Photo: MOIZ SALHI / AFP / Getty Images
Hamas announced plans to release the bodies of four hostages, including the Bibas children, on Thursday (February 20), followed by the release of six living hostages on Saturday (February 22). Khalil al-Hayya, a Hamas negotiator, confirmed the release, which includes the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her children, Kfir and Ariel, who were taken during the October 7, 2023, attack. Their father, Yarden Bibas, was released earlier this month.
The release of the living hostages, which includes Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, is part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. In exchange, Israel will release women and minors arrested since last October and allow some equipment into Gaza. The Israeli government has expressed grave concerns for the Bibas family's condition, although their deaths have not been officially confirmed by Israel.
The ceasefire deal has allowed for a pause in the conflict, enabling aid to reach Gaza and some displaced Palestinians to return home. Talks for the second phase of the agreement are expected to begin this week, focusing on the release of remaining hostages and a potential permanent ceasefire.