Hamas: Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas are not alive; we will return their bodies on Thursday

Hamas senior official Khalil al-Hayya announced Thursday's planned transfer will include the remains of members of the Bibas family, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attack. The family became a powerful symbol of the hostage crisis after footage emerged of mother Shiri Bibas being taken captive while holding her two young sons - Ariel, 4, and Kfir, who at nine months was the youngest hostage.

The announcement follows the February 1 release of Yarden Bibas, the children's father, who spent over 480 days in captivity. Hamas had previously claimed the mother and children were killed in an Israeli airstrike, though these claims remained unverified by Israeli authorities.

The planned transfer is part of a broader agreement that includes the return of six living hostages on Saturday and four additional bodies next Thursday. Officials are working to extend the current pause in fighting through Ramadan to secure the release of more hostages.

The Bibas family's plight sparked international campaigns, including "Orange Day" demonstrations, calling for their return. Kfir, whose name means "Lion Cub" in Hebrew, would have turned two during captivity.

The Hostages' Families Headquarters just released this statement:

The Bibas family has asked to convey:

"In the past few hours, we have been in turmoil following Hamas spokesman's announcement about the return of our Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir this Thursday as part of the deceased hostages' release phase. We want to emphasize that while we are aware of these reports, we have not yet received any official update on the matter.

Until we receive certainty, our journey will not end.

We ask the media and the public to respect our privacy and refrain from contacting us about this matter."

To read more about the Bibas family:

https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/sqygzl

https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/sr0izl

https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/idf-hostages-warning-bibas-family

https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/sqycts