Israel prepares for mourning as Hamas returns bodies of October 7 hostages

Hamas is set to return the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were taken during the October 7, 2023 attack. Their deaths were confirmed by a family support group. Shiri's husband, Yarden Bibas, was released earlier this month after 16 months in captivity. He was informed by Hamas that his family was dead. The handover is taking place in Gaza, with large crowds gathered at the site. This event follows the recent release of 24 living hostages under a ceasefire. However, the return of the Bibas family’s bodies serves as a reminder of the ongoing tragedy and the challenges ahead in negotiations for further hostages.