Bibas family seeks confirmation after Hamas announces return of bodies to Israel

The Bibas family expressed distress after Hamas announced it would return the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, to Israel on Thursday. They stated they have not received official confirmation and requested privacy. Hamas also stated it would double the number of living hostages released on Saturday from three to six. The group plans to return the bodies of four deceased hostages, including the Bibas family members. Previously, Hamas claimed in November 2023 that Shiri and her children had been killed. Shiri's husband, Yarden, was released alive on February 1. Eight of the 33 hostages set for release are confirmed dead.