Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to make Hamas “pay the full price” after the militant group failed to return the body of Shiri Bibas during a highly anticipated hostage handover on Thursday. The latest development in the already fragile ceasefire negotiations has sparked outrage in Israel and further deepened tensions in the region.
The Hostage Handover and the Unexpected Twist
On Thursday, Hamas claimed it had released the remains of four Israeli hostages it said had died in captivity in Gaza. Among them were:
- Shiri Bibas, a young Israeli mother
- Ariel and Kfir Bibas, her two infant sons
- Oded Lifshitz, an elderly man
All four were abducted during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attack on the Israeli community of Kibbutz Nir Oz. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, as well as the abduction of more than 240 hostages, triggered Israel’s full-scale military campaign in Gaza.
READ MORE: Hamas Hands Over Bodies of Four Hostages in Emotional Ceasefire Exchange
Hamas announced that the hostages’ remains had been transported across the border into Israel, where forensic teams at Tel Aviv’s National Forensics Center began the process of identification. Within hours, Israeli authorities confirmed that while Ariel and Kfir Bibas’ bodies had been positively identified, the fourth body was not that of Shiri Bibas. In fact, the remains did not belong to any Israeli hostage at all.
Netanyahu’s Outrage: “Hamas Will Pay the Full Price”
Following the shocking discovery, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a stern and emotional statement, condemning Hamas for what he described as a cruel deception.
“We will act with determination to bring Shiri home, along with all our hostages—both living and dead—and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and evil violation of the agreement,” Netanyahu stated.
He accused Hamas of playing psychological games with Israel, exploiting the pain of hostages’ families while showing complete disregard for basic human dignity.
“The cruelty of the Hamas monsters knows no bounds,” he continued. “Not only did they kidnap the father, Yarden Bibas, the young mother, Shiri, and their two small babies in an unspeakably cynical manner, but now they have denied the mother’s return and instead placed the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin.”
Was It a Deliberate Deception or a Mistake?
Hamas responded to Netanyahu’s accusations by claiming that there may have been a mix-up in the identification process. The group stated that due to the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, it was possible that remains had been confused or lost in the rubble.
In a statement, Hamas’ media office director Ismail al-Thawabta deflected blame onto Israel’s military operations, accusing Netanyahu of hypocrisy.
“Netanyahu himself is the one who ordered the indiscriminate bombings of Gaza, killing thousands, including his own hostages. He bears full responsibility for the deaths of Shiri Bibas and her children in a horrific and brutal manner.”
Despite Hamas’ claims, the Israeli government remains skeptical, believing that the failed return was intentional—either as a negotiation tactic or an attempt to humiliate Israel on the international stage.
The Broader Ceasefire Deal and Its Fragility
The failed hostage return has cast serious doubts over the future of the ongoing six-week ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
More Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges Expected
Under the terms of the current truce, Hamas is set to release six more Israeli hostages on Saturday:
- Eliya Cohen
- Omer Shem Tov
- Tal Shoham
- Omer Wenkert
- Hisham al-Sayed
- Avera Mengisto
In exchange, Israeli authorities will release dozens of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were arrested on security-related charges. Additionally, four more dead Israeli hostages are expected to be returned next week.
However, given the recent developments, questions remain about whether Hamas will actually follow through on these commitments.
Concerns Over the Ceasefire’s Future
The temporary halt in fighting is scheduled to expire on March 2, and negotiations are underway to extend it. These talks are extremely delicate, as they must address critical issues such as:
- The full release of remaining hostages still in Hamas custody
- The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
- The long-term governance and rebuilding of Gaza
However, the trust required to move forward has been badly shaken by the failed return of Bibas’ remains, and it remains unclear how this will impact diplomatic efforts.
Families of Hostages Demand Swift Action
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group representing the families of captives, expressed outrage and heartbreak at the recent developments.
“We are horrified and devastated by the news that Shiri Bibas has not been returned,” the group said in a statement.
The forum called for an immediate escalation of hostage rescue efforts, emphasizing that time is running out for those still in captivity.
“In Hamas’ hell in Gaza, 70 more of our children, brothers, sisters, and parents remain in captivity, enduring unimaginable terror. Do not abandon them to their fate. Save them from this nightmare.”
The group also called on the international community to step up pressure on Hamas to fulfill its agreements and ensure the safe return of all remaining hostages.
“Every passing minute is a death sentence for those still alive and a threat to our ability to bring back the fallen for a proper burial.”
How Will Israel Respond?
While Netanyahu has threatened retaliation, Israel’s next move remains uncertain. Military analysts suggest that options on the table include:
- Resuming military operations in Gaza if Hamas is found to be deliberately violating the agreement.
- Increasing diplomatic pressure on Hamas through intermediaries such as Qatar and Egypt.
- Intensifying targeted operations to rescue remaining hostages.
The situation remains fluid, but given Netanyahu’s strong rhetoric, it is likely that Israel will take some form of retaliatory action in the coming days.
Conclusion: A Moment of High Stakes
The failed return of Shiri Bibas’ body has added another layer of tension to an already volatile situation. The delicate ceasefire hangs in the balance, with hostage families, world leaders, and military officials watching closely to see how Israel and Hamas will navigate this latest crisis.
For now, the only certainty is that the road to peace—and the full return of Israeli hostages—remains as uncertain and perilous as ever.
