Bibas Family’s Hopes Dashed as Hostage Release List Excludes Loved Ones

JERUSALEM, Israel – The Bibas family’s hopes for the release of their loved ones were shattered Saturday when Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, were excluded from the list of hostages set to be freed by Hamas. The family expressed their devastation in an emotional Instagram post, stating, “Our world caved in on us.”

Under the terms of the hostage deal, civilian women and children were supposed to be released before female soldiers. However, Hamas announced the release of four female soldiers on Saturday, raising questions about the status of the Bibas family and Arbel Yehoud, another civilian woman held captive. Reuters later reported that Yehoud is expected to be released next week, with Israel working to expedite her return.

“We had hoped to see Shiri and the kids on the list, which was supposed to be a list of civilians,” the Bibas family said. They described the news as “earth-shattering,” even though they had mentally prepared for the possibility. The family also expressed concern about the lack of media coverage regarding their loved ones’ plight, asking, “Does the serious concern for their lives cancel out the fact that they are civilians in captivity who need to come home?”

Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 2023 Hamas attack, along with Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband, who is also slated for release in the first stage of the deal. The family’s well-being remains a significant concern, as Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigade claimed in November 2023 that Shiri and her sons had been killed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not verified these claims, and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have a history of making false statements about hostages.

IDF Chief Spokesperson R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari emphasized the military’s commitment to securing the family’s release, stating, “We remain steadfast in our determination to bring them home.” The Bibas family urged the state and media to continue advocating for their loved ones, stressing that uncertainty about their fate does not diminish the urgency of their return.

“It’s not over until it’s over,” the family declared, vowing to continue their fight for Shiri, Yarden, Ariel, and Kfir’s safe return. They also called for greater public awareness, asking, “Does it cancel out the need to show Shiri’s picture as a civilian held hostage in Gaza? The answer is no.”