Bibas family: Dead or alive? Israel demands an answer from Hamas

481 days after they were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel is demanding that Hamas provide clear information about the situation of Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir. The demand comes ahead of the next phases of the first stage of the hostage deal.

According to a report published Wednesday evening by Ynet correspondent Itamar Eichner, Israel has conveyed a clear message to Hamas through the mediators that it is demanding information about the situation of Shiri and the children. The goal is to close the circle and provide definitive and official information to family members – after the IDF Spokesperson said last week that there was "grave concern for their fate."

All members of the Bibas family are supposed to be released in the first stage of the kidnapping deal. Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were supposed to be released in the first stages, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, according to which civilians and children would be the first to be released – but Hamas has not released the three in recent weeks, nor are they expected to be released in the two phases that are expected to take place tomorrow and Saturday. The father, Yarden, is scheduled to be released at the end of the first phase, in light of his condition.