Hamas Released Body of Gaza Woman, Not Shiri Bibas: Netanyahu

Jerusalem: In a twist to the hostage saga, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a body Hamas released during the handover of Israeli hostages' remains was not that of Shiri Bibas, the mother of two young boys, but instead that of a woman from Gaza.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the remains of Shiri Bibas’ two young sons, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, were positively identified, but stated the fourth body was neither their mother’s nor any other hostage’s.

Fourth Body Identified as Gaza Woman, Not Hostage

IDF tweeted , “During the identification process, it was determined that the additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other hostage. This is an anonymous, unidentified body.”

Also Read: Netanyahu Slams 'Malicious Violation' of Gaza Ceasefire

Netanyahu said, “We will work with determination to bring Shiri home together with all our hostages — both living and dead — and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and malicious violation of the agreement,” 

Netanyahu Slams 'Cruel Violation' of Gaza Ceasefire

In a statement on Friday, Netanyahu condemned the handover of incorrect remains as a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire agreement, which has paused fighting in Gaza, and vowed that Hamas would “pay the full price” for the breach.

“The sacred memory of Oded Lifshitz and Ariel and Kfir Bibas will be forever enshrined in the heart of the nation. May God avenge their blood. And so we will avenge,” he added.

Hamas militants handed over four bodies on Thursday as part of the fragile ceasefire, which has paused over 15 months of conflict. Israel confirmed that one of the bodies was Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 when he was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which marked the start of the war.

(with AP inputs)