Israel has accused Palestinian "terrorists" of killing two young boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were held hostage by the militant group Hamas since October 2023. The boys' remains were among four bodies handed over by Hamas in a prisoner exchange this week. However, Israel has identified one of the bodies as belonging to a different person, not Shiri Bibas as claimed by Hamas. The Israeli military has demanded Hamas return Shiri, along with all other abducted individuals. It is the first time Israeli bodies have been returned since the ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamas and the Kidnapping of Israeli Boys
Hamas, an Islamist militant group based in Gaza, has been accused by Israel of kidnapping and killing two young Israeli boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, in October 2023. The boys' remains were among four bodies handed over by Hamas in a prisoner exchange this week.
Background
Hamas has a history of kidnapping Israeli soldiers and civilians. In 2011, the group captured Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier, who was held for five years before being released in a prisoner exchange. Hamas also claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers in 2014, who were later found dead.
Current Events
In October 2023, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were kidnapped from their home in West Bank. Israel accused Hamas of being responsible for the kidnapping and launched a military operation in Gaza in an attempt to rescue the boys. The operation failed, and the boys were killed.
Prisoner Exchange
This week, Israel and Hamas exchanged prisoners. Hamas handed over four bodies, which Israel initially identified as belonging to the Bibas brothers. However, DNA testing later revealed that one of the bodies did not belong to Shiri Bibas, as claimed by Hamas.
Israeli Response
Israel has accused Hamas of lying about the identity of the bodies and has demanded that the group return Shiri Bibas and all other abducted individuals. The Israeli military has also launched airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza.
Top 5 FAQs
1. How old were the Bibas brothers?
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