posted 21st February 2025
Israel Accuses Hamas of Bad Faith Over Hostage Remains, Threatens Retaliation
JERUSALEM, 21 February – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Hamas will face consequences for failing to return the body of hostage Shiri Bibas as agreed, casting fresh doubts over the fragile month-old ceasefire in Gaza.
On Thursday, Hamas handed over four bodies, which Israeli forensic specialists examined. One of the bodies was found to be an unidentified woman rather than Bibas. In response, Netanyahu accused Hamas of acting “in an unspeakably cynical manner” by substituting the remains of a Palestinian woman for those of Bibas.
Bibas, along with her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, and her husband, Yarden, was taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Their fate has been a focal point in ongoing negotiations and international efforts to secure the release of remaining captives.
The failure to return Bibas’s body as expected threatens to derail ceasefire efforts that have been in place for a month, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish a longer-term truce. Netanyahu’s strong response signals potential Israeli retaliation, raising fears of renewed hostilities in the region.
The Israeli government has vowed to hold Hamas accountable, while mediators continue to press for the recovery of all remaining hostages and bodies. The situation remains tense, with international stakeholders watching closely for further developments.
