“Unimaginable Cynicism”—Netanyahu Slams Hamas as Israel Seeks Hostage Return

As Israel works to recover its hostages, Hamas continues to receive humanitarian aid, while tensions escalate over the undelivered remains of Shiri Bibas.

Tel Aviv [Israel], February 22: As Israel intensifies efforts to secure the return of its hostages, Hamas continues to receive a steady flow of humanitarian aid, even as it fails to fully comply with agreements related to hostage releases.

On Friday morning, at least five trucks carrying humanitarian supplies, including 15 mobile homes, reportedly entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Though official Israeli sources denied that aid was delivered, citing that the crossing was closed, footage obtained by TPS-IL confirmed the trucks crossing into Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Al-Zaytoun, east of Gaza City, dozens of newly set-up tents were spotted, reportedly part of recent aid shipments.

Tensions Rise Over Hamas’ Deception in Hostage Return

The situation remains tense in Israel following Hamas’ failure to return the body of hostage Shiri Bibas. Instead, the group delivered a coffin containing the remains of an unidentified woman, sparking outrage from Israeli leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas’ actions, calling them “an unimaginable cynicism.”

“Not only did Hamas fail to return Shiri Bibas alongside her children, but they engaged in cruel deception. Israel will respond decisively,” Netanyahu stated, reiterating his commitment to bringing home all hostages, both living and deceased.

In response to Israel’s accusations, Hamas claimed it would investigate the matter and called on Israel to return the unidentified woman’s body, insisting that it remains committed to its obligations regarding hostages.

Uncertainty Over the Fate of Shiri Bibas

Shiri Bibas, abducted from Nir Oz, was kidnapped along with her two young children—four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir—during Hamas’ October 7 attack. Her husband, Yarden Bibas, was abducted earlier while trying to protect his family and was later released as part of a hostage deal on February 1, 2025.

Tragically, forensic identification on Thursday confirmed that Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered in captivity in November 2023. The fate of Shiri Bibas remains unknown.

As Israel continues its mission to recover all hostages and remains, the humanitarian and diplomatic crisis deepens, fueling further tensions in the region.

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Israel-Hamas conflict, Gaza humanitarian aid, Benjamin Netanyahu, hostage crisis, Shiri Bibas, Israel security, Kerem Shalom crossing, humanitarian shipments, hostage negotiations, Gaza crisis, Israel war, Middle East conflict