Israel has agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing, Gaza's key border with Egypt, only after retrieving the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza. The crossing has stayed mostly closed since Israeli forces took over the Palestinian side in May 2024. It was supposed to reopen during the initial ceasefire stage in October but was delayed. Israel says Hamas must fully cooperate to return the body of Police Master Sgt Ran Gvili, killed during the October 7 attack and taken to Gaza as a hostage. On Sunday, Israel’s military began a new search in northern Gaza, especially around a cemetery in Gaza City. The operation may last several days. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed a limited reopening for pedestrian traffic, with strict Israeli inspections. The military said, "Upon completion of this operation, and in accordance with what has been agreed upon with the US, Israel will open the Rafah crossing." The search relies on long-collected intelligence suggesting Gvili's remains are buried in Shejaiya and Daraj Tuffah areas. Special teams with rabbis and dental experts are involved. Hamas’s armed wing said it shared all information about Gvili’s body location with mediators. Gvili’s family opposes reopening the crossing before he is returned. The October 7 Hamas attack left about 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken. Israel responded with a major military campaign, with over 71,650 Gazans reportedly killed. Meanwhile, US envoys are pushing peace talks forward, focusing on phase two of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, aiming for new governance and complete demilitarisation in Gaza.