Hamas returned the bodies of the two youngest hostages but with a disturbing message on their mother’s coffins, labels indicating their “date of arrest”.
The Hamas returned the bodies of Kfir Bibas (9 months), his brother Ariel (4 years), their mother Shiri (33), and Oded Lifshitz (84).
The Times of Israel reported that whilst each casket bore the victim’s photograph, Hamas had deliberately switched the names on the coffins containing Kfir and Ariel Bibas’ remains.
The adult victims’ coffins were marked with October 7, 2023 – the date of their violent abduction by Hamas militants from their homes.
The terror organisation displayed the four coffins on a stage, backed by an unsettling mural showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with blood and fangs, alongside the victims’ images and propaganda text.
Thursday morning’s handover ceremony featured propaganda posters and celebrations, contrary to the International Committee of the Red Cross’s request for a respectful transfer. Two missiles were positioned near the coffins, bearing the text “They were killed by USA bombs,” New York Post.
Hamas has agreed to release six living hostages on Saturday, exceeding the negotiated three, in exchange for expedited Gaza aid.
Following Saturday’s exchange, Hamas is expected to return four more bodies next week, completing phase one of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulated the release of 33 hostages.
The first phase concludes on March 2, with subsequent phases aimed at securing the freedom of 59 remaining hostages and establishing a lasting peace agreement.