Israel Accuses Hamas of Deception and Vows Vengeance
Background:
On October 7, 2022, Hamas militants executed an attack on an Israeli outpost, killing four Israeli soldiers: Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas, Oded Lifshitz, and Shiri Bibas, the mother of Ariel and Kfir. As part of a ceasefire agreement, Hamas was to return the bodies of the victims to Israel.
Discovery of Deception:
On Thursday, November 17, Hamas delivered three coffins purportedly containing the bodies of Shiri, Ariel, Kfir, and Oded. However, during the identification process, Israel discovered that the body inside Shiri’s coffin was not hers.
Netanyahu’s Response:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage at the deception and vowed revenge against Hamas. In a statement, he declared, "These Hamas monsters also cynically refused to bring back the boys’ mother, Shiri, and sent the body of a Gazan woman instead, in brazen violation of the agreement." He added that he would "not rest until the savages who executed our hostages are brought to justice."
Forensic Evidence:
IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed through forensic findings and intelligence that Ariel and Kfir Bibas were "murdered by terrorists in cold blood." Hagari revealed that the terrorists "killed them with their own hands" and then committed "horrific acts to cover up these atrocities."
Hostages and Missing Families Forum Statement:
The Hostages and Missing Families forum condemned the barbaric act and demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages. They stated, "This barbaric act is yet another undeniable testament to the unfathomable brutality of those who continue to hold our loved ones captive."
Ofiri Bibas Levy’s Response:
However, Ofiri Bibas Levy, Yarden Bibas’ sister, took a different approach. She said in a statement, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we did not receive an apology from you in this painful moment. For Ariel and Kfir’s sake, and for Yarden’s sake, we are not seeking revenge right now. We are asking for Shiri."
International Condemnation:
The revelation of Hamas’ deception sparked widespread outrage. World leaders and celebrities condemned the terror group’s actions. U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres slammed those criticizing Israel’s response, arguing that they were effectively asking Israel to "sign a suicide pact."
U.S. Envoy’s Warning:
U.S. Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler called Hamas’ actions "horrific" and "a clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement. He warned that if Hamas did not release all the remaining hostages, it would "face total annihilation."
Israel’s Preparation:
Israel is preparing to receive six living hostages on Saturday, two of whom have been held captive in Gaza for over a decade.
Conclusion:
The discovery of Hamas’ deception has further inflamed tensions between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu has vowed vengeance against the terror group, while the hostages’ families continue to demand the release of their loved ones. The situation remains volatile, and the well-being of the remaining hostages remains a paramount concern.
