Israel says Bibas children murdered by ‘bare hands’ of Hamas terrorists

Israel’s military claims that two young children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, were killed by Hamas terrorists using their “bare hands.” 

The boys were taken hostage on October 7 along with their mother Shiri Bibas.

Israel Defence Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari says forensic evidence and intelligence confirm that Hamas deliberately killed the children, contradicting Hamas’s assertion that they died in an Israeli airstrike. 

Hagari adds that the findings have been shared with international partners for verification, though it is unclear which nations were informed.

The children’s bodies were among four returned from Gaza on Thursday. 

However, Israel says the body thought to be Shiri’s was not hers, alleging Hamas gave officials the remains of an unrelated Palestinian woman. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “cruel and evil violation” of the existing ceasefire.

Hamas spokesman Ismail al-Thawabta tweeted on Friday that the body mix-up could be traced to confusion under rubble. 

Thawabta said the terrorist group will investigate how the wrong remains were handed over.

Israeli authorities are demanding the return of Shiri, whether she is alive or dead. 

They also confirmed the fourth body recovered belongs to longtime peace activist and journalist Oded Lifschitz, 84.

The release of hostages bodies was part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. 

Talks on a permanent end to the conflict remain stalled. 

Meanwhile, the children’s father Yarden Bibas was freed in February. 

Their story has drawn worldwide attention, highlighting the brutality of the Hamas terrorist regime.