Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Feb 22: Israel has confirmed the tragic death of Shiri Bibas, who was held captive in Gaza since October 7, 2023, by Hamas. The confirmation came early Saturday after Hamas handed over her body overnight, which was identified upon arrival in Israel, according to local reports.

Kibbutz Nir Oz, where Bibas lived with her family, issued a statement mourning her death, stating, "With pain and deep sorrow, Kibbutz Nir Oz announces the murder of Shiri Bibas, may her memory be a blessing, who was kidnapped from her home."

Nir Oz was one of the areas hardest hit in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

“After 16 unbearable months, this painful chapter has finally come to a close for the family. In the coming days, she will return, together with her two small sons, to eternal rest in the soil of Israel,” the statement added.

Israeli authorities revealed that Shiri Bibas, along with her two sons—Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months)—were brutally murdered in November 2023 while in captivity.

The tragic confirmation follows a failed attempt by Hamas to return Bibas’ remains a day earlier, when the body handed over was found to belong to a Palestinian woman, reports Times of Israel.

Her death means that three generations of her family were killed in the October 7 massacre. Her parents, Yossi and Margit Silberman, were murdered in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the day of the attack.
Hamas was initially expected to hand over the remains of Bibas and her sons on Thursday, along with those of fellow hostage Oded Lifshitz.

However, after forensic examination, Israeli authorities confirmed that Ariel, Kfir, and Lifshitz were murdered over a year ago.

Hamas later alleged a "mix-up" due to an Israeli airstrike, but Israeli military sources refuted the claim, stating that forensic evidence clearly proved that Ariel and Kfir were murdered in November 2023—when Kfir was 10 months old and Ariel was 4.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari described the horrific circumstances of their deaths.

"The terrorists did not shoot the two young boys—they killed them with their bare hands. Afterwards, they committed horrific acts to cover up these atrocities," he stated.

The tragic confirmation of Shiri Bibas’ death brings closure to her family but also highlights the brutality of the October 7 attack, leaving the people of Israel mourning yet another heartbreaking loss.