Hamas to Return Bodies of Hostages, Including Bibas Family, Amid Ceasefire
Hamas has announced it will return the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family, who were kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The Palestinian armed group claims that Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Kfir (9 months old) and Ariel (4 years old), were killed in Israeli bombardment, though Israel has not confirmed their deaths. The bodies are expected to be handed over on Thursday, February 20, as part of a ceasefire agreement.
In addition to the remains, Hamas plans to release six living hostages on Saturday, double the number initially agreed upon. The six include Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Hisham Al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu. The release is part of a broader deal brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, which has already seen 33 hostages freed in exchange for the release of approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
The Bibas family has become a symbol of the tragedy faced by Israeli hostages. A video of their abduction, showing Shiri cradling her children, has deeply affected Israeli society. While Hamas alleges the family was killed in an Israeli airstrike, Israeli officials have expressed grave concern but have not confirmed their deaths. The bodies will undergo identification in Israel before being officially named.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has paused the deadliest fighting between Israel and Hamas, allowing aid into Gaza and enabling displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. However, negotiations for the second phase of the deal, which would involve the release of remaining hostages and a permanent end to the war, have yet to begin. Hamas has stated it will only agree to further releases if Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and commits to a permanent ceasefire, a condition Israel has rejected.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, and has left the coastal enclave devastated. Meanwhile, Israel remains determined to eliminate Hamas’ military and governing capabilities in Gaza, even as the group continues to assert control over the territory.
Hamas says it will return bodies of four hostages including Bibas family
The Palestinian group claims that Shiri and her children Kfir and Ariel were killed in Israeli bombardment. Israel has not confirmed this.
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Hamas leader says bodies of captive Bibas family will be handed over on Thursday.
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