Hamas has turned over the bodies of four slain Israeli hostages more than 500 days after the terrorist group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel.
Hamas mentioned that the bodies being transferred would include Shiri Bibas, her two toddlers – Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz. The confirmation of their identities will be done in Israel, and the process could take about 48 hours.
L-R: Shiri Bibas, Kfir Bibas, Ariel Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz. (Hostages Family Forum via AP)
The handover occurred in front of a large gathering near Khan Younis at approximately 9 a.m. local time on Thursday. As Hamas arrived with four black coffins in four separate vehicles, the crowd was reportedly showing support by cheering.
Israel’s Government Press Office expressed strong emotions about the event, stating, “As the bodies of four Israeli hostages are transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross, hundreds of ‘innocent Gazans’ dance to music, and happily film this tragic event.” The office added, “Speechless doesn’t begin to describe how this makes us feel.”
The coffins were later transferred to a Red Cross car, which took them to Israeli forces inside the Gaza Strip.
This release is the first one involving the transfer of slain hostages since the ceasefire deal went into effect last month.
The next transfer is scheduled to take place on Saturday where Hamas will release six living hostages.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
