As part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Hamas handed over the bodies of four hostages to the Red Cross. However, the Israeli military has claimed that one of the bodies does not belong to any of the known hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
On Thursday, Hamas transferred the remains of Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz. However, according to Israeli officials, the body in the coffin labelled as Shiri Bibas was that of a completely different individual. The military stated that they could not confirm any match between the remains and the known hostages.
Despite this, the family of Oded Lifshitz has identified his body.
In response, the Israeli military accused Hamas of violating all agreements regarding the handover process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed severe retaliation against Hamas for what he described as a "breach of trust and deception."
Hamas’ Public Handover Event
On Thursday, Hamas organized a public event in Gaza, where armed militants presented the coffins to the Red Cross in the presence of Palestinian citizens. Each coffin had a small photograph attached for identification purposes. For security reasons, Red Cross vehicles maintained a safe distance during the handover.
Following the transfer, the Israeli military inspected the bodies before transporting them to Israel. Despite heavy rain, Israeli citizens gathered along the streets to pay their respects as the funeral procession passed. Many also gathered outside the Israeli Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tel Aviv to mourn the hostages.
Hamas' Response and Accusations
Hamas has not yet officially responded to Israel’s allegations regarding Shiri Bibas' body. However, in a previous statement, the group claimed they had provided humane treatment to the hostages but that Israeli airstrikes ultimately caused their deaths.
Hamas blamed Netanyahu for the tragedy, arguing that his continued military operations led to the deaths of the captives. The group also criticized the Israeli government for repeatedly blocking prisoner exchange agreements, which they claim could have saved the hostages' lives.
Addressing the families of the deceased, Hamas stated: "We wanted to return them alive, but your military and government killed them. Netanyahu is fully responsible for this outcome."
The group warned that the only way to secure the release of remaining hostages is through prisoner exchange deals. They cautioned that any military rescue attempt would further endanger the hostages.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian spokesperson reiterated that all four hostages were alive while in Hamas custody but were killed in Israeli airstrikes.
