The two brothers Bibas – Ariel and Kfir – four years and ten months old, respectively, when they were kidnapped, "brutally murdered" and with premeditation by Hamas – and not, as the terrorist-stamped group claimed, in an Israeli attack. This is claimed by Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli military.
The terrorists did not shoot the two small boys, they killed them with their bare hands. After this repulsive act, they concealed their deeds, he says according to The Times of Israel.
Israel's assessment is based, according to Hagari, on forensic investigations. The findings have not yet been confirmed by independent actors.
Their father Yarden was also kidnapped on October 7, 2023, but was released earlier in February after 16 months. The boys' mother Shiri Bibas is also reported to be dead.
Her body was supposed to have been handed over at the same time as the boys'. But when the remains were examined, it was found that it was not Shiri Bibas but "an anonymous, unidentified" person, according to Israel.
On Friday evening, the Red Cross announced that the organization had received the remains of a person claimed to be Shiri Bibas from Hamas. The remains have not yet been examined by Israel.
Israel's Responsibility
The Bibas family had until the end hoped to see Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir alive, despite reports that they were dead. When that dream disappeared, they place the blame on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It was Israel's responsibility and obligation to bring them home alive, says the boys' aunt Ofri Bibas at a press conference.
We cannot forgive that they were abandoned on October 7, and there is no forgiveness to give for being abandoned in captivity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we have not received any apology from you during this terrible moment, says Ofri Bibas.
Netanyahu apologizes to the children in a recorded speech for not being able to save them, and blames the "monsters" who killed them and promises to avenge the perpetrators.
Did Not Deserve It
But the immediate family does not, at least for now, want revenge for the children's death, says Ofri Bibas.
For Ariel and Kfir's sake, and for Yarden's, it is not revenge we want to see. We only ask for Shiri.
She is thinking primarily of her two nephews right now.
Farewell Luli, farewell Firfir, she says, using the family's nicknames for Ariel and Kfir.
You did not deserve this. We will always miss you. And we will not give up hope for mom Shiri.
