Hamas returns bodies of four Israeli hostages including children

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two children, who were feared dead since the October 7, 2023, attack. The remains are believed to be Shiri Bibas, her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz. The handover took place in Gaza, where Hamas displayed the coffins before transferring them to Israeli forces. A formal identification process will follow, which may take up to two days. This event contrasts with the recent release of 24 living hostages during a ceasefire. Hamas plans to release six more living hostages on Saturday and four additional bodies next week. The ceasefire's future remains uncertain, as negotiations continue amid ongoing tensions and differing goals between Hamas and Israel.