Hamas to Transfer Bodies of Four Hostages to Israel Amid National Grief

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Hamas plans to transfer the bodies of four hostages, including members of the Bibas family, to Israel after their captivity since the group's attack on October 7, 2023. The hostages, believed to include Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, reportedly died under unclear circumstances. The youngest, Kfir, was only nine months old at the time of the attack. According to Hamas, the fourth body belongs to Oded Lifshitz, an 84-year-old peace activist.

This transfer marks the first handover of deceased hostages since a ceasefire that began in January. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the national sorrow, stating that the situation left the nation "torn" while referring to the perpetrators as "monsters." The Bibas family has publicly stated they are in "turmoil," awaiting official confirmation of the deaths.

The Red Cross has emphasized the need for a respectful handover process, following recent criticisms of how previous hostages were released. Direct negotiations regarding the release of remaining hostages are pending, with approximately 70 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza.

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