Hamas set to hand over bodies of Israeli hostages - including those of two children

Alsharq Tribune- AFP

The bodies of an Israeli mother and her two children are among four set to be handed over by Hamas on Thursday.

Shiri Bibas and her two children - four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir - were kidnapped separately from her husband Yarden Bibas during the October 2023 terror attack. Mr Bibas was released on 1 February as part of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Israel has said it is extremely concerned about the condition of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir - but has never confirmed their deaths.

Hamas leader Khalil al Hayya said on Tuesday that the Bibas family would be among four bodies to be handed over. The militant group also plans to release the body of Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 when he was abducted.

Six living hostages, the final due to be released under the first phase of the Gaza truce deal, will also be released on Saturday, according to Hamas