Ceasefire plan stalls while last hostage remains unreturned and Hamas still armed

Israeli officials say a ceasefire plan cannot advance while the last hostage remains unreturned and Hamas remains armed; U.S. leaders in Davos reiterated the need for the hostage's return and for demilitarization.

Talik Gvili has waited 839 days for her son, who is reported as the last of 251 hostages taken in Gaza, and many Israelis view his return as a symbol that the conflict could be over. Israeli officials say a ceasefire plan cannot move forward while that hostage remains unreturned and Hamas remains armed. At Davos, U.S. leaders including President Donald Trump referenced the need for the hostage's return and for Hamas demilitarization as linked to progress on the ceasefire. The U.S. has said disarmament will occur but has not detailed a full plan as discussions move from phase one toward phase two. Key points: - Ran Gvili is reported as the last of 251 hostages and has been unreturned for 839 days, according to the family and reporting. - Israeli officials and many citizens say the ceasefire plan should not advance while the last hostage is unreturned and Hamas remains armed. - U.S. officials at Davos, including President Trump and Jared Kushner, said the return of hostages and demilitarization of Hamas are linked to ceasefire progress and future reconstruction plans. - The ceasefire's first phase is in place and a transition to a second phase is being discussed, but some Israeli politicians say moving now is premature. Summary: The status of the last hostage and the question of Hamas disarmament are shaping whether Israeli and international actors will advance the ceasefire plan. Israeli officials and family members say the return of the last hostage would be a key marker of an end to the conflict for many, while U.S. leaders have tied progress to demilitarization. Undetermined at this time.