The IDF has informed eight families that there are serious concerns about their loved ones' fate after Hamas provided Israel with the numbers of living and deceased hostages in the current deal. The update comes after Hamas delivered an official list detailing the status of 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase of the agreement, indicating that eight are no longer alive, while 25 others are expected to return to Israel alive.
The military emphasized that there is no definitive evidence confirming the deaths of these hostages, and final identification will only be possible after their return to Israel.
The Bibas family, whose members Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir are among the 33 listed, released a powerful statement: "In the previous deal, when Hamas claimed Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were killed, and they weren't released. We said then and we say now: we hold onto hope and wait for their return. We're waiting for certainty about their condition. The list transferred by Hamas to Israel regarding the hostages' condition doesn't include names and doesn't change our position. Even a list of names, Hamas's declaration, or any video - these aren't certainty for us. Since October 7th, when the cruel kidnapping video was released, we've been worried about their fate every day and every minute."
Hamas had delayed providing the list on Saturday following a crisis over the release of hostage Arbel Yahud. After resolving the crisis, which involved IDF withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor and an agreement to release six hostages this week, the list was transferred to Israel overnight. The information provided only included numbers, not names, leaving families in continued uncertainty.
The hostages' families are calling on the Israeli government and negotiation team to take all necessary measures to bring their loved ones home. Despite the list indicating the dire condition of some hostages, the families insist on maintaining hope and demand absolute certainty regarding their fate.
0 Comments