Israel’s Bibas Family Accuses Prime Minister of Failing to Protect Hostages
JERUSALEM: The Bibas family accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today of failing to protect their loved ones during Hamas’s 2023 attack and of failing to bring them home.
Failing to Protect the Hostages
The family’s comments were their first since Israel announced that a body received from Hamas yesterday was not that of Shiri Bibas as claimed by the Palestinian resistance group. It confirmed that three other bodies handed over were those of veteran peace activist Oded Lifshitz and Shiri’s two young sons Kfir and Ariel.
Shiri’s sister-in-law, Ofri Bibas, charged that Israeli authorities, particularly the prime minister, had failed to protect the hostages and had abandoned them. "It was Israel’s responsibility and obligation to bring them back alive," she said in a statement released on behalf the family through an Israeli campaign group, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
No Forgiveness for Abandonment
"There is no forgiveness for abandoning them on Oct 7, and no forgiveness for abandoning them in captivity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we did not receive an apology from you in this painful moment," she said.
Shiri’s Fate Remains Unknown
Hamas had said the remains returned yesterday included those of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, whose father Yarden the Palestinian group released in a hostage-prisoner swap earlier this month. While Israel confirmed the identities of the two boys, it said the body claimed to be that of Shiri Bibas was not hers.
A Painful Journey Continues
"My sweet nephews were taken alive from their home and murdered by a cruel terrorist organisation while in captivity. They didn’t deserve such a fate," Ofri Bibas said. "Our painful journey, which has already lasted 16 months, is not over. Oct 7 continues. We are still waiting for Shiri and fear for her fate.
"For Ariel and Kfir’s sake, and for Yarden’s sake, we are not seeking revenge right now. We are asking for Shiri. Their cruelty only emphasises the urgent need to bring Shiri back to us, save the lives of the living hostages and return all the fallen for burial."
Appeal to US President Donald Trump
Ofri Bibas appealed to US President Donald Trump to "help Israel and our family complete this important mission."
Conclusion
The Bibas family’s accusations against Prime Minister Netanyahu come as the Israeli government faces criticism over its handling of the hostage situation. The family’s pain and suffering are a reminder of the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent civilians. As the search for Shiri Bibas continues, the family’s plea for her return and the safe return of all hostages is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
FAQs
- Who is Shiri Bibas?
Shiri Bibas is an Israeli hostage who was abducted by Hamas during the 2023 attack. - What is the current status of Shiri Bibas?
The body claimed to be that of Shiri Bibas was not confirmed by Israel, and her fate remains unknown. - What is the current status of Shiri’s two sons, Kfir and Ariel?
Their bodies were confirmed to be among those returned by Hamas, but their mother’s body was not identified. - Has Israel accused Hamas of violating the Gaza ceasefire deal?
Yes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of violating the agreement by failing to return Shiri Bibas and instead placing "the body of a Gazan woman in a coffin". - What is the current situation of the hostage ordeal?
The ordeal has lasted 16 months, and the family is still waiting for Shiri’s return and the safe return of all hostages.