A family of an Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas says a body handed over by Hamas is hers after being held captive for 16 months. The family’s statement came as forensic officials in Israel were yet to confirm the identification. Earlier, remains handed over by Hamas on Thursday were identified as not belonging to Shiri Bibas but to an unidentified woman.
The Bibas family expressed relief that certainty has been provided, despite lack of comfort from it. They hope for a closure after 16 months of uncertainty. In contrast, six living hostages are due to be released by Hamas later Saturday under a ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
A ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas previously included the return of Shiri Bibas’ sons, Ariel and Kfir, as well as another hostage, Oded Lifschitz. However, forensic analysis revealed that remains handed over by Hamas were not those of Shiri Bibas. The boys were said to have been killed in an Israeli air strike, but Israel disputes this claim.
Shiri Bibas was 32 years old when she and her sons were kidnapped on October 7, 2023. She was among six hostages taken during the attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and injured many more.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjw20d3l4jpo