In a tragic development, Hamas returned the remains of four hostages on Thursday, deepening Israel’s national grief months after the deadly October 7, 2023, attack. The Israeli government confirmed that the bodies included two young children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz, all of whom had been abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Hamas claimed all four were killed in Israeli airstrikes alongside their captors.
Mistaken Identity Sparks Outrage
While Hamas initially claimed to have returned the children’s mother, Shiri Bibas, Israeli authorities later confirmed that the fourth body handed over was not hers but an unidentified person. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the error, calling it a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire terms. He warned that Hamas would “pay the full price” for this act, intensifying fears of renewed conflict.
A Symbol of National Heartbreak
The Bibas family became a poignant symbol of Israel’s suffering.
- Kfir Bibas, just 9 months old at the time of his capture, was the youngest hostage taken during the October 7 attack.
- His brother, Ariel, was just 4 years old.
- Their father, Yarden Bibas, was captured separately but was released earlier this month after spending 16 months in captivity.
Throughout the ordeal, Israelis wore orange in solidarity—a nod to the boys’ bright red hair. Supporters marked Kfir’s missed first and second birthdays, holding on to hope that the family would one day be reunited.
The Tragic Fate of Oded Lifshitz
Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and activist advocating for peace and Palestinian rights, was abducted alongside his wife, Yocheved, who was released during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023. His family confirmed his death with “deep sorrow” but expressed gratitude for the chance to finally mourn and begin the healing process.
Hamas’ Actions Fuel Ceasefire Tensions
The handover of the wrong remains could undermine ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which has already paused 15 months of intense conflict. Hamas is expected to release six living hostages on Saturday and has pledged to return four more bodies next week. However, about 60 hostages—all men, half of whom are believed to be dead—remain in captivity.
Hamas insists that it will not release the remaining captives without a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. On the other hand, Netanyahu, with backing from the Trump administration, remains committed to dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities—a goal that appears incompatible with any lasting truce.
The Human Cost of War
Since Israel launched its military response following the October 7 attack, Gaza has experienced devastating losses:
- 48,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry.
- Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas fighters, though it has provided no evidence to support this number.
- The war has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
The Bigger Picture: Ceasefire on the Brink
The fragile ceasefire could collapse if hostilities resume, especially as speculation grows around potential moves by Israel and its allies. Discussions around forcibly relocating Gaza’s population—allegedly supported by Netanyahu and certain U.S. factions—have been outright rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries.
