Hamas Hands Over Bodies of Hostages Amid Tragic Loss and Escalating Tensions

JERUSALEM, Feb 20 – In a significant development, Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, who were among those taken captive during the October 7, 2023, attack. The handover, which took place on Thursday, marked the first time Hamas has returned deceased hostages since the conflict began.

The Bibas children, along with their mother, Shiri Bibas, and another hostage, Oded Lifshitz, were transported out of Gaza by the Red Cross. Israeli authorities later received the bodies, bringing them across the border. The emotional weight of this moment was felt nationwide as citizens lined the roads in mourning.

A Nation in Mourning

As the convoy carrying the four black coffins made its way into Israel, many stood in the rain to pay their respects. Some waved Israeli flags, while others simply bowed their heads in silence. The grief was palpable. “We stand together with broken hearts. Even the sky is crying with us,” said Efrat, an Israeli woman who joined the crowd near the border.

In Tel Aviv, people gathered in what has come to be known as Hostages Square, outside the Israeli defense headquarters. Many wept openly, unable to contain their sorrow. President Isaac Herzog conveyed the deep sorrow of the nation, stating that the pain was indescribable and that the hearts of all Israelis were broken.

Controversy Over the Handover

The handover itself was not without controversy. Before transferring the bodies to the Red Cross, Hamas militants staged a display in Khan Younis, where the coffins were placed on a stage against a backdrop featuring slogans in Arabic, Hebrew, and English. Many international officials, including the United Nations rights chief Volker Turk, condemned the act, calling it cruel and inhumane. Turk emphasized that international law requires honoring the dignity of both the deceased and their families.

The Israeli military, upon receiving the bodies, immediately conducted security scans before transporting them to the Abu Kabir National Center for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, where DNA testing and identification procedures began.

The Symbolism of the Bibas Family

The Bibas children have become some of the most recognizable symbols of the October 7 attack. Kfir, just nine months old at the time, was the youngest hostage taken into Gaza. Ariel, only four years old, was often seen in images from before the attack, his bright red hair making him instantly recognizable.

The abduction of the Bibas family—Shiri, her two sons, and her husband Yarden—from Kibbutz Nir Oz was one of the most harrowing moments of the October 7 assault. Their father, Yarden, was held captive for more than a year before being released earlier this month as part of a ceasefire agreement.

Hamas had claimed in November 2023 that Shiri and her two sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but the claim was never verified by Israeli officials. Now, with their bodies returned, Israel will finally be able to confirm the truth.

Oded Lifshitz: A Life Taken in Captivity

Another returned body was that of Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old Israeli journalist and peace activist. Lifshitz was abducted along with his wife, Yocheved, from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Yocheved was released on October 24, 2023, while Oded remained in captivity.

Lifshitz had long been a critic of Israeli policies regarding Gaza and had advocated for peace. His writings in the past highlighted concerns about leadership decisions and security policies. His death in captivity marks yet another loss for his community.

The Next Phase of Hostage Releases

While Thursday’s handover was a painful moment for Israel, it is expected to be followed by the return of six living hostages on Saturday. Under the ongoing agreement, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian detainees in exchange. Further negotiations are expected in the coming days, with discussions centered on the return of the remaining hostages, some of whom are feared dead.

The broader conflict remains unresolved, with both sides suffering immense casualties. The initial Hamas-led attack on October 7 resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 people taken hostage. In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and massive destruction.

A Nation’s Sorrow and Hope

As Israel continues to grieve, the return of the Bibas children and the other hostages serves as a painful reminder of the cost of war. Their images have been seen on billboards, t-shirts, and in major global events, symbolizing the deep wounds inflicted on October 7.

For Yarden Bibas, the grief is unbearable. Upon his release earlier this month, he had hoped to reunite with his family. Instead, he now faces the grim reality that his wife and sons will never return alive. “It breaks my heart that my family is still not with me,” he said. “I appreciate being rescued—now please help me bring light back into my life.”

The Israeli people, still reeling from the horrors of the attack, are left with one hope: that every remaining hostage—living or deceased—will be returned home.