The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the bodies of four hostages, including 9-month-old Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel, their mother Shiri Bibas, and elderly hostage Oded Lifshitz.
These individuals were abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attack, and after months of uncertainty, their deaths were confirmed. Their remains have now been returned to Israel.
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The Palestinian militant group Hamas, based in Gaza, handed over the bodies to Israel through the Red Cross. The coffins bore inscriptions claiming that the hostages were killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Before transferring the bodies, Hamas held a public event in Khan Yunis, displaying images of the hostages and accusing Israel of responsibility for their deaths—an allegation that Israeli authorities firmly denied.
Meanwhile, former Mossad official Rami Igra cautioned that Hamas is working toward establishing a governance model similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon, seeking to maintain control over Gaza while using the Palestinian Authority as a façade.
As tensions persist, Israeli leaders have reiterated their determination to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of all remaining hostages, while international mediators continue efforts to broker a ceasefire.
