The Israeli military announced on Friday that one of the bodies released by Hamas does not belong to any of the hostages held in Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the fragile ceasefire. Among the released remains, two were identified as infant Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel. However, a third body, purported to be their mother Shiri, was found not to match any hostages and remains unidentified.
\"This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obliged under the agreement to return four deceased hostages,\" stated the military, demanding the return of Shiri and all hostages.
The family of hostage Oded Lifshitz also confirmed that his body had been formally identified. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding these developments.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier vowed retaliation against Hamas following the release of remains he claimed were of four hostages, including Kfir and Arielāthe youngest abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Palestinian militants handed over four black coffins in a public display observed by a crowd of Palestinians and armed Hamas members, an event condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The release of the purported remains occurred under the Gaza ceasefire agreement established last month, with support from the United States and mediation by Qatar and Egypt.
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Israeli military says body released by Hamas isn't a hostage
cgtn.com
