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 their abduction on October 7, 2023. The remains are believed to be Shiri Bibas, her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz. The handover took place amid ongoing tensions, with Hamas displaying the coffins in Gaza 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 more hostages and bodies in the coming days, while negotiations for a longer ceasefire remain uncertain.