Hamas announced on Thursday the handover of what it claimed were the remains of four Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Among the deceased were a woman and her two young children, who had become symbols of the brutality of the assault.
In southern Gaza, crowds of Palestinians gathered near Khan Younis to witness the staged handoff, which featured four coffins displayed on a stage adorned with a banner depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a cartoonish manner. The event was accompanied by triumphant music.
In stark contrast, Israelis watched the event unfold with horror and sorrow, a departure from the relief felt during the recent releases of surviving hostages. Israeli leaders had pledged to dismantle Hamas and ensure the return of approximately 250 hostages abducted during the October attack.
Netanyahu faced criticism from many Israelis for not pursuing a cease-fire earlier, which some believe could have saved the lives of some hostages who perished in Gaza. Recent displays of power by Hamas during the exchanges have underscored the group's continued influence.
Israel and Hamas are currently in the final weeks of a 42-day cease-fire that commenced in mid-January. As part of this agreement, Hamas consented to release 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
In return for the remains, Israel is expected to release women and minors detained in Gaza during the conflict, generally without formal charges. Two Israeli officials indicated that the detainees would be freed on Saturday to allow time for forensic testing to confirm the identities of the bodies. These officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to comment publicly.
On Thursday, as rain fell in Gaza, International Committee of the Red Cross officials, who facilitated the exchanges, placed the four coffins into white vehicles. Israel later confirmed that the coffins had been delivered to Israeli forces.
Hamas identified the deceased as Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir, along with Oded Lifshitz. At the time of their abduction, Ms. Bibas was 32 years old, Ariel was 4, Kfir was 9 months, and Mr. Lifshitz was 83. They were taken during the October 7 assault, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, marking the deadliest day in Israeli history.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and significant destruction in the region. Hamas has claimed that the four hostages were killed in Israeli airstrikes, a claim that Israeli officials have not confirmed.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed profound sorrow over the sight of the coffins, stating that "there are no words" for the pain felt by the nation. The names and faces of the hostages have become widely recognized throughout Israel since their abduction.
Mr. Herzog lamented on social media, “Our hearts — the hearts of an entire nation — lie in tatters... I bow my head and ask for forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day.”
Ms. Bibas and her children were kidnapped from Nir Oz, a community severely impacted during the attack, where about a quarter of the village's residents were either killed or taken hostage. Ms. Bibas’s husband, Yarden Bibas, was also abducted. A widely circulated video captured a distressed Ms. Bibas holding her children close as they were taken.
In November 2023, Hamas announced the deaths of Ms. Bibas and her children, and subsequently released a video featuring a distraught Mr. Bibas reacting to the news. Human rights organizations have condemned such videos as potential war crimes.
As part of the cease-fire agreement, Mr. Bibas was released earlier this month. Mr. Lifshitz, a retired journalist, was taken alongside his wife, Yocheved Lifshitz, who was later released by Hamas for humanitarian reasons, while her husband remained captive. Prior to the conflict, Mr. Lifshitz had volunteered to transport Gazans seeking medical treatment in Israel.
In recent weeks, both Israelis and Palestinians have experienced emotional reunions with family members following extended periods of captivity. Israeli hostages have returned to their families after months in Hamas's underground tunnels, while Palestinian prisoners have also reunited with loved ones after being released from Israeli jails.
Hamas has turned the release of hostages into public ceremonies that showcase its authority in Gaza, despite the ongoing conflict. These events have drawn condemnation from both Israeli and international observers. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock remarked on social media, “Four coffins, presented onstage — images that are unbearable.”
On Saturday, Hamas is anticipated to release the last six living hostages as part of the first phase of the cease-fire, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. The remains of four additional hostages are expected to be released the following weekend.
The future of the cease-fire remains uncertain after the initial phase, which is set to conclude in early March. Israel and Hamas have not reached an agreement on extending the truce into a new phase that would involve a comprehensive end to the conflict, the release of remaining living hostages, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces.
This week, the Qatari government, which is mediating talks along with Egypt and the United States, reported that negotiations regarding the matter had not officially commenced.
President Trump has urged both parties to secure a deal, but Israel remains opposed to any Hamas governance in Gaza, while Hamas has shown little willingness to disband its armed factions or relocate its leaders from Gaza.