Hamas Returns Shiri Bibas' Remains After Tumultuous Week
Hamas has returned the remains of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas to her family, following a distressing mix-up earlier in the week. This marks the second attempt at returning the body of the mother of two and her children, after an incorrect body was initially returned to the family on Thursday.
The Red Cross collected a body from the Gaza Strip, believed to be Shiri's, and transported it to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification. The family confirmed that Shiri had been murdered in captivity.
Prior to the formal identification, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardwai assured that the correct body had been returned this time. Hamas has confirmed they will launch an investigation to determine how the blunder occurred.
The body thought to be Shiri's was actually an "anonymous, unidentified" individual. The IDF condemned the mistake as a "violation of utmost severity" by Hamas and insisted on the immediate return of "return Shiri home along with all our hostages".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, labelling it as an "unspeakable" act that exemplifies "the cruelty of the Hamas monsters know no bounds". He vowed to bring Shiri home and ensure Hamas pays the full price for this violation.
"We are not seeking revenge right now".
The international community reacted sharply, with widespread denunciation of Hamas and suggestions of intentional misconduct. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, fiercely berated the militants, decrying the poor treatment of the coffin.
David Lammy, the UK's Foreign Secretary, joined the global reprimand of Hamas, criticizing not just the mishap but also the alleged killing of the Bibas children. US envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, underscored the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that this act could jeopardise the current ceasefire agreement.
At least 66 hostages are still being held in Gaza by Hamas, where they have been captive for over 500 days.
6 Comments
Matzomaster
This is a violation of international law. Hamas must be brought to justice for their war crimes.
Karamba
This incident should be a wake-up call to the world. We cannot allow Hamas to continue its reign of terror.
Rotfront
Let's not let this incident derail the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region.
Matzomaster
This is a reminder of the barbarity of Hamas. They are not freedom fighters, they are terrorists.
Rotfront
This incident proves that Hamas cannot be trusted. They are a danger to everyone in the region.
Eugene Alta
The ceasefire agreement is meaningless. Hamas will continue to violate it with impunity.