Israel said on Sunday its military has launched a large-scale operation in Gaza to locate the last remaining hostage, as international mediators press Israel and Hamas to advance to the next phase of a ceasefire.

The announcement came as Israel’s Cabinet met to consider reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a key step tied to the recovery of the final hostage, Ran Gvili. The meeting followed talks a day earlier between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior US envoys on the ceasefire’s next stage.

Netanyahu’s office said late Sunday that Israel would open the Rafah crossing after the operation is completed, in line with understandings reached with the United States. Israeli media quoted military officials as saying the search could take several days.

The return of all remaining hostages, whether alive or dead, is a central requirement of the first phase of the ceasefire that began on Oct 10. The previous hostage was recovered in early December.

The military said it was searching a cemetery in northern Gaza near the Yellow Line, separating Israeli-controlled areas. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said Gvili may be buried in the Shijaiya-Tuffah area of Gaza City, with rabbis and forensic experts assisting search teams.

Gvili’s family has urged Israel not to proceed to the second ceasefire phase until his remains are returned, though the Trump administration has already said the next phase has begun.

Separately, the closed headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in east Jerusalem was set on fire overnight. UN officials said settlers were seen looting the compound, while Israel’s fire service worked to contain the blaze. UNRWA accused Israel of undermining its operations, a charge Israel denies.