Identification of Shiri Bibas Marks a Tragic Chapter in Hostage Crisis

The remains of Shiri Bibas, presumed to be among four hostages killed by Hamas, were positively identified on Saturday morning. The revelation follows a complex series of events that led to her remains being returned to Israel.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters confirmed the identification of Bibas, who was brought back to Israel on Friday after Hamas initially returned a Palestinian woman from Gaza on Thursday.

On Friday, a coffin containing Bibas’ remains was handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas. This coffin was subsequently transferred to Israeli authorities, who then transported it to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification.

The heartbreak of the Bibas family was palpable in their statement. They expressed their sorrow by saying, “Last night, our Shiri was returned home. Following the identification process at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, we received the news we had dreaded – our Shiri was murdered in captivity and has now returned home to her sons, husband, sister, and all her family for rest.”

The family reflected on their enduring hope, stating, “Despite our fears about their fate, we continued to hope that we would get to embrace them, and now we are in pain and heartbroken. For 16 months we sought certainty, and now that it’s here, it brings no comfort, though we hope it marks the beginning of closure.”

The emotional toll on the family was evident as they described Bibas, saying, “Shiri was a wonderful mother to Ariel and Kfir, a loving partner to Yarden, a devoted sister and aunt, and an amazing friend.” These reflections underscore the deep loss felt by those closest to her.

Political Repercussions Following Bibas’ Identification

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded strongly to the situation. On Friday, he stated that Hamas would “pay the full price” for allegedly misidentifying and handing over the body of a Palestinian woman instead of the remains of Shiri Bibas.

Earlier reports from the Israeli military indicated that Bibas’ two sons, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, along with another hostage named Oded Lifshitz, had been positively identified among the remains. Four bodies were returned on Thursday, but the family had anticipated the remains of Shiri Bibas to be among them, which ultimately was not the case.

Hamas’ Response and Claims

Hamas has countered the allegations by claiming that it “has no interest in withholding any bodies in its possession.” The organization stated that the dead hostages it returned on Thursday were killed by an Israeli airstrike in November 2023. Furthermore, Hamas suggested that the bodies could have been misidentified due to the extensive bombardments in the area during that time.

Calls for Immediate Action Regarding Remaining Hostages

In the wake of Shiri Bibas’ return, the Bibas family has made a fervent plea for the safe return of the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. Reports indicate that six hostages may be released on Saturday, raising hopes for their families.

The Bibas family declared, “In this difficult hour, we continue to demand and call for the immediate return of the remaining hostages still in captivity. There is no more important goal. There can be no rehabilitation without them.” Their heartfelt call reflects the urgency and emotional weight of this ongoing crisis, where uncertainty continues to loom over many families.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.