In a devastating blow to the families of hostages held by Hamas, the terrorist group returned the bodies of Kfir Bibas, Ariel Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz on Thursday, but substituted an unidentified woman's remains for those of Shiri Bibas, the mother of Kfir and Ariel. This act of deception has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his fury and vowed revenge, stating, "These Hamas monsters cynically refused to bring back the boys’ mother, Shiri, and sent the body of a Gazan woman instead, in a blatant violation of the agreement. I vow that I will not rest until the savages who executed our hostages are brought to justice. They do not deserve to walk this earth."
The IDF confirmed that young Ariel and Kfir Bibas were not shot, but murdered by hand, with Hamas subsequently attempting to conceal their heinous crime. The return of the wrong body further underscores the group's cruelty.
The Hostages and Missing Families forum expressed their horror at the confirmation of the children's brutal murder, calling it a testament to Hamas's barbarity. They urgently pleaded for the release of the remaining hostages.
Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of hostage Yarden Bibas, appealed directly to Netanyahu, prioritizing the return of Shiri Bibas over immediate retribution. "For Ariel and Kfir's sake, and for Yarden's sake, we are not seeking revenge right now. We are asking for Shiri," she stated.
International condemnation of Hamas's actions has been swift and widespread. Figures like Dr. Phil and Patricia Heaton, along with political leaders, expressed their disgust. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) criticized those questioning Israel's response to the attacks, arguing that they are essentially demanding Israel accept a "suicide pact."
U.S. Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler labeled Hamas's actions "horrific" and a breach of the ceasefire, warning of "total annihilation" if the remaining hostages are not released. Netanyahu offered condolences to the families of the deceased hostages, expressing sorrow that they could not be saved from the "monsters" responsible.
Israel anticipates the return of six living hostages on Saturday, two of whom have been held captive in Gaza for over a decade.
