In a deeply troubling development following Thursday’s handover of bodies as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that one of the four bodies returned does not belong to the expected hostage. This violation has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
The bodies of Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and peace activist, and Shiri Bibas along with her two children—Ariel and Kfir Bibas—were part of the handover. However, following forensic analysis, the IDF confirmed that Shiri Bibas’ body was not among those returned. Instead, an unidentifiable body was found, which does not match any of the hostages’ identities. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the integrity of the agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The IDF labeled this as a “very serious violation” on Hamas’ part, as the terms of the agreement clearly stated that four deceased hostages should be returned. A statement from the IDF further demanded the return of Shiri Bibas, emphasizing the urgency of honoring the agreement.
“We share the deep sorrow of the Bibas family at this difficult time,” the IDF said. They urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding the situation.
Earlier in the day, Red Cross officials took custody of four black coffins during a solemn ceremony in the Gaza city of Khan Younis. The coffins were signed over by both Hamas and Red Cross representatives, with a banner declaring in Arabic and English: “The Return of War = The Return of Your Prisoners in Coffins.” The bodies were then transported to Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.
Impact on Families and the Ceasefire Agreement
While the bodies of Ariel (4) and Kfir Bibas were confirmed to have been killed in captivity in November 2023, the family’s grief is compounded by the ongoing uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of Shiri Bibas. Her husband, Yarden Bibas, was one of the hostages freed earlier this month.
In addition, the handover marks a crucial moment in the three-phase ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Sixty-nine hostages remain in Gaza after Thursday’s release. The Hostage Families Forum has called for the immediate continuation of the next phase of the agreement to ensure that all hostages—civilians and soldiers alike—are safely returned.
This phase, which should span 42 days, involves Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, a cessation of military operations, and the eventual release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families affected, underscoring the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict: “At this difficult time, our hearts go out to the grieving families,” he said.
As the world watches, the future of this fragile ceasefire remains uncertain, with the remaining hostages’ lives hanging in the balance.
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