Israel mourns young brothers killed in hostage crisis

Israel is mourning the deaths of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, two young brothers who were taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. Their bodies were returned without their mother, Shiri, who remains missing. The boys, aged nine months and four years, symbolize the ongoing tragedy of the hostage crisis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the boys as victims of "brutal" violence by Hamas. He expressed the nation's sorrow and anger, stating that the return of the children marks a day of profound grief for Israel. President Isaac Herzog echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collective pain felt across the country. The Bibas family has been a focal point of public sympathy, with many sharing memories and images of the boys. Their deaths have intensified calls for accountability and reflection on the ongoing conflict, as the nation grapples with the loss of innocent lives.