Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a body released by Hamas during the recent handover of remains is a woman from Gaza, rather than Shiri Bibas, the mother of two young boys whose remains were returned on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday, Netanyahu condemned the handover of the incorrect remains as a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire agreement that has temporarily halted hostilities in the Gaza Strip. He asserted that Hamas would “face serious consequences” for this action.

On Thursday, under the fragile ceasefire, Hamas transferred four bodies, which followed more than 15 months of ongoing conflict. The Israeli authorities confirmed that one of the bodies belonged to Oded Lifshitz, 83, who was kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel that initiated the current war on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli Defense Forces verified the identification of the remains of Shiri Bibas’ two sons, Ariel and Kfir, but clarified that the fourth body does not belong to their mother or any other hostage.

“We are committed to bringing Shiri back home, along with all of our hostages—both living and deceased—while ensuring that Hamas faces the full repercussions of this heinous violation of the ceasefire,” Netanyahu declared.

He further stated, “The cherished memory of Oded Lifshitz, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas will always remain in the hearts of our nation. May their blood be avenged, and we will ensure that it is.”

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Israeli Defense Minister Calls for Increased Military Operations in West Bank Following Explosions

JERUSALEM — On Friday, Israel’s defense minister announced an escalation of military operations in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after a series of bus explosions occurred near Tel Aviv the day before.

Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the explosions on three buses in central Israel as a “terror attack,” although no injuries were reported.

During a visit to Tulkarem refugee camp, known as a militant stronghold, Katz instructed troops to “intensify their efforts” until “terrorism is eradicated.”

“I want to send a clear message to the terrorists and their backers: Yesterday’s serious attack on civilians will not deter us,” he emphasized.

On Friday, an Israeli court placed a gag order on any reporting concerning the investigation or details that could disclose the identities of the suspects involved in Thursday’s bus bombings.

A group claiming to be part of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, from Tulkarem in northern West Bank, refrained from claiming responsibility but stated via Telegram that, “We will never cease seeking revenge for our martyrs as long as occupation persists in our lands.”

Israel’s extensive military operation in the West Bank, which commenced soon after the ceasefire with Hamas, has caused considerable destruction, resulted in over 50 Palestinian fatalities, displaced thousands, and severely damaged roads and facilities in refugee camps.

As part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, Israel is releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages held by militants in Gaza. Katz warned the released prisoners: “We are monitoring you closely; any involvement in or direction of terrorism will result in severe consequences.”

Hamas Denies Withholding Any Bodies

CAIRO — Hamas has announced it will conduct a “thorough review” of Israeli claims that one of the bodies handed over on Thursday was not of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas.

The group insisted it has complied with all terms of the ceasefire agreement and has “no interest in withholding any bodies in its possession.”

In response to the forensic tests indicating that one of the four bodies was that of an unidentified Palestinian woman, rather than Bibas, Netanyahu vowed retribution for what he described as a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire. The other three bodies were confirmed to be those of Bibas’ two sons and Oded Lifshitz.

Hamas asserted that a mix-up of remains may have occurred due to Israeli bombardment in the area where Bibas and her children, Kfir and Ariel, were reportedly held and where Palestinians were present. The group has consistently claimed that the mother and her children were killed during Israeli airstrikes.

“We reject Netanyahu’s threats, which aim merely to manipulate Israeli public sentiment,” Hamas stated, urging mediators to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire. The group also requested the return of the unidentified remains, which Israel has identified as belonging to a Palestinian woman.