Israel confirms Hamas will hand over bodies of 4 dead hostages

Hamas has agreed to hand over the remains of four Israeli hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Wednesday. The terror group is expected to deliver the hostages’ remains without any ceremonies, following widespread condemnation for their previous actions.

Last week, Hamas faced backlash for holding a ceremony with the coffins of Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz. The coffin that was supposed to contain Shiri Bibas’ remains was found to have the body of an unidentified Gazan woman, causing further outrage. Shiri’s remains were eventually returned to Israel, but the incident was seen as a brazen violation of the agreement.

Netanyahu condemned Hamas for their actions, calling them “monsters” for their cynical refusal to bring back the boys’ mother, Shiri, and for the disrespectful display of the hostages’ remains. The international community also spoke out against Hamas, with top United Nations officials denouncing the ceremonies as abhorrent and appalling.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the need for all returns of deceased individuals to be conducted with privacy, respect, and care. While Hamas has released a list of the hostages whose bodies will be returned, Israel has not officially confirmed their identities.

The funeral for Oded Lifshitz, one of the slain hostages whose remains were returned last week, was held on Tuesday. His wife, Yocheved, delivered a heartfelt eulogy promising to continue the fight to bring the remaining hostages home. Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas were buried together in one casket on Wednesday, with Yarden Bibas, who was also taken hostage but later released, delivering a moving eulogy for his wife and sons.

The tragic events surrounding the hostages’ deaths have sparked renewed calls for justice and accountability. As Israel mourns the loss of these innocent lives, the international community must continue to stand against terrorism and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality.