Hamas returns bodies of four Israeli hostages including mother and children

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two young 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 bodies were displayed in Gaza before being transferred to Israel for identification. Lifshitz's family confirmed his remains, expressing their grief after 16 months of uncertainty. This handover contrasts with the recent release of 24 living hostages during a ceasefire. Hamas plans to release six more living hostages soon, while negotiations for a longer ceasefire continue. The situation remains tense, with ongoing discussions about the fate of remaining hostages and the future of the ceasefire.