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| Shiri Bibas (center) and her sons Ariel, 4, (left) and baby Kfir, who were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy) |
A recent handover of Israeli hostage remains by Hamas has escalated tensions, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the remains of Shiri Bibas were not among those delivered. Hamas transferred four coffins on Thursday, purportedly containing the bodies of Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir. However, forensic examination revealed that while the bodies of Lifshitz and the Bibas children were identified, the fourth set of remains did not belong to Shiri Bibas or any known hostage. The IDF has denounced this as a “serious violation” of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, raising concerns over the fate of remaining captives.
The exchange, conducted in Khan Younis, was intended to fulfill part of a broader ceasefire deal under which Hamas was to return eight deceased hostages. The agreement, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, initially outlined the return of the Bibas family and Lifshitz, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The absence of Shiri Bibas’ remains has prompted urgent diplomatic interventions and further intensified Israeli demands for full compliance with the agreement.
“The failure to return Shiri Bibas is an egregious breach of trust,” an Israeli official stated. “We are holding Hamas accountable and demanding immediate clarification on her whereabouts.”
The development has fueled outrage among Israeli leadership and the international community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would take decisive measures to ensure the return of all hostages, warning Hamas of severe repercussions for non-compliance. Meanwhile, U.S. Hostage Affairs Envoy Adam Boehler described the situation as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing that Hamas must adhere to its commitments under the negotiated ceasefire terms.
The Bibas family's plight has drawn global attention, particularly in Argentina, where President Javier Milei declared two days of mourning in honor of Ariel and Kfir, who held dual Israeli-Argentinian citizenship. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at Hostages Square in a solemn tribute, with religious and civic leaders urging world governments to intensify pressure on Hamas.
Hamas has yet to provide an explanation for the absence of Shiri Bibas’ remains. Israeli officials are reportedly pressing mediators for answers, as uncertainty looms over the next scheduled release of hostages. With six living captives set for repatriation on Saturday, the unresolved issue threatens to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and further strain fragile ceasefire negotiations.
As Israel demands accountability, the international community watches closely, aware that the resolution of this crisis could determine the future of broader peace efforts in the region.
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