Gaza: In a heartbreaking development, Hamas returns the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday. The return of the remains marks the first time the group has released deceased captives since the October 7, 2023, terror attacks.
Among the returned bodies are Shiri Bibas (32) and her two young sons, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months). The Bibas children became symbols of the October 7 massacre, and their tragic deaths have deeply impacted Israel. The fourth body belongs to Oded Lifshitz (83). Hamas kidnapped him with his wife, and they released her on October 24, 2023.
How Were the Bodies Handed Over?
Hamas staged a propaganda event in Khan Younis, where militants placed four black caskets on a stage. Organizers displayed banners with slogans in Arabic, Hebrew, and English behind them.
- The bodies were first transferred to the Red Cross
- The Israeli military subsequently received them
- Israel took the remains for forensic examination
As the convoy carrying the coffins entered Israel, crowds gathered along the roads, waving Israeli flags in a show of mourning and solidarity.
Uncertainty Over the Bibas Family’s Deaths
Hamas previously claimed that Shiri and her sons died in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023. However, no evidence was ever provided. Israel has never confirmed their deaths, adding to the uncertainty and anguish surrounding their fate.
Their father, Yarden Bibas, was freed earlier this month after spending 484 days in captivity. He was one of the 19 Israeli hostages that the January 2025 ceasefire deal freed.
Bibas Children: A Symbol of October 7 Tragedy
At just 9 months old, Kfir Bibas became the youngest hostage taken to Gaza—and now, the youngest known victim.
- A photo of Kfir, with his pink elephant toy and toothless smile, became a global symbol of the attack
- His brother Ariel (4) was often pictured with his red hair and Batman shirt
- Times Square displayed their images, protesters wore them, and the World Economic Forum showcased them.
A video of their abduction also became a powerful reminder of the attack’s brutality. It showed Shiri clutching her sons in a blanket, with Ariel still sucking his pacifier, as Hamas militants forced them into a car.
The Controversy Over the Announcement
The Bibas family expressed anger over the way the Israeli Prime Minister’s office handled the news.
- They claimed the names were released without their approval
- Israeli officials denied issuing an official statement, but reporters received the names through military liaisons
- The family asked the public to wait for official identification before mourning
What Happens Next?
The four bodies have been taken to the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for formal identification. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the entire country is in deep mourning and apologized for the government’s failure to protect those kidnapped on October 7.
“Agony. Pain. There are no words,” Herzog wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The tragedy has only strengthened Israel’s resolve to bring back all remaining hostages. As the nation grieves, pressure mounts on both Israeli leaders and international mediators to secure the release of those still held captive in Gaza.
