Forensic experts in Israel have confirmed that the remains of two Israeli child hostages, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, were among four bodies released by Hamas. However, Israeli officials revealed Friday that another body—believed to be their mother—was an unidentified person, not Shiri Bibas, further underscoring Hamas’ deceit.
On Thursday, Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including the two young brothers who were abducted in the October 7, 2023, attack. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the children were “brutally murdered” by terrorists in November while in captivity.
Israel also confirmed the identity of another victim, 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, who was kidnapped during the Hamas-led massacre that launched the war. However, the additional remains Hamas provided did not belong to Shiri Bibas or any known hostage, raising further questions about the terror group’s manipulation of the hostage process.
In a statement, the IDF denounced Hamas‘ latest betrayal:
“This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.”
On social media, the IDF underscored the brutality of Hamas’ actions against the child hostages:
“Kfir and Ariel were kidnapped alive with their mother yet returned in coffins and alone. Hamas murdered these innocent babies in captivity. We’re heartbroken and outraged—as the world should be.”
Hamas has yet to respond to the revelation that the body it provided was not that of Shiri Bibas.
The first phase of the ceasefire is set to end in early March, but negotiations for a second phase remain deadlocked. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to use hostages as bargaining chips, agreeing to release six living captives on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The terror group also plans to release four more bodies next week.
Hamas has made clear that it will not release any more hostages unless Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and a full military withdrawal—demands that Israeli leadership has consistently rejected as a surrender to terrorism.
At just nine months old, Kfir Bibas was the youngest hostage taken on October 7. His older brother, Ariel, was only four. Footage from that horrific day showed their mother, Shiri, desperately clinging to her children as Hamas terrorists dragged them into Gaza.
Their father, Yarden Bibas, was taken separately and was released earlier this month.
In Israel, the Bibas family tragedy has become a symbol of the war’s brutality. Supporters have worn orange—a tribute to the boys’ red hair—while a popular children’s song has been written in their memory.
As Israel continues its fight against Hamas, the country mourns the loss of innocent lives and remains steadfast in its demand for the return of every hostage—living or dead.
