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A 10-month-old boy, his four-year-old brother, and their mother, who were taken captive by Hamas, were reported dead due to past Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza strip, according to Hamas’s military branch.
Kfir Bibas, his older brother Ariel, and their parents Yarden (34) and Shiri (32) were taken hostage after Hamas attacked and killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7th.
The Independent was informed by the Israeli military that they are currently investigating the statement made by Al-Qassam Brigades. They also stated that they will continue to provide assistance to the Bibas family during this challenging period. The exact date of their deaths is unknown.
The Bibas family was contacted by representatives from the IDF after recent reports, and the IDF is currently providing support during this challenging period. The accuracy of the information is being examined by the IDF.
The following day, Kfir’s family made an urgent request for his “prompt release” as they were concerned about his well-being and access to adequate food and formula.
Before Hamas announced their claim, Ofri Bibas, who is Kfir’s aunt, expressed concern about his situation, saying “He cannot continue to stay there. He is only 10 months old and we are unsure if he is receiving proper nutrition. There is a limited supply of food available.”
Each day, there is a danger to their mental and physical well-being. They should be set free. They are minors and should not be held captive.
Mr Bibas’s cousin, Aylon Keshet, expressed that the family is currently experiencing a “nightmare” and is unaware of their current state.
He implored to not prolong the stay of these real individuals, who have their own lives. Do not allow Hamas to continue using them as pawns for negotiation.
“We lack information and are completely unaware of their welfare and state. It is a nightmare situation for us as the uncertainty is causing immense distress. We are deeply concerned about their well-being.”
Since the ceasefire started, it is estimated that 63 Israelis and 20 foreigners have been released by Hamas. Israel has released up to 180 Palestinians.
A Palestinian official announced on Wednesday night that Hamas was in the process of releasing additional Israeli hostages.
The Israeli military has announced that two Russian-Israeli women who were being held by Hamas have been released and have returned to Israel. It is anticipated that this release will be followed by a trade of 10 additional hostages in Gaza for 30 Palestinian prisoners who are currently being held by Israel.
In October, Hamas militants captured 240 Israelis during their attack.
Officials from Qatar stated that the outcome of the additional two-day period of the initial ceasefire would play a crucial role in finding the Israeli hostages who are currently missing.
“Some of them are not affiliated with other armed groups, but are actually civilians,” said Dr Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, in an interview with The Independent.
According to a spokesperson from the IDF, the Bibas family, which included a 10-month-old named Kfir Bibas, his 4-year-old brother Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri Bibas, were taken hostage by Hamas during the massacre on October 7. This serves as a clear example of the barbaric and cruel actions of Hamas that are now exposed to the world.
Hamas bears full responsibility for the safety of all hostages in the Gaza Strip. Hamas must be held liable for their actions. The actions of Hamas continue to put the hostages, including nine children, at risk. It is imperative that Hamas releases our hostages without delay.
The Israel Defense Forces and other security agencies will continue to support the Bibas family, as well as all families of hostages and missing persons.
Source: independent.co.uk