In a recent development, the Israeli military announced that one of the bodies released by Hamas does not belong to any of the hostages held in Gaza. This claim comes amidst an already fragile ceasefire between the two parties.
Two of the bodies have been identified as infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel. However, the third body, believed to be their mother Shiri, did not match any of the hostages and remains unidentified.
\"This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obliged under the agreement to return four deceased hostages,\" the military stated, urging the return of Shiri and all other hostages.
The family of hostage Oded Lifshitz confirmed that his body has been formally identified.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take action against Hamas following the release of the remains of what Hamas claims were four hostages, including the youngest victims, Kfir and Ariel, who were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attack.
During the ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt last month, Palestinian militants handed over four black coffins in a public display. This gesture, witnessed by a crowd of Palestinians and armed Hamas members, was condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
As tensions remain high, there has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding the accusations made by the Israeli military.
Reference(s):
Israeli military says body released by Hamas isn't a hostage
cgtn.com
