Ceasefire on Edge as Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Betrayal Over Shiri Bibas's Remains
Israeli PM Netanyahu criticizes Hamas for failing to return Shiri Bibas's body, escalating tensions in the fragile ceasefire amidst ongoing military operations.
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Israel's announcement that a body returned from Gaza on Thursday was not that of Shiri Bibas, as Hamas had said, throws up another stumbling block in this ceasefire deal.
Shiri Bibas: Hamas failure to return body is new ceasefire setback
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The truce in the war in Gaza came into effect on 19 January, pausing 15 months of brutal fighting that killed about 48,000 Palestinians and triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis.
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The two boys were taken hostage by Hamas along with their mother, Shiri and their father, Yarden, during the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack against Israel.
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It is clear that Shiri Bibas and her sons were still alive when taken into Gaza.
Mystery and anguish over the fate of missing Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas
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Regardless of any intentionality on the part of Hamas, that handover of the wrong body and Israel's stern reaction to it left the already-fragile ceasefire in an even more perilous position Friday, just a week before the first six-week phase of the deal is set to end.
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The incident underscored the fragility of the ceasefire agreement reached with the help of Qatari and Egyptian mediators last month and backed by the United States.
Hamas will pay 'full price' for failing to return Shiri Bibas' remains, Netanyahu says
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Hamas' claims of an alleged error in returning the bodies demonstrate a lack of accountability for their actions.
Netanyahu vows 'revenge' after Israel says Hamas sent back wrong body for Shiri Bibas
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Netanyahu accused the terrorists of acting “in an unspeakably cynical manner” by placing the unidentified remains in the coffin instead of Bibas — who was kidnapped by Hamas along with her two young boys — before returning them to the Jewish state early Thursday.
Israel vows revenge over release of wrong hostage body — as Hamas blames it on ‘error’
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The military said forensic testing also positively identified the fourth body as Lifshitz.
Israel says body returned by Hamas not that of hostage
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The statement came after Israeli specialists said that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas on Thursday was an unidentified woman and not Shiri Bibas, whose two sons, Kfir and Ariel were handed over and identified.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas will pay for not returning body of Shiri Bibas
USA TODAY·2M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The revelation of the body’s identity was a shocking twist in the saga surrounding the Bibas family, who have become global symbols of the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu slams 'cruel and malicious violation' of Gaza ceasefire deal over release of body
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There has been “tremendous public anger whipped up inside Israel” over the controversy of the bodies, according to Mohamad Bazzi, an associate professor at New York University.
Israel claims one body returned was not of female Israeli captive
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The incident has thrown the future of the fragile ceasefire into question.
Netanyahu Slams 'cruel and Malicious Violation' of Gaza Ceasefire Deal over Release of Body
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Religious considerations aside, Israel should have full authority over Gaza’s future — not just as the aggrieved party entitled to compensation but as a proven steward of the land.
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The blasts mark one of the most high-profile security incidents to strike in Israel since the country signed a temporary truce with Hamas that entered into effect on January 19.
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The family became symbols of the ordeal that has gripped Israel since the war in Gaza began.
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Summary
On February 21, 2025, Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned Hamas for returning the remains of a Gazan woman instead of Shiri Bibas, raising tensions over a fragile ceasefire. Israel confirmed only the bodies of Bibas's two children, Ariel and Kfir, were recovered, with Hamas claiming a mix-up in remains. Netanyahu vowed repercussions, declaring Hamas's actions a 'cruel violation.' Palestinians have faced immense casualties from the conflict, adding to public outrage. As negotiations for remaining hostages continue, the international community watches closely amid fears of violence resuming.
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