Israel's 'hearts lie in tatters' as Hamas hands over first dead hostages

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that "the entire nation's heart is broken," after the bodies of four hostages, captured alive by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks, were returned to Tel Aviv. This event has once again sparked deep concern among the Israeli public regarding the fate of the hostages. The return of these bodies serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for resolution.

Hamas claimed that the remains belonged to a mother and two children from the Bibas family, whose fate has been a source of deep concern in Israel. Israeli authorities, after forensic examination, have only confirmed the identity of the fourth deceased, 84-year-old veteran peace activist Oded Lifshitz. President Herzog posted on social media platform X that he was "speechless" and asked the four hostages to forgive the failure to "bring you home safely." The identification of Oded Lifshitz underscores the diverse backgrounds of those affected by the hostage crisis.

This is the first time Hamas has returned the remains of hostages since the ceasefire agreement took effect last month. After Hamas handed over the four bodies, thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for a minute of silence. Six living hostages were originally scheduled to be released on Saturday. The news of the deaths of Shiri Bibas (33) and her sons (now five and two years old, respectively) has triggered grief across the country. The tragic loss of the Bibas family has deeply impacted the nation.

Hamas claimed in November 2023 that they died in Israeli airstrikes, but provided no evidence. The Israeli government has never confirmed this claim. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement to Israelis that the country was "immersed in unbearable grief. Today, every family in Israel bows its head." He also stated, "We are all enraged by the monsters of Hamas." The lawyer for Sharon Lifshitz, a doctor living in the UK and daughter of Oded Lifshitz, said that this day was "a day of extreme sadness and failure." The Prime Minister's statement highlights the collective sorrow and anger felt throughout Israel.

On Thursday morning, in a carefully orchestrated scene reminiscent of the recent transfer of living hostages, four black coffins were placed on a stage in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, decorated with propaganda and a large audience. One backdrop depicted a terrifying image of Benjamin Netanyahu with fangs, looming over photos of the four hostages when they were alive. Another read: "The return of war = your prisoners returning in coffins." An attendee, Ikram Abu Salout, told the BBC that she opposed the transfer of the bodies. "They haven't cleared the rubble, we don't even know where our children and families are." A Red Cross official signed documents at a table next to Hamas militants, after which the four coffins were transferred to vehicles belonging to the humanitarian organization. The staged event and propaganda highlight the complex political dynamics surrounding the hostage crisis.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the handover was "heinous and callous, and a flagrant violation of international law." He added: "We urge that all returns should be conducted in private, with respect and care." The International Committee of the Red Cross echoed his words, saying: "These operations should be carried out in private, with the utmost respect for the dead and those left to grieve." After the transfer, the remains were transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza and taken to Israel. People—many waving Israeli flags and yellow flags representing the hostages—lined the streets as the police convoy carrying the coffins passed. The remains have been sent to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute in Jaffa, Israel, for autopsy. The condemnation from international organizations underscores the ethical and legal concerns surrounding the handling of the deceased hostages.

The Bibas family, Oded Lifshitz and his wife, were residents of Kibbutz Nir Oz when hundreds of Hamas gunmen broke through the border with Israel and attacked communities, security force locations and a music festival. About 1,200 people (mostly civilians) were killed in the attacks, and another 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation that, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed at least 48,297 Palestinians, mostly civilians. The attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz and the subsequent military response have had devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Yarden Bibas, 35, was released on February 1, along with two other hostages, as part of an exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Retired journalist Oded Lifshitz had been held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group. His wife, Yocheved, was released by Hamas on October 23, 2023. The release of the remains of the hostages was part of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on January 19. Israel has confirmed that eight bodies will be released. The exchange of hostages and prisoners represents a complex negotiation process aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

The two sides agreed to exchange 33 hostages and about 1,900 prisoners during the first six weeks of the ceasefire. Negotiations on advancing to the next phase of the agreement—under which the remaining living hostages would be released and the war would permanently end—were scheduled to begin earlier this month, but have not yet begun. So far, 28 hostages and more than 1,000 prisoners have been exchanged. 66 hostages kidnapped on October 7 remain in captivity in Gaza. Three other hostages kidnapped more than a decade ago are also being held. It is believed that about half of all the hostages still held in Gaza are alive. The stalled negotiations highlight the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict and securing the release of all remaining hostages.