Israel Prepares for Arrival of First Dead Hostages From Hamas

Hamas is planning to transfer four deceased hostage bodies back to Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement that began last month. The group has stated that these individuals include Shiri Bibas, her two sons Kfir (nine months old) and Ariel, along with Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old peace activist.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow for the nation’s collective pain, labeling Hamas as “monsters.” He also announced that six more living hostages will be released on Saturday. The Bibas family in Israel has stated they are in turmoil until definitive confirmation of their loved ones’ deaths is received through forensic examinations.

Concerns have been raised about how the bodies will be transferred, with the Red Cross emphasizing a need for dignity during this process and condemning any degrading treatment during release operations. The group’s previous methods of releasing hostages in staged events where they are put on platforms for spectators have faced widespread criticism.

The identities of Shiri Bibas, Kfir, Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz remain unverified pending forensic confirmation. Hamas initially claimed these individuals had been killed by an Israeli air strike in November 2023 but failed to provide evidence supporting this claim.

Approximately 1,200 people were killed during the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen, while over 251 were taken back as hostages. This led to a significant military campaign from Israel against Hamas, resulting in at least 48,297 Palestinian casualties – mostly civilians.

Yarden Bibas and Yocheved Lifshitz have already been released through prisoner exchanges. Oded Lifshitz was previously held by Islamic Jihad until he was handed over to Hamas two weeks ago. The ceasefire deal also includes an agreement for 33 hostages in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

So far, twenty-four hostages and more than one thousand prisoners have been exchanged under the terms of this arrangement. However, seventy hostages taken on October 7 remain in Gaza, along with three others who were apprehended over a decade ago. It’s believed that about half of all remaining hostages are still alive.

The next phase of negotiations for releasing the remaining living hostages and ending the war permanently has not yet commenced, despite being scheduled to start earlier this month.