Ariel Bibas, 4, and Kfir Bibas, less than a year old, were killed with their captors’ hands, not in an airstrike or shooting. The boys’ aunt expressed grief and outrage over the brutal murder of her nephews, who were taken alive from their home by Hamas militants. Israeli authorities have confirmed the findings based on forensic conclusions and intelligence.
The announcement came as tensions escalated across Israel, with Hamas releasing another body claiming to be Shiri Bibas, whose misidentification threatened to derail a fragile ceasefire deal. The release of four hostage bodies, including the children and what was said to be their mother, sparked renewed outrage in Israel.
Israel prepares for its next exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, amid concerns that renewed outrage could persuade more people that Gaza’s future must be “dramatically changed.” Experts say the situation is grave, with Hamas having forfeited any human consideration through its brutal actions. The international community has urged caution and restraint as the fragile ceasefire deal hangs in the balance.
As Israel mourns the loss of the young boys, their aunt pleaded for calm and emphasized that her family seeks revenge, but not yet. Instead, she called on the international community to prioritize saving the lives of living hostages and returning all fallen for burial. The situation remains volatile, with further explosions reported in Tel Aviv, adding to the growing sense of unease across Israel.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/02/21/bibas-children-strangled-israel-hamas-ceasefire/79455874007