Israel has confirmed the identification of two of the deceased bodies returned by Hamas as Ariel and Kfir Bibas. However, tests have shown that the body expected to be that of their mother, Shiri, does not match her DNA and does not correspond to any other Israeli hostage. The Israeli military has stated that forensic evidence and intelligence suggest that the boys were murdered.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has condemned this act as a severe violation by the Hamas terrorist organization, which was obligated to return four deceased hostages. The IDF demands the return of Shiri along with all other hostages. Despite this development, plans for the release of six additional hostages on Saturday remain unchanged.
Earlier, Hamas handed over four bodies to Israel, including those of the Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz, who was kidnapped alongside his wife in October 2023. Dr. Chen Kugel, head of Israel's National Center of Forensic Medicine, confirmed the identity of one of the bodies as Lifshitz's but did not provide information on the Bibas family.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has called on the United Nations to condemn Hamas' actions and demand the immediate return of Shiri to her family. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from various officials and organizations.
The Bibas family, especially young Kfir, has become a symbol of the terror attacks that occurred in October 2023. Kfir, the youngest hostage kidnapped into Gaza, and his brother Ariel, who was just 4 years old at the time of the attack, have captured the hearts of many around the world. Their story has been shared in campaigns, protests, and international forums, highlighting the brutality and tragedy of their abduction.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for justice and peace in the region.
