Israeli Family Held Hostage in Gaza: Hamas Claims Mother and Two Children Killed

Israel Defense Forces Investigate Hamas Statement on Alleged Deaths

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have notified the family of an Israeli mother and her two young children, who were kidnapped to Gaza, about a statement from Hamas claiming that the three have been killed. The IDF has labeled the Hamas statement as “cruel and inhumane.” While Gaza terror groups have made similar claims in the past as part of psychological warfare, the IDF stressed that Hamas bears responsibility for the safety of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip. War cabinet minister Benny Gantz, who was meeting with the family when the claim was made, stated that there is no confirmation of the claim and that further intelligence is being sought to determine its veracity.

The Kidnapping and the Bibas Family

On October 7th, Shiri Bibas, 32, and her children, four-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel by Hamas terrorists. The family’s father, Yarden Bibas, 34, was also taken hostage. The Bibas family has become one of the most recognizable groups of hostages, symbolizing the cruelty of Hamas. A video of Shiri being taken away by the terrorists, carrying her distressed children, gained attention due to the children’s bright red hair, earning them the nickname “the redheads.” The family believes that Yarden is being held separately from his wife and children.

Temporary Ceasefire and Hopes for Release

As part of a temporary ceasefire deal, around 60 women and children have been released over the past five days. However, the Bibas family has not been among those released. As of Wednesday afternoon, nine children, including Ariel and Kfir, remained in the hands of Gazan terrorists. The family has been campaigning both in Israel and abroad to raise awareness of their plight, hoping for their safe return.

Hamas’s Responsibility and Psychological Warfare

The IDF has emphasized that Hamas bears responsibility for the safety of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip, even those held by other factions. The statement from Hamas claiming the deaths of Shiri and her two children is seen as part of a psychological warfare campaign. Hamas has previously made similar claims regarding hostages. The family’s cousin, Jimmy Miller, holds Hamas responsible for their well-being, regardless of whether or not they are the ones holding them hostage.

The Search for Veracity

War cabinet minister Benny Gantz stated that there is no confirmation of Hamas’s claim and that further intelligence is being sought to determine its veracity. IDF Arabic-language spokesman Avichai Adraee confirmed that the mother and her two children were transferred by Hamas to another terror group inside the Gaza Strip and are believed to be held in the southern city of Khan Younis. The group is reported to be the small Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

The Family’s Plea and Hope for Their Return

The Bibas family is anxiously waiting for an official announcement from the IDF regarding the claim made by Hamas. They have seen the video of Shiri and her two sons being abducted alive and are certain that they reached Gaza alive. The family wants to see them returned alive, healthy, and intact as soon as possible. Eylon Keshet, a cousin of the family, expressed grave concern for 10-month-old Kfir’s life, stating that every day he remains in captivity poses a real danger.

Conclusion:

The Israel Defense Forces are investigating a statement from Hamas claiming that an Israeli mother and her two children, who were kidnapped to Gaza, have been killed. While Hamas’s claim is yet to be confirmed, the family and the IDF are working to determine the veracity of the statement. The Bibas family’s kidnapping has attracted significant attention, highlighting the cruelty of Hamas and the urgent need for the safe return of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip.


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