Hamas Hands Over Remains Believed to be Israeli Hostage Shiri Bibas

Hamas Hands Over Remains Believed to be Israeli Hostage Shiri Bibas

A second set of remains believed to be those of dead Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas has been handed over by a Palestinian militant group. This follows confusion regarding the initial handover, which included the bodies of Bibas's two children but not hers.

Hamas initially claimed Bibas's body was among those released, but Israeli authorities were unable to confirm this. Hamas has since said the remains of a Palestinian woman may have been mixed up with Bibas's, and another militant group, the Palestinian Mujahideen Brigades, has handed over additional remains believed to be hers.

The remains have been taken for testing, and it is unclear how long identification will take.

Bibas Family Not Seeking Revenge, Want Remains Returned

The Bibas family has stated they are not seeking revenge for the deaths of their loved ones, but simply want Mrs. Bibas's remains returned so they can properly mourn her loss. They have criticized the Israeli government for abandoning the hostages.

Israeli Hostages to be Released, Palestinian Prisoners to be Freed

Despite the confusion surrounding Bibas's remains, the scheduled release of six Israeli hostages and 602 Palestinian prisoners is expected to go ahead as planned.

Four additional bodies of dead Israeli hostages will be returned next week.