In a devastating announcement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that 4-year-old Ariel Bibas and his 10-month-old brother, Kfir Bibas, were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists while in captivity.
The identification process, conducted by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with the Israel Police, revealed the tragic fate of the two young boys who were abducted from their home in Nir Oz during the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
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Ariel and Kfir were kidnapped alongside their mother, Shiri Bibas, while their father, Yarden Bibas, was abducted earlier while attempting to protect his family. Yarden was released as part of a hostage exchange agreement on February 1, 2025, but the fate of his wife and children remained unknown until now.
The forensic findings indicate that the boys were killed in November 2023, just weeks after their abduction. The identification process also revealed that an additional body received by authorities was not that of Shiri Bibas, leaving her fate still uncertain.
The IDF condemned Hamas for its failure to return all deceased hostages as agreed upon in the hostage exchange deal. “This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages,” the IDF stated. “We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.”
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The Bibas family’s ordeal has become a symbol of the horrors inflicted by Hamas during its October 2023 attacks, which saw over 240 people taken hostage, including women, children, and the elderly.
The news of Ariel and Kfir’s deaths has sent shockwaves through Israel and the international community. The boys, who were among the youngest hostages, captured the hearts of millions as their familly pleaded for their safe return.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time,” the IDF said in a statement. “We remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity.”
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