Tragic news emerged as the bodies of four slain hostages were returned to Israel, but the mother of two young boys, Shiri Bibas, was not among them. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that only two bodies, identified as Shiri's sons Ariel and Kfir, were returned. The additional body received remains unidentified.
Authorities revealed that Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists while in captivity in November 2023. The family's ordeal has deeply affected Israel since the war in Gaza began.
The IDF expressed condolences to the Bibas family and vowed to continue efforts to bring Shiri and all hostages home. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas for their actions, calling it a 'cruel and evil violation of the agreement.'
Netanyahu pledged to take decisive action to retrieve Shiri's body and all remaining hostages in Gaza, emphasizing that Hamas will face consequences for their actions. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized Hamas for their lack of moral values and demanded the return of Shiri Bibas' body.
The tragic abduction of the Bibas family occurred during a deadly attack by Hamas in October 2023. Yarden Bibas, the father, was also taken but was returned earlier this year. The recent release of the slain hostages marks the first transfer since the ceasefire deal took effect.
Approximately 70 hostages, mostly men, remain in Hamas custody, with many feared dead. The international community has been urged to condemn Hamas' actions and support efforts to bring all hostages home.
