Headline: Netanyahu Vows Retribution After Hamas Delivers Incorrect Remains
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The bodies of Kfir Bibas, Ariel Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz were returned to Israel by Hamas. However, instead of returning the remains of Shiri Bibas, the mother of Kfir and Ariel, an unknown body was delivered. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation against Hamas following the discovery that the unidentified body was not Shiri Bibas but a different woman.
Hamas had been expected to return the bodies of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with Oded Lifshitz, last Thursday. However, it was discovered during the identification process that the body in Shiri’s coffin was not hers.
Netanyahu expressed his outrage over Hamas's actions in a statement on Friday, saying, "These Hamas monsters failed to return the boys' mother, Shiri, and instead sent the body of an unknown woman from Gaza, flagrantly breaching our agreement.” He assured the nation that he would not rest until those responsible were held accountable.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists. He stated that the terrorists' actions, including replacing Shiri’s remains with those of an unknown woman, were further proof of Hamas' inhumanity.
The Hostages and Missing Families forum, established following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, expressed their shock at the brutal murder of Ariel and Kfir Bibas. They demanded the release of the remaining hostages, stating it was crucial to act before it was too late.
Ofri Bibas Levy, the sister of Yarden Bibas who was taken captive with his wife Shiri, and their two children, Ariel and Kfir, sent a different message. She said that revenge was not their priority at the moment, but rather the return of Shiri.
The news that Shiri’s body had not been returned with her sons led to widespread indignation. Renowned individuals, including TV personalities Dr. Phil and Patricia Heaton, criticized Hamas' actions and expressed their revulsion towards the terrorist organization.
Congressman Ritchie Torres, D-NY, a vocal supporter of Israel, criticized those who were questioning Israel's response to the attacks by Hamas. U.S. Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler described the actions of Hamas as "horrific" and a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. He warned that Hamas could face severe consequences if all remaining hostages were not released.
Netanyahu also expressed his condolences to the Israelis whose bodies were returned by Hamas, saying, "Ariel, Kfir, and Oded: I am so sorry we couldn't save you from the monsters who did this. We honor your kind and loving souls, so tragically cut down by evil terror."
Israel is anticipating the return of six living hostages on Saturday, two of whom have been held captive in Gaza for over ten years.