Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the return of the bodies of four hostages killed by Hamas, reaffirming his commitment to eradicate the militant group. In a poignant video message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu expressed both sorrow and determination, stating, “Our heart may be broken but our spirit is not,” and vowed to ensure the return of all hostages while promising to eliminate Hamas.
The bodies of the hostages—Shiri Bibas, her two young children Kfir and Ariel, and 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz—were handed over to Israel after Hamas showcased them during a ceremony in Khan Yunis, drawing large crowds that cheered as the coffins were displayed. Each coffin bore a sticker marking the date of the hostages’ abduction on October 7, 2023.
During the event, Hamas depicted Netanyahu in a derogatory manner, portraying him as a vampire and labeling him a "war criminal." This provocative display included signs alleging that the hostages were killed by U.S. bombs, further inflaming tensions between the two sides.
Netanyahu called for national unity in the face of the tragedy, stating, “Today, every home in Israel bows its head.” He expressed a collective grief and outrage at the actions of Hamas, emphasizing the need for accountability. “The voice of our dear ones’ blood cries out to us from the ground. It requires us to settle accounts with the depraved murderers – and we will settle accounts with them,” he declared.
The handover of the bodies involved representatives from the Red Cross, who signed documents before the coffins were transferred to the Israeli Defense Forces for evaluation. After a bomb squad assessment, the coffins were wrapped in Israeli flags for their journey to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv, where families awaited identification.
The deaths of Shiri and her children, aged 4 and just 9 months at the time of their abduction, have stirred international outrage. Shiri became a symbol of the horrors faced by Israeli civilians during the October attacks, especially after footage of her during the abduction circulated widely. Her husband, Yarden Bibas, who was released earlier this month, had been forced to record a video announcing the deaths of his family, despite holding onto hope for their survival.
Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and peace activist, was known for his humanitarian efforts, including transporting sick Palestinians to Israeli hospitals. His wife, Yocheved, who was also taken hostage but later released, lamented that her husband had been betrayed by those he sought to help. The Lifshitz family expressed relief at the identification of Oded’s body after 503 days of uncertainty, stating, “Our family’s healing process will begin now and will not end until the last hostage is returned.”
As Israel mourns the loss of these four individuals, the government remains resolute in its mission to confront Hamas and ensure the safety of its citizens amid ongoing conflict.