Amid ongoing tensions and fragile ceasefire agreements, Hamas announced its readiness to enter the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. This phase involves a comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange with Israel, a significant development following the recent release of hostages and the return of bodies. On Thursday, Israel received the remains of the Bibas children, 85-year-old Oded Lifshitz, and a fourth individual initially believed to be Shiri Bibas, marking the first stage of this delicate agreement.
The Bibas family's ordeal took a somber turn when they were informed that Shiri Bibas had likely been killed in captivity along with her children. The Israeli military confirmed through DNA testing that the woman's body handed over was not Shiri Bibas. Hamas later claimed her body had been "mistakenly mixed" with others who were killed during conflicts in Gaza. Recent autopsy results and military intelligence revealed that members of Hamas "used their bare hands" to kill Ariel Bibas, aged four, and his 10-month-old brother Kfir, during their capture in October 2023.
“Their father, [the recently released hostage] Yarden Bibas, looked me in the eyes and asked that the whole world know and be shocked by the way they murdered his children,” – R Adm Daniel Hagari
The exchange of hostages continued as two individuals, identified as Tal Shoham, 40, and Avera Mengistu, 39, crossed into Israel. Israeli security sources confirmed their arrival after they appeared on stage in Rafah led by militants. Mengistu's family expressed relief and sorrow over his release after enduring over a decade of "unimaginable suffering" during his captivity.
“Our family has endured 10 years and five months of unimaginable suffering,” – The Bibas family
“we gather in anxious anticipation of the return of our beloved son, brother and uncle Avera” – The Bibas family
Meanwhile, another hostage, Hisham al-Sayed, is expected to be handed over to the Red Cross at a third site in Gaza City. Reports indicate that ICRC vehicles are stationed in central Gaza’s Nuseirat, preparing for the transfer of three hostages to the Red Cross.
The situation remains fluid, with Hamas releasing another body to the Red Cross on Friday. The Israeli military has verified through autopsy results and military intelligence that Hamas used forceful means to kill the Bibas children during their abduction. The release of hostages and exchange of bodies mark a crucial yet precarious step in easing tensions between the conflicting sides.
In a related development, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will travel to Lebanon this Sunday to attend the funeral of longtime Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. This move signifies regional implications as different parties navigate volatile dynamics amid ongoing conflicts.
The Bibas family continues to grapple with their loss as they mourn Shiri Bibas, whose body was recently identified post-mortem. They expressed deep sorrow upon receiving confirmation of her death under tragic circumstances.
“After the identification process at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, this morning we received the news we feared the most. Our Shiri was murdered in captivity and has now returned home to her sons, husband, sister, and all her family to rest.” – The Bibas family