Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement by failing to return the body of Shiri Bibas, a hostage who was abducted during a militant incursion in October 2023. Instead of returning her remains, Hamas reportedly handed over an unidentified body, which Israeli officials stated does not match that of Bibas. This incident has heightened tensions amid ongoing hostilities between the two sides.
Shiri Bibas was taken captive from the Niz Or kibbutz along with her two young sons, four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir, during the attack on October 7. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they received the remains of the two boys on Thursday but insisted that the additional body claimed by Hamas was not Shiri Bibas, leading to accusations that Hamas had breached the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, the IDF expressed their sorrow for the Bibas family and reiterated their commitment to securing the return of Shiri and all other hostages. The IDF described the situation as a serious violation by Hamas, emphasizing the group’s obligation under the ceasefire to return the bodies of four deceased abductees.
The handover of the remains took place amid a backdrop of public mourning in Israel. Crowds gathered near the Gaza border to pay their respects as the coffins were transported. In Tel Aviv, gatherings took place in a square dedicated to hostages, where many expressed grief and solidarity with the Bibas family. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas, stating that the return of the bodies underscored the need for Israel to take decisive action against the group responsible for the October 7 attack.
The incident has drawn international attention, with the United Nations human rights chief condemning the display of the bodies as "cruel" and "inhumane," calling for respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families. The Bibas family has become a poignant symbol of the broader tragedy of the 251 Israelis kidnapped during the initial attack, with Kfir being the youngest among them.
Hamas has claimed that the hostages, including Shiri Bibas, were killed in Israeli airstrikes, although they have not provided evidence to support this assertion. Meanwhile, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reporting over 48,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict escalated.
As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, six living hostages are expected to be released on Saturday, marking a crucial moment in the fragile truce that has temporarily halted fighting in the region. The release of hostages has been a focal point of the negotiations, which have aimed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict.