Israel's Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced on Wednesday that Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, are among the four hostages expected to be released from Gaza on Thursday, but as deceased individuals. This marks the first handover of deceased hostages since the ceasefire deal with Hamas in January.
The news has deeply saddened not only the families of the victims but also people worldwide. The Bibas family expressed their anger towards the Israeli Prime Minister's Office for releasing the names without their consent. However, the office clarified that the names were approved for publication by IDF liaison officers without consulting the family, attributing it to a regrettable human error.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the upcoming release in a video message, expressing his sorrow and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Bibas children, aged nine months and four years at the time of their kidnapping in October 2023, have become symbols of the terror attacks that occurred on October 7.
Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 years old when abducted alongside his wife Yocheved, will also be among those returning to Israel. While Yocheved was released by Hamas shortly after the kidnapping, Oded remained in captivity until now.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the closure that the return of the deceased hostages brings to their loved ones after 502 days of uncertainty. However, they highlighted the plight of the 69 remaining captives held by Hamas and urged decision-makers to expedite negotiations for their release.
Lifshitz's family expressed their ongoing struggle and determination to see the safe return of all hostages, despite the heartbreaking news of Oded's fate. As Israel prepares for the somber day of receiving their deceased compatriots, the nation mourns the loss while holding onto hope for a future free from such tragedies.
