Body Handed Over by Hamas Was Not That of Hostage, Israel Says
- Remains of Shiri Bibas’ two small sons have been returned
- Family became an emblem in wake of October 2023 Hamas assault
People stand with flags as a convoy transporting four released bodies of hostages arrive at the forensic institution for identification in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Feb. 20.
Photographer: Amir Levy/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Israel said a body returned as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas was not that of a young mother taken hostage in October 2023, as the militant group had claimed.
Shiri Bibas, 33 at the time, was abducted with her two sons — Ariel, 4, and Kfir, who at nine months was the youngest of the hostages. The two boys’ flame-red hair was used frequently in Israel as an emblem. Yarden Bibas, the father, was also taken captive and held separately before being freed on Feb. 1.