Kidnapping and killing of the Bibas family

Last updated

Kidnapping and killing of the Bibas family
Part of the Gaza war hostage crisis
Shiri Bibas and children kidnapped - Hamas Body cam photo.jpg
Shiri Bibas holding her two young children during the kidnapping. Photo is a still from a body cam of one of the kidnappers.
Location Nir Oz, Israel
Date7 October 2023;17 months ago (2023-10-07)
Attack type
 Kidnapping and killing
AccusedLords of the Desert, [1] Mujahideen Brigades, and Hamas [2]

During the Nir Oz attack, part of the 7 October 2023 attacks that began the Gaza war, Palestinian militants kidnapped the Bibas (Hebrew : בִּיבָּס) family from their home at the Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel. [3] [4] The family, which held multiple citizenship of Israel, Argentina, and Germany, [5] comprised 34-year-old Yemenite Jew Yarden (יַרְדֵּן), his 32-year-old wife Shiri (שִׁירִי; née Silberman), and their sons, 4-year-old Ariel (אֲרִיאֵל) and 9-month-old Kfir (כְּפִיר). [6] [7] [8] All four family members were held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Yarden Bibas was abducted separately from his wife and children and held by Hamas, while Shiri Bibas and her children were reportedly held by another militant group, the Mujahideen Brigades. [9] Ariel and Kfir Bibas, the two youngest hostages taken from Israel on 7 October, came to be regarded as symbols of the Gaza war hostage crisis. [10]

Contents

Shiri Bibas's parents, José Luis (Yossi) Silberman and Margit Shnaider Silberman, were both killed in the Nir Oz attack. [11] In late 2023, Hamas said that Shiri Bibas and her children had been killed by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. On 30 November 2023—the last day of the 2023 Gaza war ceasefire—it offered to return their bodies and release Yarden Bibas, but Israel refused, demanding that all living female hostages be released first. [12] [13] Israel did not confirm the deaths of Shiri Bibas and her sons, but expressed grave concerns over their welfare. [14] [15] As part of the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire, Hamas released Yarden Bibas alive on 1 February 2025, after he had spent 484 days in captivity. [16] [17] On 20 February, it handed over coffins that it said contained the bodies of his wife and sons. [18] [9] Israel verified the remains of Ariel and Kfir Bibas through DNA testing, but accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement after finding that the female remains did not match Shiri Bibas or any other Israeli hostage still held by Hamas. [19] [20] Hamas handed over another body on the evening of 21 February, [21] which DNA testing confirmed as that of Shiri Bibas. [19] Argentina held two days of national mourning. [22] To mark the funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas on 26 February, buildings and monuments around the world were illuminated in orange, the colour of the boys' hair. [23] Shiri Bibas and her sons were buried alongside her parents in Tsoher Regional Cemetery, near their former home. [24] [25] [26]

Hamas and Israel have made conflicting statements about the cause of death for Shiri Bibas and her children. Hamas said that they were killed by an Israeli airstrike in November 2023, but did not provide any evidence to support its claims. [11] [27] The Israeli government said that forensic evidence indicated that they were killed by their captors, and that their corpses were mutilated to simulate injuries from a bombing. [20] [25] Israel said it had shared evidence with its international partners. [28] [29] Hamas accused Israel of fabricating "baseless lies". [11] Neither Israel nor Hamas has released evidence of their claims to the public. [27]

Abduction

The Bibas family home after the kidnapping. Bibas home 3.jpg
The Bibas family home after the kidnapping.

Prior to the attack, the family had considered moving to the Golan Heights because they were tired of living in constant fear of rocket attacks due to their proximity to Gaza. [30]

On the day of the attack, Yarden Bibas texted his sister, Ofri Bibas Levy, from the family's safe room to update her on the fighting at and around the Nir Oz kibbutz. [31] At around 6:30 a.m., he sent a message mentioning rocket fire, and then stated that the militants had entered the kibbutz. He expressed concern that his children did not know how to keep quiet. Militants gained entrance to the Bibas home by drilling open the front door. At about 9:45 a.m., Yarden Bibas texted "They're in", shortly after having texted "I love you" to his family. [30]

Yarden Bibas had reportedly hesitated to use the gun in the home due to the number of militants with automatic weapons. [32] He left the safe room, reportedly in an effort to distract the militants and save his wife and children. He was then captured separately from the rest of his family. [33]

Media footage of the kidnapping was circulated online, including a video of Shiri Bibas holding her redheaded children in her arms, looking terrified as militants surrounded them. Separate images showed Yarden Bibas, bleeding from the head, being taken away on a motorcycle. [30] [34]

Shiri Bibas's parents, José Luis (Yossi) Silberman and Margit Srehnaider Silberman, both in their 60s, had moved to Israel from Peru in the 1970s. Yossi Silberman was originally from Argentina. The Silbermans were killed during the attack on the kibbutz and were officially identified on 21 October. [35] [34] [36]

Israel said that Shiri Bibas and her sons had been kidnapped by a Palestinian crime gang from Khan Younis called "Lords of the Desert". [37] [38] Israel expressed concern that they had been transferred to a different armed group within Gaza, the Mujahideen Brigades of the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement. [39]

Following his abduction, Yarden Bibas reportedly asked his captors on numerous occasions about his wife and children. In one instance his captors told Yarden Bibas that his family had evaded capture and had been spotted in Tel Aviv. In another case, his captors demanded that another hostage tell him that his family had died. Hamas filmed Yarden Bibas breaking down upon hearing this and criticizing Benjamin Netanyahu. [33] [40]

Efforts to release

Israelis taking the cause of the Bibas family
117022 a display of hostages demo PikiWiki Israel.jpg
A protestor in front of the private residence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog recreating the still image from the bodycam video. [a]
– August 2024
Isaac Herzog in Davos, January 2024 (GPOABG231).jpeg
Israeli President Isaac Herzog displaying a picture of Kfir Bibas on his birthday during the World Economic Forum – January 2024
Ariel Bibas' 5th birthday in Hostages Square 4.jpg
A march commemorating Ariel Bibas's 5th birthday – August 2024
Hostages and Missing Square Kikar Hahatufim 17.jpg
Release of orange balloons (to symbolize the color of the children's hair) from Hostages Square
– December 2023

On 7 October 2023, the deputy chief of Hamas, Saleh al-Arouri, said that Palestinians had abducted Israelis so they could force Israel to release thousands of Palestinians (including 200 women and children) in Israeli custody. [41] [42] On 9 October, Hamas offered to release all civilian hostages in exchange for Israeli army not entering Gaza, but the Israeli government rejected the offer. [43] On 17 October 2023, a Hamas official said it would release all civilian (but not military) hostages in exchange for Israel ending the bombing of the Gaza Strip. [44] On 19 October, Human Rights Watch criticized Hamas for conditioning the release of Israelis upon Israel's release of Palestinians, arguing "civilians, including children ... should never be treated as bargaining chips." [45]

On 22 November 2023, Israel agreed to release 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons, in exchange for Hamas agreeing to release 50 Israeli women and children. [46] Shiri Bibas and her children were expected to be released, but were not released. On 29 November, Hamas' armed wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claimed that Shiri Bibas and her children had been killed in the Israeli bombing of Gaza. [47] Israel said that Hamas's claims were unverified and could be part of their psychological warfare. [48] [49] [50]

On 30 November 2023, Hamas offered to release Yarden Bibas along with the bodies of his wife and sons. This offer was confirmed by Israeli officials and Arab diplomats. [12] Israel refused, demanding that living female hostages be returned before the dead bodies. [12] On the same day, Hamas also claimed that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas had been killed by Israeli airstrikes before the truce went into effect. [13] The IDF responded that "Hamas is wholly responsible for the security of all hostages". [13]

A cousin of the Bibas family requested to speak with US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to petition them for help in the release of the family. He also mentioned that they were working with the Argentinian government to help petition for the release of the family. [51] In early December 2023 per Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, all Israeli embassies and consulates either lit their buildings in orange or displayed images of the family. The display was supposed to coincide with the first lighting of Hanukkah candles. [52]

Around Kfir Bibas's first birthday in January 2024, family members celebrated his (18 January) birthday and raised awareness for the family still reportedly held as hostages. Hundreds of people gathered at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate Kfir Bibas and his family with a performance by Israeli children's music stars and wore orange to symbolize the two children's hair. [53] Kfir Bibas's picture was also displayed next to Israeli President Isaac Herzog while he spoke at the World Economic Forum that same week. [54] On 19 February, the Israeli military released a video which purportedly showed members of the Bibas family in the Khan Younis area. [55]

In August 2024, during the Redhead Days Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands, which is known for celebrating people with auburn hair, members of the Bibas family urged participants to spotlight the Bibas children and to raise awareness about their continued time as hostages. [56]

Release and return of bodies

On 28 January 2025, a group supporting the family asked for the public to wear orange in honor of the family. [57] Israeli officials asked on 29 January that Hamas provide more information on the condition of Shiri Bibas and the two children. [58]

Release of Yarden Bibas

Yarden Bibas on the helicopter after being released by Hamas from captivity in Gaza - February 2025 Release of Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon and Keith Siegel, February 1, 2025, February 2025. XXXII..jpg
Yarden Bibas on the helicopter after being released by Hamas from captivity in Gaza – February 2025

Hamas released Yarden Bibas on 1 February, as part of the fourth round of releases in the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire agreement. He had spent 484 days in captivity. [16] He had lost 15 kilograms (33 lb) since his abduction. He told Israeli authorities that he had been starved and not given any food on some days. He reported that he had mostly been held in isolation in an underground cell, rarely seeing sunlight. He was allowed to meet other hostages only during meals. He requested to be held with an old friend that he met during his time in captivity, but his request was denied. [33]

After Yarden Bibas's release, the Bibas family issued a statement saying that "a quarter of our heart has returned... but the home remains incomplete". [59] His family thanked the Israeli public for its support and concern, saying that although he had lost a significant amount of weight, he was in good spirits and physically stable. [60]

Return of the bodies of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas

The status of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas was unclear at the time of Yarden Bibas's release, although they had not been included in earlier releases that prioritized living women and children. [61] On 18 February, a Hamas spokesperson announced that the bodies of four hostages, including the remaining members of the Bibas family, would be released on 20 February, as part of the seventh round of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. [62]

On 20 February, Hamas released four bodies, reported to be of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and a fourth hostage, Oded Lifshitz, who had also been kidnapped during the Nir Oz attack. [63] [64] [65] The handover was performed as a two-step process, with the first step being a handover of coffins from Hamas to the Red Cross, and the second involving a handover from the Red Cross to the IDF. In the first step, the four coffins were brought to a stage in Khan Yunis, wrapped in black with labels bearing the deceased family members' names and pictures. They were placed before a poster that portrayed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a vampire, with the four deceased superimposed. The poster blamed Netanyahu and Israel for their deaths. In the second step, a rabbi conducted a ceremony upon receipt of the coffins and they were transported into Israel draped in Israeli flags. Israeli citizens lined the roads near the Gaza border to watch the convoy and pay their respects, as well as gathering in Hostages Square. [66] [67]

Israel screened the coffins through metal detectors to ensure they were not booby-trapped. [68] Upon opening the coffins, investigators reportedly discovered Hamas propaganda, which Israel considered "a desecration of the sanctity of the dead". Israel filed a complaint with Egypt, Qatar and the United States, who helped negotiate the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. [69] The four bodies were taken to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification. [70] Israel forensically confirmed the bodies of Ariel and Kfir Bibas and Lifshitz, but it also confirmed that the fourth body did not match Shiri Bibas or any other Israeli hostage held by Hamas. [63] Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement by returning a body that was not that of Shiri Bibas. [71] [72] Hamas acknowledged the possibility of a mistake, adding that corpses had been "mixed up" due to Israeli bombings. [27] Hamas acknowledged "seriousness and full commitment to all our obligations" and said it remained committed to compliance. [72] It asked Israel to return the body of the Palestinian woman that had been inside the coffin marked as Shiri Bibas. [73] [74] It handed over Shiri Bibas's remains separately the following day. [28]

The Bibas children were the last Israeli children held by Hamas, and Shiri Bibas was the last Israeli woman held by Hamas whose death had not been confirmed by Israel. [c] [75]

Cause of death

Hamas and Israel have made conflicting claims about the deaths of Shiri Bibas and her children. Hamas, which claims that they died in an Israeli airstrike, has not provided any evidence to substantiate its claims. [20] [27] [76] [77] Following the return of the remains, Israel stated that a forensic analysis showed that Ariel and Kfir Bibas had been killed with “bare hands” in November 2023. [48] [63] Israel stated that Shiri Bibas had been "brutally murdered" together with her children, [29] and that the corpses had been mutilated to make it appear as if they died in a bombing. [29] [25] Israel stated that it had shared evidence of these claims with its international partners, but it did not publicly release the evidence. [28] [29] Hamas described the Israeli claims as "baseless lies". [11]

Ofri Bibas Levy, sister of Yarden Bibas, criticized Netanyahu and other government officials for publicly sharing graphic details from the autopsy report. In a social media post on 25 February, the day before the funeral of her sister-in-law and nephews, she told Netanyahu to "shut up," calling his statements “outright abuse of a family that has already been enduring hell for 16 months.” [25] [78] The Bibas family sent a cease-and-desist letter to Israeli government officials, demanding that they stop publicly disclosing details of the deaths beyond those already approved by Yarden Bibas. [79]

Funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas

Israelis lining the route of the funeral procession Bibas Funeral Procession 260225 02.jpg
Israelis lining the route of the funeral procession

The funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas  [ he ] took place on 26 February 2025. Thousands of Israelis lined the route of the funeral procession, which began at a funeral home in Rishon LeZion in central Israel and ended at Tsoher Regional Cemetery in southern Israel, near the kibbutz where the Bibas family lived. Eulogies were broadcast on Israeli television, streamed over the Internet, and shown on large screens in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square. [25] [26] In a private ceremony, Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas were buried in a single casket. They were laid to rest alongside Shiri Bibas's parents. [24] [80]

On the day of the funeral, monuments around the world—including the Empire State Building, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Chain Bridge in Budapest—were illuminated in orange as a tribute to the deceased. [81] [82]

Public responses

[W]e are appalled and horrified by their [Hamas's] desecration of the remains of Shiri Bibas. This is a gruesome scene, and we join the people of Israel in mourning the loss of several members of the Bibas family. Kfir was not even a year old when he was taken, along with his four-year-old brother Ariel. They were cruelly murdered by Hamas.

Dorothy Shea, United States Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to the United Nations,25 February 2025 remarks delivered to the UN Security Council Briefing [83]

Following the release of the bodies of Ariel and Kfir, Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, issued a statement saying that the "hearts of an entire nation line in tatters" and spoke directly to the deceased stating that he bowed his head and asked for forgiveness in not protecting them or bringing them home safe. [66]

Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, declared two days of national mourning beginning on 20 February following the return of the bodies, as the Bibas children held Argentine citizenship. Sabrina Ajmechet, president of the Argentinian Commission for Human Rights, wrote: "Two Argentinian babies assassinated because of Hamas terrorism. I hope that never again, after this, I have to hear that what happens in Israel and Gaza is not our concern, of all Argentines". [84] [85]

Buenos Aires council member Yamil Santoro proposed renaming "Palestine Street" to "Bibas Family Street". President Milei expressed support for the proposal, but others suggested renaming a park, rather than Palestine Street, as a tribute to the Bibas family. [86]

The Arab-Israeli group Atidna condemned Hamas following the murders of Shiri Bibas and her two children, describing the crime as "an act of barbarism that has no justification". The group called on Arab-Israeli political leaders to denounce terrorism, emphasizing, "At such a crucial moment, silence is not an option—our duty as leaders and as a society is to speak out clearly and firmly against murder and terror". It declared that it would participate in the Bibas family funeral procession, stating, "We will declare in one united voice: No to terror, no to murder, yes to life and humanity". [87]

On 25 February 2025, during a United Nations Security Council address, Dorothy Shea, the acting ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, condemned Hamas for murdering Shiri Bibas and her children and mishandling Shiri Bibas's body. [83]

In response to a question about whether Hamas was responsible for the deaths of the children, Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, responded "would there have been Hamas and, in particular, the attacks of the 7th, if there had not been an illegal occupation and an illegal blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip for decades?", suggesting that those were the reasons for the deaths. [88]

Art inspired by the case

Street art in Israel
Other visual arts

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The text on the cardboard reads "Where are Shiri, Yarden, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas?"
  2. ↑ Translation of message on whiteboard: "I thank all the People of Israel for their support and help. I heard from my family that you fought for me, and want to say many thanks. I deeply appreciate it. It's not self-evident. Happy birthday, Grandpa!"
  3. ↑ The bodies of three other women were still held by Hamas at the time that Shiri's body was returned to Israel: Judith Weinstein, Ofra Keidar, and Inbar Hayman. Israel had declared that Weinstein and Keidar died on the day of their abduction, with Hayman having died in captivity. [75]
  4. ↑ Translation of the text on the display: "Freedom, as I believe, is the main purpose of life" —Menachem Begin from a speech titled "Freedom" (also the name of his political party) at a large public gathering on 27 August 1950
  5. ↑ The text under the painting is the same quote by Menachem Begin as in the photo to the left.
  6. ↑ Translation of text on banner:
    Rishon LeZion is sharing in the pain of seeing Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Z"L on their final journey.

References

  1. ↑ "דובר צה"ל: "משפחת ביבס נחטפה על ידי ארגון בשם 'אדוני השממה'. חמאס אחראי לגורלם"" [IDF spokesman: "The Biebs family was kidnapped by an organization called 'Lords of the Desert.' Hamas is responsible for their fate" 20.02.24]. Ynet (in Hebrew). 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  2. ↑ Frantzman, Seth J. (21 February 2025). "Which Palestinian terror group took the Bibas family hostage? - analysis". The Jerusalem Post . Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  3. ↑ "Released Oct. 7 Footage Shows the Abduction of the Bibas Family by Hamas". www.idf.il. 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 1 February 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
  4. ↑ "Video shows the kidnapping of Shiri Silberman-Bibas and her children by Hamas gunmen". NBC News . Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  5. ↑ Mendeluk, Michelle (25 February 2025). "Buenos Aires Jews hold massive demonstration on behalf of Bibas family". Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 25 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  6. ↑ Davis, Barney (15 October 2023). "Family share heartbreaking footage of nine-month-old baby and four-year-old boy who were abducted by Hamas". The Independent . Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  7. ↑ Sinmaz, Emine; McKernan, Bethan (22 November 2023). "Families of hostages in Gaza wait to see if relatives among those freed". The Guardian . Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  8. ↑ hersh (19 February 2025). "The Bibas Family". Aish . Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  9. 1 2 "Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including mother and young sons". NPR . Archived from the original on 20 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  10. ↑ Boxerman, Aaron; Kershner, Isabel (18 February 2025). "Two Tiny Captives, Symbols of Hostage Crisis, to Go Home Dead, Hamas Says". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Fabian, Emanuel. "Forensics chief confirms ID of body of Shiri Bibas, no evidence she died in explosion". Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  12. 1 2 3 Peled, Anat. "The Redheaded Bibas Children, the Youngest Hostages in Gaza, Aren't Coming Home Alive" . The Wall Street Journal . Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  13. 1 2 3 "Hamas says offered to hand over remains of hostage baby, family". France 24 . 1 December 2023. Archived from the original on 20 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  14. ↑ "4 female soldiers freed by Hamas, paraded on Gaza stage, returned to Israel". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 25 January 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "Bibas family: 'World came crashing down' when Shiri, kids weren't slated for release". The Times of Israel . 25 January 2025. Archived from the original on 25 January 2025. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
  16. 1 2 Krever, Mick; Kottasová, Ivana; Al Sawalhi, Mohammed; Khadder, Kareem; Lilieholm, Lucas; Szekeres, Edward (20 February 2025). "Hamas stages macabre ceremony to release bodies of four Israeli hostages, said to include Bibas children and their mother". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  17. ↑ "החטופים חוזרים לארץ: תיעוד רגעי האיחוד עם המשפחות". N12. 1 February 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
  18. ↑ Sirgany, Sarah; Khadder, Kareem; Krever, Mick (18 February 2025). "Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children, on Thursday and six living hostages on Saturday". CNN . Archived from the original on 18 February 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  19. 1 2 Minsberg, Talya; Rasgon, Adam (21 February 2025). "Israel Confirms Body Returned by Hamas Is Shiri Bibas". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  20. 1 2 3 Wright, George; Moench, Mallory (21 February 2025). "Israel says forensics show Bibas children killed by captors". BBC News . Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  21. ↑ "Red Cross says it transferred body received from Hamas to Israeli authorities". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  22. ↑ "Two days of national mourning for Bibas brothers in Argentina". Buenos Aires Times. 21 February 2025. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  23. ↑ "Global landmarks turn orange to honor Bibas family". Israel National News . 27 February 2025. Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  24. 1 2 Steinberg, Jessica (26 February 2025). "Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas buried in a single casket: 'They will remain together'". Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 Borger, Julian (26 February 2025). "Thousands of Israelis line streets for funeral of Bibas family killed in Gaza". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  26. 1 2 Estrin, Daniel (26 February 2025). "Israelis hold a mass funeral for Shiri Bibas and her two sons killed in Gaza". NPR . Archived from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  27. 1 2 3 4 Boxerman, Aaron; Reiss, Johnatan (21 February 2025). "Hamas Didn't Return the Body of Shiri Bibas. What Now?". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025. Neither Israel nor Hamas has yet presented evidence for public scrutiny.
  28. 1 2 3 Lukiv, Jaroslav (22 February 2025). "Israel confirms Shiri Bibas body has been returned". BBC News . Archived from the original on 25 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  29. 1 2 3 4 "Shiri Bibas's body returned to Israel; officials assess she was 'brutally' murdered with sons in Gaza". Times of Israel . 22 February 2025. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  30. 1 2 3 "Taken captive: Yarden and Shiri Bibas, and their redheaded babies". The Times of Israel . 25 October 2023. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  31. ↑ Campoamor, Danielle (20 October 2023). "'Those Pictures Do Not Leave My Mind'". New York Magazine . The Cut. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  32. ↑ "Release of two more hostages gives some hope to families of others abducted in the attack on Israel". AP News . 16 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 Steinberg, Jessica (4 February 2025). "Family of freed hostage Yarden Bibas: He asks about wife and sons, we have no answers". The Times of Israel.
  34. 1 2 Sinmaz, Emine (29 November 2023). "Hamas says 10-month-old hostage Kfir Bibas was killed in Israeli bombing". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  35. ↑ "Margit & Yosi Silberman: Killed, 9-month-old grandson captured". The Times of Israel . 26 October 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023.
  36. ↑ "Hamas set to free Israeli father in latest Gaza hostage release". The Independent . 31 January 2025. Archived from the original on 31 January 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  37. ↑ Shaulov, Roni Green (19 February 2025). "The heart of an entire country is breaking: Bodies of Kfir, Ariel and Shiri Bibas and Oded Lifshitz are coming home". Ynetnews . Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  38. ↑ Harel, Amos (23 February 2025). "As Netanyahu Considers Escalating the Gaza Cease-fire Crisis, Israeli…". Haaretz . Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025. The three members of the Bibas family were kidnapped by a crime gang from the Khan Yunis area, which hid under an ostensibly operational name, Lords of the Desert. The link between Hamas and this group is not hierarchical or binding. The [handing over the wrong body] could have been a result of chaos, or of deliberate deception by the group. As soon as it was discovered, Hamas hurried to return the mother's body the next morning... The findings of the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine only intensify the horror: the kidnappers murdered the children with their bare hands.
  39. ↑ "IDF: Hamas abducted Bibas family, including baby, handed them to another terror group". Times of Israel . 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  40. ↑ "Ex-hostage watched Hamas captors tell Yarden Bibas of family's 'fate' while filming". The Times of Israel . 5 January 2024. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  41. ↑ "Hamas says it has enough Israeli captives to free all Palestinian prisoners". Al Jazeera . 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  42. ↑ "Why Hamas took so many people hostage — and how that complicates Israel's response". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation . Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  43. ↑ Allon, Gideon. "'No doubt' Netanyahu preventing hostage deal, charges ex-spokesman of Families Forum". Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  44. ↑ "Hamas expresses willingness to release some captive women and children". NBC News . 17 October 2023. Archived from the original on 14 February 2025. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  45. ↑ "Hamas, Islamic Jihad: Holding Hostages is a War Crime". Human Rights Watch . 19 October 2023. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  46. ↑ "Israel, Hamas agree to temporary ceasefire deal where hostages, prisoners will be exchanged". Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  47. ↑ Minsberg, Talya (29 November 2023). "Fears Grow Over Fate of Bibas Family in Gaza" . The New York Times. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  48. 1 2 Kourdi, Eyad; Diamond, Jeremy; Michaelis, Tamar (29 November 2023). "Israel assessing Hamas claim youngest hostage and family members are dead". CNN . Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  49. ↑ Fabian, Emanuel (29 November 2023). "IDF investigating 'cruel' Hamas claim that Bibas children, mother killed in Gaza". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023.
  50. ↑ "The Bibas family remains captive in Gaza. A nation hopes against hope for their return". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 31 January 2025. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  51. ↑ Friedson, Felice (7 December 2023). "Bibas family cousin pleads to meet with world leaders". The Jerusalem Post . Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  52. ↑ "Israeli missions worldwide illuminate in orange for Bibas family". The Jerusalem Post . 7 December 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  53. ↑ Lidman, Melanie (18 January 2024). "As the youngest Israeli hostage turns 1, his family pleads for a deal to release more from Gaza". AP News . Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  54. ↑ Kottasová, Ivana; Krever, Mick (18 January 2024). "Kfir Bibas: Family marks first birthday of the youngest hostage in Gaza". CNN . Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  55. ↑ "Israeli Military Releases Videos It Says Shows Bibas Family Members in Captivity on Oct. 7". The New York Times . 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  56. ↑ Weissman, Miri (27 August 2024). "Bibas family implore Netherlands ginger festival to 'remember your redheaded brothers'". Israel Hayom . Archived from the original on 19 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  57. ↑ Steinberg, Jessica (28 January 2025). "Initiative urges public to dress in orange tomorrow to honor Bibas family hostages". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 10 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  58. ↑ Stein, Amichai (29 January 2025). "Israel demands Hamas provide info on Bibas family's wellbeing". The Jerusalem Post . Archived from the original on 31 January 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  59. ↑ Moench, Mallory; Cuddy, Alice (2 February 2025). "'I don't know how he survived', says freed Israeli hostage's niece". BBC News . Archived from the original on 2 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  60. ↑ "Yarden Bibas's family says he 'lost significant weight' in captivity but is in stable condition". The Times of Israel . 2 February 2025. Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  61. ↑ Beaumont, Peter; Graham-Harrison, Emma; Kierszenbaum, Quique (31 January 2025). "Hamas to release Israeli father amid 'grave concerns' for wife and children". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 3 February 2025.
  62. ↑ Pomeroy, Gabriela (18 February 2025). "Hamas says it will return bodies of four hostages including Bibas family". BBC News . Archived from the original on 20 February 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  63. 1 2 3 Berman, Lazar (21 February 2025). "IDF: Remains of Kfir and Ariel Bibas identified, but 3rd body sent by Hamas is not their mother Shiri". The Times of Israel . Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  64. ↑ Krever, Mick; Kottasová, Ivana; Lilieholm, Lucas; Szekeres, Edward (20 February 2025). "Hamas hands over bodies of four Israeli hostages, said to include Bibas children and their mother". CNN . Archived from the original on 20 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  65. ↑ Bohbut, Amir (21 February 2025). "הגופה נבדקה שוב ושוב, אך לא נמצאה התאמה: ההפרה המחרידה של חמאס, מאחורי הקלעים" [The body was examined repeatedly, but no match was found: Hamas' horrific violation, behind the scenes]. Walla.co.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  66. 1 2 McKernan, Bethan (20 February 2025). "'One of the hardest days' in Israel as Hamas hands over hostages' bodies". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  67. ↑ Fabian, Emanuel (20 February 2025). "Bodies believed to be of 4 slain hostages brought to Israel, 503 days after they were taken alive". The Times of Israel . Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  68. ↑ Sen, Sumanti (20 February 2025). "Shocking reason why coffins of 4 Israeli hostages, including 2 Bibas children, were passed through metal detectors". Hindustan Times.
  69. ↑ "Hamas put propaganda material in hostages' coffins, Israel fumes to mediators — report". The Times of Israel . 20 February 2025.
  70. ↑ Collins, Michael (20 February 2025). "Bodies of Bibas boys returned to Israel in tragic end for youngest Oct. 7 hostages". USA TODAY . Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  71. ↑ "Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas will pay for not returning Shiri Bibas". Reuters . 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  72. 1 2 "Shiri Bibas: Hamas failure to return body is new ceasefire setback". BBC News . 21 February 2025. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  73. ↑ "No interest in 'keeping any bodies' of Israeli captives: Hamas". Al Jazeera . Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  74. ↑ "Hamas says it will probe allegations over Shiri Bibas's remains, asks Israel to return body of Gazan woman". The Times of Israel . Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  75. 1 2 Cramer, Philissa (17 January 2025). "Here are the hostages set to be released (and left behind) in Israel-Hamas deal's first phase". Jweekly . Archived from the original on 3 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  76. ↑ "Middle East latest: Netanyahu says body Hamas released was a woman from Gaza, not a hostage". Times Colonist. 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  77. ↑ Tawfeeq, Mohammed (20 February 2025). "Israel says Shiri Bibas is not among bodies returned from Gaza, Hamas pledges to investigate". CNN . Archived from the original on 21 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  78. ↑ Knell, Yolande (26 February 2025). "Bibas family funerals: Israelis pay last respects to hostage mother and sons killed in Gaza". BBC News . Archived from the original on 27 February 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
  79. ↑ "Bibas family tells Netanyahu to 'shut up,' as he details the murders of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir". The Times of Israel . Archived from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  80. ↑ "'Sorry I couldn't protect you': Israel mourns Bibas mother, sons". France 24. Archived from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  81. ↑ Margulies, Joanie (27 February 2025). "Empire State Building, other int'l landmarks light up orange in honor of Bibas family". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  82. ↑ Cramer, Philissa (27 February 2025). "Empire State Building, Brandenburg Gate lit in orange to honor slain Bibas family". The Forward. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 27 February 2025.
  83. 1 2 "Remarks delivered to the UN Security Council Briefing". 25 February 2025. Archived from the original on 25 February 2025. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  84. ↑ "Argentina's Milei to decree a national day of mourning for the Bibas brothers". The Jerusalem Post . 19 February 2025. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  85. ↑ "Argentina to observe two days national mourning for Bibas brothers". France 24 . 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  86. ↑ Margulies, Joanie (22 February 2025). "Argentina debates renaming 'Palestine Street' to 'Bibas Family Street'". The Jerusalem Post .
  87. ↑ "Arab-Israeli group Atidna condemns Hamas for Bibas family murders". The Jerusalem Post . 23 February 2025. Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  88. ↑ Heller, Mathilda (28 February 2025). "'Bibas family not murdered, Hamas has legitimate cause,' claims Rima Hassan". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 28 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.