The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has accused Hamas of committing a “cruel violation” of the truce in Gaza. This accusation comes after Hamas failed to deliver the body of Shiri Bibas, a hostage of Argentine origin, as agreed upon. Netanyahu warned that Israel would act with determination to bring Bibas’ body back to the country, along with all other hostages, whether alive or deceased. He also emphasized that Hamas would have to pay a high price for this violation of the cease-fire agreement.
“We will act with determination to bring home Shiri, along with all our hostages – alive and dead – and ensure that Hamas pays a high price for this cruel and evil violation of the cease-fire agreement,” Netanyahu stated in a video message. His words reflect the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it has taken on the families of the hostages.
## “Mixed by mistake”
On Thursday, Hamas delivered the bodies of four hostages, claiming they were those of Shiri Bibas, her two children, and the Israeli retired journalist Oded Lifshitz. However, according to a high-ranking commander of the terrorist group, “Mrs. Bibas’ body was likely mixed up by mistake with others found under the rubble.” This revelation has led to widespread outrage and disappointment, as it appears that Hamas may have inadvertently complicated the already delicate situation.
The identities of the children and Lifshitz, who was 83 at the time of his abduction, were confirmed by the Tel Aviv Forensic Medical Institute through analysis. Nevertheless, Israeli officials, citing forensic conclusions, claim that the fourth body does not belong to Shiri Bibas. An army spokesman confirmed on Friday that forensic doctors had concluded the body presented by Hamas as Shiri Bibas was not actually hers.
The Bibas family was kidnapped during the unprecedented attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the war in Gaza. The incident has been a focal point of the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the cease-fire. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Israel and Hamas will proceed in their efforts to resolve the crisis and bring the hostages home. With information from AFP.
