Ran Gvili, a young Israeli police officer, was on medical leave when Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Instead of staying home, the 24-year-old grabbed his gun and raced toward the area of the attack in southern Israel, where he fought until his last bullet.

Nicknamed the "Defender of Alumim" by his family and the kibbutz of that name, Gvili was killed in combat near the community and his body taken to Gaza by Hamas militants.

Before his remains were returned on Monday, he was the last of the 251 people abducted during the assault on Israel still held in Gaza.

Upon his arrival at a military base near Gaza, his father Ytzik Gvili said: "I'm proud of you my son."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described him as........

© Al Monitor