In a grotesque and calculated display of cruelty, Hamas has announced the deaths of its youngest hostages—two-year-old Kfir Bibas, his five-year-old brother Ariel, and their mother, Shiri. The terrorist group confirmed that their remains would be returned to Israel this week, a grim finale to the months-long torment endured by their loved ones.

This nightmarish revelation follows the family’s abduction on October 7, 2023, when Kfir was only nine months old. His short life—stolen before he could even celebrate a birthday in freedom—has become a haunting symbol of Hamas’ unrelenting barbarism.

While Israeli officials have yet to officially confirm their deaths, they have expressed “grave concerns” over the well-being of the Bibas family. Their surviving relatives, grappling with immeasurable grief, acknowledged reports of the impending return of their slain loved ones but maintained that until official confirmation is received, their painful “journey is not over.”

There is no Hell hot enough for the perpetrators of this inhuman, barbaric, despicable, unforgivable crime.

May God exact his unrestrained vengeance on #Hamas #PIJ and ANYONE who supports them.

I can’t…

I can’t…

💔💔💔💔https://t.co/Nw4i1y5Gdb

— David Draiman 🟦🎗️🇮🇱✡️☮️ (@davidmdraiman) February 18, 2025

Hamas’ Callous Manipulation of Human Lives

The announcement was made by Hamas leader Khalil Al Hayya, who stated that four murdered hostages—including the Bibas family—would be handed over on Thursday. Adding to the perverse nature of the ordeal, Hamas revealed that six living hostages, some held in captivity for over a decade, would be released on Saturday.

The abrupt change in the terror group’s release plans remains unexplained. However, an Israeli official told the Associated Press that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had acquiesced to allowing mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza—a move that Hamas had been exploiting as leverage to delay the hostage handover.

For weeks, Hamas has weaponized these captives, using them as bargaining chips in a sickening game of psychological warfare against Israel. The hostage exchanges have been part of a broader ceasefire agreement, under which Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted of violent crimes.

Per CNN, Hamas will return the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her two babies, Kfir and Ariel this Thursday February 20th.

Our hearts are broken for the family. pic.twitter.com/YzrYSYpgDy

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 18, 2025

A Fragile Ceasefire and Hamas’ Continued Reign of Terror

The ongoing ceasefire, initiated in mid-January, temporarily halted the bloodiest confrontation between Israel and Hamas to date. It has permitted a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitated the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. However, the so-called truce has also allowed Hamas to reestablish its grip on the shattered enclave despite suffering severe losses among its leadership and ranks.

Israel remains steadfast in its objective: the total eradication of Hamas from Gaza. Yet, the militant organization has proven alarmingly resilient, using every available moment to reassert control. The second phase of negotiations—one that could involve the release of dozens more hostages—remains precariously uncertain, as Hamas continues to demand a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

NOW 😢:

The Bibas family:

“ We received a message that Shiri, Kfir and Ariel will return in the heartbeat of the fallen kidnapped victims, "Until we receive certainty - the journey will not end" pic.twitter.com/nBa5Aprvl2

— Iris (@streetwize) February 18, 2025

Meanwhile, the scars of this brutal war deepen. Earlier this month, the Israeli public was horrified by the sight of three hostages, emaciated and broken, as they were finally released. Disturbing revelations about captives being held in solitary confinement, barefoot, and even in chains have amplified public pressure on Netanyahu’s government to push forward with negotiations.

But time is running out. The heartbreaking fate of the Bibas family serves as a chilling reminder that every moment wasted in diplomatic deadlock could mean another innocent life lost.

Hamas’ latest monstrous declaration has only reinforced what Israelis already know: the terror group thrives on death, suffering, and the destruction of innocent lives. And as long as it remains in power, no one—man, woman, or child—is safe.