Hamas says remains of mother of two young boys mixed with other human remains after Israeli air strike

The tragic story of the Bibas family has rocked Israel, with the recent return of the bodies of four slain hostages shedding light on the brutal reality of terrorism. The mother of two young boys, Shiri Bibas, was not among the bodies returned to Israel on Thursday, leading to a mix-up that has left many questioning Hamas’ actions.

Hamas officials claimed that Shiri Bibas’ remains were “turned into pieces after apparently being mixed with other bodies under the rubble” following an Israeli air strike on the place where she was held captive. The bodies of Kfir Bibas, Ariel Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz were the only ones returned to Israel, more than 500 days after they were taken hostage by Hamas.

Before the return of the remains, Hamas had stated that the bodies would include Shiri Bibas and her two toddlers, Ariel and Kfir, as well as Oded Lifshitz. However, Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine could only identify the two young boys. Instead of sending Shiri Bibas’ body in the coffin bearing her name and photo, Hamas handed over an unidentified body, with DNA testing revealing it did not match any known hostages.

The IDF confirmed that the additional body received was anonymous and unidentified, leaving many questions unanswered. Ariel and Kfir Bibas were determined to have been brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity in November 2023, adding to the heartbreak of the situation.

The Red Cross, which facilitated the transfer of the bodies, expressed concern and dissatisfaction with the way Hamas conducted the hostage release operations. They emphasized that the process should have been more private and dignified, highlighting the need for respect and compassion in such sensitive situations.

The Bibas family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of conflict and terrorism, leaving many in Israel mourning the loss of innocent lives. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the hope is that justice will be served for Shiri Bibas and her two young boys, and that their memory will be honored and respected.