Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Feb 21: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Hamas terrorists brutally murdered Ariel and Kfir Bibas while holding them captive in Gaza, weeks after their abduction on October 7, 2023.

In a televised statement, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, “We can confirm that baby Kfir Bibas, just 10 months old, and his four-year-old brother Ariel were murdered in cold blood by terrorists. They were not killed in an airstrike as Hamas falsely claimed.”

According to the IDF, forensic findings and intelligence indicate that the terrorists killed the children "with their bare hands" and later attempted to cover up the atrocity. “We have shared our findings with global partners for verification,” Hagari stated.

The children's mother, Shiri Bibas, who was supposed to be returned as part of a hostage deal, remains unaccounted for. The IDF accused Hamas of violating the agreement by handing over the body of an unidentified woman instead.

Hagari also confirmed the death of 83-year-old hostage Oded Lifshitz, who was abducted alongside his wife, Yocheved. “Oded was murdered in captivity in November 2023. These abductions and killings are crimes against humanity, and the world must condemn these barbaric acts,” he emphasized.

The IDF vowed to continue its efforts to bring home the remaining 69 hostages still held in Gaza, reaffirming, “Our mission is not over until every single hostage comes home.”