Deceased Hostages from Gaza Identified by Israeli Government
Jerusalem, Israel – The Israeli government has confirmed the identities of four hostages who are deceased and scheduled for release from Hamas custody in Gaza on Thursday. The identities were provided by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters and include:
- Shiri Bibas
- Her two children, Ariel and Kfir
- Oded Lifshitz, a journalist and peace activist
"We received the heart-shattering news that Shiri Bibas, her children Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz are no longer with us," the organization wrote in a statement. "This news cuts like a knife through our hearts, the families’ hearts, and the hearts of people all over the world."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that they received the list of deceased hostages on Wednesday. "Israel has received the list of deceased hostages that are due to be released tomorrow, pursuant to the framework. The Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, has updated the families of the hostages via the representatives of the IDF," Netanyahu’s office stated.
Public Statements from Bereaved Families
The Lifshitz family released a statement following the news of their beloved member’s demise. "These are difficult hours for us, after being informed that our beloved Oded is among the deceased hostages who will be returned to Israel tomorrow."
"He was taken alive from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. For 502 days we hoped and prayed for a different outcome. However, until we receive absolute certainty, our journey is not over, and even afterwards we will continue to fight until the last hostage is returned," the family vowed.
The Bibas family also issued a statement, requesting that any devastating news be conveyed through official channels after all identification procedures have been completed. They urged the public to refrain from eulogizing their loved ones until confirmation has been obtained.
Hamas and the Hostage Release Plan
The confirmation of the deceased hostages comes shortly after Hamas released three additional hostages on Saturday in exchange for over 300 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement reached with Israel. The hostages released were Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Iair Horn.
Hamas had initially delayed the hostage release, accusing Israel of violating their agreement by not allowing in sufficient shelters, medical supplies, fuel, and heavy equipment. However, the hostages were ultimately released on time, and the ceasefire remains in effect.
First Phase of Ceasefire
In the first phase of the ceasefire, 24 hostages and more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released. The first phase includes Hamas releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Remaining Hostages and Concerns
About 70 hostages remain in Hamas custody, the majority of whom are believed to be male, including Israeli soldiers. It is estimated that approximately half of the remaining hostages are deceased.
The Israeli government has warned that it will resume fighting if the hostages are not released. The ceasefire has generally held despite concerns raised by the Palestinian side regarding Israel’s alleged violations of the agreement.
