Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slams Hamas for its “unspeakable cynicism” after forensic tests reveal that the body returned in place of hostage Shiri Bibas was not hers.
Tel Aviv [Israel], February 21: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned Hamas after Israeli forensic authorities determined that a body handed over by the terrorist group—claimed to be that of hostage Shiri Bibas—was in fact a Gazan woman’s body.
Denouncing Hamas’ deception, Netanyahu labeled the act as “unspeakably cynical” and reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing home all hostages, both living and dead.
“The cruelty of the Hamas monsters knows no bounds,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.
“Not only did they kidnap the father, Yarden Bibas, but also the young mother, Shiri, and their two small babies. But in an unspeakably cynical manner, they did not return Shiri alongside her young children—the little angels—and instead put the body of a Gazan woman in the coffin,” he added.
Netanyahu Vows Retaliation for Hamas’ Deception
The Prime Minister vowed that Israel would act decisively to recover all its hostages and ensure Hamas “pays the full price” for its brutality.
“Israel will act resolutely 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.
Confirmation of Hostage Deaths
Netanyahu also expressed deep sorrow over the forensic confirmation that three of the four bodies returned were those of Oded Lifshitz (83), Ariel Bibas (4), and Kfir Bibas (10 months). He confirmed that they were brutally murdered in Hamas captivity within the first weeks of the war.
“May God avenge their blood, and we too will avenge,” Netanyahu declared.
Bus Explosions Near Tel Aviv Amid Rising Tensions
In a separate incident, Netanyahu ordered Israeli military operations in the West Bank following a suspected terror attack involving three bus explosions near Tel Aviv.
The blasts, which occurred in the cities of Bat Yam and Holon, were caused by explosive devices planted on empty buses, detonating in quick succession. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The explosions took place just hours after Hamas returned the four bodies, further escalating tensions in the region.
With the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis, Israel remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and the return of its captives.
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Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas, Hostage Crisis, Shiri Bibas, Israel Hamas War, Gaza Conflict, Tel Aviv Bus Explosions, IDF, Middle East Tensions, War on Terror, West Bank Operations