Hamas returns remains of Bibas family to Israel following October attack

Hamas has returned the remains of two young boys and their mother, taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attack. The boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and their mother, Shiri, became symbols of the hostage crisis in Israel. An unofficial day of mourning was observed as the coffins were displayed in Gaza. The remains of Oded Lifshitz, a grandfather and peace activist, were also included. Identification of the remains is ongoing, with only Lifshitz confirmed. Yarden Bibas, the father of the children, was abducted separately but is alive. He is part of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas that began in January.