after the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat gathering at Hostages Square calling for the return of Ran Gvili, Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, stopped his vehicle outside the Kirya Base to personally speak with Ran’s parents.
Zamir reassured Itzik Gvili and Talik Gvili that bringing their son home remains a top mission for the IDF. He stressed that Ran’s return is at the forefront of the hearts and minds of every soldier—from the Chief of Staff himself to the last enlisted fighter—and said the IDF and Southern Command are exercising every possible effort to secure his swift return.
Ran’s parents thanked Zamir for his words and expressed their full trust in his leadership.
Earlier, dozens gathered at Hostages Square to demand Ran’s immediate return, amid reports that officials may consider moving to Phase Two of a ceasefire framework before he is freed. Protesters warned that advancing any further while Ran remains in captivity would constitute a moral failure.
The weekly Kabbalat Shabbat event was organized by the Kibbutz Movement and Kibbutz Ein Tzurim, bringing together hostage families, members of the Gvili family, and the public. Also present were former captives Segev Kalfon and Eitan Horn.
Speakers emphasized that Ran has now been held captive for 840 days, insisting he must be returned before any further political or diplomatic steps are taken.
Ran’s sister Shira Gvili addressed the crowd emotionally. “Every time I stand here, I’m surprised all over again,” she said. “I’ve just returned from the United States—and nothing has changed. You are still here with us. This fight has become part of our daily lives, and it is incredibly hard. But I will do everything so that Rani comes home.”
She added, “We are one people. This struggle is beyond politics. Seeing Eitan and Segev here reminds us that miracles are possible. They are living proof—and Ran must be the next miracle.”
Segev Kalfon spoke of Ran’s heroism. “Despite being injured, Ran ran into danger to save others. He knew he was risking his life—for me too. Ran should have returned long ago. He should have come home with me.”
He warned against moving forward while Ran remains captive: “It could have been me. It is only luck that I am standing here today. That is why we must do everything so that Ran comes home—for his family and for the country I love.”
Also speaking was Hadassah Lazar, who called Ran “a symbol of courage, values, and responsibility,” and issued a clear warning: “Bringing Ran home is not a gesture. It is a moral obligation. We must not leave anyone behind.”
As Israel debates its next steps, the message from families, survivors, and the public remains unequivocal: no phase, no progress, and no victory is legitimate while even one hostage is left behind.
