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Hamas released the bodies of four Israeli hostages on Thursday morning, including two young children and their mother from the Bibas family, along with an elderly man.
The remains of nine-month-old Kfir Bibas, his four-year-old brother Ariel, and their 33-year-old mother Shiri were displayed through Gaza’s streets amid celebratory music. The fourth victim was 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz.
Israel’s X account shared the following about Oded, “We are heartbroken to announce that the body of hostage Oded Lifshitz (85) has been identified.”
https://twitter.com/VividProwess/status/1892542803567149146
“A devoted husband to Yocheved for 63 years, father of four, journalist, kibbutz leader, and peace activist for six decades, Oded dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace.”
“He found joy in playing the piano, teaching his grandchildren and kibbutz children Israeli folk songs.”
“On October 7, terrorists stormed his and Yocheved’s home. As Oded held the shelter door shut, they shot through it, wounding him.”
“He was taken alive—only to be murdered in captivity.”
“May his memory be a blessing.”
According to The New York Post, the victims’ coffins were displayed before a disturbing mural depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with fangs, alongside images of the deceased and propaganda text.
https://twitter.com/01IOTA/status/1892701250984231149
Crowds of Gaza residents gathered along the streets, celebrating as the Red Cross collected the coffins for return to Israel.
The father of the Bibas children, Yarden, was freed in early February without knowing his family’s fate. He had been captured separately from his wife and children during the October 7 attacks.
In response to these tragic events, Argentinian President Javier Milei has established a national day of mourning to commemorate the Bibas brothers, demonstrating strong moral leadership in contrast to other Western responses.
