In a significant development following recent hostilities, the Israeli military has stated that the body returned from Gaza on Thursday does not belong to Shiri Bibas, who was abducted along with her two children during the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. This revelation has intensified accusations against Hamas for breaching the ceasefire agreement.
Details surrounding the returned bodies
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the three other bodies that were handed over have been identified as those of Bibas’ sons, Ariel and Kfir, aged five and two, respectively. However, the fourth body, which was initially expected to be Shiri’s, has been confirmed to neither be hers nor that of any other hostage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Hamas “put the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin,” further escalating tensions regarding the situation.
“We will act with determination to bring Shiri home along with all our hostages – both living and dead – and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation of the agreement,” Netanyahu stated.
In the wake of this confirmation, the IDF took to social media platform X to clarify that during the identification process, the additional body was found to be anonymous and had no match for any hostage. This situation has been described as a severe violation by Hamas, which had committed to returning four deceased hostages under the terms of the ceasefire.
Implications of the hostage situation
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their devastation upon learning that Shiri was not among those returned. Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir became emblematic figures of the tragedy that unfolded during the October 7 attacks, which left approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, dead. The children’s father, Yarden Bibas, was previously released by Hamas on February 1.
As part of the ceasefire agreement established on January 19, Israel anticipates the return of eight bodies. Initially, the deal outlined the exchange of 33 hostages for roughly 1,900 prisoners within the first six weeks, but recent developments have stalled further negotiations to release any remaining hostages and conclude hostilities. Currently, 66 hostages taken on October 7 are still believed to be held in Gaza, alongside three others abducted over a decade ago.
On a related note, the ongoing conflict has seen Israel respond to the October attacks with a military campaign that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 48,297 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Adding to the day’s tension, a suspected terror attack occurred in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, where three buses exploded. Israeli police reported that explosives in two other buses failed to detonate, prompting a significant police presence at the scene as they searched for suspects. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
In response to the escalating violence, Netanyahu’s office has mandated the IDF to undertake an “intensive operation against centers of terrorism” in the West Bank.