Hamas’ refusal to return the remains of Shiri Bibas, an Israeli mother, has left the nation in shock, sparking grief, outrage, and confusion. The heart-wrenching incident highlights the tragic aftermath of the hostage crisis that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a devastating attack, taking hostages from Israeli civilians, including Shiri Bibas’ two young children, Ariel and Kfir. While Hamas did return the bodies of the children, Shiri’s remains were nowhere to be found, leaving Israel searching for answers and calling for accountability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas for this “unimaginably cynical act,” accusing them of placing the body of a Gazan woman in the coffin intended for Shiri. The horror deepened with claims that Hamas had not only violated the ceasefire agreement but also compounded the agony of the Bibas family by failing to return the mother’s remains.
The Tragic Story of Shiri Bibas
On October 7, 2023, Shiri Bibas, a mother of two, became a victim of the horrific attack launched by Hamas militants. Along with her children, Ariel (4 years old) and Kfir (9 months old), she was taken hostage during the brutal assault on Israel. In November 2023, it was reported that Shiri and her children were killed, but their bodies weren’t returned until recently.
While Hamas returned the bodies of the children, Shiri’s remains were mysteriously missing. On February 2025, Israel’s military announced that the remains of the woman handed over were not Shiri’s, but rather an unidentified body from Gaza.
The Repercussions of Hamas’ Actions
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, issued a strong statement in response to Hamas’ failure to honour the return of Shiri’s remains. He described Hamas’ actions as an “unimaginably cynical act” and vowed to hold them accountable. His words echoed a sentiment shared across the nation — Hamas must pay for this violation.
The Israeli military’s investigation into the remains revealed that the female body returned did not belong to Shiri Bibas. This only deepened Israel’s resolve to make Hamas answer for the crime. The statement clarified that the remains were “mixed” with others during an Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas positions in Gaza.
Netanyahu vowed to “act decisively” to bring Shiri’s body home, emphasizing that Israel would ensure that Hamas paid the full price for such an affront to human dignity. This incident marks a dark chapter in the ongoing conflict, raising critical questions about the treatment of hostages and the violation of international agreements.
The International Outcry
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres joined in condemning the actions of Hamas. Guterres, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the importance of the dignity of the deceased under international law. “Under international law, any handover of remains must comply with the prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families,” he said.
This marked a significant moment in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict, highlighting the tension between international law, the human rights of the deceased, and the cruel treatment that continues to occur under occupation.
The Ceasefire Agreement’s Fragility
This tragic event sheds light on the fragility of the ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024, with mediation by Qatari and Egyptian officials. The United States supported the temporary truce, which allowed the release of some hostages. However, the breakdown of trust between the two parties has led to fresh tensions.
Hamas’ actions in failing to return Shiri’s remains may jeopardize the second phase of the ceasefire, which is yet to be finalized. Despite this, some hostages are expected to be released soon, including Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and others held captive for years.
The Calls for Action: ‘Destroy Hamas’
As the situation evolves, hard-line Israeli politicians have made their voices heard, calling for severe action against Hamas. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated in a post that Hamas’ failure to return Shiri’s body represented a “serious violation.” He went on to say, “The only solution is the destruction of Hamas,” a sentiment that resonates with many across Israel.
This call for the destruction of Hamas underscores the growing frustration with the militant group’s actions and the fear that further negotiations could be futile. Recent military operations in the West Bank further fuel the belief that military action is the only way to stop Hamas from continuing such acts of cruelty.
International Humanitarian Crisis: The West Bank and Gaza
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank and Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel’s Iron Wall operation has intensified, with ongoing military operations causing widespread displacement and destruction in Palestinian territories. Humanitarian organizations, like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), have raised alarms over the mounting toll on civilians, including children, and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
The ongoing violence in the West Bank has displaced thousands, shattered communities, and worsened living conditions for Palestinians. This deepens the humanitarian crisis as food, water, and basic resources are running low.
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
As Israel reels from the tragic failure of Hamas to return Shiri Bibas’ remains, the future of the peace process remains uncertain. With the second phase of the ceasefire deal still in limbo, Israel’s leadership has vowed to take strong action against Hamas.
Netanyahu’s promise to “act decisively” resonates with the growing anger and frustration within the Israeli public, but questions remain. Will international pressure and mediation efforts be enough to stabilize the situation? Or is this a turning point in the conflict that will escalate tensions even further?
As the world watches, only time will tell what steps Israel will take next and whether any peace can be achieved.
Photo credit: ABC News
