JERUSALEM — The remains of some of the youngest and oldest hostages taken to Gaza during the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict were returned on Thursday. This release brought the number of hostages freed closer to the targeted 33, which was part of a ceasefire agreement that began last month.
Among those returned were Ariel and Kfir Bibas, ages 4 and 9 months respectively, who inspired widespread concern in Israel since their abduction on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials confirmed the identities of their remains and those of Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 at the time of his capture. However, another body thought to be that of the boys’ mother did not match any known hostage.
The initial phase of the ceasefire was organized to allow the release of 33 hostages from Gaza, with eight of those already identified as deceased, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. Last month, as part of a separate agreement, five Thai workers, who were in Israel during the attack, were also freed.
During their assault on October 7, 2023, Hamas abducted 251 individuals, with more than 60 still believed to be in captivity in Gaza. Reports indicate that about half of these hostages may have perished. The military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to data from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, although the exact numbers of combatants among them remain unclear.
A closer look at some of the hostages released recently reveals heartbreaking stories and personal struggles. Ariel and Kfir Bibas were found by Israeli authorities following their abduction, and their mother, Shiri, was initially thought to be among the returned bodies, but investigations revealed otherwise. The footage of Shiri trying to protect her children during the takeover has deeply affected the nation, with Ariel and Kfir becoming symbols of the ongoing suffering amidst the conflict.
Oded Lifshitz, who was taken from his Kibbutz Nir Oz, was among the oldest who suffered the same fate. His family expressed their heartache over his passing, having long hoped for a different outcome as they begin their mourning. Lifshitz and his wife Yocheved were among the founding members of their community. Previously, Oded had worked towards Palestinian rights and helped facilitate medical transfers for Palestinians needing care in Israel.
Several hostages with unique backgrounds have also garnered attention. Sagui Dekel Chen, an Israeli-American, was captured while working on a project. His family anxiously awaits his return, tying the hope for resolution to the release of his family. Others, like Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami, faced tragic losses during the conflict; Eli’s family was killed while desperately trying to evade the attackers.
The international nature of the hostages is evident, with several Thai workers among those taken hostage during the conflict. Some of these Thai nationals have also managed to return, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations surrounding their fates.
The stories of each individual illuminate the personal toll of this continued strife and the long-standing desire to reunite families. As the ceasefire continues, many families remain hopeful for further releases, while the broader impacts of the conflict are felt both locally and internationally.
