TELAVIV: A convoy carrying human remains, believed to belong to Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, arrived in Tel Aviv for identification.
The vehicles reached Abu Kabir Forensics Center on Friday night, where mourners stood outside waving Israeli flags.
Shiri Bibas was expected among the four hostage bodies Hamas returned Thursday, including her sons Kfir and Ariel.
The fourth body, however, did not match Bibas or any other Israeli hostage, sparking outrage and condemnation.
Israeli forensic tests confirmed the remains included the two boys and another hostage, Oded Lifshitz.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas instead returned the body of an unidentified “Gazan woman.”
Investigation Begins
Netanyahu condemned Hamas, calling it a “cynical move” and accusing the group of deceiving Israeli authorities.
On Friday, Israel’s Health Ministry said forensic experts were working urgently to identify the newly received body.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed receiving a coffin from Hamas earlier that day.
ICRC then transferred the remains to Israeli authorities but did not verify their identity or origin.
Hamas-run Al-Aqsa news claimed the militant group handed over Bibas’ body to the Red Cross.
The report cited Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi, who insisted the remains belonged to Bibas.
Hamas Responds
Hamas previously stated that Bibas and her sons died in an Israeli airstrike in 2023.
The group later suggested Bibas’ body might have been mistakenly mixed with another victim of the same airstrike.
Hamas pledged to investigate the alleged mix-up and provide further details.
Israel has dismissed Hamas’ explanation regarding the deaths of the Bibas family members.
On Friday, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed terrorists murdered the two boys “with their bare hands.”
He did not provide further details, and Hamas called the accusation “sheer lies.”
Ongoing Tensions
The confusion over Bibas’ remains has heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Israel continues efforts to locate remaining hostages and retrieve their bodies.
Hamas’ handling of the situation has drawn widespread criticism from Israeli officials and the public.
Forensic specialists are working quickly to determine if the newly received remains belong to Bibas.
The international community is closely monitoring the latest developments in the hostage crisis.
Further announcements are expected as Israeli authorities complete forensic identification.
