Israel’s military said on Friday that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas did not belong to any of the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack, accusing the group of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement.
The remains of two children, 10-month-old Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, were confirmed among those returned. However, the third body, which was expected to be that of their mother, Shiri Bibas, did not match any known hostage, leaving her fate uncertain.
“This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organisation, which is obliged under the agreement to return four deceased hostages,” the Israeli military said in a statement, demanding the immediate return of Shiri and all remaining hostages. The fourth body was identified as that of hostage Oded Lifshitz.
Hamas has yet to respond to Israel’s accusations.
The release of the remains came amid heightened tensions, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against Hamas.
The bodies were transferred in a highly publicised event, with Palestinian militants handing over four black coffins in a public display watched by armed Hamas fighters and a gathered crowd. The scene drew sharp criticism from international leaders, including UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, who condemned the “abhorrent and appalling” display.
The remains were handed over as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Israelis lined the roads near the Gaza border, braving the rain to pay their respects as the convoy carrying the coffins passed by.
In Tel Aviv, mourners gathered in Hostages Square, the symbolic site of demonstrations calling for the return of captives. President Isaac Herzog expressed the nation’s grief, saying, “Agony. Pain. There are no words. Our hearts-the hearts of an entire nation-lie in tatters.”
Netanyahu, in a recorded address, said the return of the bodies only strengthened Israel’s resolve to eliminate Hamas and ensure such an attack never happens again. “Our loved ones’ blood is shouting at us from the soil and is obliging us to settle the score with the despicable murderers, and we will,” he declared.
Israel has repeatedly vowed to destroy Hamas and bring home the roughly 250 hostages taken during the October attack.
About The Author
