Abdelrahman
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The youngest Israeli hostage captured by Hamas has tragically passed away along with his brother and mother, according to a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
The organization reported that Shiri Bibas, along with her children Kfir and Ariel, aged nine months and four years at the time of their abduction on October 7, 2023, have all died.
Though Hamas claimed that Israeli airstrikes were responsible for their deaths, Israel has not confirmed this allegation. Shiri’s husband, Yarden, was released by Hamas earlier this month.
The statement also confirmed the death of Oded Lifshitz, a retired journalist kidnapped from his home in Nir Oz.
Mr. Lifshitz was described as someone who devoted his life to supporting others, particularly as he assisted sick Gazans in reaching Israeli hospitals, earning the affection of his grandchildren who referred to him as “Super Grandpa” for his wisdom and kindness.
Shiri Bibas was characterized as a “dedicated mother and accountant, celebrated for her endless kindness and for nurturing all the children in the kibbutz,” the group stated.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their condolences in a statement: “These individuals were more than just names – they were cherished people, deeply loved by their families, with aspirations and futures that have been tragically taken from them.
“We mourn not only for them but also for the other lives lost, including four additional hostages who will be returned next week.”
“We will not cease our efforts. We will continue to advocate for every hostage who is not part of the current negotiations and for those still living, yearning for reunion with their families. We also fight for those we know to be deceased – their families deserve the dignity of closure and the fundamental right to bury their loved ones properly.
“This cannot continue. Not one more day. The next phase of the deal must commence IMMEDIATELY. Every second counts; it could mean another life lost and another family shattered. Bring them all home – NOW.”
The Lifshitz family commented: “We are experiencing a profound loss as we learn that our dear Oded is among the deceased hostages who will be returned to Israel tomorrow. He was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz.
“For 502 days, we held on to hope for a different outcome. However, until we receive definitive confirmation, our struggle continues, and even thereafter, we will fight until the last hostage is home.”
His daughter, Dr. Sharone Lifschitz, an artist based in London, expressed in January that she held onto hope for his survival but was also preparing for the worst possible outcome.
Adam Wagner, the lawyer for Dr. Lifschitz, indicated that the family remains cautious, emphasizing that the return of deceased hostages should not be exploited for propaganda purposes.
Hamas is expected to release six additional living hostages this Saturday as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office has confirmed that Israel received the names of the deceased hostages set to be returned from Gaza on Thursday, and their families have been informed.
An Israeli official later verified the names of the deceased, with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya stating on Tuesday that the deceased hostages would include the “Bibas family”.
In a separate video announcement, Mr. Netanyahu remarked: “Tomorrow will be an incredibly difficult day for the state of Israel. It is a day filled with sorrow, as we bring home four of our dear hostages, now deceased. We offer our support to their families, and the heart of our entire nation is heavy. My heart is broken.”
