The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that it is conducting an investigation into what it deems a “cruel and inhumane” assertion by Hamas regarding the alleged deaths of Shiri Bibas, 32, and her two children, four-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir. According to Hamas’s military wing, the family was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike during the recent conflict in Gaza.
Such declarations by Gaza terror groups, considered part of a psychological warfare campaign, have been made in the past concerning hostages. The IDF emphasized that Hamas is responsible for the safety of all hostages in the Gaza Strip, including those held by other factions, and urged their immediate return to Israel.
War cabinet minister Benny Gantz, who was meeting with members of the Bibas family when Hamas issued its claim, expressed uncertainty about its veracity. He stated, “There is no confirmation,” adding that intelligence efforts would continue to ascertain the truth.
The Bibas family, including father Yarden, was abducted by Hamas terrorists , from Kibbutz Nir Oz during an attack in southern Israel that resulted in over 1,200 casualties and the taking of approximately 240 hostages.
While approximately 60 women and children have been released in the past five days as part of a temporary ceasefire deal, hopes for the release of the Bibas family have been repeatedly disappointed. As of Wednesday afternoon, nine children, including Ariel and Kfir, remain in the custody of Gazan terrorists.
IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichai Adraee confirmed via social media that Shiri Bibas and her two children were transferred by Hamas to another terror group within the Gaza Strip, believed to be the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, situated in the southern city of Khan Younis.
Relatives of the Bibas family have been actively campaigning to raise awareness of their situation. Responding to Hamas’s claim, cousin Jimmy Miller held Hamas responsible for the well-being of the family, stating, “Hamas must return them to us alive, healthy, and intact… Make no mistake.”
The family has faced ongoing disappointment as they await news of the possible release of their loved ones with each day’s developments. In a CNN interview, Eylon Keshet, a cousin of the family, expressed deep concern for 10-month-old Kfir, emphasizing the urgency of their release.
The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Bibas family continues, with the IDF conducting a thorough investigation into the Hamas claim, and the family anxiously awaiting official updates.
