Ariel and Kfir Bibas have been identified; the additional body is not that of their mother, Shiri

The IDF announced overnight (Friday) that it has completed the identification process of the fallen hostages who were returned to Israel yesterday as part of the deal with Hamas at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

The children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, have been identified, but during the identification process, it was found that the additional body received was not that of their mother, Shiri. According to the statement, the body is unidentified and does not match the DNA of any other hostage.

According to professional sources, intelligence, and forensic findings, terrorists murdered Ariel and Kfir while in captivity in November 2023, about a month after they were kidnapped. The IDF stated that they possess "forensic and intelligence evidence that they were brutally murdered," thereby refuting the claims made by terrorist organizations in Gaza that Kfir and Ariel Bibas were killed in an airstrike.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that "Hamas is required to return Shiri along with all of our hostages."

He added, "This is a serious violation by Hamas, which is obligated under the agreement to return four fallen hostages."

He emphasized that Israel will respond severely to Hamas’ breach but clarified that, for now, the planned hostage release on Saturday is expected to proceed as scheduled without changes. IDF sources reiterated that Hamas' violation would be dealt with severely but confirmed that the hostage release on Saturday is still set to go ahead as planned.

Ariel Bibas, 4 years old, and Kfir, 9 months old, were kidnapped along with their mother, Shiri Bibas, from their home in Nir Oz.

Their father, Yarden, went out to protect them and was kidnapped before them. He was returned two weeks ago as part of the current agreement. According to military sources, the Salafi-jihadist organization "Lords of the Wilderness" was the one that kidnapped and held Shiri, Ariel and Kfir.

Since their abduction, no sign of life has been received from them. In November 2023, Hamas announced that Shiri and her two children had been killed, and a video was released showing Yarden being informed of their deaths. However, the IDF has yet to receive final confirmation of the accuracy of this claim.

The video of Shiri and the children being kidnapped was already published on October 7, shocking many due to the abduction of the two young children, with Kfir being less than a year old at the time.

During the days when the hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas was carried out, there was great anticipation that Shiri and the children's names would appear on the list and that they would be freed—but this did not happen.

The IDF stated, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity."

Written by Kan correspondents Itay Blumenthal and Carmela Menashe.