The family of an Israeli mother and her two young sons taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 is in turmoil after the terror group announced their deaths and said their bodies would be returned to Israel.
Shiri Bibas, 33, and her sons, Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2, were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel. Their father, Yarden Bibas, 35, was also taken after being brutally assaulted.
Hamas had previously claimed that the mother and children were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but without evidence, their family held onto hope. That hope was shattered when the group announced the deaths ahead of a planned hostage exchange.
The Bibas family issued a statement following the claim, saying they remain in turmoil and will not give up until they receive definitive confirmation.
Yarden Bibas was freed on February 1 after spending 484 days in captivity in Gaza’s tunnel system, having been separated from his family shortly after their abduction.
In the months following their disappearance, no proof of life was provided for Shiri or her children. The family continued to campaign for their release, desperate for any sign of survival.
The last known messages from the family were sent on October 7 as they sheltered in their home, updating relatives by text as Hamas gunmen stormed neighboring houses. At 9:43 a.m., Yarden sent his sister, Ofri Bibas Levy, a final message: “They’re coming in.”
Shortly afterward, video footage surfaced showing Shiri clutching her terrified sons as armed militants led them away. Another clip showed Yarden, blood streaming down his face after being struck with a hammer, as he was dragged into Gaza.
For months, the Bibas family endured unimaginable anguish, questioning whether Shiri and the boys were alive, being tortured, or had access to food and water.
“We live every day with a constant feeling of fear – and uncertainty. It’s the not knowing that’s the worst,” Ofri told The Sun on the anniversary of the attack.
Despite Hamas’ claims, the family vowed to keep fighting for their loved ones, refusing to accept their deaths without verification. However, it was later confirmed that Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were among the dead.
