TELAVIV: The family of hostage Shiri Bibas insists they cannot mourn until she is returned from Gaza. They urge Israel to bring her home.
Family’s statement
Shiri’s sister-in-law, Ofri Bibas Levy, said they are not seeking revenge. She stressed they cannot grieve Shiri’s sons until she is back.
Israel announced that Hamas returned the bodies of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, aged five and two, alongside peace activist Oded Lifschitz, 84.
Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire after forensic tests confirmed the unidentified body returned was not Shiri Bibas.
Hamas claimed her remains may have been mixed with others under rubble after an Israeli air strike and promised an investigation.
Murder allegations
Hamas previously stated Shiri and her sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike. However, Israel denies this claim.
Israeli intelligence and forensic evidence suggest Ariel and Kfir were murdered by Hamas in captivity in November 2023.
Shiri’s husband, Yarden Bibas, was released by Hamas on February 1. His sister, Ofri, expressed fears about Shiri’s fate.
She emphasized the urgency of retrieving all hostages and giving the fallen a proper burial.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge following the announcement of the children’s deaths.
Family’s plea
Despite Netanyahu’s statement, Ofri Bibas Levy insisted the family is not focused on revenge but on Shiri’s return.
She said Israel must fulfill its duty to bring back hostages, accusing authorities of abandoning them.
In a message to her nephews, she expressed sorrow for not being able to mourn them yet.
Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas were kidnapped during the October 7 attacks when 1,200 Israelis were killed.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has led to over 48,297 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials.
