Remains of young mom Shiri Bibas, taken hostage and killed by Hamas, not returned despite promise, Israel says

The devastating news of the murder of two young boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, by Hamas terrorists while in captivity has left the nation of Israel in mourning. The mother of the boys, Shiri Bibas, was also believed to have been among the bodies returned to Israel on Thursday, but the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that her body was not among those returned.

The family, including retired journalist and activist Oded Lifshitz, had become symbols of the ongoing ordeal that has gripped Israel since the war in Gaza began. Despite the return of the bodies of the two young boys, the family continues to face the heart-wrenching reality of not having their mother returned to them.

Authorities have confirmed that Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by the terrorists while in captivity in November 2023. The IDF has expressed their deepest condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of Shiri and all the hostages being held captive.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned Hamas for their actions, calling it a “violation of utmost severity” and demanding the return of Shiri Bibas and all other hostages. He criticized the international community for remaining silent in the face of Hamas’ barbarity and urged them to take action.

The young boys and their mother were abducted from their home during the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists. Yarden Bibas, the boys’ father, was also abducted but was returned as part of the agreement for the release of the hostages on February 1.

The release of the bodies on Thursday marked the first transfer of slain hostages since the ceasefire deal went into effect. About 70 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with nearly all believed to be men and about half presumed to be dead.

The tragic loss of Ariel and Kfir Bibas serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region and the toll it takes on innocent lives. The Bibas family, along with the other hostages still in captivity, deserve justice and a resolution to this heartbreaking situation. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of these families and must work towards a peaceful resolution to end the cycle of violence and loss in the region.